How to read your camera user's manual

[KmH]

Good stuff for those new to DSLR's:

How to Read Your Camera Manual from Nikon

Check out all the 'Learn and Explore' articles.

 

[o hey tyler]

Step 1: Learn to read

Step 2: RTFM

No?

 

[480sparky68 67]

How do I click on that link so it will take me there? Do I need to read my computer's manual to figure that out? Or is there a YouTube tutorial on that instead?

 

[KmH]

Do you a mouse, or a tablet pen?

 

[dakkon76]

How do I click on that link so it will take me there? Do I need to read my computer's manual to figure that out? Or is there a YouTube tutorial on that instead?

Agreed. I'll wait for the movie.

 

[Meekminx]

I love what happens when too many stupid questions pop up on the forum.

Thank you KMH!

Not to suck up...but that's actually what I'm doing right now! I feel so lost reading some of your comments, but the manual helps me keep up!

(Edited to add: I'm no longer a newbie on TPF!? Sweet!)

 

[480sparky68 67]

Do you a mouse, or a tablet pen?

I don't know. It's black.... does that help?

 

[Overread36]

From the article:

"Right. To me it makes no sense to read any manual front to back. There's no narrative there; there's no story. There's information, facts and suggestions, and I want to go to them as I need them."

Exactly the answer I'd expect from someone who already knows how a DSLR (or any other tool) works and is already able to be more discerning with the information they do and do not need from the manual. The problem is that, for the beginner, they don't know what they do and do not know as yet; so reading the manual (whilst playing with the camera of course) is a very valuable step in things; helping to build familiarity with the tool whilst also introducing them to modes, controls and ideas. And if all goes wrong pretty much every electronic tool has a restore to factory settings menu option.

 

[Vtec44]

I'm guilty of not reading the manual. There's simply too much information and I won't remember everything to know where to reference it back. It's much faster just to Google what I need.

 

[Tony S]

Why read the manual when we can come here and ask how it works?

 

[usayit]

Ok... I'm probably the minority opinion here... fine...



Don't want to read the manual? Maybe a more intuitive or less complicated camera is in order...

or

Perhaps their manuals suck. Do they come with quick start manuals.. with an easier to read overview. Do their manuals flood the consumer with way too much in one section? That's no fun... for the most part, people buy these products to have fun. Reading a long, complicated manuals isn't a good intro into the world of photography.

Local shops here will go over its operation in person which tends to tailored to the level of the consumer. This is also the reason why those better written camera specific guides at the bookstore do sell. I also see no problem with using this forum (and others like it) as a resource to find your way.




IMO, the best designed consumer products are the ones that don't require a manual.

 

[Railphotog]

I find it kinda difficult to read the manual for my Canon SX30 IS when not at home - its on a CD. Give me back my paper manual!

 

[StringThing]

The next best thing: Download the PDF manual from your camera manufacturer's website, then place that PDF in Google Docs (if you have Gmail, you already have Google Docs). Now you can access the manual from your smart phone, tablet or any Internet connected computer in the world.

HTH

 

[480sparky68 67]

The next best thing: Download the PDF manual from your camera manufacturer's website, then place that PDF in Google Docs (if you have Gmail, you already have Google Docs). Now you can access the manual from your smart phone, tablet or any Internet connected computer in the world.

HTH

I not only download them, but I created a file folder titled "User Manuals" in "My Documents". Whenever I buy something, I go to the manufacturer's website and download the pdf version of the manual. Not just my camera gear, but everything I can. My computer, my TV, my cell phone, my clock radio, my lawn mower, my truck & van, my generator, my stove, my water heater......

 

[DiskoJoe]

I'm guilty of not reading the manual. There's simply too much information and I won't remember everything to know where to reference it back. It's much faster just to Google what I need.

You know a good book can be read more then once. Stating that it has too much information and would be too much to remember sounds like the answer of a small child. Things are learned gradually and one needs to build upon other knowledge and not just disregard it because they think it is too overwhelming.

People do not be like this person. Study your manual. They do not give it to you for no reason.

My manual has been read so many times that it feel apart.