Camera Reviews

BIDNER, Jenni. Amphoto's complete book of photography; how to improve your pictures with a film or digital camera. Amphoto. 192p. illus, index, c2004. 0-8174-3486-0. $24.96. JSA

With the rise of digital cameras, the old reliable SLR and point and shoot cameras seem to have been left behind, but not in this book. Bidner views all cameras as tools with different capabilities that all do the same job, which is to take pictures. Each chapter is labeled as to its appropriateness for the type of camera, but the emphasis is on the traditional topics of photography: getting the right exposure, using flash, composing the elements, making adjustments and being engaged with the subject.

The photographs and their captions are as important as the text in delivering the message to the reader, and both the author and the photographers are masters of their craft. Beginners will enjoy the simplicity of the instruction and moderately experienced photographers will find some new information, especially as it relates to digital photography and using the computer to manipulate film images. Nola Theiss, Sanibel, FL

J--Recommended for junior high school students. The contents are of particular interest to young adolescents and their teachers.

S--Recommended for senior high school students.

A--Recommended for advanced students and adults. This code will help librarians and teachers working in high schools where there are honors and advanced placement students. This also will help extend KLIATT's usefulness in public libraries.

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