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In this article, CreativeCOW.net contributing editor Jim Harvey reviews 123Di Training Course for Digital Photography and discovers ''a delightful course that covered the Basics, the Intermediate and the Advanced aspects of Digital image acquisition, but had done so in a very interesting and well laid out program that is like nothing that I've ever seen before!'' ... A five COW recommendation for a powerful Photoshop training tool.
I came across this resource while researching digital cameras. My trusty Sony Cybershot F717 is getting a little long in the tooth and I'm getting antsy to replace it with something more current. I was longing for the F828, but that too is yesterday's news. So in my travels, I came across Vincent Bockaert's site and his amazing course 123Di.
I've been talking photographs for as long as I can remember. Digitally, for as long as they've been available, so I feel that I'm pretty savvy about the who, what, and where of using these cameras. You're never too old to learn, however, and I thought I'd give Vincent's program a spin to see if I could glean anything from it.
I was expecting a cute little flash animation program that would walk me through the very basic basics of camera operation (even though it was clearly stated that there was “advanced” information and sections in the content. I've been fooled by that claim more than once!) So imagine my surprise and delight when I found that Vincent had not only put together a delightful course that covered the Basics, the Intermediate and the Advanced aspects of Digital image acquisition, but had done so in a very interesting and well laid out program that is like nothing that I've ever seen before.
I don't know exactly how to describe the program other than to say that it has a very different “feel” to it. There are over 3000 pages contained in the course, which in itself shocked me. For $50.00, I wasn't expecting War & Peace, but that's pretty much what I got!
When you first start the program, there is a table of contents that allows you to jump from one section to the next. Once you have chosen a section, you can work page by page or delve deeper into the subject by pressing the 1, 2, or 3 button (hence the name). Bockaert gives plenty of in depth content even in the basic sections. When you get to the intermediate and advanced stages, the information is beyond plentiful.
There are lots of excellent animations and plenty of visual content that explains virtually every aspect of digital photography and manipulation. The section on removing ISO noise is worth the price of the course alone. With over 3000 pages of content (yes, I know I'm repeating myself, but come on! 3000 PAGES!) there is enough content here to keep you busy for quite a while. The one downside from my perspective is that the program is Windows only. However, I understand that if you have Virtual PC, you CAN run it on a Mac. As there are many in the digital realm that use Mac's (so I've been told) this is a GOOD thing.
Bockaert has the bona fides to write a course like this. He's one of the contributors to dpreview.com, which is one of the hallmark sites for digital camera reviews and information. Believe me, when you dive into 123Di you'll understand that there are few questions that aren't going to be answered here.
Lastly, it's $50.00…You wasted more than $50.00 on that collection of Pokemon cards that were going to make you rich. Invest the next $50.00 in something that will actually make you smarter. If not, I have a MINT Ancient MEW Hologram that I'll let you have cheap!
In Conclusion
Go and see for yourself. Download the demo at www.123di.com and give it a spin. I'm betting that you'll be impressed and not a little surprised at what Vincent has put together.
5 cows for a unique and comprehensive program that actually will teach you more that you bargained for. A GREAT little holiday gift for that aspiring or seasoned photographer (or even a great present for yourself!
