Rating: 
Summary: A good book if you know something about digital cameras
Review: The first thing I noticed as I began to read this book was that there was a web site by the same name, http://www.shooting-digital.com. I checked it out even before I finished reading the first chapter. There are links to other sites giving the reader more information about digital photography and the site also has a gallery of the author's work but not much more.I would not recommend this book to the beginning digital photographer. It is written more for the photographer that already knows a few things about digital cameras and how they work and even leans towards those who might be or plan to become a professional photographer. I believe photographs are a basic part of what should be included in this type of book in order to provide a good insight into photography. Unfortunately, this book has less photos showing what is being discussed and is more dependent on the written word. It does provide notes in vivid green boxes and other types of tips in soft blue one throughout the book but, alas, not much in the way of photographs. The author, Mikkel Aaland, describes features and accessories available on cameras and some software solutions for cropping or changing things in the photos. He also talks about lighting, how to work with different subjects to get the best shot and problems like camera lag or bad weather and how it affects your photos. He shows what equipment it would need to set up a portable studio and continues on with the process of making a mini-movie and how to create a collage. He has a chapter on photography while on the road. Some things he reminds us to consider are the cold, heat and humidity and what is can do to your camera and the picture subjects. Another thing to consider while moving about with your camera is the proper way to pack it and the accessories so they are not damaged. Several chapters remind us to think about lighting over and over again. This must be something the author thinks is the making or breaking point for taking pictures. He continues with how to get great landscapes or photographing that new living room you just redecorated. He warns us to think about scale and depth of field. While in Chapter 9, he discusses the panoramic shots and those great virtual homes tours now available on the web. Chapter 10 talks about software programs and a basic studio. It tells us that software can allow the photographer to take a less than perfect shot and correct the imperfections with the software. In other words, grab that picture that is one you really want even if it isn't set just exactly right. The wonders of the digital age will help you overcome the problems. Mr. Aaland also touches on composition and how to photograph flat objects. Chapter 11 continues the digital camera uses by discussing shooting underwater, in the sky and even at night. A few accessories will be necessary for underwater shooting such as an aquapac. Think you need an airplane to get those aerial views? Think again! Remember Ben Franklin and his kite? Well, you can use one to get the aerial shot you want. Yes, it takes a bit of practice but what doesn't? Chapter 12 talks of what to do now that you have taken the picture. Do you want to print it on paper or share them with friends online? There are many ways to do this such as the Kodak Picture Maker Print Station, a desktop printer or online photo services like shutterfly.com or snapfish.com. And, of course, there is more software available to help you save your photos and download your camera to your computer. The final chapter gives an in-depth description of RAW, describes the Histogram and white balance. All in all, Shooting Digital by Mikkel Aaland, will give you many suggestions on how to improve your photos, the equipment that is available along with the accessories and what to do with the pictures once you have taken them. It is a book that will involve time in reading but could help you will end up with a more professional viewpoint on digital camera photography.
Rating:
Summary: Regrettably, this one falls short
Review: The idea of this book is good: include a variety of voices in a methodical coverage of basic photography topics and techniques. The result did not live up to the expectation, however. While the list of topics was good, the treatment was often shallow. (The "tips" and sidebars were distracting and seldom helpful.) Worse, several of the photographs were not well executed, in my view! Overall, I did not feel that my technique was improved having read this book. Having said that, I did like the idea of including advice from a variety of practitioners. Aaland (and others) also provided sketches of their setups, which I found interesting. My advice: wait for the second edition when hopefully a good idea will be improved. Meanwhile, wanna buy mine?
Rating:
Summary: Regrettably, this one falls short
Review: The idea of this book is good: include a variety of voices in a methodical coverage of basic photography topics and techniques. The result did not live up to the expectation, however. While the list of topics was good, the treatment was often shallow. (The "tips" and sidebars were distracting and seldom helpful.) Worse, several of the photographs were not well executed, in my view! Overall, I did not feel that my technique was improved having read this book. Having said that, I did like the idea of including advice from a variety of practitioners. Aaland (and others) also provided sketches of their setups, which I found interesting. My advice: wait for the second edition when hopefully a good idea will be improved. Meanwhile, wanna buy mine?
Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful Book!
Review: This is a terrific book for getting the most out of whatever type of digital camera you have. All too often, books focus on particular brands of camera or software titles. This is a book for every digital camera. Granted, the book starts out with basics which may seem much too elementary for some, but it rapidly gets up to speed. In this way, all audiences, from beginner to accomplished photographer will find something of use in this wonderful book. I have read many, many digital photography books and this is the first one I feel that I can wholeheartedly recommend.
Rating: 
Summary: Very Useful
Review: This is the second photography book I've read by Mikkel Aland, and as with his last one, Photoshop Elements 2 Solutions, this one is very accessible and packed with useful techniques for novice and more experienced photographers. I read both books from cover to cover, making copious notes and trying out techniques as I went along. Using this book, I've made a list of self-assignments out fo the strategies he describes. My list includes using the automatic bracketing component and exposure lock of my digital camera, taking night time and still object shots, testing my camera for shutter release lag, taking landscape and panorama pictures, and maybe even trying some under water shots. I've read a couple of other digital camera books like this one, but by far Aaland's writing has been the best. There are, however, a few missing chapters in this book. I was really suprised that he didn't have a chapter (or even a page) devoted to black and white photography, nor does he spend enough time on composition and finding your photographic style. As for as I can tell most digital photogaphy books or magazines focus very little on the latter two subjects. Aaland devoted an entire chapter on using the mini video component of prosumer and professional cameras, and while this focus is informative with some great ideas, it should not have been included at the expense of the three subjects mentioned above. Still, the book is very useful, and like other Sybex's books, it does a good job breaking down the emerging and fun aspects of digital image making.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Book!
Review: When I first scanned this book I thought it might be too simplistic. But upon reading through it I found that it offerred both standard advice for the new photographer as well as solid advice for the experienced photographer who was reasonably new to the digital world. Although I have worked in Photshop for several years now with scanned negatives, I found the straight-ahead practical advice this book offers helpful. Don't know the difference between JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats? This book will tell you. Want to know how to use a flash so your candid portrait doesn't look like a mug shot? It will tell you that and many other practical tips as well. After going through the basics about digital photography, the book is broken down into chapters based upon the type of photography you might be interested in and how to get the most out of your digital camera. Like any book of this type, it attempts to have something for everyone, and it succeeds pretty well at that. Occassionally though, it could have offered a little more detail in its quick tutorials. That quibble aside, I think the book would be a fine addition to any photographers bookshelf. While it focuses on digital issues, it also contains a wealth of practical advice applicable to any type of photograpy. Unless you consider yourself a "pro," I think you will get your money's worth out of this book.
Rating:
Summary: For Experienced and Novice Photographers Alike
Review: When I first scanned this book I thought it might be too simplistic. But upon reading through it I found that it offerred both standard advice for the new photographer as well as solid advice for the experienced photographer who was reasonably new to the digital world. Although I have worked in Photshop for several years now with scanned negatives, I found the straight-ahead practical advice this book offers helpful. Don't know the difference between JPEG, TIFF and RAW file formats? This book will tell you. Want to know how to use a flash so your candid portrait doesn't look like a mug shot? It will tell you that and many other practical tips as well. After going through the basics about digital photography, the book is broken down into chapters based upon the type of photography you might be interested in and how to get the most out of your digital camera. Like any book of this type, it attempts to have something for everyone, and it succeeds pretty well at that. Occassionally though, it could have offered a little more detail in its quick tutorials. That quibble aside, I think the book would be a fine addition to any photographers bookshelf. While it focuses on digital issues, it also contains a wealth of practical advice applicable to any type of photograpy. Unless you consider yourself a "pro," I think you will get your money's worth out of this book.
Rating:
Summary: Terrific guide
Review: Who doesn't have a digital camera these days? But how well do we understand our technologic wonders? Regardless if you are using a basic or prosumer camera, after reading Mikkel Aaland's Shooting Digital, you will be an expert ready for most any situation. Aaland, a well-published author, photographer and leading authority on Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, offers easy-to-understand tips from 34 professional photographers. Though packed with useful information for all users, reading is enjoyable and not laborious. Aaland properly introduces readers to their cameras as well as the technology behind digital photography. In depth discussion is offered for portraits, children, pets, social events, action, minimovies, traveling with your camera, interiors & exteriors, landscapes, panoramas, organizing and sharing your photos and much more. Numerous sidebars of text focusing on special tips and techniques are spread throughout the book. The book's companion website is disappointing since many pages are still under development. It is difficult to find anything to criticize about the book. Digital photographers of most all levels of skill will find Aaland's book of value and will likely refer to it often.
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