DSLRs accept a range of lenses from wide-angle to telephoto.
Canon's EOS 400D digital, single-lens reflex camera places a wide range of options in the hands of photographers. Released in 2006, the 400D, also known as the Digital Rebel XTi, marked the third generation of Canon's entry-level line of DSLRs. The 400D is compatible with an array of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses. The 10.1-megapixel camera offers a choice of operating modes, including full auto, scene modes and complete manual control. Operation can be as simple or complex as the user desires.
Instructions
Controls and Settings
1. Familiarize yourself with the 400D body. Key controls on the top, right side of the camera include the main dial, power switch and shutter-release button. The exposure-mode dial, used with advanced operation, is located here as well.
2. Examine the rear of the camera, dominated by a 2.5-inch LCD used to review photos and access menu settings. Key controls include the menu button, which opens a range of menu options on the LCD, and the play, button, which looks like an arrow within a rectangle. Press this to display the last photo taken. Two other important controls are the ISO button, which provides control of light sensitivity, and the drive mode button, which switches between a single shot and a burst of photos. The camera's viewfinder is used to frame photos, and displays key information as well.
3. Turn the main dial on top of the camera to choose key settings. Icons indicate the choices. Turn the dial to the green square to select fully automatic exposure, the camera's point-and-shoot setting. Other choices include portrait, landscape, sports and night scene. When any of these are selected, the camera will choose all appropriate settings. Finally, note the "Creative Zone" selections on the main dial, which include shutter- and aperture-priority. Experienced users access these for enhanced creativity and specialized needs.
Operation
4. Turn on the camera using the power switch at the top, right of the body. Use the main dial to select a mode. Auto is is a good initial setting for a new user, but if shooting scenery, for example, select the landscape mode, signified by a mountain-and-cloud icon. Sports mode, signified by running-figure icon, is a good choice for action photography.
5. Look through the viewfinder and choose your subject, zooming closer or widening the image with the zoom control on the lens. Gently half-press the shutter-release button to focus on the subject using the nine-point auto-focus system. When the image in the viewfinder is sharp, fully depress the button to snap the photo. If you have selected the burst option, hold the shutter-release button down to shoot up to 27 pictures at three frames per second.
6. Use the pop-up flash in low-light conditions. If in auto mode, the flash will activate automatically if needed. Manually activate the flash when using creative zone modes by pressing the flash button on the front of the camera, marked by a lightening-bolt icon. Flash range varies with the lens type and ISO setting.
Tags: button which, main dial, shutter-release button, mode signified, power switch