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COM
A S H O R T C O U R S E I N
CANON EOS
DIGITAL REBEL
XSI/450D PHOTOGRAPHY
D E N N I S P . C U R T I N
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SHORT COURSES BOOKS AND WEB SITE
S
hort Courses is the leading publisher of digital photography books,
textbooks, and guides to specifc cameras from Canon, Sony, Nikon,
Olympus and others. All of these books are available on-line from the
Short Courses bookstore at:
http://www.shortcourses.com/store/
All recent books are available in both black & white printed, and full-color
eBook (PDF) versions available on CDs or as instant downloads. The list of
books weve published is always expanding so be sure to visit the store to see
if there is a book on your camera, or on another topic that interests you.
If you fnd any errors in this book, would like to make suggestions for im-
provements, or just want to let me know what you think I welcome your
feedback.
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To learn more about digital photography, visit our two Web sites:
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Copyright 2008 by Dennis P. Curtin. All rights reserved. Printed in the
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right Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced or distrib-
uted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.
NOTE ON THE SHORTCOURSES.COM WEB SITE
This book is designed to work with the many free on-line books available at
the authors Web site at www.shortcourses.com. Of special interest may be
the books on displaying & sharing your digital photos, digital photography
workfow, image sensors and digital desktop lighting.
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long as its related to digital photography. Click to visit
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loads of the digital photography books published by Short Courses. Click to
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Curtins Guide to Digital Cameras and Other Photographic Equipment is
a guide to choosing a digital camera and understanding its features. Includes
coverage of camera bags, tripods, lighting equipment and much more. Click
to visit
Using Your Digital Camera clearly explains everything you need to know
about using your cameras controls to capture great photos. Click to visit
Displaying & Sharing Your Digital Photos discusses what digital photogra-
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them on-screen, and moving beyond the still image into exciting new areas.
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SHORTCOURSES BOOKS AND WEB SITE
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Digital Photography Workfow covers everything from getting ready to
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photographs. Click to visit
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EDUCATORS
Short Courses books
have always been
popular as textbooks
in digital photogra-
phy courses. If you
are an instructor,
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PREFACE
A
great photograph begins when you recognize a great scene or
subject. But recognizing a great opportunity isnt enough to capture
it; you also have to be prepared. A large part of being prepared in-
volves understanding your camera well enough to capture what you see. Get-
ting you prepared to see and capture great photographs is what this book is
all about. It doesnt matter if you are taking pictures for business or pleasure,
theres a lot here to help you get better results and more satisfaction from
your photography.
To get better, and possibly even great photographs, you need to understand
both concepts and procedures; the whys and hows of photography.
Concepts of photography are the underlying principles that apply regardless
of the camera you are using. They include such things as how sharpness and
exposure affect your images and the way they are perceived by viewers. Un-
derstanding concepts answers the why kinds of questions you might have
about photography.
Procedures are those things specifc to one kind of camera, and explain
step-by-step how you set your cameras controls to capture an image just the
way you want to. Understanding procedures gives you the answers to the
how kinds of questions you might have.
This book is organized around the concepts of digital photography because
thats how photographers think. You think about scenes and subjects, high-
lights and shadows, softness and sharpness, color and tone. The procedures
you use with the Canon EOS Rebel XSi cameracalled the 450D in many
parts of the worldare integrated throughout the concepts, appearing in
those places where they apply. This integrated approach lets you frst under-
stand the concepts of photography and then see step by step how to use the
XSi in all kinds of photographic situations.
To get more effective, interesting, and creative photographs, you only need
to understand how and when to use a few simple features on your camera
such as focus, exposure controls, and fash. If youve previously avoided
understanding these features and the profound impact they can have on your
images, youll be pleased to know that you can learn them on a weekend.
You can then spend the rest of your life marveling at how the infnite variety
of combinations make it possible to convey your own personal view of the
world. Youll be ready to keep everything in a scene sharp for maximum de-
tail or to blur it all for an impressionistic portrayal. Youll be able to get dra-
matic close-ups, freeze fast action, create wonderful panoramas, and capture
the beauty and wonder of rainbows, sunsets, freworks, and nighttime scenes.
As you explore your camera, be sure to have fun. There are no rules or
best way to make a picture. Great photographs come from using what you
know to experiment and try new approaches. Digital cameras make this espe-
cially easy because there are no flm costs or delays. Every experiment is free
and you see the results immediately so you can learn step by step.
This book assumes youve mastered the mechanics of your camera. Its about
getting great pictures, not about connecting your camera to computers and
using your software. That information is well presented in the user guide that
came with your camera. Be sure to visit our Web site at www.shortcourses.
com for even more digital photography information.
PHOTOGRAPHY
ON-LINE
To learn more
about digital pho-
tography, visit our
ShortCourses Web
site at www.
shortcourses.com.
The Canon EOS Digital
Rebel XSi/450D is a
very high-quality 12.2
megapixel camera.
The XSi /450D accepts
the full line of Canon EF
and EF-S lenses.
PREFACE
IV
The XSi/450D can print
directly to a printer
without a computer.
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CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Cover...i
Short Courses Books and Web Site...ii
Preface...iv
Contents...v
CHAPTER 1
CAMERA CONTROLS AND CREATIVITY...7
The Digital Rebel XSi/450D Camera...8
Jump StartUsing Full Auto Mode...9
Good Things to Know...10
Using the Viewfnder...13
Diopter Adjustment...13
Focus Points ...13
Information Display...13
Metering Display...13
Anatomy of the Camera...14
Top and Front Views ...14
Rear View...14
Changing Settings with Buttons and Dial...16
Changing Settings with Menus...17
Playing Back & Managing Your Images...19
Image Review...19
Information Display...19
Image Playback...19
Jumping in Playback...20
Giving Slide Shows...20
Using the Playback Menu...21
Selecting Image Quality and Size...22
Number of Pixels...22
How an Image is Captured...24
The Exposure...24
Its All Black and White After All...24
Choosing Image Size and Quality...25
CHAPTER 2
CONTROLLING EXPOSURE...28
Understanding Exposure...29
The Shutter Controls Light and Motion...30
The Aperture Controls Light and Depth of Field...32
Using Shutter Speed and Aperture Together...34
ExposureFaucets & Buckets Analogy...35
ExposureSeesaw Analogy...36
Retaining Highlight and Shadow Details ...37
Choosing Shooting Modes...38
Using Image Zone Modes...39
Using Program AE (P) Mode and Program Shift...40
Using Shutter-Priority (Tv) Mode...41
Using Aperture-Priority (Av) Mode...42
Using Manual (M) Mode...43
How Your Exposure System Works...44
Meter Averaging and Middle Gray...44
Types of Metering...46
When Automatic Exposure Works Well...47
When to Override Automatic Exposure...48
Scenes Lighter than Middle Gray...48
Scenes Darker than Middle Gray...49
Subject Against Very Light Background...49
Subject Against Very Dark Background...50
Scenes with High Contrast...50
Hard to Meter Scenes...51
How Overriding Autoexposure Works...52
How to Override Automatic Exposure...53
Exposure Compensation...53
Autoexposure (AE) Lock...53
Autoexposure Bracketing (AEB)...55
Using Histograms...56
Displaying Histograms...56
Evaluating Histograms ...56
Clipped Pixels...58
Sample Histograms...59
CHAPTER 3
CONTROLLING SHARPNESS...60
Getting Sharper Pictures...61
Supporting the Camera...61
Using the Self-timer...61
Increasing Sensitivity (ISO)...62
Sharpness Isnt Everything...64
How to Photograph Motion Sharply...65
Speed of Subject...65
Direction of Movement...65
Distance to Subject and Focal Length of
Lens...66
Focus and Depth of Field...67
Focus...67
Depth of Field...67
Checking Depth of Field...68
Focusing Techniques...69
Autofocus Modes...69
Selectable Focusing Points...70
Using Focus Lock...71
Manual Focus...72
Controlling Depth of Field...73
Using Deep Depth of Field...74
Focusing on the Hyperfocal Distance...74
Auto Depth-of-feld AE (A-DEP)...75
Using Shallow Depth of Field...76
Conveying the Feeling of Motion...77
CHAPTER 4
CAPTURING LIGHT & COLOR...78
Where Does Color Come From?...79
White Balance and Color...80
Using Preset White Balance Settings...80
Creating and Using a Custom White Balance
Setting...81
Selecting a Color Space...82
Using White Balance Correction & Bracketing...83
Color and Time of Day...84
Sunsets and Sunrises...85
Weather...87
Photographing at Night...89
The Direction of Light...91
The Quality of Light...93
V
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CONTENTS
VI
CHAPTER 5
UNDERSTANDING LENSES...94
Canon Lenses...95
Electronic Lens Mount...95
Focusing Technology...95
Ultrasonic Motors...96
Image Stabilization...96
Information on a Canon Lens...97
Focal Length...98
Zoom Lenses...99
Normal Lenses...100
Wide-Angle Lenses...101
Telephoto Lenses...103
Macro Lenses and Accessories...105
Tilt-Shift Lenses...107
Lens Accessories...108
Perspective in a Photograph...109
CHAPTER 6
USING FLASH AND STUDIO LIGHTING...110
How Flash Works...111
Using Autofash...112
Flash and Shutter Speeds...112
Flash in the Basic Zone...112
Flash in the Creative Zone...113
Portraits with Flash...114
Positioning the Flash and Subjects...114
Red-eye...115
Using Fill Flash...116
Using Slow Sync Flash...117
Using Available Light...119
Controlling Flash Exposures...120
Whats E-TTL II?...120
Flash Exposure Compensation...120
Flash Exposure (FE) Lock...121
Using the Flash Control Setting...122
Using an External Flash...123
The 580EX II Speedlite...123
High-speed Sync (FP)...123
Flash Exposure Bracketing (FEB)...124
Wireless Remote Flash...124
Stroboscopic Flash...124
Autozoom...124
Using Flash in Close-ups...125
Studio Lighting...126
Candidates for Studio Lighting...126
Lighting...126
Backgrounds...128
Risers...128
Special Bulbs...128
Portrait and Product PhotographyIntroduction...129
The Main Light...130
The Fill Light...131
The Background Light...132
The Rim Light...133
CHAPTER 7
OTHER FEATURES AND COMMANDS...134
Live View Shooting...135
General Tips in Live View...135
Manually Focusing in Live View...137
Autofocusing in Live View...137
Continuous Photography...139
Using Picture Styles...140
Selecting Picture Styles...140
Adjusting Picture Styles...141
Remote Control Photography...142
Using My Menu...143
Using the Set-up Menu...144
Auto power off...144
File numbering...145
Auto rotate...145
Format...145
LCD auto off...146
Screen color...146
LCD brightness...146
Date/Time...146
Language...146
Video system...146
Sensor cleaning...146
Live View function settings...146
Flash control...146
Custom Functions (C. Fn)...147
Clear settings...147
Firmware Ver...147
Using Custom Functions...148
Entering a Print Order...152
Caring for Your Camera...153
Cleaning the Image Sensor...153
Cleaning the Camera and Lens...155
Protecting your Camera from the Ele-
ments...155
Protecting when Traveling...156
Storing a Camera...156
Caring for Yourself...156
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Chapter 1
Camera Controls and Creativity
S
erious digital cameras give you creative control over your images. They
do so by allowing you to control the light and motion in photographs
as well as whats sharp and what isnt. Although most consumer digital
cameras are fully automatic, some allow you to make minor adjustments that
affect your images. The best ones such as the Rebel XSi offer interchangeable
lenses, external fash connections, and a wide range of controlsmany more
than youd fnd on point and shoot cameras. However, regardless of what
controls your camera has, the same basic principles are at work under the
hood. Your automatic exposure and focusing systems are having a profound
affect on your images. Even with your camera set to operate automatically,
you can indirectly control, or at least take advantage of the effects these sys-
tems have on your images.
In this chapter, well frst explore your camera and how you use it on Full
Auto mode. Youll also see how you use menus and buttons to operate the
camera, manage your images and control image quality. In the chapters that
follow, youll explore in greater depth how you take control of these settings,
and others, to get the effects that you want.
CONTENTS
The Digital Rebel
XSi/450D Camera
Jump StartUs-
ing Full Auto Mode
Good Things to Know
Using the Viewfnd-
er Anatomy of the
Camera Changing
Settings with Buttons
and Dials Chang-
ing Settings with
Menus Playing Back
& Managing Your
Images Selecting
Image Quality and
Size
CHAPTER 1. CAMERA CONTROLS AND CREATIVITY
8
CHAPTER 1. CAMERA CONTROLS AND CREATIVITY
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http://www.photocourse.com/itext/SLR/
THE DIGITAL REBEL XSI/450D CAMERA
The Canon EOS XSi/450Ds compact and lightweight silver or black body
houses a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS image sensor. It can capture images up to
4,272 x 2,848 pixels in size, large enough for 21 x 14 inch, high-quality prints.
Its high-speed continuous mode captures up to 56 Large/Fine JPEGs or 6
RAW images at 3.5 frame-per-second (fps) making it ideal for photographing
wildlife, sports and other action subjects.
The camera has a large three-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD monitor on which
you can display menus, camera settings, and images you have captured. Us-
ing Live View, you can also use the monitor to compose and focus images,
magnifying them up to 10x for the precise focus required in macro photogra-
phy. You can even display a histogram on the monitor to ensure you have the
best possible exposure before taking the picture. Using Live View, along with
software and a cable supplied with the camera, you can use a much larger
computer screen as the monitor/viewfnder to compose and focus images and
use menu commands to change camera settings.
The camera has a fast 0.1-second initial start-up, a shutter rated up to
100,000 cycles, a top shutter speed of 1/4000 sec, and 1/200 maximum X-
sync fash shutter speed setting. ISO settings range from 1001600.
Because the cameras APS-C size image sensor is smaller than a frame of
35mm flm, the camera has a 1.6x focal length conversion factor and is com-
patible with the full line-up of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
The cameras 14-bit Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process recognizes
four times as many colors as its predecessor, capturing images with fner
and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. Highlight Tone Priority
is perfect for wedding and nature photographers trying to capture details in
wedding dresses, clouds, snow or other white subjects. When you dont plan
on editing your images on a computer, Picture Styles let you adjust them for
printing right in the camera as you capture them.
The camera captures images in the universal JPEG format but also offers the
higher-quality RAW format. You can also select RAW+L to capture identi-
cal RAW and JPEG images with the same fle name and different extensions
(CR2 and JPG). You can then use the JPEG without farther processing and
use the RAW image when you want to create the best possible image.
The focusing system offers nine focus points from which you or the camera
can select the one used to set focus. A 35-zone metering sensor, and evalua-
tive metering, are linked to all AF points. Also available are centerweighted
average metering, partial metering and spot meteringthe last two metering
approximately 9% or 4% in the center of the viewfnder.
The camera has E-TTL II autofash and 12 shooting modes. As an added
convenience you can adjust the fash settings of the Canon Speedlite 580EX
II directly from the camera.
The cameras integrated sensor cleaning offers a number of ways to prevent
dust from affecting your images, or remove it if it does.
Finally, the camera has customization features including 13 Custom Func-
tions, picture styles you can edit or defne from scratch, and the ability to
create your own menu listing only those settings you use most frequently.
The XSis image sensor
is smaller that a frame
of 35mm flm, but
has the same familiar
shapecalled the
aspect ratio.
Click this button to play
an animation that shows
how an SLR works when
you compose an image
and press the shutter
button.
Canon Selphy printers
like this S2 can print
4 x 6 or 4 x 8 inch
prints directly from the
camera.
IN THE BOX
Rebel XSi Body
(Black or Silver),
Eyecup Ef, Wide
Strap EW-100DBIII,
Video Cable VC-100,
USB Interface Cable
IFC-200U, Battery
Pack LP-E5, Battery
Charger LC-E5 or
LC-E5E, EOS Digital
Solution Disk and
Instruction Manuals,
Great Photography
is Easy Booklet
and Do More with
Macro Booklet.
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JUMP STARTUSING FULL AUTO MODE
The XSis Full Auto mode sets everything for you. Just frame the image and
push the shutter button. This a good mode in most situations because it lets
you focus on the subject rather than the camera.
Selecting the mode. Turn the power switch on the top of the camera to
ON and set the Mode Dial to Full Auto (the green rectangle icon). The moni-
tor displays the current camera settings (page 19).
Framing the image. The viewfnder shows about 95% of the scene you
are going to capture. If the image in the viewfnder is fuzzy, turn the diop-
ter adjustment knob in the upperright corner of the viewfnder to adjust it.
When using a zoom lens, turn the zoom ring to zoom in and out.
Autofocus. Nine small rectangles called the AF points (AF stands for au-
tofocus) are displayed in the viewfnder. When the focus switch on the lens is
set to AF (page 69), the camera focuses on the closest subject covered by one
or more of these points (page 70). When you press the shutter button half-
way down and focus is achieved, a red dot fashes in the point or points being
used to set focus, the round focus confrmation light in the lower right corner
of the viewfnder glows green, and the camera beeps. How close you can get
to a subject depends on the lens you are using. If the subjects distance to the
camera changes after you have focused on it, AI servo AF mode (page 69)
keeps it in focus as long as its covered by one of the focus points.
Autoexposure. Evaluative metering divides the scene in the viewfnder
into 35 zones and meters each of them to determine the best exposure for the
scene (page 44). The shutter speed and aperture are displayed in the view-
fnder and on the monitor when you press the shutter button halfway down.
Autofash. When the light is too dim, or the subject is backlit, the built-in
fash automatically pops up when you press the shutter button halfway down
and fres when you press the shutter button the rest of the way down (page
111). When done, press the fash down to close it.
TAKING A PICTURE IN FULL AUTO MODE
1. With the power switch on the top of the camera set to ON, set the
Mode Dial to Full Auto (the green rectangle icon). Set the focus mode
switch on the lens to AF (page 69) and remove the lens cap.
2. Compose the image in the viewfnder, making sure the area that you
want sharpest is covered by one of the nine rectangular focus points.
3. Press the shutter button halfway down and pause so the camera can
automatically set focus and exposure. When the camera has done so
it beeps, the round green focus confrmation light in the viewfnder
glows, and a dot in the focusing point(s) being used to set focus
fashes red.
4. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture.
The shutter sounds and the red access lamp on the back of the cam-
era lights as the image is stored onto the memory card.
The image is displayed on the monitor for 2 seconds so you can
review it, or press the Erase button to delete it.
5. When done shooting, turn the power switch to OFF.
Power switch, Mode
Dial, and shutter
button.
Full Auto icon.
JUMP STARTUSING FULL AUTO MODE
TIPS
If the camera
doesnt work as
described here, you
may need to clear
previous settings as
described on page
147.
If you dont use
any controls for 30
seconds, the camera
enters auto power
off mode (page 144).
To wake it up, press
the shutter button
halfway down and
release it.
The fash pops up
automatically, when
needed, in Basic
Zone modes other
than Sports, Land-
scape, and Flash Off
(page 39). It does
not do so in Creative
Zone modes (page
38).
The color cast in
a photograph is af-
fected by the color
of the light illuminat-
ing the scene. The
camera adjusts white
balance so white
objects in the scene
look white in the
photo (page 80).
10
CHAPTER 1. CAMERA CONTROLS AND CREATIVITY
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To insert a memory card, turn off the camera, slide the card slot cover on
the right side of the camera toward the back, and swing it open. Insert the
card with its front label facing the rear of the camera and press it down until
it locks into place. Slide the cover closed so it snaps into place. To remove
a card, open the card slot cover and press the card down and release it so it
pops up to where you can grasp it. Never open the battery or card slot cover
when the red access lamp in the lower right corner of the camera back. Doing
so can cause you to lose images, or even damage your card.
If you turn off the camera while the red access lamp is lit and Recording
is displayed on the monitor, the camera fnishes saving all of the previously
captured images before it powers down.
The frst time you use the camera you should enter the correct date and time
(page 146) since youll use these later to organize and locate pictures.
When you turn the camera on or off, the image sensor is cleaned (page 153).
When on, the current camera settings are displayed on the monitor.
If you dont use any controls for 30 seconds, the camera enters auto power
off mode and the monitor turns off. To wake it up, press the shutter button
halfway down and release it. (You can also press Playback, DISP, SET or
MENU buttons.) To increase the auto power off time, see page 144.
No matter what you are doing, you can instantly return to shooting mode by
pressing the shutter button halfway down.
The shutter button has two stages. When you press it halfway down, the
camera sets exposure and focus. When set, the current aperture and shutter
speed are shown in the viewfnder and on the monitor. If you press the shut-
ter button down in one stroke without pausing halfway, the camera may take
GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
When you frst start taking photos with a new camera, it sometimes seems
that there is too much to learn all at once. To simplify your getting started,
here are some of the things you may want to know right off.
If your camera is right out of the box, you need to mount a lens (page 95),
insert a charged battery pack, and insert a memory card on which your imag-
es are saved. The camera uses Secure Digital (SD) memory cards which store
up to 4 GB, or newer SDHC cards that store 432 GB. No card is included
with the camera, and there may be no lens as part of the package. Be careful
because it is possible to take photos without a card in the camera! If you turn
this feature off, when you press the shutter button halfway down with no card
in the camera Card is displayed in the monitor and you cant take a picture.
The card and battery
compartments have
sliding covers.
Icons on the monitor
indicate the status of
the battery charge as
full (top), almost run
down (middle), and out
(bottom).
PREVENTING SHOOTING WITHOUT A CARD
1. With the Mode Dial set to any mode, press MENU and display the
Shooting 1 menu tab (page 17).
2. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight Shoot w/o card
and press SET to display choices.
3. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight Off and press
SET to select it.
4. Press the MENU or shutter button to hide the menu.
Pressing the shutter
button halfway down
locks focus and
exposure and pressing it
all the way down takes
the picture.
The sensor cleaning
icon.
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GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
Dioptric adjustment
knob.
TURNING THE BEEP ON AND OFF
1. With the Mode Dial set to any shooting mode, press MENU and
display the Shooting 1 menu tab (page 17).
2. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight Beep and press
SET to display choices.
3. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight On or Off and
press SET to select it.
4. Press the MENU or shutter button to hide the menu.
a moment before taking a picture.
In Full Auto mode, the focus mode is set to AI focus AF (page 69). When
you press the shutter button halfway down in this mode:
If the camera doesnt beep, the round green focus confrmation light in
the viewfnder blinks, and you cant take a picture, the camera isnt able to
focus (page 69).
If the camera beeps softly and the focus confrmation light doesnt light,
the subject is moving and the camera has automatically switched from AI
focus AF to AI servo AF mode to keep it in focus (page 69).
When you press the shutter button halfway down you activate metering and
the shutter speed and aperture are displayed in the viewfnder and on the
monitor (page 14). Metering only remains active for 4 seconds unless you use
a control. You can turn it back on at any time by pressing the shutter button
halfway down.
Be aware of the number of shots remaining displayed in brackets in the
lowerright corner of the monitor when camera settings are displayed.
To take pictures, hold the camera in your right hand while supporting the
lens with your left. Brace the camera against your face as you look through
the viewfnder and brace your elbows against your body. Press the shutter
button slowly and smoothly as you hold your breath after breathing in deeply
and exhaling.
When you take a photo its displayed on the monitor for 2 seconds so you
can review it, press the Erase button to delete it or the DISP button to change
the display mode. You can change the review time, turn it off, or set it to Hold
so it remains displayed until auto power off takes effect (page 144).
If the focus confrmation
light in the viewfnder
blinks when you press
the shutter button
halfway down, the
camera is having
trouble focusing (page
69).
TIP
If you turn the
Mode Dial while
watching the camera
information display
on the monitor, youll
see the settings for
each mode. Those
that are grayed out
cant be changed in
the current shooting
mode.
CHANGING THE REVIEW TIME
1. With the Mode Dial set to any shooting mode, press MENU and dis-
play the Shooting 1 menu tab (page 17).
2. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight Review time and
press SET to display choices.
3. Press the up () or down () cross key to highlight Off, 2 sec., 4 sec.,
8 sec. or Hold and press SET to select it.
4. Press the MENU or shutter button to hide the menu.
The camera beeps when it focuses, and when you use the self-timer, but you
can turn this off if you fnd its drawing attention or affecting others.
The camera uses Secure
Digital (SD) cards to
store images. The white
switch on the left,
when slid down, write-
protects your image
fles and you cant take
new pictures or erase
existing ones.
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You can adjust the monitors brightness to match the light in which youre
viewing it (page 146).
When you bring your eye to the viewfnder, a sensor just below it turns off
the monitor display so it doesnt distract you. When you stop looking through
the viewfnder, the monitor display comes back on.
You can reset most camera settings to their factory defaults using the Set-up
3 menu tabs Clear settings command (page 147). This is useful if you make
changes and cant remember how to undo them.
The XSi supports Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 and Exif 2.21 (also
called Exif Print). Exif Print is an industry standard that enhances compat-
ibility among digital cameras and printers. When you connect the camera to
a printer that also supports Exif Print, the shooting information is used to
optimize print quality.
One rechargeable battery pack LP-E5 will capture about 600 images in
warm weather when not using fash. Things that reduce battery life include
holding the shutter button halfway down, and using the LCD monitor, fash,
autofocus, image stabilization (on some lenses), and Live View.
Do not look through the viewfnder directly at the sun. Doing so may cause
loss of vision. Dont even point the camera toward the sun since it can scorch
and damage the shutter curtains inside the camera.
If the focusing ring on a lens rotates during autofocusing, do not touch it.
If more than one AF point fashes, the camera has focused on all of those
points so they must be almost equally distant from the camera.
If pressing the shutter button halfway down doesnt focus the camera, the
focus mode switch on the lens may be set to MF (Manual Focus). Switch it to
AF autofocus).
If the fash pops up in daylight, the camera is in a Basic Zone shooting mode
and the main subject is backlit. Flash will be used to reduce harsh shadows
on the subject.
If the fash fres a series of fashes when you press the shutter button half-
way down, its using its AF assist beam to help the camera focus. The beam is
effective up to about 13 feet (4 meters).
If you use fash and a picture comes out dark, you were too far away from
the main subject. Normally, you shouldnt be more than 16 feet (5 meters)
away.
If the fash is used and the bottom of the picture is in shadow, you were too
close and the fash was blocked by the lens or lens hood.
A LOOK AHEAD
The cameras 12 shooting modes are divided into two types, or zonesBasic
Zone and Creative Zone. Each zone has a number of modes you can select by
turning the Mode Dial on top of the camera. Basic Zone modes, including Full
Auto and six Image Zones, are indicated with picture-like icons and Creative
Zone modes with text (P, TV, Av, M, and A-DEP). These modes are described in
more detail starting on page 38.
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METERING DISPLAY
The aperture and shutter speed are both displayed in the viewfnder and on
the monitor while the cameras exposure metering is on. Metering is on for
only four seconds after you press the shutter button halfway down, so if it
turns off, you have to press the shutter button halfway down to turn it back
on. When off, you cant change many settings and the information displayed
on the monitor isnt as complete as it could be. For example, when metering
is off:
The viewfnder display is also off so you cant use to as a guide to changing
settings.
The monitor display remains on (until auto power off takes effect) and you
can change the aperture in Av mode and shutter speed in Tv mode (pages
4142), but the corresponding shutter speed or aperture isnt displayed.
USING THE VIEWFINDER
When taking photos you normally compose them in the viewfnder. Since this
is your center of interest, the camera also displays focus, exposure and other
information to guide you.
DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT
You can adjust the viewfnder display so you can read it without glasses. To
do so, remove the lens cap and look through the viewfnder at a bright, evenly
lit surface such as a wall or sky (not the sun!). If the viewfnder display isnt
sharp, try to bring the AF points into focus by turning the dioptric adjust-
ment knob in the upperright corner of the viewfnder. If this doesnt work,
the camera also accepts accessory E-series Dioptric Adjustment Lenses in 10
types ranging from -4 to +3 diopters. These lenses slip into the viewfnders
eyepiece holder. (See your Canon dealer for information.)
FOCUS POINTS
The viewfnder displays nine small rectangles called AF points (AF stands
for autofocus). When the focus switch on the lens is set to AF (page 69), the
camera focuses on the closest subject covered by one or more of these focus
points. The one or ones being used to set focus can be selected manually or
automatically (page 70). When you press the shutter button halfway down,
dots in the focusing point or points being used for focus fash red.
INFORMATION DISPLAY
The viewfnder displays (from left to right below) the current shutter speed
and aperture, the exposure level indicator, the ISO, the shots remaining
in continuous mode, and the focus confrmation indicator. The exposure
level indicator, only displayed in Creative Zone modes, is used for exposure
compensation (page 53) and to guide you when setting the exposure in M
(manual) shooting mode (page 43). As you will see in the following chapters,
there are a number of other indicators that are displayed during various
procedures.
The viewfnder displays
information about
settings that affect the
current photograph.
When focus is achieved
a dot in the AF point
or points being used to
set focus fash red and
the green confrmation
light glows steady in the
viewfnder.
The diopter adjustment
knob.
TIP
To start metering
and display exposure
information on the
monitor and in the
viewfnder, press the
shutter button half-
way down.
USING THE VIEWFINDER
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ANATOMY OF THE CAMERA
The XSi has buttons and dials that quickly change important settings. In
many cases you use buttons, cross keys and SET together or in sequence
(page 16). Here are the dials and buttons youll be using to control the cam-
era.
TOP AND FRONT VIEWS
1. Shutter button locks exposure and focus and turns on metering when
pressed halfway down, and takes a photo when pressed all the way.
2. Main Dial selects menu tabs (page 17), adjusts exposure when used with
the Av button (page 53), and changes shutter speeds and apertures (pages
4143). In playback mode, the dial jumps through pictures youve taken
(page 19).
3. ISO button displays ISO settings from which to choose (page 62).
4. Mode Dial selects one of the 12 shooting modes (page 38).
5. Power switch turns the camera on and off.
6. Flash button pops up the built-in fash when the Mode Dial is set to any
mode in the Creative Zone (page 112).
7. Lens release button lets you turn the lens to remove it (page 95).
8. Depth of Field preview button lets you preview depth of feld (page
68).
REAR VIEW
The built-in fash
pops-up on top of the
camera.
The shutter button
has two stages. When
pressed halfway down,
the camera locks focus
and exposure and
pressing it all the way
down takes the picture.
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ANATOMY OF THE CAMERA
Cross keys move the
highlight while using
menus and scroll
images in playback
mode. In shooting
mode, pressing a
specifc cross key lets
you change metering,
autofocus, drive, and
picture style modes.
TIPS
Blue icons indicate
a buttons function
in playback mode.
White icons indicate
its function in shoot-
ing mode.
You can quickly
reset all camera set-
tings to their original
factory defaults
(page 147).
You can connect
the camera to a
computer and use
Live View (page 135)
so you and others
can immediately see
photos as you take
them. This is a great
way to take portraits
and close-ups.
9. DISP button displays or hides information on the monitor about camera
settings in shooting or menu mode, or about the currently displayed image in
playback or review mode.
10. MENU button displays and hides the menu on the monitor (page 17).
11. Dioptric adjustment knob sharpens the viewfnder image (page 13).
12. Index/Reduce button in playback mode (blue icon) reduces a magni-
fed image and switches to index view (page 19). In shooting mode AE/FE
Lock (*) locks exposure (page 53) and fash exposure (page 121).
13. Magnify button in playback mode (blue icon) enlarges an image up to
10x (page 19). In shooting mode AF point selection is used with the Main
Dial or cross keys to select focusing points used to set focus (page 70).
14. Aperture Value (Av)/Exposure compensation button is held down
while turning the Main Dial to set the aperture in manual (M) mode (page 43),
and exposure compensation in other Creative Zone modes (page 53).
15. Print/Share/WB button in playback mode prints and transfers images
when a printer or computer is attached. In shooting mode it displays white
balance settings from which to choose (page 80).
16. Erase button deletes images from the memory card (page 21).
17. Playback button lets you review the photos you have taken (page 19).
18. Metering mode button changes the metering mode (page 46) when
you press it repeatedly.
19. AF mode button changes the focusing mode (page 69) when you press
it repeatedly.
20. Drive mode selection button selects single-shot, continuous (page
139), and self-timer (page 61) modes when you press it repeatedly.
21. Picture styles button selects a picture style (page 139) when you press
it repeatedly.
22. SET button, in the middle of the cross keys, selects highlighted choices
or confrms settings.
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CHANGING SETTINGS WITH BUTTONS AND DIAL
When you frst turn on the camera, or press the DISP button, the monitor
displays the current camera settings. Many of these settingstypically those
you are most likely to use when shooting photosare changed using buttons
and dials. (Those grayed out cant be changed in the current shooting mode,
and Drive is the only button that works in Basic Zone modes.) The sequence
varies depending on which button you press to begin:
Press the ISO or AF point selection button to display a menu on the monitor
and in the viewfnder, turn the Main Dial or press the cross keys to select the
setting you want to use.
Press the white balance button or one of the four cross key buttons to dis-
play a menu on the monitor. Press the same button repeatedly, or press the
cross keys to highlight one of the settings, then press SET to select it.
Hold down the Aperture Value AV/Exposure Compensation button (page
38) and turn the Main Dial to adjust the exposure level indicator in the view-
fnder and on the monitor.
Pressing the DISP button toggles the monitor display on and off. Even when
off, pressing one of the cross keys turns it back on. Custom Function 12 (page
148) can be set so the monitor remembers if it was on or off when you last
turned off the camera and returns to that state when you turn it back on. For
example, if you press DISP to turn off the display, then turn off the camera,
when you turn the camera back on the display will be off.
When the monitor display is on, moving your eye to the viewfnder turns it
off to reduce glare when taking pictures, and moving your eye away turns it
back on. If you are wearing sunglasses, it may not turn off automatically and
if there are fuorescent lights nearby you may not be able to keep it on. You
can turn off this feature using the Set-up 1 menus LCD auto off command
(page 144).
If pressing a shooting button doesnt display its settings on the monitor, the
setting cant be changed in the current shooting mode, or auto power off is
in effect. If the later, press the shutter button halfway down and release it to
activate the meters.
In shooting mode,
the monitor displays
information about the
current settings and
displays options when
you press one of the
shooting buttons on the
back of the camera used
to change settings.
TIPS
Many buttons wont
work when the cam-
era is in auto power
off mode. Press the
shutter button down
and release it to
wake up the cam-
era and activate the
viewfnder and moni-
tor displays.
You can quickly
reset camera settings
to their original fac-
tory defaults (page
147).
When you press many
buttons, their function
remains active for only
4 seconds. If you are
slow, just press the
button again for another
4 seconds.
TIP
When you press
one of the cross keys
to display a menu
on the monitor, you
can highlight one of
the menu choices by
pressing the button
repeatedly or press-
ing one of the cross
keys.
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USING MENUS
To display the menu when the camera is on, press the MENU button
above the monitor to display the last tab you used, with the last com-
mand you used highlighted.
To select a different menu tab, turn the Main Dial or press the left ()
or right () cross key.
To highlight a setting on the selected menu tab, press the up () or
down () cross key to move the colored selection frame.
To display choices for the highlighted setting, press the SET button in
the center of the cross keys. The currently selected setting may be blue.
To select a choice (not all commands list choices), press the up () or
down () cross key to highlight it, then press SET.
To back up without changing a setting, press MENU or the shutter
button before pressing SET.
To return to the menu if pressing SET took you to a second screen,
press MENU. There is often a menu U-turn icon on the screen to re-
mind you that this is an option.
To hide the menu, press the MENU or shutter button.
TIPS
Following this sec-
tion when we say to
highlight a com-
mand or setting we
assume you know
how to do so using
the Main Dial and
cross keys.
When a menu is
displayed on the
screen, press the
shutter button
halfway down to
instantly return to
shooting mode.
You can quickly
reset all camera set-
tings to their original
factory defaults
(page 147).
When a menu is
displayed you can
press the DISP but-
ton once to display
some camera set-
tings and again to
return to the menu.
Icons and colors
indicate shooting,
playback, set-up and My
Menu menu tabs. The
dots indicate tabs 1, 2
and 3 of the menus.
CHANGING SETTINGS WITH MENUS
Menu Description Page
Shooting 1 (Red)
Quality Selects image size, quality and format 25
Red-eye On/Off Off / On 115
Beep On/Off 11
Shoot w/o card On / Off 10
Review time Off / 2 sec. / 4 sec. / 8 sec. / Hold 11
2 Shooting 2 (Red)
AEB 1/3-stop increments, 2 stops 55
Flash exp comp 1/3-stop increments, 2 stops 120
Custom WB Manual setting of white balance 81
WB SHIFT/BKT WB correction, White balance correction,
white balance bracketing
81
Color space sRGB / Adobe RGB 82
Picture Style Standard / Portrait / Landscape / Neutral
/Faithful / Monochrome / User Def. 1, 2, 3
140
Dust Delete Data Obtains data to be used to erase dust spots 154
The settings in gray
on this table are not
available when the
Mode Dial is set to one
of the modes in the
Basic zone.
CHANGING SETTINGS WITH MENUS
To change settings, you often use a tabbed menu that is displayed on the
monitor when you press the MENU button. You navigate the menus and
change settings using the Main Dial, cross keys, and the SET button.
Below are the shooting and playback settings youll see on menus, and the
numbers of the pages where they are discussed in this book. Which tabs and
settings you see depend on the shooting mode youve selected with the Mode
Dial. For example, the settings in gray in the table that follows are not avail-
able when the Mode Dial is set to a mode in the Basic Zone.
18
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Menu Description Page
Playback (Blue)
Protect images Protect / Unprotect image 21
Rotate Rotate vertical image 21
Erase images Select and erase images / All images on
card
21
Print order Specifes images to be printed (DPOF) 152
Transfer order Select images to be transferred to a per-
sonal computer