 Not for know-it-alls.
If you have 40 years of experience and feel you already know everything, this book is not for you. However, if you think there are some things you can learn, you'll find lots of meaty information in this book.
I've reviewed several of this author's books, and there is one thing that Busch does especially well, and that is to write for a specific audience. This Pro Secrets book tells you the kinds of things that pros all know, but which the rest of us are eager to learn. The most remarkable thing I found in these pages was the depth with which the author approached many mundane topics that are covered in too little detail in introductory books.
Yes, Busch does tell you how to distinguish between the two most common sources of blur in an image. But he provides detailed examples and shows you how to build simple testing apparatus you can use to pinpoint exactly how much your own photography suffers from these afflictions. That's a lot more valuable than the tired old "rules of thumb" that introductory books saddle you with. He also describes other causes of blur, and how to counter them, as well. Advice to use a faster shutter speed or a tripod is only the beginning of the discussion. This in-depth approach is what I would call a "pro secret."
It's an oversimplification to say that Busch merely tells you the differences between wide-angle and telephoto lenses. He provides detailed explanations, including the most easily understood optical diagrams I've ever seen, so that I understood, for the first time, the difference between an ordinary wide-angle lens and an inverted telephoto design. I'm glad this kind of information is a secret no longer.
The mixture of meaty information and interesting do-it-yourself projects in this book may be rare in other digital photography books, but it seems to be a context in which Busch thrives. His more recent book David Busch's Digital Infrared Pro Secrets has the same kind of interesting, engaging focus. If you feel there are some things you can learn, I recommend both of these books.
 Many of These "Pro Secrets" Aren't Much of a Secret
I'm an experienced amateur photographer who has owned 35mm SLRs for about 4 decades. I bought this book because I recently made the transition to digital, and I wanted a good book on digital SLRs. Unfortunately, this is not that book. For a start, in the Introduction Busch states that this book is for those who have mastered the material in his Mastering Digital SLR Photography (which I have since purchased, and found to be more useful than Pro Secrets). If this information had been included in the description of the book it would have saved me the trouble of buying and returning it.
More importantly, much of the information in this book hardly qualifies for the appellation "pro secret", such as: distinguishing between the two sources of blur in an image (subject motion and camera motion), and what to do about it (use a faster shutter speed, use a tripod); the differences between wide-angle and telephoto lenses, and why a tele lens is needed for sports and nature photography; and how aperture affects depth-of-field. In short, a lot of the information in this book would be in any Introduction to Photography book or course.
Will help your photography
I am very pleased with this book. I bought three books by Busch on Digital SLR photography. Quick Snap Guide, Mastering Digital SLR Photography, & this one. All three are good books, this one has so much good information & tips that I highly recommend it. He covers many little tips that have help improve my photography by leaps & bounds. One part that jumped out for me is coverage of Focus, the pitfalls of auto focus, & explained to me in a way I could understand hyperfocus. Also has extensive coverage of lens, choosing the right ones, etc. While there aren't specific recommendations on actual lens, the tools to judge them for yourself are there. Written for advanced amateurs & beyond.
NOT WORTH THE MONEY
IN THE INTRO, the author explains that too many books talk about digital manipulation and Photoshop. He says this is a book for people who "just want to learn about photography." Well, when you buy a book about photographic techniques, that's fine. But when you buy a book about DIGITAL photography, you expect some emphasis on digital photography. With this book, you get way too much info on "rembrandt lighting" and "side lighting" in the studio.
AS FOR THE QUALITY of the book, it looks very outdated. The photos are 1960s French-Canadian or something -- and if the photos in a PHOTOGRAPHY book aren't updated, why would one assume that the text is anything other than a cut-and-paste from an older publication? And the photos are all faded matte. Don't expect anything glossy or new looking.
There are hardly any subjects covered in this book and it is overall just a mess. It's too amateur for most most users, but somehow manages to be too complex for beginners. The author and editors just never figured out their target audience and instead threw a bunch of random things together in an attempt to make a book. Do we really need a whole chapter on "Advanced Infrared Photography" and a whole chapter on "Pro Lighting and Studio Techniques" in the same book that devotes an entire chapter to the telephoto lens?
IF YOU WANT A GOOD BOOK that focuses on the digital element of digital photography, I'd recommend "Digital Photography: An Introduction" by Tom Ang (the fully updated 2nd edition). There are tons of photos, examples, and vivid color. It does discuss a lot of Photoshop techniques, so those without an editing program may not enjoy it. Really advanced digital users may find it somewhat basic, but I think most users are basically intermediate, and this book fits the bill. Either way, it does get your creative juices flowing! (And no, I didn't write the book or get any profits from its sales!)
a wealth of knowledge for all DSLR users
this isn't your run-of-the-mill 'pictorial' photography book. the contents cover mainly the use of your DSLR's features as well as useful technical details. i see it as more of a technical manual but written in a way as to hold your interest and encourages learning. the focus here, as the title rightly points out, is using your camera's controls (as well as lenses/photographic accessories/lighting aids etc) effectively rather than a guide on taking photos (altho that is covered along the same line). well one ought to learn one's tools before being able to use it effectively. i see myself thumbing through this once in a while as a great reference guide and expect plenty of sticky notes and dog ears to come along.
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