Nikon D3100: From Snapshots to Great Shots

I received the Nikon D3100 as a gift for my 50th birthday. The camera was intimating at first. The instructional manual that came with the camera was informative but made me even more nervous. I decided to look online for books that would help me get to know my camera when my search revealed this book. The description and the example pages were very helpful in deciding my purchase. The customer reviews were helpful but were not the deciding factor for me because everyone has different needs and opinions. I also bought the physical book rather then the Kindle version. I have found that instructional books like this one are better in their physical version due to the amount of information. I find is easier to use the physical book and take it with me in my carrying case as a reference guide. This book was outstanding! Jeff Revell has helped this novice learn about her new camera along with feeling comfortable with the camera's functions. The instructions, explanations, and chapter assignments which are in layman's terms, have given me the comfort and ability to enjoy taking photographs. I am more creative now; taking photographs rather then just pointing and shooting to get a picture I am using my imagination to create a more professional looking photograph which is what I have always wanted to do. This easy to follow book along with a lot of practice is the best recommendation I could give for anyone who is upgrading to the Nikon D3100 from an automatic point and shoot camera that does not give you options. Have FUN! I am!!

Im new to the dslr and amatuer photography "world" and this is exactly the book I was looking for! The first few chapters cover everything you need to know about how to adjust any and all of the settings on the D3100. The rest of the chapters are less camera specific but explain very clearly the basic ideas you need to take different types of great photos. The author uses very easy to understand terminology and includes a ton of color example pictures. I did not have one question about how to properly operate my camera once I finished reading (took less than 3 days). Im so happy I decided to go with this book over those "dummy" books. The only complaint I have is the last 2 "bonus chapters" are pretty weak and you have to create an account with the publishers website (which starts to email you a bunch of annoying newsletters), but its ok because they cover subjects that I really didnt look for in this book.

I'm an amateur photographer.I ordered the book with my Nikon D3100. I am still half way through it and am enjoying every page of it. I find myself going back every couple of pages because the information provided is just too much the first time round! I found so many features that the Nikon user manual did not touch upon. The book is very practical and the best way to enjoy it is to have your D3100 next to you. There are a lot of pictures in it with the exposure/aperture combination. The book follows a logical progression so it doesn't jump to advance stuff right away. I recommend this book if you are new to the dSLR bandwagon or Nikon cameras in general.

Probably one of my favorite photography books! I purchased this book as a beginner photographer who just got my very first DSLR camera and couldn't be happier with it. It broke down every function the camera has, what's its purpose, and how and when to use it. Also included basic photography tips on how to get better photographs. My favorite part about this book are all the photo examples included in it along with the settings used to achieve the look so you can recreate the photo yourself. It was very helpful and definitely set me on the right path being a beginner photographer. I have since upgraded to a Nikon D5500 and still reference this book from time to time.

I have owned this book for a week or so now and I have read it cover to cover several times already. This book was exactly what I was looking for in terms of assitance in understanding the capabilities of my new DSLR. Shakespeare once said that "brevity is the soul of wit." I think this quote sums up the content of this book. Well written, easy to understand and straight to the point. If you are even remotely interested in this book just save your time and stop reading the other reviews. The book is worth your money and will be a helpful tool in expanding your knowledge of photography.

Best book I have found for learning the D3100. I have just moved from a pint and shoot to my first DSLR, a used Nikon D3100. I have acquired a few books and the Nikon owners manual, and each one tries to be everything featured on the camera. One author practices his comedic side to a fault. This one stands head and shoulders above any of those with excellent descriptions and the reason for including it in the book. I find nothing important missing and it will be a long time before I am ready for obscure features. I am getting rid of the other books, this what I need.

I have both the D5000 and D3100 cameras and ordered the D5000 book about six months ago. The D5000 book is excellent and I was hoping for new insights into the 3100 in this book. Unfortunately, much information is the same and it is not worth having both. Information on the Nikon D3100 is fairly generic. In other words, it does not address specific issues of this camera, such as overexposure on highlights [even using exposure compensation] and poor AF on video and other related issues [it only repeats what is in the manual or what one gets off the internet]. Having said this, I would recommend the book for beginners in DSLR photography. It has a lot of good tips for getting started in photography with this camera.

I got D3100 for Dummies when I bought this fine camera about a year or so ago. Since then I've been trying to get more serious about doing really good photography. See my reviews for the Nikon SB-700 Speedlight Flash and the handbooks for that flash. This book gave me many new dimensions for improving my use of the D3100 and the organization of the book is much different from Dummies (which is also very helpful). The author, naturally, is a professional photographer and is generous with his tips and suggestions for getting the best out of this nifty and affordable camera, even while I lust after the D7000 at almost twice the price. Hey, how good does a camera have to be for an 85 year old amateur? I'm retired from college teaching and can't throw my money around without thinking about it. If you bought a D3100 you have a great camera and this book will definitely help you make the most of it.