This handy little book, written by Derrick Story and published by O’Reilly, actually fits into your pocket. It is packed with information about digital cameras and how to get the most out of them, in simple, concise and easy to understand language. The contents are arranged alphabetically in three sections, and particular functions are easily located.

The first section, "What Is It?" covers the layout of various buttons on a digital camera and what they are used for. All cameras are different, of course, but they generally have similar buttons, menus and functions, and this section describes them very clearly. Whereas the manuals that come with cameras usually are not written well, this book provides information in surprising detail that is extremely helpful.

The section "What Does It Do?" goes further into the use of the buttons and menus to get the kind of photos we want. Exposure, composition, zooming are covered, as well as erasing, deleting, formatting and other sophisticated actions. Most digital cameras do not have the capacity to set lens openings, but many can achieve various exposures by using the settings found in a menu. The book describes this procedure. What is Spot Metering? Focus Lock? Macro Mode? White Balance? They are all covered in this book, and much more.

The last section "How Do I?" is really the meat of the material in this little handbook. Choose the Tips or Tricks to prevent red eye, capture action shots, or take interesting Kid shots. The brief but detailed instructions will help you to master the techniques of professional photographers. You will be able to send photos in e-mails and set up a slide show in your computer.

The quality and depth of the information provided in this little pocket book is truly amazing, and all digital photographers, amateur or professional, can benefit by using it.

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