Tips & Tricks for the Canon XSI

• The XSi has several modes for beginners and experts. ULTRA.F/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  The Rebel XSi is a mid-level digital SLR camera. It offers the advantages of digital photography, such as instant photo review, and advanced features like interchangeable lenses. The XSi is designed to be easy-to-use out of the box, but using some of its hidden features can immediately improve your shooting. As always, the best method to learning a camera is to spend time behind the lens.

Continuous Shooting

• The XSi is capable of shooting up to 3.5 frames per second. This rapid succession of photos makes capturing a unique moment much easier. Activate continuous shooting by pressing the drive mode button, located above the directional pad. Highlight the middle icon, which looks like multiple frames, and press the "Set" button. Hold the shutter button down to take several pictures quickly. For optimal results, press the button slightly before a potential moment and release it slightly afterward.

Auto Focus Modes

• This model has three auto focus modes to match to the amount of motion of your subject: one-shot, AI-focus and AI-servo. One-shot mode sets and locks the focus as the shutter button is held halfway. AI-focus mode locks the focus as the shutter button is held until the it begins moving and then adjusts the focus appropriately. AI-servo mode continually adjusts the focus for high motion subjects. To select the focus mode, press the "AF" button, which is the right button on the directional pad. Highlight the desired mode and press the shutter button halfway to apply the change.

Exposure Bracketing

• "Bracketing" is a photo technique that causes the camera to take several photos with slightly different settings. In exposure bracketing mode, the camera will take three photos: one at the set exposure, one lighter and one darker. This technique can be used to correct auto exposure errors when a large portion of the photo is unrepresentative of the rest, such as a cloud or wall. These images can also be used to make HDR images. To apply exposure bracketing, press the "Menu" button and navigate to "AEB." Press the "Set" button and use the left and right arrow buttons to set the bracketing amount. A standard amount is plus or minus 1 stop. The next three photos taken will be in this order: set exposure, darker and lighter.