5-8 years ago I used to use all the functions on my old film SLR, but on my DSLR I can't seem to stop using the built in shoot modes. I want to get away from that and unleash the full potential of my camera, and not have paid $500 for a camera that looks like it shoots like a $99 one. Anyone know or used any good books or did some reading on some good websites???

 

I'm thinking of buying:

Understanding Exposure: How to Shoot Great Photographs with a Film Or Digital Camera:

and

The Digital Photography Book


Any other suggestions?

 

what kind of camera do you have?

 

Canon EOS Rebel XTi

 

I've heard great things about both of those books.

are you looking more for how to operate your camera, or photography theory? If the former, just pick up a magic lantern guide or something. If the latter, get one of those books. Ansel Adams also has a good series, but that may be a little specialized.

 

Please also provide web references for similar books/related information

I am getting my D60 this week and would also like to enlighten myself on this subject

 

I enjoyed Kelby's The Digital Photography Books and found them helpful without being overly technical. As for websites, digital-photography-school.com has some really good writeups and forums.

 

I'm more looking for the theory aspect - I know the how's of the camera, just not the when's or the why's. So I may order those two books and give them a try. They have great reviews and are nicely priced.

 

I got the how to for dummy's book for a Christmas gift. It helped.

http://www.dummies.com/store/product...Id-322429.html

 

Well I ordered the two I posted - and I may see if I can d/l or find that dummies for my camera too. Anyone every read The digital photography book - volume 2? I think it deals more with extra equipment. I may look at it after I get through and learn these two.