How to Use the Canon EOS Rebel XSi

The Rebel XSi is a mid-level consumer camera from Canon. It offers more advanced features than a simple point-and-shoot, like manual focus and high-quality lenses. Canon's cameras all have an automatic mode, which produces quality photos with little effort. This mode will adjust all of the settings on the XSi to correspond to the current image. Shooting in automatic is the best way to learn how a particular camera works and will prepare you for more complex modes.

• 1

  Insert a fully charged battery in the bottom of the camera by pulling the release tab and swinging the cover open. Insert it in the correct orientation and close the cover.

• 2

  Insert an SD memory card in to the side of the camera by pushing the cover outward then swinging it open. Gently push it inward until it clicks into place and close the cover.

• 3

  Turn on the camera and rotate the shooting dial to the rounded rectangle icon, which is the fully automatic mode.

• 4

  Push the lens on the switch to "AF" to activate auto focus.

• 5

  Aim the camera at the subject and look through the viewfinder to compose your shot. Place one of the auto focus points on your subject and press the shutter button halfway to gain focus. The flash may pop up if light is low.

• 6

  Press the shutter button fully to take the photo. Look at the LCD display for a brief review of the image.

• 7

  Press the Playback button, which is located near the bottom right of the LCD screen, to review images. The most recent image will appear in the LCD.

• 8

  Use the left and right arrow buttons to navigate between images in the order they were taken. Use the zoom buttons near the top right of the camera to enlarge an image or show multiple photos on screen.

• 9

  Press the erase button, which has a trash can icon, to delete the current image. Highlight "Erase" and press the Set button. Press the shutter button to return to shooting mode.