Camera Book Recommendation: Canon EOS 70D

Book Cover: Canon EOS 70D

Canon EOS 70D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Nicole S. Young 2014 (Hard Copy)

With a vested interest in the new Canon EOS 70D DSLR (APS-C) camera as a possible next Canon camera body I acquired this book in advance to research the features and functions of the first Canon Dual Pixel CMOS AF enabled DSLR camera.

EDIT: Over the past few months I have purchased two Canon EOS 70D's. One exclusively for Birds in Flight (with Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM lens) and a recent edition for general zoom / macro work (with Canon EF 70-300mm f.4.5-5.6L IS USM / Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM lenses). 

This book is highly recommended to all current or prospective Canon EOS 70D owners: It explains the Canon EOS 70D's features with detailed photographic instruction and EXIF data - Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera together with selected lens focal length. Nicole Young is also the author / photographer of the popular Canon EOS 60D book.

Note: Canon EOS 700D Users
With the now familiar Canon EOS menu system, fully articulated LCD touchscreen and Live View shooting option the Canon EOS 70D and EOS 700D share many similarities in terms of the embedded UI and actual user experience. I have found many of the detailed explanations in this Canon EOS 70D book applicable to my current Canon EOS 700D camera. Both bodies are APS-C-sized sensor format cameras compatible with all Canon EF-S and EF lenses.

Canon EOS 70D: Basic to Advanced Photography Tutorials
Very easy to follow with detailed explanations and imagery on various basic to advanced shooting modes. In this book you will most definitively not just learn about the feature-rich Canon EOS 70D (as replacement for the Canon EOS 60D) but also how to evolve basic photographic performance to advanced exposure techniques (using Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed) for application in the Canon EOS 70D's Creative Zone (P / Av / Tv / M modes).

The 250+ pages are packed with the author's expert knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a well-structured combination of camera settings / features (with images) and detailed explanations and demonstration on how to achieve similar shots.

Chapter Contents

• Canon 70D Top Ten shooting tips (right out of the box)
• Using the camera's mode settings
• Settings and features to make great portraits
• Tips, tools and techniques for landscape photography
• Techniques and tricks with action photography
• Low light photography: Shooting when the light is low
• Improve your picture with sound compositional elements
• Making movies with the Canon 70D
• Canon 70D advanced techniques a

Back Cover : Canon EOS 70D

Canon EOS 70D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens For Hair Fashion Action
Canon EOS 70D / EF 85mm f/1.8 USM Lens For Hair Fashion Action >>

Canon EOS 70D for Birds In Flight - paired with EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens
Canon EOS 70D for Birds In Flight - paired with EF 400mm f/5.6L USM Lens >>

High ISO Test: Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens
High ISO Test: Canon EOS 70D / EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6L IS USM Lens >>

Canon EOS 70D PDF User Manual Download
Canon EOS 70D PDF USer Manual Download>>

Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera – Key Features / Specifications:

• Canon's innovative Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Built-in Wi-Fi
• 20.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
• ISO 100-12800 (expandable to H: 25600)
• DIGIC 5+ Image Processor
• High speed continuous shooting up to 7.0 fps
• EOS Full HD Movie mode
• Vari-angle Touch Screen 3.0-inch Clear View LCD monitor II
• 19-point all cross-type AF system
• Intelligent Viewfinder with superimposed LCD display
• High Dynamic Range, Multiple Exposure, Handheld Night Scene
• HDR Backlight Control
• Creative Filters
• Scene Intelligent Auto Mode
• Compatible with Canon EF / EF-S lenses

Canon EOS 70D Book Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Photography Book Recommendation: Light Right

Front Cover : Light Right

Light Right: 'Learn How to Create Images, Set up a Studio and Launch Your Photography Career'

By Joe Lavine / Brad Bartholomew 2013 (Hard Copy)

This book is all about understanding the importance and elements of lighting in mostly still photography. You will not just learn the fundamentals of lighting, lighting accessories and camera and lens selections, but also be given advice and tips on how to launch a photography career / set up a studio.

I acquired this book mainly for assistance with the following photography fundamentals:

• Lighting fundamentals
• Flash photography
• Close-up / macro photography 
• Product photography
• Interchangeable lens selections 

This book is highly recommended to new and experienced photographers who wants to take their photography to a serious amateur or professional level  It explains lighting fundamentals with detailed photographic demonstration / instruction and EXIF data - Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera together with lens focal length.

Chapter Contents

• Philosophy of lighting / what light does
• The building process
• Lighting as part of composition
• Experimentation
• Lighting equipment
• Reading a histogram
• Getting started
• A working studio 

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For more information / user reviews or to purchase the hard copy Light Right: 'Learn How to Create Images, Set up a Studio and Launch Your Photography Career'' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Light Right : Back Cover

Light Right Book Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Photography Book Recommendation: Macro Photography

Book Cover: Macro Photography

Macro Photography: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Rob Sheppard 2015 (Hard Copy)

With a growing interest in macro photography I invested in the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens to use with both my Canon EOS 6D / Canon EOS 70D DSLR bodies.

I acquired this handy book for improving my macro photography knowledge, skills and techniques required for creating higher quality macro photos (with both Canon EOS APS-C and Full Frame bodies).

This well-illustrated macro photography book is highly recommended for new or advanced photographers interested in taking macro photography to the next level.

Macro Photography: Informative Guidance and Demonstrations
Very easy to follow, with detailed explanations for understanding the difference between close-up and macro photography, using different camera bodies / lenses and macro accessories.

The 200+ pages are packed with the author's expert knowledge, skills and many practical camera / macro photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a well-structured combination of macro requirements and settings (with images) and detailed explanations / demonstration on how to achieve similar results.

Macro Photography: Chapter Contents

• Exploring New Worlds: Photography and discovery 
• How To Get Close: The macro lens and beyond 
• Mastering Macro Sharpness: Sharp photos up close require special attention 
• Optimal Focusing: Focus points, depth of field and sharpness 
• The Environmental Lens: Using wide focal lengths up close 
• Isolation Focal Lengths: Using telephoto focal lengths for macro shooting 
• Light On The Close-Up: Great possibilities for light up close
• Adding Light On The Close-Up: Bringing your own light 
• The Importance Of Backgrounds: Pay attention to subject / background 
• Flowers, Bugs and Other Subjects: Tips, techniques for specific subjects 

Back Cover : Macro Photography

aMacro Photography Book Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

(Click to Enlarge)

With Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro Lens
 (Photo: Vernon Chalmers)

eBook Recommendation: Up Close 'A Guide To Macro & Close Up Photography'

eBook Cover: Up Close

Up Close 'A Guide To Macro & Close Up Photography'
By Andrew S. Gibson 2012 (PDF eBook)

Settling into DSLR photography I quickly developed a serious interest into macro / close-up photography. After some online researched I purchased this ebook from Craft & Vision.

My main interest / learning areas

• Close-up photography with current cameras / lenses
• Required close-up lenses and accessories
• Difference between macro and close-up lenses
• Required camera / flash settings

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This 80+ page eBook assisted me finding direction in macro / close-up photography and without doubt saved me money for first experimenting macro / close-up photography with exiting Canon gear before getting a Canon EF 100mm or EF-S 60mm macro lens. 

After reading Andrew S. Gibson's highly recommended insight into macro / close-up photography I purchased a close-up lens filter (Canon 58mm Close-Up Lens 500 D) and a Canon Extension Tube (Canon Extension Tube EF25 II) to get started - and at this stage I am satisfied with the non-macro lens results).

eBook Contents

• Crop factor & magnification
• Testing your lenses
• Understanding macro lenses
• Close-up lenses
• Reverse lens macro
• Extension tubes
• How close can you get?
• Focusing
• Creating sharp images
• Depth-of-field
• Lighting
• Case Studies (with images)

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Canon Extension Tube application

Some of my own close-up photography images with Canon EOS 700D, EF-S 55-250mm lens and Canon Extension Tube EF25 II: (Click to Enlarge)

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens (with extension tube)

Canon EOS 700D / Canon EF-S 55-250mm IS II lens (with extension tube)

More images here and here >>

Book Recommendation: Time Lapse Photography, Long Exposure & Other Tricks of Time

Time Lapse Photography, Long Exposure & Other Tricks of Time - From Snapshots to Great Shots: John Carucci 2016 (Hard Copy)s

When I received the review copy from Pearson / Peachpit Press I was quit exited for two reasons; long exposure photography is one of my favourite photography genres and also the opportunity for working through another high-quality and well structured book from the globally popular Snapshots to Great Shots photography book series.

The book is essentially about understanding and taking control of your camera's shutter speed, light conditions and the related exposure settings for creating great looking long exposure / time-related photographs.

This well-illustrated book should provide the new / amateur DSLR photographer with a good understanding of long exposure photography in terms of required camera gear, exposure settings and various techniques for taking great shots (even with entry-level DSLR camera gear).

Expect detailed explanations and demonstrations of long exposure / time-lapse photography with various images illustrating the required long exposure effect (with and without flash). All images are supplemented with detailed EXIF data: Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera settings together with selected lens focal length.

Like all other books in the From Snapshots to Great Shots series the reader will be guided through various camera settings / photographic requirements for advancing personal knowledge and skills to master long exposures as a very creative photographic genre.

The 200+ pages of the Time Lapse Photography, Long Exposure & Other Tricks of Time  'Snapshots to Great Shots' are well organized with the author's photographic knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a well-structured combination of camera settings, images and detailed explanations and demonstration on how to achieve similar shots.

I will recommend this book to beginner / enthusiast photographers who wants to learn more about the required camera equipment, the various skills and techniques for getting a good introduction into long exposure / time lapse photography.  

Extend your learning with some long exposure practice
To complement any long exposure photography learning I will recommend any beginner to spend as much time as possible practicing long exposure photography techniques -be aware of the changing light conditions and experiment at night, in the golden hours and with various other creative applications. Also, have as look at my Long Exposure Photography article for my personal application tips and personal images taken with both full frame and APSC-crop bodies.

Chapter Contents

• Having the right equipment
• Exposure longer than a snapshot
• Universe in every frame
• Mixing time and flash
• Having fun with time lapse
• Crisp-High-speed photography
• Compositional aesthetics
• Enhancing your images with Adobe Photoshop

Time Laps Photography. Long Exposure & Other Tricks of Time Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Review Personal Copy

Camera eBook Recommendation: Canon EOS T5i / 700D SLR Camera

Book Cover: Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D 

Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Jeff Revell 2014 (PDF eBook)

Shortly after receiving my Canon EOS 700D SLR camera in 2013 I purchased this ebook as additional companion to the detailed, but at times technical Canon EOS 700D owner's manual. 

This book is highly recommended to all current or prospective Canon EOS T5i / 700D owners. It explains the Canon EOS T5I  / 700D's features with detailed photographic instruction and EXIF data - Aperture / ISO / Shutter Speed information from in-camera together with lens focal length.

Note: the Canon EOS 700D is branded EOS Rebel T5i in the USA.

Basic to Advanced Canon EOS Photography Tutorials
Very easy to read with detailed explanations on the various basic to advanced shooting modes. In this book you will most definitively learn how to increase your photographic skills from the basic Automatic Mode to the more advanced Creative Zone (P / Av / Tv / M modes).

The 300+ pages are packed with the author's expert knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations. Each chapter is a combination of camera settings / features (with images) and detailed explanations and demonstration on how to achieve similar shots.

Chapter Contents

• Shooting Tips (right out of the box)
• Getting to know the Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D
• Automatic modes
• Creative modes (Program / Aperture Priority / Shutter Priority / Manual)
• Sports photography
• Portrait photography
• Landscape photography
• Low light photography
• Compositional elements
• Advanced techniques
• Canon EOS T5i accessories
• T5i Video: Beyond the basics

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For more information / user reviews or to purchase the hard copy Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D: 'From Snapshots to Great Shots' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Canon EOS 700D BOOK FLICKR GROUP >>

Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera – Key Specifications:

• 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
• 19 point cross-type AF System and 7 fps shooting
• Dual Pixel CMOS AF
• Instant sharing and remote control with Wi-Fi
• ISO 12800 (H:25600)
• Vari-angle 7.7cm ClearView II LCD touch screen
• Intelligent viewfinder
• Full-HD movies

Photography Book Recommendation: Exposure 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'

Book Cover: Exposure

Exposure 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Jeff Revell 2011 (Hard copy)

Another great book by photographer Jeff Revell - also author of Canon EOS Rebel T5i / 700D. The writing style of the books are very similar, but objectively written with no specific DSLR camera as reference model.

I acquired this book mainly for assistance with the following photography fundamentals:

• Exposure triangle
• Shooting modes
• Low light photography
• Interchangeable lens selections
• Close-up / macro photography 

This book is all about understanding the importance and elements of exposure in photography. You will learn the triangle of exposure (ISO / Aperture / Shutter Speed) and how it applies to setting the correct exposure for your photographs.

All the important photography genres are covered throughout book with specif reference of taking advantage of shooting conditions for improving final composition.

The 250+ pages are packed with the author's expert photography knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photography demonstrations.

Chapter Contents

• Basics of exposure
• Determining exposure
• Shooting Modes
• Properties of light
• Shooting sports
• Portrait photography
• Landscape photography
• Low light shooting
• Elements of composition
• Advanced techniques
• Camera upgrades / accessories 

Buy Online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase Exposure 'From Snapshots to Great Shots' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Back Cover : Exposure

Exposure 'From Snapshots to Great Shots Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Photography Book Recommendation: Portrait Photography 'From Snapshots to Great Shots'

Portrait Photography  :  Front Cover

Portrait Photography  'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Erik Valind 2014 (Hard copy)

A highly recommended book by author / photographer Erik Valind (with very good reader / user reviews on Amazon). The author / photographer not only explains, but demonstrates the correct application(s) of camera / lens settings for improving portrait photos (inside / outdoors / various low light conditions).

I acquired this portraiture photography book mainly for assistance with the following portrait / light fundamentals:

• Camera / Lens selection
• On-camera flash (outdoors / inside / studio)
• Off-camera flash / lighting modifies
• Manipulation of light / light decisions and scenarios
• Single-Person / group portraits 

This book is all about understanding the best camera / lens settings for getting the most out of portraiture photography. The 230+ pages are packed with the author's expert portraiture knowledge, skills and many practical portrait / posing demonstrations.

Chapter Contents

• Top 10 Tips To Better Portraits
• Camera Settings and Lens Selection
• Posing, Rapport and Problem Solving
• Working with Natural Light
• Working with Existing Indoor Light
• On-Camera Flash
• Adding Artificial Light and Lighting Modifiers
• Single-Person Portrait Scenarios
• Group Portrait Scenarios 

Buy Online

For more information / user reviews or to purchase Portrait Photography 'From Snapshots to Great Shots' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Portrait Photography  :  Back Cover

Portrait Photography Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Photography Book Recommendation: Night Photography "From Snapshots to Great Shots"

Night Photography  :  Front Cover

Night Photography  'From Snapshots to Great Shots'
By Gabriel Biderman / Tim Cooper 2014 (Hard copy)

A practical and insightful guide by the authors / photographers in not just assisting the new photographer with camera, lens and accessories selection, but also with night photography, exposure, composition and light conditions.

I acquired this book mainly for assistance with the following night photography fundamentals:

• Camera / lens selection
• Night shooting modes and apertures
• Long exposure settings
• Manipulation of light / light decisions
• Night photography post-processing 

This book is all about getting the best value / compositions out of your camera gear when the sun goes down / and how to create "Great Shots' during night photography compositions and light conditions. The 220+ pages are packed with expert night photography knowledge, skills and many practical camera / photo demonstrations.

Chapter Contents

• Equipment: The Right Tools for the Night Job
• Exposure: Understanding the Night Light
• Composition: Honing Your Night Vision
• The Night Light: Capturing and Creating Light
• The Night Life: How to Succeed in Nocturnal Scenarios
• Processing Your Night Life: Developing the Night Look

Buy Online
For more information / user reviews or to purchase Night Photography 'From Snapshots to Great Shots' please visit my Amazon aStore.

Night Photography  :  Back Cover

Night Photography Cover Images: From Vernon Chalmers Personal Copy

Canon announces two new PIXMA Printers: PIXMA MG3050 and PIXMA MG2550S

Canon refreshes its PIXMA range with two new All-in-One home printers

Lndon, UK, 12 July 2016 – Canon today unveils two new All-in-One PIXMA inkjet printers – the PIXMA MG3050 series and PIXMA MG2550S. Designed for the home, both new models are perfect for printing high quality documents and photos, and the compact, sleek design, means they easily fit into any study or home workspace.

Photo enthusiasts can enjoy bringing their pictures to life in vivid, vibrant colours on the new PIXMA MG3050 series and PIXMA MG2550S with Canon’s hybrid ink system, using dye and pigment based inks together for beautiful photos, as well as crisp, sharp text in documents. For photo-lab quality prints and fine detail in an instant, the FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) cartridge ink lets you create virtually grain free, smooth prints, while XL cartridges allow you to print more pages.

Connected printers for a connected world
Using Wi-Fi connectivity, the PIXMA MG3050 series enables wireless printing from laptops and PCs as well as smartphones and tablets using the Canon PRINT app, while cloud printing means you don’t need to be in the home to get your prints started – you can print from services and social media platforms including Instagram™, Facebook™, Google Drive™ and more. Quickly connect devices at home with Access Point Mode to wirelessly use the printer without even needing to be on the same Wi-Fi network. For days when you’ve no time to spare, documents can be scanned and sent directly to your mobile device so you can take them with you.

Freedom to be creative
For creative inspiration, the PIXMA MG3050 series and PIXMA MG2550S include My Image Garden for Mac or PC, which organises all photos in one easy-to-use location before creating unique photo layouts automatically, making beautiful displays and prints possible in an instant. The printers also come with access to CREATIVE PARK PREMIUM, an online service for Canon genuine ink users featuring inspirational designs and projects from professional artists and photographers.

With the PIXMA MG3050 series, photo enthusiasts can create new 5x5” square style photo prints, perfect for framing and displaying in the home or even printing as gifts for friends and family. You also have access to Easy-PhotoPrint+ from a tablet, PC or Mac, helping you get creative using images stored on mobiles or in the cloud, with templates including greeting cards, calendars and more.

PIXMA MG3050 series key features:

• Smartphone and cloud printing with the Canon PRINT app
• High-quality printing, copying and scanning
• 8 ipm mono, 4 ipm colour
• Easy-PhotoPrint+ for creative printing
• Simultaneous Wi-Fi and Access Point Mode connectivity
• Optional XL cartridges for lower print costs

PIXMA MG2550S key features:

• High-quality printing, copying and scanning
• 8 ipm mono, 4 ipm colour
• My Image Garden software
• Auto Power On when you start printing
• Quiet Mode for reduced noise during operation
• Optional XL cartridges for lower print costs

Canon Media Source: Canon Europe