"Understanding Exposure"

Hi

i got this book based off everyone's recommendation on this forum. I've been reading the forums for a while (created a new ID just recently), and it seems i picked up a lot of the topics covered in this book from this forum. then again, after a few chapters, I swiftly read through the parts to see if there was anything new I haven't read on potn.

Do you guys think that most of what's in this book is covered in these forums whether through stickies, people asking questions, links, etc? or do you think there is something offered in this book that can't be read/learned from this forum?

thx

Absolutely most stuff in any book is covered somewhere on the internet. Especially places like POTN. In fact, if you don't find your particular situation, you can ask and will almost assuredly get a good response.

In a way I'm surprised that "how-to" books still sell well at all, but I am a book addict myself, and I'll admit it's a hard habit to break. I am doing much better at buying fewer 'how-to' books and getting my info from places like POTN.

Yes, it's all covered here and various other places online; but that book is a nice, consolidated source.

Read through the book and get some practice, and you won't regret it. Sure, it's all out there on the internet, and here in POTN, but the book provides some nice concise advice.

I'd rather read a book, as books never stray off topic like forums do.

I also find reading a book to be more relaxing, too.

Keep in mind that Understanding Exposure was originally written in 1991 (I think) in the film era. So much of the techniques were based upon the full manual film camera Peterson used. He was supposed to have an updated edition out last fall and wonder if he changed much to add digital photography in. It might be a good idea if he completely re-wrote the book from the perspective of using a digital camera.

tonylong wrote in post #12188233
Read through the book and get some practice, and you won't regret it. Sure, it's all out there on the internet, and here in POTN, but the book provides some nice concise advice.

+1 Info is info and its easily found - but often a book can make things more structured than random forum posts and questions. Further its very easy to miss out steps when reading from forums and the net because not all the info is concise and complete - books tend to be more thought out and link the whole subject together - the little things shouldn't get left out.

In addition books are a lot easier to carry around than laptops to read from

HappySnapper90 wrote in post #12189040
Keep in mind that Understanding Exposure was originally written in 1991 (I think) in the film era. So much of the techniques were based upon the full manual film camera Peterson used. He was supposed to have an updated edition out last fall and wonder if he changed much to add digital photography in. It might be a good idea if he completely re-wrote the book from the perspective of using a digital camera.

Yeah, there is an updated version out that deals with digital.

Its great.

WaltA wrote in post #12190337
Yeah, there is an updated version out that deals with digital.

Its great.

The one I read a few years ago did have some stuff on digital but still was clearly oriented around film. It's good to hear that he's update more!

Yeah, there was the revised edition and now the 3rd edition.

You could find anything you want to know about photography on this forum. However, sometimes the 'search' options do not quite hit it on the head so you end up reading something that you may not care about. The thing about books like that is they are a direct source to a specific topic. I have learned a lot of terms on here and I later searched for on the net to see tutorials on, specifically on using PS. I can read a book 5 times and maybe get it, but if I can watch something I usually have it. The things I like about the books is that you can take it with you. If you go on a photography trip it will be easier to flip open the book than it would be to try and get online to come here or some place else. Each source serves a purpose, but books are mobile and easy to access until you get enough real world reps in.

And, having a growing collection of great books is a good thing! And they are out there, not just the collection by Peterson. Books on Post Processing can, for example, include some great illustrated tutorials that you can walk through, go back to, work with until you've "got it down", and then always have for reference when needed.

I have the revised edition (2004) which cover digital, I had a quick look at the 3rd edition and could not see any real difference. When I have more time I will take a closer look.
I prefer book (the paper ones) but I will be 50 this year (where did the years go?)
Anyway I keep the book handy I find it useful

Haven't read his books yet, but I do like his videos: http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=23nNTwmEBUk

egraphdesign wrote in post #12191556
I have the revised edition (2004) which cover digital, I had a quick look at the 3rd edition and could not see any real difference. When I have more time I will take a closer look.
I prefer book (the paper ones) but I will be 50 this year (where did the years go?)

I was afraid of this. The notes in the 2004 revised edition were very minimal with regards to a d70 and really didn't say anything about the digital difference, just that he used a d70 for what he was explaining. A complete re-write would be good, for 100% digital.