Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 DMC-FZ330 User's Guide Paperback – April 13, 2017

Great book with an excellent introduction to my camera

This is such an exemplary example of what is needed in a user's manual. One will not learn much from trying to read the Panasonic manual as it is not focused and presents no actual examples. Even worse, that manual does not speak in a "friendly" and instructive tone that is both enlightening and enjoyable. Basically, it just points to features on product illustrations and states what it does. There is no "how" or "why."Mr. Houghton's book is published on quality paper that allows a very crisp and readable typeface. The illustrations are large and I suffered far less fatique and eyestrain going through this manual than I have experienced in other user guides. I find it very easy to read the book with the camera in hand and follow along.I applaud Mr. Houghton for putting so much effort and personal experience into this book. He is obviously not a person who knocks out a book for every new model that comes along in some perfunctory effort to notch another book. No, it is clear he is motivated by a keen appreciation of the equipment and a desire to bring others along to a higher level of photographic knowledge.One could say that this book is too expensive, but this must be looked at realistically. These niche books will sell in low volume so setting a fair price is problematic. I feel that Mr. Houghton has made a reasonable price choice and I personally feel that purchasing this book was money well spent. The FZ300/330 is an amazing camera at a reasonable price and to strive to make the most of its capabilities is a rewarding effort and is part of the fun of photography.If you like this camera and appreciate the photographic hobby, you most certainly should consider getting copy of this book.

This guide is packed with information The first part of the book reviewing basic principles as applied to the FZ300 - FZ330. The latter part of the book has great information about how to apply the basic principles to understand and take great pictures with this camera. On the down side, this reads like an unedited transcription of many verbal presentations, and has many errors in spelling, punctuation, wording, grammar, and organization. The table of contents is confusing and the book lacks an index, so that finding information on any specific topic can be difficult. I've found writing in my copy to clarify and cross reference is helpful and necessary, which gives the paper copy an advantage over an electronic copy.

Both beginner and experience user will get value in this publication.

I own a Sony RX100 III camera which doesn't have great instructions so bought an accompanying book that is worth every penny. The book explains in detail the various controls for that camera along with nice examples.In the same mold, when I recently bought a Panasonic Lumix FZ300 bridge camera, I was hoping this book, "Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 DMC-FZ330 User's Guide" would serve a similar purpose as the book for my Sony.After having read the Lumix book, unfortunately, the book left me wanting more. Mainly, more coverage of how the controls and menus of the camera operate. This book feels more like a photography book which so happens to use the Panasonic camera. Similar to days of learning a computer program that so happens to use a Mac or PC. That is, not particular a course on how to use the Mac or PC.First off, I'm confident in saying that the passion of photography shows in the author. He tried to explain some photography concepts which are interesting (like the exposure triangle). Unfortunately, if like me, you are looking for a book on how to use the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 DMC-FZ330 after unboxing, you probably will be left feeling disappointed.Back to my experience with my Sony camera. The camera has a thumb wheel which when using, I'd accidentally bump and change the shutter speed. However the Sony book has enough detail to explain how to lock down the thumb wheel. That is the kind of detail I'm looking for in the Lumix book. However, that level of detail is sparse in this book.As others have mentioned, there is noticeable lack of organization. There are no chapters but only a table on contents and index. Yet, the index isn't a detailed as can be. For example, I looked up custom mode on the index and that refers me to page 21 which is a definition of the custom mode. Yet, the index does not refer to page 128 which is the beginning of section on creating custom settings.There are some interesting and helpful side discussions in the book. For example, on the low light photography area, the author mentions shooting a picture the full moon and how a full moon actually has reflective light from the sun and thus don't need that much of a low light setting. Furthermore, he suggests what settings to use on the camera to take a picture of the full moon. Interesting and helpful, but again more about photography in general than about how to use the camera.In summary, on one hand, the passion of the author shows and there is some helpful information about photography which I wasn't aware of. Yet, at the same time, I really don't consider the book a detailed user manual for the Lumix FZ300/FZ330. With that in mind, I decided to return the book.I give this book 3 stars.

I think the FZ300 is great but almost impossible to learn if you, like me, are a tyro. This book in conjunction with the Panasonic basic and advanced owner's manuals is finally allowing me to control the damn thing. My only complaint is the lack of an index. Looking through GH's site (searching for info on "extended optical zoom " and how to get it) I find I can now get a PDF version to keep on my tablet with the Lumix manuals Through Mr. Houghton's genorosity it is available free with a purchase of his User's Manual. PDF fixes my index complaint.. Do not hesitate to buy this book if you own or are considering a FZ300.

If you are going to invest in this camera this is a must have guide. I've been out of photography for years, now I'm retired I researched and came up with this camera to get back in and I'm finding out the amazing to me capabilities but I definitely needed help beyond the basic manual the camera comes with. The color illustrations and easy to follow guild into the cameras capabilities along with creativity is a must have.

Great reference source for mastering all the features of this camera

Much better than the manual supplied if you are not a fairly expert user. Covers issues not covered in the manual.

Dit boek is een perfecte aanvulling op de handleiding van Panasonic en praktisch als naslagwerk. Dat gecombineerd met de tutorial video's van de auteur is ideaal. Een aanrader

Mi auguro che venga pubblicato in italiano, perché' non tutti i termini sono facilmente traducibili.Per il resto, è sicuramente più' pratico del manuale Panasonic.

Great reference...well structured.