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Don't be fooled, buy the 4th edition. However, I would have liked to see info on selecting lenses for various photo settings. The author introduces some very important issues like the fact that dust is a major problem with the sensors on interchangeable lens cameras and that because of the smaller sensor size relative to a 35 mm film image the image is 1.6 times bigger than with 35mm using the same lens. Why is Amazon still pushing this outdated edition. I have checked this book out of the local library a couple times in the last year and find it a very good intro to the subject. The sections on modifying photos using software, especially Photoshop may be a bit more sophisticated than a general user looking for an intro may want but I find them very useful. The thing that perplexes me most is that Amazon is selling the 2nd edition of this book however the one I am reading is the updated 3rd edition and among the other titles for sale here is the even more recent 4th edition.
It does not ever mention the Sony CD 300 camera pictured on its cover, but does give understanding in the general operation of digitals and some insight on film and its history briefly.
Actually, I think that depends on the person and how much you want to learn about the topic. I guess I would describe it as an intermediate guide, since one person complained that it is not a beginging book. If you are shopping for a book on digital this one should be considered strongly. This is the best book I have found so far on digital photography. If you know the basics and are looking for some in-depth info, I recommend you buy this book because it covers all aspects of digital photography well. Also, it is easy to understand and unlike many books I have seen it is really well illustrated and the pictures helped me to understand the text--so the illustrations are well thought out.
I found it to be complicated. I don't think it is a good guide for a beginner. I borrowed this from the library. I'm a beginner in serious photography.
It's much clearer on the key fundamentals of photography. and software (for editing and manipulating images). it may be the wrong buy for some. So the fact that this is written by a photographer is another big plus (though he appears to do mostly coffee table books, rather than guides).A better book for some is Steve Bavister's Digital Photography. The book is extensively illustrated throughout with color photos and drawings, a real strength compared to most other books. It has less detail all around, but that is a plus for those who want the main ideas quickly or looking for an accessible introduction. But those books don't use photos and illustrations in the text, and are written by technical writers - not photographers.
OR, it may open your eyes to what can be done.Another set of alternatives, for a narrower group of users looking more for specifics on the technical aspects of hardware and software, are books like Long's Complete Digital Photography. They emphasize the "digital" far more than the "photography," and aren't good as an all-in-one first book.This is one of many books where the rating really depends on the fit to your needs. - than on technology. It has a good discussion of hardware (cameras, etc). It also has a good discussion of approaches and techniques to taking photos. It takes a lot of editing to fix a bad shot.
That's the book I bought for my teenage nephew; he's smart, but given his limited experience, I thought it better to give him a book with more emphasis on photography.Note that Freeman's book discusses technical aspects of hardware and software generically, not specific to any program, which may be a negative for those users looking for a step-by-step guide to their programs or software. My 4 rating assumes that you are a match. If you are already have some introduction to the fundamentals of photography, and are looking to explore digital photography (both technically and creatively) this is a very good book. My bias is that most people should focus more on taking good photographs - paying attention to lighting, exposure, composition, etc. Also, if you don't think you'll ever do more than resize or fix red-eye, the technical discussion may not be much use to you.
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