What camera... BOOK should I buy?

[iowa_jim]

I've decided to open up the piggy bank and go for the T2i. Too many advantages in a single camera to overlook for this snapshot hack. While I'm waiting for Canon to deliver, I'd like to start reading.

I have a brief understanding of the mechanics of exposure, rule of reciprocity, rule of thirds, but I'd like to expand.

And then there's the subject - landscapes, portraits, making the most of depth of field techniques, kids in action, etc. Some pigeon-holed ideas for camera settings, at least to start with, would be welcome.

And that whole composition thing.

What would be a good book to get me started in the basics? I don't need something explained very simply, but I don't want a 4th year college text either.

And while we're at it, some quick calculations shows me that the f-stop number is a relative measure of the radius of the aperture, not the area. This seems a bit odd to the uninitiated -what's up with that?

Thanks

Jim

[mtclimber]

Jim-

Patterson's book on Exposure is considered excellent, and Scott Kelby's series called "The Digital Photography Book" is also considered sort of a bible of sorts.

Sarah Joyce

[iowa_jim]

Thanks Sarah! I think I'll start with volume 1 from Kelby.

Jim