The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion

GETTING TO KNOW THE REBEL XSI

RESETTING THE CAMERA’S DEFAULTS

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If you’ve shot only with a point-and-shoot camera, then you’ll find much to like

about working with an SLR. e bright, clear viewfinder, the ability to change

lenses, and the advanced manual controls will give you far more creative power

than you probably had on your point-and-shoot camera. If you’re an old-school

SLR film shooter, then the switch to digital will bring you huge improvements in

workflow, image editing, and overall image quality.

Obviously, with all the power packed into a camera like the Rebel XSi, you have a

lot to learn. However, since the camera also has advanced auto functions, you can

get started shooting with it right away and, to a degree, use it just like you used

your point-and-shoot.

e best way to learn your camera is to use it, so before we look at the specific

parts and components of your XSi, you should do a little snapshot shooting just

to get your hands on the camera and get a feel for the general control layout.

Resetting the Camera’s Defaults

If you’ve already been playing with your XSi, you might have made some changes

to some of the internal settings. To ensure that your camera behaves the way that

I’ll describe in this book, reset to the camera’s defaults:

Set the Mode dial to P, then press the Menu button.

1.

Press the right arrow button on the back of the camera until the sixth menu ...