Mastering the Nikon D610 (The Mastering Camera Guide Series) Paperback – January 24, 2014

I bought Darrell’s book at the same time as the camera, and only bothered to open the Nikon User Manual after 2 months of using the camera and Darrel’s book. OK, I was helped by the fact that I upgraded from a Nikon D80 to D610 (what a great decision that was!), so I knew the Nikon Digital SLR basics quite well. When new to (Nikon) digital SLR photography the user manual (p35-72) might be a better starting point, but then still you want to switch to “Mastering the Nikon D610”.Darrell’s book consists of two main parts: 1. How to configure the camera (chapters 2-7). 2. How to make good pictures using the best of the D610 specifics (chapters 8 -13).The first part has a great “reading guide” in chapter 2, which suggests what 30+ settings for you to set out of the 100 available. That will take you a bit of time, but it is a great introduction to the camera capabilities. And Darrell’s suggestions, on what settings to use in what kind of situations, is extremely helpful.In the second part of the book Darrell goes into more depth on specific topics like how to use histograms to judge your own picture exposures, how to work with white balance, how to work with the wide variety of options the camera offers on different autofocus modes, making films, flash photography and more.Darrell has an open view, he is not shy admitting that some of the “amateur” settings, typical for point and shoot photographing are actually also pretty useful for pro’s in certain circumstances. Example is the Auto-Area Auto Focus mode that is great in recognizing people faces to automatically have the camera focus on, what is really great when shooting at parties.The style is pleasant to read, and there are nice side steps like for example the insightful where Darrell’s “let’s listen to the camera talk to itself while you take pictures in low light with the Auto ISO-sensitivity control enabled”. Fun to read and a great way to learn.Nothing to criticize? Well OK, Darrell chooses to explain for every setting, that you (1) choose the option from the menu, (2) select the value and then (3) press OK. With 100 options that work like that, that is taking a bit more space than necessary. No worry you will learn to skip those parts quickly.In summary this is absolutely a book you don’t want to miss out on, a great companion to a great camera!

I considered giving this book four stars because in some areas it is very difficult to understand. However, as I have used it over and over again, I have found that the difficulty is my own ignorance of different areas of photography. By using the book, I have been able to push myself into areas with which I am unfamiliar and as a result, am learning more about my camera and photography in general than I would have ever expected. If you are stepping up to the more complex D610 from an amateur background, I would highly recommend this book.

In the past I have purchase many camera book guides, and I can tell you with utmost confidence that by far this is the very best of them all. In a clear concise manner and chapter by chapter it covers every aspect of the workings and operation of this very fine camera. I cannot recommend it too highly. If you own the D610 you must have this book.

It seems that the book was printed by a local print ship (or Amazon). Really awful. The images in the book are very pixelated, just like from a home copier!I normally like rockynook, but I will be thinking twice about getting a book from them in the future.

I recently purchased the Nikon D610 because I wanted to upgrade my level of photography. I'm not a tech person so a lot of the terms that are used in the manual are foreign to me. I knew that I needed help, so I purchased this book. This book is extremely helpful because it explains the various menus and functions in a way that is easy to understand. I also really appreciated that there are numerous pictures of the various screens and step by step instructions on how to use them. I also appreciate the author's suggestion of why he uses certain settings in a way that made sense. I would highly recommend this book for anyone that wants to understand and be able to use the D610 to its fullest ability.

A must have if you own the Nikon D610. I purchased one of Mr. Young's other "mastering" books (Nikon D7000) and it was so helpful that when I upgraded my camera, I didn't even have to think about whether or not to buy this book. It was an automatic yes. It has so much more information than Nikon's manual has. I highly recommend it!

I like that the author adds his own personal recommendations based on personal experiences. Each topic is covered clearly with good photos and a bit of humor.

Darrell Young (AKA "Digital Darrell" in the Community of Dedicated Nikon Users) has produced a very well-researched, very well-written tome on the D610, a camera that has many features, a multitude of settings, and enough complexity to require careful study. This is the best "hardware book" on a Nikon that I have yet encountered, and I admit to having read many of them in my continuing search for True Nikon Enlightenment.

I just got my D610 at Christmas so was eager to get out and about. Being new to full frame I also wanted to make the most of what was for me quite a sizeable investment. As soon as I saw this book on advance purchase I ordered it.The book arrived this week and I have to say it's brilliant. The best way I can describe it is that it's like a huge owners manual with the addition of superb hints and tips as to how to make that perfect shot.The illustrations are fabulous and you can tell that someone has really sat and literally gone through every feature of this camera and then written up how you can use it practically - and all in a very readable/human way which of course you don't get from an instruction manual!I can recommend this book.

This book is very good. The Nikon is a busy camera with a lot going on so the type of information and help this book gives is very useful. I can not fault it. It works for me and I am still learning. I use it in conjunction with the owners manual. The book is presented in such a way that it does not have to be read cover to cover. The chapters of the book can be referred to time and again - as needs must and the book can be used as an ongoing reference book. It is capable, comprehensive and well written with every aspect of the Nikon's functions and capability being comprehensively explained. Highly recommended.

I got this as I thought it would be a lot more detail than the supplied manufacturers manual, unfortunately I was wrong as I DO FEEL NIKON PRDUCES A FINE DETAILED MANUAL NOW since the early days of film models they have listened to their loyal customers and I do feel this book might be okay for some but like myself I feel the user manual is all you need and easily illustrated(even if its only in B &W.

If you want to know everything about your camera this is the book for you. It even explains about white balance, exposure etc. In detail. Worth every penny!

Every new Nikon 610 owner needs this book. It is written in simple to follow language (unlike the manual) and will help you to understand the amazing potential of this camera. I originally bought the book but now have the paperback just because referencing is much easier. Take camera in hand and start this book but only when you have a spare afternoon