Nikon D3100 For Dummies

I have been very impressed with this book. I have been an SLR photographer for some time, but recently jumped into the DSLR game and bought a Nikon D3100. While some of it was fairly intuitive out of the box, there was much more the camera was capable of and the owners manual was not the most easily understood aid. While the D3100 does an excellent job as a high end point and shoot, I prefer to shoot entirely manually where I have full creative control over the images. This book covers all the automatic settings (and there are several on this camera) but it manual photography and the author gives her tips on the best way to configure the camera given the particular type of subject matter you are shooting. She also illustrates all her main points with pictures so you can see how the different settings impact the pictures. I have loved reading this book and really learning to use all the capabilities of the D3100. In fact, I recently purchased a Canon EOS T-3 for my wife and she is currently reading the EOS T-3 for Dummies book by the same author and she really likes it.Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just a point-and-shooter wanting to become a little more creative with your DSLR, these books are great and I very highly recommend them. They will certainly up your game.

This book was really helpful to me. It covers in excellent detail all of the features of the camera. The full-color photos are essential and greatly beneficial. I have not once thought, "I don't understand," while reading. The entire book has been really easy to follow, even for a beginner. The topic arrangement of the book is nice too.The first five chapters are designed to get you familiar with the controls, buttons and features and also to get you started shooting using auto modes. This may sound straight forward, but there is alot of camera terminology that I didn't know before this book that is essential to understanding even basic controls. This book does a great job at explaining these terms in clear, everyday language. Even better, there is just enough repetition to remind you of things without being annoying.The remaining chapters deal with advanced shooting modes. I haven't gotten to this part (I'm currently on Chap. 5), but I am assuming that it is just as good as the rest of the book. It should be noted, however, that I've ready 130ish pages already and I want to finish the rest. It is an easy-to-read, enjoyable book.One thing this books doesn't do is discuss photography in general. It doesn't, for instance, go into color theory. I'm glad it doesn't; that would be way too much all at once! It is intended to introduce you to the camera, not the art of photography.

I've been using SLR cameras for many years. I've had several digital Point and Shoots also. So, when I was upgrading to a DSLR, I wanted an easy, concise handbook to read through. Of course my camera came with a brochure, but I wanted something more than the technical way that is written.The Dummies books have always been fun to read and have all the information one might need to get started, or in my case, more of a reminder. Great for beginners and those more experienced. I found it more useful than the Nikon supplied booklet, and have discovered things about the camera which weren't as obvious when I first picked it up. Unfortunately, too large to throw into your camera bag but a good read at home as you play around with the camera.

A comprehensive training/reference that edges out two other similar books for this camera. I recently ordered this Dummies book along with a D3100 for my daughter’s birthday. Having owned a D3100 a few years ago I at that time had the opportunity to refer to this Dummies book concurrently with two other excellent references, David Bush’s D3100 Guide and Nikon D3100 Field Guide by J. Dennis Thomas. All three do a far better job than the Nikon Manual of explaining to the new owner not just what the functions do but how, where and when to use them. I chose the Dummies book for my daughter’s new camera because there were a couple of times during my own learning curve that the Dummies book gave me answers the others occasionally missed. If you really want to master your camera having one of these books is a necessity.

Great book.. I tend to be an optimist as my scores often show....But I'm serious AF, there is no doubt if you don't have a Major in Physics and you bought this camera?... You really need this book!..

This well-written book with its easy-to-follow, pictured instructions is the BEST investment yet to understanding my D3100! This is my first dSLR camera; though I'm familiar with Nikon Cool-pix point-and-shoot cameras. When Nikon eliminated viewfinders from the point-and-shoot line of cameras, I made the switch, with some trepidation, to a dSLR to get a viewfinder! The camera produces fantastic photos using automatic settings (as this book points out). While reading through this book I realized that further exploration of my camera's capabilities would be FUN! With the help of this awesome book and the author's teaching-style explanations I've come to understand terms such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO, metering. Thanks to this often fun-to-read book, my photos are now taken using AUTO, as well as P(rogram), S(hutter speed), A(perture), and even a few M(anual) settings. This book will be my long-time guide/reference to unveiling my camera's potential!I'd enthusiastically recommend this book!

Great book in very good condition for a 2nd hand. I am very glad I bought it in order to know my camera better even 5 years after I got it. This book is full of tips and important warnings you need to know for realizing good pictures using your camera efficiently.In general this collection is very good, very informative and info is accessible to all, which means not only to the dummies so go and buy one. It is Fun to read, and you learn so much.

Amazon Review D3100 for Dummies ( Julie Adair King)I have come to DSLR photography via a classic 35mm film background ( Olympus OM4) , then digital compact (Panasonic TZ7) and a SLR type bridge camera ( Panasonic FZ8) The Nikon D3100 is a technical marvel which can be used out of the box with a minimum of knowledge but to get the best out of it , it is best to fully know/understand the available buttons and functions Whilst the 288 page PDF manual supplied by Nikon ( on CD) is a good factual listing of all of the camera functions ( somewhat bland , no colour pictures/ limited picture examples) , this " Dummies " book covers the same ground in a more practical manner ( with colour photograph examples) covering the automatic , semiautomatic and manual modes in detail covering - not only how to operate them but the technical background so that one can choose which model to use OR how to set up the camera to suit one's preferences ..Basic photographic theory ( eg aperture , shutter speed , sensitivity / ISO / use of flash / strengths/limitations of VR lenses ) are covered in simple language to allow a novice or a more advanced user , to get the best out of the camera. The D3100's movie capabilities ( strengths/ weaknesses) are also discussedThe "in camera" picture and editing functions , together with the software and "download to computer" also covered.What I really like is the no nonsense / unbiased discussion of the technical background to the auto/semi auto / manual modes as a starting point to jump off into more creative uses of the camera .( In fact a lot of the knowledge gained will help me with the strengths / limitations of my earlier digital cameras as well as taking me forward with the D3100)

I was never a fan of the "For Dummies" books. Previous ones I have read have been difficult reading because of the way they tried too hard to be 'down with the kids'. I hated all the 'Cool' references etc, so this was not my first choice manual. However, I own a Kindle and one of the advantages of the Kindle is you can download free samples of books. I sampled all the Nikon D3100 manuals and compared them. To my surprise, this one appeared to be head and shoulders above the others so I took the plunge and ordered the bound copy.I have not regretted my choice. The author knows her subject and has resisted the pressure to write in the standard "For Dummies" style. The other thing I like about the book is that it refers specifically to the Nikon D3100 throughout. Other similar books revert to generic 'technique' chapters after the early chapters.All in all, I would thoroughly recommend this book.

Having just purchased my first digital SLR (Nikon D3100 DSLR), I wandered down to the local library and found digital photography for dummies. After having a good look through I thought it would be a good idea to see if I could purchase this as a permanent source of information. Whilst searching google I came across the above which was dedicated to my particular SLR, read the reviews and thought this is for me.I certainly have not been disappointed, although only only up to chapter 5 the book gives a brilliant insight with tips and information to the workings of this excellent entry to digital photography.

I bought my husband the Nikon 3100 for his birthday. He loves all things technical, however I asked if he wanted this book (as i didnt want to infer he was a dummy!) he agreed and loves it. Says there is so much to learn about this great camera and to have this to read in 'manageable chunks' is excellent. So on his comments I have to give this a 5 star rating and would thoroughly recommend it

As with most of the 'Dummies' books this explains how to use your camera in plain easy to understand language. As a novice it takes you through step by step but if you are already a DSLR user still gets you confident in using manual settings rather than sticking with the auto or pre programmed settings. Would recommend highly.