Canon® EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide

Chapter 2. Using Your Digital Rebel XTi/400D

In This Chapter

• Mode dial

• Metering modes

• Exposure compensation

• Auto exposure bracketing

• AE lock

• Evaluating exposure

• Focus and Autofocus modes

• Understanding Autofocus point selection

• Using Drive modes

• Viewing and playing back images

• Erasing images

• Protecting images

• Using a flash

• Using the EOS Integrated Cleaning System

Once the Digital Rebel XTi/400D is set up, you're ready to begin a fun-filled and satisfying journey into the creative world of digital photography. Most people begin by using the automated shooting functions of the camera, and that's a good place to start.

The automated Basic Zone modes of the Digital Rebel XTi/400D set all of the exposure elements so that you can concentrate on capturing the moment. In these modes, you can use the Digital Rebel XTi/400D similarly to a point-and-shoot camera, but with the ability to change lenses to bring the subject closer or to get a wide, sweeping view of a scene. If you're shooting fast action, the Digital Rebel XTi/400D automatically sets the camera to shoot in rapid-fire sequence, and it tracks the subject movement to maintain sharp focus. Whether you're shooting close-ups, landscapes, or portraits, the Digital Rebel XTi/400D's Basic Zone modes set the exposure to give you good results.

If you are like most photographers, you are also anxious to move beyond the automated modes and to exercise your creativity by setting the exposure yourself. This is where the fun truly begins. In the Creative Zone ...