Do you read the camera's instruction manual?

[coldfish]

Manual is a wonderful book!

Depends on who writes it.
Try reading the Sigma Flash manual and tell me how much you understand (or the other way round) from it. :sweat:

Its always good to read manual first no matter what equipment you buy because if you don't:

1. you might need a longer learning curve
2. you might not enjoy the full features available
3. you might not use it correctly
4. you might break it (ouch!)

Surprisingly, I found the need to read my 40D manual more so than when upgraded from 300D to 20D simply because the picture modes play a much more important role now and the Live View mode is definitely new as well as the C1, C2 and C3, HDR mode and the list goes on.

So yes, in this case, I read it thoroughly.

 

[alternatve]

I read it through once and keep it handy for when I need it again.

Samuel

 

[Sammiji]

I do read the manual during the first charge of battery as of the same as many of them. I do learn a thing or two from the manual and try it once the battery is fully charge up. :bsmilie:

 

[JamesW]

The 40D, 5D were easy to figured out so I didn't read the manual except to understand the different terms used by Canon when I moved from Nikon.

The 1D was a whole different story. I actually sat down and read the whole thing.

 

[lennyl]

I read, skipping past the stuff I already know or is not interested in (like the basic modes).

offcoarse, all of us read the manual. but when?;p

we/they only read instruction manual if i/we cant operate a certain function of my/our camera.

You assume too much from your fellow brothers and sisters. Besides, if you don't read the manual, how would you know a certain function even exists? Some people don't even read reviews, or only read the conclusion page (which I do if I'm not interested in buying the camera).

I read the manual because I didn't know how aperture and time were related when i first bought my DSLR.

As an introduction to photography book, the manual sucks big time. Better to get a book.

By the way, why isn't this in the newbie section but in the Canon section? :bsmilie:

 

[USM]

By the way, why isn't this in the newbie section but in the Canon section? :bsmilie:

There was a history to it. :bsmilie: For you to find out. ;p

 

[gman23xx]

I usually read the more important stuff like the basics of the camera....Most of the time, i download a simplified manual from the internet, direct from the manufacturers website, or watch some videos to get the hang of the camera, and do trial and experiment rounds.


Like for my sony point and shoot. I did so much research on it, till i knew how to use the camera before i even bought it. Research always does a good part to get you starting, so if you have some free time, do some research. Always helps


gman

 

[checkers]

No I don't

 

[Redsun]

yes.....a long time ago when i got my 1st DSLR
it was like the holy grail to me:bsmilie:

 

[USM]

yes.....a long time ago when i got my 1st DSLR
it was like the holy grail to me:bsmilie:

You don't need it because you are a PRO now. :thumbsup:

 

[Pokka]

Yes I read through the whole manual once. Often refer to it if I have any doubts..

 

[mashgolem]

Read, yes. Understand, thats a whole new ballgame for another time.

 

[redline15]

new to DSLR so read it cover to cover

 

[Daedalus Trent]

no, you! :bsmilie:

read the manual so you can fully-utilize your lovely machine!:lovegrin:

 

[pegasus1010]

flip a few pages then kept it away for good.
prefer to download pdf format so can read anywhere either at home or office.

 

[twistedzero]

I don't see any reason why not! Even if you've used to having SLR camera, you still need to read the f. manual for you new camera. You want to learn the new features, right?

 

[silvr]

firm believer in RTFM. I read it once, cover-to-cover, before the battery even goes into the body.

 

[leon]

Minimum scan contents, and if have time flip through pages. Depends on my (im)patience to go hands-on.

Some new toys deserve a serious read of the manual.

 

[aselley]

The manual for my camera...nope. The manual for my battery grip...yes. mmm, since they were purchased 4 years apart it must be a sign I am getting old.

 

[NemesisBlade]

reading now while waiting for the battery to charge lo