Nikon D90 (Magic Lantern Guides) Paperback – February 3, 2009

This is my second Magic Lantern Guide; my first guide, which I still have and still use on occasion, was for my Nikon D40.When I upgraded to a Nikon D90 I didn't have to think what guide I would get. Like the D40 guide, the Magic Lantern guide for the D90 was, is, a wealth of information filling in some background and offering good pointers the camera manual lacks. The language is clear and easy to understand. All camera systems are explained in depth to varying degrees dependent on how important the system is to you as a photographer using this camera. I have a better understanding of the various systems ...what to use, what not to use and how to set up the camera ...from reading this guide. Much of how quickly the information sets in is dependent on where you are as a photographer.If you are a beginner just starting out with a new camera I highly recommend you search out one the Magic Lantern guides for your camera.**A note: Magic Lantern guides are *not* books covering the basics of photography and photographic theory. If you're new to the art of photography and want to learn more about it then score some books on the basics first ...things like shutter speed, aperture and depth of field are some terms you should become familiar with if you're looking to expand your photographic skills and knowledge beyond the point and shoot "selfie camera" level. Plus, having some basic knowledge will make reading the guide a lot more fruitful.The Magic Lantern guides are all configured in a small size format so it is easy to take with you ...to stuff in your camera bag when you go out to shoot. In the back of each guide is a quick reference card with some of the more common pointers for your camera.A Magic Lantern Guide for your camera is definitely the guide to go with the manual.

If you have a D90 and are using only the Nikon instruction manual, I would strongly recommend this book. You may not find a new one these days, but the one I bought used seemed new. The volume goes deeper into the functions of the camera than the Nikon Manual, clarifying as it goes. It also provides some good photographic lessons and insights for new to SLR's. The D90 is a pro-summer camera for folks that may be new to digital photography. I skipped much of the lessons to get to the functional detail, having had a D80 prior. Stafford is no slouch in the industry, and doesn't pull any punches on this camera's good and not so good functionality. We need that to help us get the most out of the tools we buy. This book is recommended for users of all levels.

The Magic Lantern series is an old faithful - thorough and understandable. This guide is likely best suited for those new to Nikon DSLR's. It would also be useful to intermediate users. The awesome D90 performs so well out of the box that a guide like this is not necessary, but it is well worth the money.Strong points include explanations of: focus, metering, flash, custom settings.If you are relatively new to digital photography, a competing guide - Nikon D90 Digital Field Guide - contains much of the depth in this Magic Lantern Guide plus a good deal of solid advice on general digital photography technique. For those in this situation, if you were to buy one D90 book only, I'd go with the Field Guide.

Magic Lantern guides have always impressed me. They're fun to read, have great tips on how to master your camera, and throw in some creative ideas here and there as well. I purchased the guide for the D90 after having a D80 (my D80 was stolen, I didn't just upgrade from the D80 to the D9)), so I wasn't exactly brand new to the camera and how to use it, but I still enjoyed reading through the whole guide. I highly recommend it for any amateur photographer and/or anyone new to the D90.

Rule #1: Do not read the manual! Keep it in the box and instead buy this guide. The author is honest about the capabilities and limitations of the device and hands out useful tips on how to get the best results from your camera. I actually wish I would of bought this book before I bought my camera and I might of made the jump to the D300!

The book is overall reasonable but it lacks an Index. It is primarily a reference book and reference books without an Index are annoying and of little help.

Love this guide. Bought it because I had read that these Magic Lantern books were great for those that want to learn their camera. Since buying this one for the D90, I have upgraded my camera - mostly because after reading and studying this guide, I outgrew my D90. I plan on buying the D600 Magic Lantern Guide soon!

It goes beyond the camera manual and explains things clearly. A bit bulky, do not plan to take it along in your photography assignments. But it is great source of information when you are preparing to go on assignment or have a pressing question.