This page is taken from the Digital Photo with Canon G6 for sample purpose, the book will be published on/about Jan. 15, 2005

Chapter One: Introduction

Canon's Powershot series of cameras offer users various ways to take digital photos. The development is so great that we can take great shots almost without difference from those taken with SLR (Single Lens Reflex) cameras. However, although there is a lot of functions offering a better way to take our photos, it requires trial and error to get them right.

For a lot of camera users, it is hard to spend time for various tests. This is the purpose of this book, a quick and proven reference for G6 users. This quick reference, "Digital Photo with Canon G6", is written as a practical guide so that users can enjoy the functions much easier and achieve what they expect.



It is recommended to go through this book so that one can have the idea of when and why to use certain functions. Yet, one can use this Guide as quick reference when a certain effect is required or for specific subjects.

The electronic format allows the use of pop up windows for larger images or explanation whenever required. Furthermore, readers can jump to each sub section instead of going from the first page or flip though pages in printed form. One important aspect is that whenever there is revision for the same title, readers can have free update version.

Following chapters are presented in quick guide style. Just click the phrase "Explanation and Test", a detailed explanation and testing results will be displayed. The Print button of each page is linked to a Windows Word version for the text of that page.

PRINTED PAGES

For some readers, a printed page for reading when not with the computer may be required. Therefore, each Chapter has a printed form in Word format.

As mentioned, this book is intended for quick reference. It may be in need during photographing. Therefore, there are additional printed versions containing fast guide to use the Canon Powershot G6 at sites. Please check the last Chapter.

DEMONSTRATION



In order to let readers be confident to use all the functions, all demonstrations are taken with general arrangement. Some are taken under the sun in outdoor situation and some are taken with existing indoor lighting, that is, domestic lamps or stage lighting of a show. The only accessory used is the tripod.

STILL PHOTOS ONLY

The Powershot G6 can take video too. However, we all know that this function is not the major application of this type of camera. Furthermore, there is very little that can be offered other than following the camera manual for shooting video. Therefore, the video topic is not included in this book.

The DPOF Print settings is also not included because it has nothing to do with photo taking technique.

USE OF SOFTWARE

There is a lot of software for us to handle our images. The G6 has bundled with Photo Studio, ZoomBrowser EX and Photo Stitch.

Photo Studio is for editing image file. ZoomBrowser Ex is for converting RAW file format. Photo Stitch is for joining panoramic shots.

I recommend to my readers to get the Irfanview for image editing, which is supplied free for personal use. Irfanview does not have retouching and work on single image file only. Photoshop CS is undoubtedly the best software if we do want to buy. Please do not consider any lower versions, it is the Photoshop CS that would not lead to disappointment in the future.

As this book is about taking photo with Canon G6, image editing would not be covered. However, for transferring RAW file format and the use of Photo Stitch are taken as part of the photo taking process.



WHAT TO EXPECT

There is no magic formula to take good image. Yet we can take our chosen image with the best way possible. That is the sole purposes of those functions.

We have different subjects in various situations. To guarantee the successful capturing of our chosen images, the functions are the vital tools. In fact, the photographic technique has been developed a long time ago. Starting with complicated processes that only scientist could master, with the contribution of many of them and modern engineers, we can now choose a few functions and just click the shutter and a good image is in our hand. Some may prefer to have much easier operation, just one click and the camera handles all others. That is true only if we do not demand quality and limit us to certain pre-defined conditions.

Comparison with the old days would be meaningless because we are enjoying imaging instead of researching. The simplest way is to rely completely on the automatic process of the camera. However, it depends on our own choice. If we do not care about the image quality or have no requirement at all, that is the right way. With that, we are facing limitation of choices. There are subjects and situations that exceed the range of automatic system. As a matter of fact, the design of the G6 is for something more. Besides providing automatic functions, there are lots of controls for us to master our images.

Throughout my works for this book, I have found that it is quite easy to produce almost every type of images any photographer would intend for. The only limitation is the lack of exchangeable lens for rare cases.

Our photos rely on our own creation. It is always the users to decide what to do, not the camera manufacturers and not me. Canon provides the G6 with the greatest flexibility for this type of digital camera. My book will provide demonstration that readers can understand instantly what and how to use all of these functions. Of course, readers who would buy this book must have the intention to master some if not all of these functions. To meet various demands, besides the previous mentioned arrangement, there is a list copied from the Canon G6 Manual. Readers can click on selected function to jump to the relevant demonstration. Fast and direct is the way I prepare this book.

Is it necessary to read the Explanation and Test? It depends on individual choice. But one can prefer to see them only when there is a need to do so. Just in case of these needs and the way to prepare this book through lots of testing, if such information is not presented to readers, that would be my mistake.

PROBLEMS

For demonstration, the display of the LCD monitor on site was taken with another camera. Due to the outdoor condition, the shots are not good with dust, reflection etc. Yet I decide not to create or manipulate with software in order to look good because that would make the demonstration kind of artificial touch.

There are exceptions. For some demonstration where it was not possible to take photo of the LCD monitor, we have to simulate the display for easy understanding and they will be marked "simulated display".

USING THIS BOOK

From Chapter Three to Chapter Eleven, there are two types of linking. Marked with "Explanation & Test" is for detailed explanation and test result. "Quick Link" is for instant jumping to the section of that chapter.

The Chapter Thirteen (Function List) is a copy of the function list of the camera manual. Except Video, all these functions can be clicked and linked to the section in the relevant chapter.

In case some readers may prefer index with images, there is a "PHOTO DEMO" chapter with a number of demonstration photos. Just click the photo will show which function and arrangement to get such result.

The button "Go Back" is for moving back to where it comes from. If it is come from the Quick Links of that chapter, the "GO BACK" is to move back to the top of the chapter. If it is come from the Chapter Thirteen, then "GO BACK" will move back to the Function List.

There are buttons for [PREVIOUS] and [NEXT] for the chapters which will follow the basic sequence of chapters. In order not to confuse the reading, all "Explanation & Test" pages will not have these two buttons and only the "GO BACK" button for moving back to the relevant chapter.