Best overall SLR learning book or DVD?

There's probably a better forum in which to post this, but I like the Wedding

bunch the best. So . . . realizing this is a powder keg, what single book or

DVD would you recommend as a gift for an SLR beginner? She doesn't have time to

take a class, even though I think that's much more productive than a general

purpose book. I think she's trying to figure out if she falls in love with it

enough to commit to a class or classes. She's got a good sense of light and

composition but knows almost nothing else. Thanks.

try "Real World Digital Photography", (second edition) by Eismann, Gray & Duggal

I've looked at a number of books. I don't think you need something specific to "SLR" photography. The three "theory/learning" type books that I've taken the most from are...

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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/National-Geographic-Photography-Field-Guide/dp/079225676X/ref=cm_lm_fullview_prod_1/002-3268020-6874416">National Geographic Photography Field Guide: Secrets to Making Great Pictures</a>

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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Negative-Ansel-Adams-Photography-Book/dp/0821221868/sr=1-1/qid=1169069332/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-3268020-6874416?ie=UTF8&s=books">The Negative by Ansel Adams</a>

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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Camera-Ansel-Adams-Photography-Book/dp/0821221841/ref=pd_sim_b_1/002-3268020-6874416">The Camera by Ansel Adams</a>

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The National Geographic book is a good intro and overview on a broad level for those just getting into photography. The Ansel Adams books are a bit more in-depth without being too technical (in my opinion). If I had to pick one, it would be The Negative... definately not just for black & white photographers, either... it's got pretty much all you need to know about making the "desired" exposure.

Understanding Exposure by Brian Peters. It's old but good, and has helped a lot of beginners.

Start with the manual, and read it again and again.

 

John Hedgcoe has good overview books.

I agree with Neil and Steve. I am new to photography myself. I have Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson and The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby. Kelby's book is great in that he just tells you what to do, but Peterson's book actually gives you the understanding behind it all (aperture, shutter-speed, ISO and how they all relate to each other).

 

I read my manual thoroughly when I first got my SLR camera, and my eyes starting glazing over once I left the first easy basic pages. But after reading Peterson's book, I have gone back and forth from his book to my manual and it all makes sense.

The best over all book I have ever seen is an out of print book by Kodak "35mm photography."

 

Granted, it is film based but the inrformation on everything from the way light behaves to depth of field, f-stops, composition, ISO (called ASA in the book) etc. is all 100% dead on REGARDLESS OF THE CAPTURE MEDIUM.

 

Best little comprehensive book I have seen if you are looking to learn photography.

Ditto to Mary. I like and have 4 Bryan Peterson books and 3 Scott Kelby Books. I carry at least one or two every day to read during lunch or whenever I can steal a moment to continuously learn more.