The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D Companion

Chapter 1. Getting to Know the Rebel XS

SHOOTING SNAPSHOTS USING FULL AUTO MODE

If you're new to the Rebel XS, then you're probably much more interested in doing some shooting than in reading a book. So, in this chapter I'm going to quickly get you up to speed on the camera's automatic features so that you can get out the door right away and start using the camera. One of the great things about the XS's design is that you can use it just like a point-and-shoot camera and then activate more sophisticated controls as you need them. This first chapter explains the fundamental concepts of camera and photographic technique that we'll build on through the rest of the book.

THE SET UP: BEFORE YOU CAN SHOOT WITH THE REBEL XS

If you haven't yet set up your camera, you need to do a few things before you can shoot with it. Fortunately, the XS's manual is very good, and you can learn everything you need to know about setup by reading the following sections of the manual:

• While the camera battery may have a little charge when you first unpack the camera, it's best to give it a good refueling before you head out to shoot. Read pages 24–26 of the Rebel XS manual to learn about charging and installing the battery.

• You'll need a Secure Digital (SD) memory card for your camera. The Rebel XS does not ship with a card, so you'll need to buy one. Any photography store or electronics store should carry them. You can learn how to install and remove the card on pages 31–32 of the XS manual.

• A lens must be attached to your camera. If you bought the Rebel XS kit, then you probably got an 18–55mm lens. If you bought the body-only package, then you should have bought a lens separately. You can learn how to attach and remove a lens on pages 33–34 of the XS manual.

• The power switch on the top of the camera powers up the camera (as long as you have a charged battery installed). If it's the first time you're turning the camera on, then the camera will prompt you to enter the date and time. Pages 29–30 will walk you through setting the date, time, and language that you want to use in the camera's menus.

• Finally, the camera includes a shoulder strap. The best way to ensure that your camera doesn't get damaged is to attach the shoulder strap and use it! The camera will be more secure and easier to carry if you have the strap attached. Cover Your Shot, or "One Shot Is Rarely Enough" of the XS manual shows how to attach the strap.

  

  Figure 1-1. From left to right, the Rebel XS's media slot, lens mount button and reference dot, and battery.

If you've shot only with a point-and-shoot camera, then you'll find much to like about working with an SLR. The 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 XS, 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.

The best way to learn your camera is to use it, so before we look at the specific parts and components of your XS, 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 XS, 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:

1. Set the Mode dial to P; then press the Menu button.

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

3. Press the down arrow to select Clear settings.

   

   Figure 1-2. From the Clear settings menu, you can reset the camera to the factory defaults, which will make it easier to follow along with the instructions in this book.

4. Press the Set button to execute the Clear settings command; then select Clear all camera settings and press Set.

5. The camera will ask you to confirm the operation. Select OK and press Set.

6. Then choose Clear all Custom Func. and reset those as well.