DSLR Camera handbooks and manual from Libraries SA

CC0 licensed photo by Nilo Velez from the WordPress Photo Directory: https://wordpress.org/photos/photo/919679f987/

Library list

Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras have been dominant since the early 2000s for both hobby and professional photographers. Understanding how to get the most out of your camera is paramount when wanting to get the best photos possible. This listing of handbooks and manual are filtered from more than 200 books in print from the Libraries SA collection.


The search was based on finding the most current books on DSLR. The search narrowed the number of items to under 30 by defining the criteria to meet the following:

  1. A general search for all library items which fit the subject heading of: Photography Digital Techniques
  2. Include only print books
  3. Include only Adult not-fiction books
  4. and finally, limit the search to digital cameras

The image below is a screen capture of the final search criteria using the Libraries SA website.

You can organise the listing according by any of the headings in the table. For example you can order the manual listing by descending or ascending year of publication. You can also use the Search box to carry out a text search across the entire table. You can use the selector on the right side to increase or decrease the number of entries per page which appear on the page at one time.

List of 22 manuals for understanding the art and science of DSLR photograhy
Book imageTitleAuthorYearSummary
Take better photos by Margaret BrownTake better photosBrown, Margaret2023Take Better Photos gives you an easy way to learn the fundamentals of photography, providing expert advice to inspire and improve your photos. This compact guide shows you how to: Select the right shooting modes to balance aperture and shutter speed settings, Use white balance and ISO to ensure your photos are sharp and colour-balanced, Freeze or blur motion or capture a subject sharply against blurred background, Master the art of composition and framing, Capture close-up images to develop your creativity. Take Better Photos shows you the tools, tips and tricks to capture stunning, eye-catching images
Photography MasterclassPhotography masterclass : creative techniques of 100 great photographersLowe, Paul; Norfolk, Simon2016What makes some photographs stay in the memory forever? Sometimes it’s the subject matter alone, but more often it’s the skill of the artists who took them. The premise of this magnificent book is quite simple: take 100 leading examples of the work of the world’s greatest photographers, and a distinguished academic will describe how they achieved their effects to allow you to recreate them yourself. You could use the same depth of field as Cartier-Bresson; experiment with the white balance settings of Diane Arbus; or explore the lighting setup of Brassai in your own compositions. The images are arranged thematically, with engaging analysis of each image and a description of its technical make-up, along with a biography of each artist. The book showcases 100 of the greatest images in the history of the art and will provide an indispensable guide to the technicalities behind the well-known masterpieces and hidden gems in the world of photography (WorldCat)
Digital photography step by step by Tom AngDigital photography step by stepAng, Tom2016Become a confident, creative photographer with practical and inspirational advice from Tom Ang. Find your inner photographer and get the most out of your camera with this book. Packed with expert knowledge, it is the perfect combination of practical photography instruction and visual inspiration to help you make your own masterpieces in a flash. Teaching you the basics of how to approach a subject, develop projects, and manipulate images in a series of inspiring photography assignments, this book covers all the latest advances in digital photography to help you master each and every step of taking a photograph (WorldCat)
Idiot's guide GoPro CamerasGoPro cameras (Idiot’s guides)Chad Fahs2016Illustrated guide to setting up the GoPro camera and configuring the video and photo settings. Includes projects for capturing various situations and themes that range from easy to advanced (WorldCat)
The digital photography handbook (Revised edition) Harman, Doug.2010In this new, updated edition Doug Harrman includes the very latest developments in digital technology, equipping you with everything you need to become an accomplished 21st-century photographer (WorldCat)
Shoot to shareBrown, Margaret2023Shoot to Share shows the best ways to capture and show your photos and videos. Whether you’re shooting on a mobile device or an interchangeable lens camera, this handy guide gives you the shooting tips and settings advice to ensure your images look picture-perfect. Shoot to Share covers: – The many camera capabilities of mobile devices, and where a dedicated camera can be a better option. – Framing shots, stabilisation, special modes, resolution, frame rates and recording soundtracks. – Online sharing, image upload, resolution and resizing. – Best formats to use for video, frame rates, file sizes, editing tips and tools. – Recommended ways to print your photos at home, in-store and online print services. – Easy printing projects including cards, calendars and photobooks. Shoot to Share also explains how to archive your images, keeping them secure making it easy to find, view and share your favourite photos and videos.
The complete guide to digital photographyThe complete guide to digital photographyMichael Freeman2001Sales of digital cameras are predicted to overtake those of film-based cameras. This is a comprehensive guide to digital photography which provides guidelines for choosing suitable equipment (cameras, PCs, monitors, scanners and printers), and techniques and professional tips for digital camerawork. Answers to various questions about the equipment, technology, installation and use are also included in the book. (Amazon Australia)
GoPro Cameras for DummiesGoPro cameras for dummiesCarucci, John2015Getting started with your GoPro camera. Getting to know GoPro ; Shooting out of the box ; Accessorize me — Moviemaking technique. Getting through GoPro boot camp ; Understanding effective camera techniques ; Framing the shot ; Mastering the light ; Of sound and body —Movies are made in postproduction. Equipping your editing station ; Getting familiar with GoPro Studio Edit ; Presenting your movie — The part of tens. Ten fun ways to use your GoPro ; Ten professional uses for GoPro cameras.
Digital photography for dummiesDigital photography for dummies (9th edition)King, Julie Adair2020Digital Photography For Dummies helps you do more than pointing, shooting, and hoping for the best or slapping a filter on a camera phone shot. This book introduces you to the camera settings and techniques that separate okay pictures from frame-worthy portraits. It then explains how to apply those skills to capturing your own portraits, landscape shots, and high-action photos.
The complete beginner's guide to photographyThe complete beginner’s guide to photographyRebecca Greig (Editor)2019 2018Want to take great-looking pictures? This beginner’s guide explains your camera’s features and reveals how to use them to shoot stunning photos of landscapes, children, animals, holidays, night scenes and more… Once you’ve mastered these basics, you can then move on to the more advanced skills section at the end of the book featuring practical how-to guides for shooting a range of core subjects. Take your photography to the next level and start learning today!
How to photograph absolutely everythingHow to photograph absolutely everything (2nd Edition)Ang, Tom 2019

Originally published: 2007
This practical guide will teach you how to take the best possible photo in any situation imaginable with clear step-by-step guidance from expert photographer, Tom Ang. Full of essential advice, hints, and tips, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything gives you straightforward instructions on what equipment you will need, the best approach for each subject, how to compose your shot and find the right light, and how to frame your shot effectively. Checklists offer you guidance on getting results and “tricks of the trade” show you how to turn a good picture into a great one. From still-life to sports photography, cityscapes and landscapes, and tackling children’s parties to capturing the magic of seasonal celebrations, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything is the essential guide to improving your digital photography skills and getting the most out of your camera.
The photographer's mind : creative thinking for better photosThe photographer’s mind : creative thinking for better digital photos Freeman, Michael2007You’ve done your research. You’ve bought your camera. You’ve learnt how to use it. Now what? The secret behind a good photograph is not your camera. It’s not even the scene viewed through the viewfinder. It’s the mind of the photographer which turns an average photograph into an exceptional one. In The Photographer’s Mind, professional photographer and author Michael Freeman unravels the mystery behind the creation of a photograph and reveals how to capture photos that really make you feel something. The aim of this book is to answer what makes a photograph great, and explore the ways that top photographers achieve this goal time and time again. The Photographer’s Mind will provide you with invaluable knowledge on:

* Avoiding clichés
* The recurring nature of trends
* Style and composition
* Capturing light
* Handling the unexpected
Digital photography an introduction 4th editionDigital photography : an introduction (fourth edition)Ang, Tom2012Renowned photographer and digital expert Tom Ang shows you how to master the essentials of digital photography with the updated, jargon-free “Digital Photography An Introduction”. Discover all you need to know, from which camera to buy to how to manipulate your images using the latest digital software. Understand what to look for when buying digital cameras and accessories and follow the essentials of good picture taking with expert tips on how to improve your technique. With exciting new photographic projects to try and inspirational ideas, concepts and approaches to subject areas to fire up your creativity, “Digital Photography An Introduction” is the perfect beginner’s guide to digital photography (WorldCat)
The digital photography handbookThe digital photography handbook (6th edition, revised)Harman, Doug2019Everything you need to know to buy the right digital camera for you and to get the best out of it. Need to know which digital camera to buy? Want to take better photographs and retouch images? Ready to achieve professional results? This updated edition of The Digital Photography Handbook will allow you to make the most of all the advantages your camera has to offer – as well as guiding you through the latest software to enhance your images, and get professional results with every shot. This book includes expert advice on the art of photography (composition, depth of field and how to photograph a variety of subjects), editing and image manipulation software, how to print your images for the best results, developing a portfolio and mastering the rules of copyright. Doug Harman includes the very latest developments in digital technology, equipping you with everything you need to become a photographer.
Digital photographer's handbookDigital photographer’s handbookAng, Tom2009Get snap happy with the new edition of this comprehensive and motivating guide to digital photography from guru Tom Ang. His inspirational images and jargon free tips on demystifying the technical elements of photography will help you take great shots. Plus, find out how to manipulate your pictures to perfection and pick up trouble-shooting advice to help you overcome common problems with software and output. Fully updated to include all of the latest developments in digital cameras, equipment and software, discover the capabilities and limitations of all types of camera, from compacts to top of the range dSLRs, so you pick the right camera for your needs.
Digital SLR photography all-in-oneDigital SLR photography all-in-one for Dummies (4th edition)Correll, Robert2021A guide to photography using a digital SLR camera covers such topics as camera menus and settings, exposure, lighting, lenses, and image editing.
Shoot like a pro! : digital photography techniquesShoot like a pro! Digital photography techniquesKing, Julie Adair2003Accompanied by an illustrated glossary of imaging terms, as well as a special color insert that illuminates a range of digital photography techniques, an introduction to digital photography explains how to take professional-quality photographs with a digital camera, covering everything from how to select the right camera, hardware, and software to special archiving, editing, and sharing features (WorldCat)
How to photograph absolutely everythingHow to photograph absolutely everythingAng, Tom2025This practical guide from photography expert, Tom Ang, will help you achieve the best shot possible in every scenario – from creating a silhouette to impromptu still lifes. In our online world, taking a good photograph has become an essential life skill. Full of essential advice, hints, and tips, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything gives you straightforward step-by-step guidance on what equipment you will need, the best approach for each subject, how to think about composition and find the right light, and how to frame each shot effectively. Checklists allow you to focus on what is important, while “tricks of the trade” show you how to turn a good picture into an amazing one. From cityscapes to landscapes, and tackling children’s parties to capturing the magic of seasonal celebrations, How to Photograph Absolutely Everything is the essential guide to improving your digital photography skills and getting the most out of your digital camera (or smartphone).
Digital photography for dummiesDigital photography for dummies (8th edition)King, Julie Adair2016Your fun guide to digital photography with any device Whether you’re shooting with an inexpensive point-and-shoot camera, a smartphone or tablet, a high-priced contraption, or one of those new-fangled action cameras, it’s possible to take your digital photos from good to great by applying a few simple tricks-and Digital Photography For Dummies shows you how! Packed with tips, advice, and insight you won’t find in your camera’s manual, this friendly guide quickly gets you up to speed on proven photography techniques to help your digital pictures say more than a thousand words! No longer a hobby or profession limited to those with access to fancy and expensive equipment, digital photography is all around us. But if you want to take your shoots a bit more seriously and produce images you’d be proud enough to give as gifts or decorate your home, this friendly guide has you covered. From figuring out how to make the most of your camera’s settings to applying exposure tricks the pros use all the time, frame-worthy digital photos are a page-and a click-away. Interpret your camera’s settings and apply them for better photos Shoot better portraits, action shots, and low-light photos Collect your photos in a place where you won’t lose them Grasp simple digital photography techniques that apply to any kind of camera If you’ve been experimenting with digital photography for a while or just caught the bug, this new edition of Digital Photography For Dummies is the picture-perfect guide you’ll turn to again and again (WorldCat)
The Beginner's Photography Guide: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Manual for Getting the Most From Your Digital CameraThe beginner’s photography guideGatcum, Chris2024Packed with practical advice and hundreds of beautiful photos, your journey into digital photography starts here.
Digital photographer's handbookDigital photographer’s handbook (6th edition) Ang, Tom2016Core skills — Photography projects — Image development — Showing and sharing — Buying guide — Going further.
Digital SLR photography all-in-oneDigital SLR photography all-in-one for Dummies (3rd edition) Correll, Robert2017The complete beginner’s guide to DSLR photography It doesn’t matter if your camera says Canon, Nikon, or Sony on the outside. If a passion for photography is on your inside, this all-encompassing guide will be your new best friend.