Damien Demolder
Tharg the Mighty
Reged: 22/08/2001
Posts: 1024
Loc: Essex born and badly-bred
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Who can be bothered to read camera manuals?
Some can, and digest them from end to end, and others don't even take them out of the box. Is it really worth the effort and do you learn anything new? Are those who don't bother cheating themselves as they then can't make the most of their new purchase?
Which category do you fit in?
Head to the Home Page to vote.
Maybe your manual is supplied only on a CD...
damien
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See my photographs at www.wordsonpictures.com
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Fen
BAD WOLF
Reged: 12/03/2002
Posts: 20930
Loc: Currently Unknown!
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I think that those who have no experience/knowledge of using a camera should sit and read the manual with the camera in front of them so they can work through stuff.
If you've used a SLR and move over to a DSLR, you might just want to read the digital related bits of the manual.
Others... maybe a glance at new bits.
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Fen .......... My Galleries - My Blog - My Flickr
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ermintrude
Hinkypuff
Reged: 30/06/2003
Posts: 12550
Loc: London, UK
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I only ever, ever, ever read it if theres something I know it does that I cant work out how to do, or by far the most likely, to look up whatever error its offered me... 
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Hotblack
Dead Horse Flogger
Reged: 07/03/2006
Posts: 7353
Loc: Upstairs in the spare room.
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I tend to scan through most of it, just to familiarise myself with some of the features. I then only use it if there's something specific I need to know. My DSLRs came with a physical manual.
My compact came only with a CD manual. I've never read through that and only refer to it in case of a specific need.
Fen said:
Quote:
I think that those who have no experience/knowledge of using a camera should sit and read the manual with the camera in front of them so they can work through stuff.
I'd agree with that.
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Cheers
David
David J White Photography
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OneTen
'Two Breakfasts'
Reged: 23/06/2003
Posts: 2540
Loc: Devon
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In the days of manual cameras I don't think I ever read the manual. This approach fell down when I bought an EOS 3 and just couldn't get on with it, if I'd read the manual then things may have been different. Having recently moved to the world of the dSLR, I read the whole manual to familiarise myself with what the camera will do, but concentrated on the areas that I knew I'd use. I dip into it every now and then but I tend to use the pdf version on the pc rather than the printed manual (this fell apart).
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Richard .......... My Website - My Blog - My Flickr
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Dave_Cox
old'n'grumpy
Reged: 12/07/2006
Posts: 3107
Loc: somewhere in Sussex
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I use them as a reference when first setting up a new camera, then they sit in a box with loads of others 'just in case'.
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Growing old disgracefully!
http://snapper56.deviantart.com/gallery/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dave2006/
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Rhys
Sasquatch
Reged: 15/01/2004
Posts: 3205
Loc: York (home of the speedbump)
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I just downloaded a .pdf manual for mine so I knew a bit better what the custom functions did. Other than that I pretty much know how to operate my camera.
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NRIPN (Officially Nuts..)
RGMP.co.uk (My Website.. well early stages anyway)
Benchinistas.org.uk The home of Benchism
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Siuya
Cool Hand Chris
Reged: 21/07/2001
Posts: 9767
Loc: Knackers yard!
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I read the manual - in fact I read every manual before I buy the item - that way there are no surprises 
At the moment I'm reading about the Brother all-in-one printer (for my daughter) that uses un-chipped carts - we like them at £2.99 each 
So, before you ask a stupid question - RTFM (read the flipping manual)  
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Chris
The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it (AA)
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Donkey
enthusiast
Reged: 31/05/2007
Posts: 201
Loc: Northants
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Having purchased a new D60 Friday 6th i am now reading through the whole manual, Then i shall start with the finer points that are beyond my initial understanding..
My head hurts already 
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sjaszczak
A Real Gentleman
Reged: 08/06/2005
Posts: 1122
Loc: York
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I tend to skim through the manual first before using the camera for the first time. I tend to think it's best to do this so I have a good understanding of how to control the camera and what it's capable of.
I skip the bits where it tells you stuff about how to control the depth of field, selecting a faster shutter speed for a fast-moving subject etc etc.
Then I'll start using it and only ever open the manual when there's something specific I need to figure out how to do.
So I end up reading most of it.
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Steve
My Flickr
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daft_biker
Action Man!
Reged: 11/10/2006
Posts: 7697
Loc: Doon the glen
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Depends how much of the manual I can read whilst the battery is charging  Am hoping cameras will start coming with those batteries that hold their charge soon
Mostly I use them as reference.
Are there any cameras with the manual on them in a format that can be read on the screen? Bit like an online help file...could be handy when out and about!
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Andrew (BSRIPN) ... Pics.
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Garry McNamara
Snr Tutor/Bongo Banjo
Reged: 16/08/2006
Posts: 2079
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I do a thriving trade in writing translations for friends -except it's not a trade as I don't charge them - now there's a thought.
Most recent was for my dad for a G9 - I got the manual down to 7 pages. I know they do those quick start guides but they are often as much in manufacturer speak as the main one. What I find is they tell you what the function is called and where to find it but don't tell you what you might actually acheive by using it - assuming everyone reading it knows what depth of field is or how 2nd curtain flash might influence a picture.
It's actually a really useful exercise to sit down and translate what you need from the manual. I get students to do it - you end up with a slim pocket manual with all the things you really need in your own language. Having to do this stops that syndrome where you read the same two pages sixty times and then find yourself waking up in a pool of your own drool.
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Siuya
Cool Hand Chris
Reged: 21/07/2001
Posts: 9767
Loc: Knackers yard!
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Quote:
Are there any cameras with the manual on them in a format that can be read on the screen? Bit like an online help file...could be handy when out and about!
Yeah, my Nokia N95 8GB 5mp camera in .pdf format 
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Chris
The single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it (AA)
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john_g
Pooh-bah Hoo-ha
Reged: 09/05/2007
Posts: 2536
Loc: Surrey
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Quote:
I read the manual - in fact I read every manual before I buy the item - that way there are no surprises
Me too - I find it's the best way to put all the reviews I read in context. For instance, on my Samsung GX-10 quite a few reviews moaned about the lack of a dedicated ISO button, but reading all the manufacturer's blurb reveals that you just have to hold down the 'OK' button and turn the front dial. Easy when you know how. I suppose I wouldn't bother reading the manuals if it never taught me anything but, invariably, I learn things I didn't know.
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John
Who could suppose that angels move the stars, or be so superstitious as to suppose that because one cannot see one's soul at the end of a microscope, it does not exist?
R.D.Laing The Politics Of Experience
http://www.flickr.com/photos/john_gass
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cpfc12
newbie
Reged: 04/02/2008
Posts: 42
Loc: Lewes, East Sussex.
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Always read. Dont necessarily understand it all, but I'm always worried that I will b***** the thing up if I do it wrong.
Actually in the process with an A200 right now. Help!
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Simple Southern boy.
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Wheelu
member
Reged: 31/10/2007
Posts: 168
Loc: UK, up North
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I have read the manuals of my film cameras, e.g. Pentax ME Super, from cover to cover, but they're not very long and easily digested.
That for the Canon 20D I have not read as it does not make easy reading! I do refer to it as needed, for example to find out how to set a manual white balance, how to take bracketed shots, etc.
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My Flickr Photos
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gollum
enthusiast
Reged: 18/12/2007
Posts: 292
Loc: Kent
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Usually on a need to know basis, as I work my way through the AP course im learning new stuff about my DSLR all the time. As a relative beginner im finding that works best for me, rather than playing with stuff I know naff all about
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People too weak to follow their own dreams, will always find a way to discourage yours
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22119200@N08/page1/
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Benchista
Wich Tyler
Reged: 11/08/2000
Posts: 37888
Loc: Everywhere and nowhere, baby
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I read the EOS 10D one before I got the camera so that I understood the digital bits. In general, if a camera is simple, I don't bother reading instructions any more - for a complex camera, I do.
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Nick
www.nbrphoto.com
Light and Shade II - the new blog
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FujiSigmaNolta
I can pan!
Reged: 21/06/2005
Posts: 1494
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As long as I can see a shutter speed wheel and an aperture wheel or an exposure compensation button....NAH!
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Regards,
Luis
My Flickr mess
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DaveS
enthusiast
Reged: 22/06/2007
Posts: 256
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I always RTFM especialy with techie stuff. Not from cover-to-cover, but the model specific stuff that may trip me up when actualy using the thing. Did this with my camcorder (HVX 200) and DSLR (EOS 5D, both of which have not-obvious abilites and functions.
Dave
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DaveS's Flickr Photos
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Monobod
'Phantom' of the forum!
Reged: 03/04/2003
Posts: 5992
Loc: Just West of Norwich, Norfolk
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I skimmed through the book when I first got the camera, then read the bits that interested me the most. Now I use it as a reference book, looking up things when I'm not sure.
For me,a paper book is far better than a pdf file on the move, but the pdf can be 'searched' at home on the computer. The K10D book is small enough to pack in the camera bag for holidays, when a quick glance might be needed now and then.
I think reading the book is well worth while. Modern dslr's are complex and to assume one knows it all is to miss something, perhaps.
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David.
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Photos hosted by Flickr.
www.flickr.com/photos/monobod/
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I see the world thro' a viewfinder, but the world watches me via CCTV!
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Footloose
Carpal \'Tunnel
Reged: 11/08/2005
Posts: 3188
Loc: Berkshire based.
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I invariably read them, as there is sure to be something buried deep within one of the camera's sub-menus I haven't spotted, or the descriptor given, needs clarifying.
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Trainee reprobate with a pronounced limp (spelt L .. I .. M .. P.)
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Benchmark
Is it safe?
Reged: 12/07/2005
Posts: 3034
Loc: Sedgefield, Co Durham
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I only ever read the bits that I want/need to.
The manuals for my E1 and G9 are both supplied on disk, and I have never bothered to print them out. I read a few pages of the E1 manual on-screen to find out why the Adobe RGB icon wouldn't stop flashing. I didn't find the answer, but I found the reason when I was playing wiht the menus one night.
I got as as far as the Contents pages in the G9 manual and that was enough to bore me rigid, so I went no further.
Having said that, I did read the manual for my Mamiya, but that is only about six pages long, and TBH it is all so obvious that nobody with more than half an ounce of common sense should need a manual anyway.
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Nigel CRIPN and Bar
Beware of the Dark Slide
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Terrywoodenpic
A whiff of silicon...
Reged: 21/01/2006
Posts: 370
Loc: Saddleworth UK
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In the days of manual cameras I kept them for light reading but never got round to it.
Digital cameras are a different matter. No one of them has quite the same features, nor do you access them in the same way.
I read both the G6 one and the 40D one cover to cover except for the sections about printing from the camera etc. which for me is a never do and never want to do feature. nor do I bother with the "non creative modes" section, I have never used them,nor can I think of a reason to ever want to.
It would be loveley if you could just reprogram them as C4,C5, C6......
Nor have I put any of the canon software on my computer it would just further clutter the place up.
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63 happy photo years from amateur to professional and back to amateur
Edited by Terrywoodenpic (09/06/2008 19:37)
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Bettina
Kein Titel
Reged: 12/02/2004
Posts: 4104
Loc: London
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It depends. If there is a printed manual in the box, I'll flick through it. If the manual is on a CD, I don't.
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Bettina
http://www.vibrantpictures.co.uk
Vibrant Pictures on Flickr
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Benchista
Wich Tyler
Reged: 11/08/2000
Posts: 37888
Loc: Everywhere and nowhere, baby
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Quote:
Digital cameras are a different matter. No one of them has quite the same features, nor do you access them in the same way.
Not really true. The 5D and 30D behave in a very similar way, and neither are that different to the 10D - having read the 10D manual, there was no need to read the 5D one except for the odd specific, and none whatsoever to read the 30D one.
Quote:
Nor have I put any of the canon software on my computer it would just further clutter the place up.
DPP is actually a pretty respectable bit of software - had it been available with the 10D, I certinly wouldn't have bought so many other RAW converters. I see in this week's mag there's actually a letter from a Minolta Dynax 5D user who's using DPP for image processing!
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Nick
www.nbrphoto.com
Light and Shade II - the new blog
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APchris
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 06/05/2006
Posts: 1601
Loc: Lincolnshire
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I tend not to read the manual untill much later when I'm totally flumoxed I'm just too excited to play with the new toys!!
When I finally got round to opening my camera manual to look up one small annoyance I found the camera could do a whole lot of cool and usefull stuff  Trouble was I'd had the camera for well over a year by then - guess that should teach me to pay more attention to the manual!
BTW, the poll should have a "Yes, eventally" option 
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Chris
Better a bad day on the water than a good day at the office 
My Flickr sets
Edited by APchris (11/06/2008 04:41)
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SqueamishOssifrage
veteran
Reged: 13/09/2006
Posts: 1489
Loc: Ayia Anna, Hub of the Universe
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Quote:
When I finally got round to opening my camera manual to look up one small annoyance I found the camera could do a whole lot of cool and usefull stuff
I read manuals from cover to cover straight away for this very reason. It's less to find out how to do something, more to do with finding out what can be done.
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'You people, you think I know duck nothing; I tell you: I know duck all.'
Credited to Michael Curtiz by David Niven
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Done&rundleCams
Senior Member
Reged: 20/12/2001
Posts: 16755
Loc: Vancouver, BC
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I usually read a bit of the manual if I don't know the answer
to a question or can't figure out something for a customer
so, consequently, I do quite a bit of ( a little bit of) reading
Cheers,
Jack
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Life is a Photo-op
MY BLOG: www.nakedmanonawire.blogspot.com
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ermintrude
Hinkypuff
Reged: 30/06/2003
Posts: 12550
Loc: London, UK
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Interestingly (or not ) I read the entire manual for my new breadmaker in the park t'other day, but Ive hardly flicked through the nikon manual in all the years Ive owned it
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Cuthbert
enthusiast
Reged: 10/09/2007
Posts: 233
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Quote:
I read manuals from cover to cover straight away for this very reason. It's less to find out how to do something, more to do with finding out what can be done.
If I'm interesting in buying something, I'll often download the manuals first to see exactly what features are available and how easy it is to do certain things.
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Simon
My flickr galleries at http://www.flickr.com/photos/sis-exposures/
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Matt_Hunt
Pooh-Bah
Reged: 07/11/2005
Posts: 2283
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Like Cuthbert, I browsed the D300 manual before buying to see if really did what I wanted, how I wanted and then when it came out of the box, worked through the camera as I wanted to work it, with the manual beside me.
I've read the manual about 3 times now to make sure I am not missing something and God forbid I do not become one of these people who asks 'why is my Nikon showing an FEE error message' or 'where is the video mode'....
Some manuals, like the F80's, need reading because certain sections do not trip off the page happily, but I think they're still worth reading.
My 2 pence...
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/reactivefilm/
My Blog
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Brendan
member
Reged: 27/01/2006
Posts: 116
Loc: Birmingham UK
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Re: Poll - Camera manuals - to read or not to read
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