Practical Photography - Technique and Tutorials

Adding a Copyright to Images

2012-04-17T04:02:00.006-07:00

In broad terms, a copyright identifies your ownership of images. On the T3i/600D, you can add your copyright information so that your name and other information is embedded into each image that you shoot. This copyright information can be a first step in proving your ownership of images that are used without your permission. For this and other reasons, I encourage you to enter your copyright information. You only have to enter it once for it to be used on all your images. Also, the copyright information appears only in the images metadata, and not on printed images.

TIP: To complete the copyright process, register your images with the United States Copyright Office. For more information, visit www.copyright.gov.

To enter your copyright and name on your images, follow these steps:

1.12 The author name entry screen

1. On the Setup 3 camera menu tab, highlight Copyright information, and then press the Set button. The Copyright information screen appears.

2. Highlight the option you want, such as Enter author's name or Enter copyright details, and then press the Set button. A screen appears where you can enter the name or detail (Show in Figure 1.12)

3. Press the Q button to activate the keyboard portion of the screen, and then press the left or right cross key or turn the Main dial to move the cursor to the letter you want to enter. You can enter up to 63 letters, symbols, and numbers.

4. Press the Set button to insert the letter in the top portion of the screen. You make a mistake and want to delete a character, press the Erase (trash can) button.

5. When you're finished press the Menu button to return to the previous screen where you can choose to enter copyright details or the author name, whichever one you didn't choose in Step 3. You can cancel entering text by pressing the Info. button. To display copyright, repeat Step 1 and 2, and in Step 3, choose Display copyright info.

TIP: If you need to delete the copyright information, choose Delete copyright information on the Copyright information screen in the Setup 3 menu.

Additional Setup Options

2012-04-15T16:07:00.001-07:00

The T3i/600D has a number of handy setup options that can make your shooting easier and more efficient. You may have already set more of these options, but in case you missed some, you can check Table 1.3 and see which one you want to set or change.

The additional setup options are typically those that you set up only once, although some you may revisit in specific shooting scenarios. For example, I prefer to turn on the autofocus confirmation beep in most shooting situations. But at a wedding or an event where the sound of the beep is intrusive, I turn it off.

Also, you may prefer to have vertical images automatically rotate on the LCD to the correct orientation. However, this rotation makes the LCD images smaller, so you may prefer to rotate vertical images only for computer display.

Table 1.3 provides a guide for these additional setup options. If you don't see an option listed in the table, check to see which shooting mode you've set on the Mode dial. Some options are not available in the automatic shooting modes such as Portrait, Landscape, and Sports. If an option isn't available, just change the Mode dial to P, Tv, Av, M, or A-DEP to access the option. In other instance.

Table 1.3 Additional Setup Options

To change these options, press the Menu button, and then follow the instructions in the subheadings in Table 1.3. Options for shooting movies are detailed next post.

Manual Reset

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If you choose Manual reset, the camera first creates a new folder on the memory card, and then it saves images to the new folder starting with file number 0001. Then the file numbering returns to Continuous or Auto - whichever option you used previously.

Then Manual reset option is handy if you want the camera to create separate folders for images that you take over a span of several days.

To change the file-numbering method on the T3i/600D, follow these steps:

1. On the Setup 1 menu, select File numbering, and then press the Set button. Three file-numbering options appear with the current setting highlighted.

2. Press the down cross key to select Continuous, Auto reset, or Manual reset, and then press the Set button. Then option you choose remains in effect until you change it with the exception of Manual reset, as noted previously.

Auto Reset

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With this file-numbering option, you can have the file number restart with 0001 each time you insert a different card. If the memory card has images stored on it, then numbering continues from the highest image number stored on the card. So if you want the image numbering to always begin at 0001, then be sure to insert a freshly formatted memory card each time you replace the card.
If you like to organize images by memory card, Auto reset is a good option. However, be aware that multiple images that you store on the computer will have the same file name. This means that you should create separate on the computer and follow scrupulous folder organization to avoid file name conflicts and potentially overwriting images that have the same file name.

TIP: Now is a good time to create a system for storing images in folders on your computer. I know from experience that the time spent creating a solid file system for storing images pay big dividends over time.

Continuous File Numbering

2012-03-01T05:49:00.002-08:00

When you begin using the T3i/600D, the camera automatically numbers images sequentially. When you replace the memory card, the camera remembers the last highest image number and continues numbering from the last file number. Images are numbered sequentially using a unique, 4-digit number from 0001 to 9999. The camera continues sequential numbering until you shoot image number 9999. At that point, the camera creates a new folder, and new images that you shoot restart with number 0001.

This file-numbering sequence continues uninterrupted until you insect a memory card that already has images on it. At that point, the T3i/600D notes the highest file number on the memory card, and then uses the next highest number when you take the next image - provided that the number is higher than the highest image number stored in the camera's memory. Stated another way, the camera use the highest number that is either on the memory card or that is stored in the camera's internal memory. Then the camera uses that number to continue file numbering. If it is important to you that files be numbered consecutively, then be sure to insert formatted/empty memory cards into the camera.

An advantage of Continuous file numbering is that, to a point, this file-numbering option ensures unique file name, making managing and organizing images on the computer easier because there is less chance that images will have duplicate file names.

Choosing File Numbering

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The Rebel T3i/600D automatically numbers your images for you, but can change the sequence to suit your work.

At the default settings, the Rebel numbers images and assigns prefixes and file extensions. Both JPEG and RAW files begin with the prefix IMG. Movie files begin with MVI_and hav a .mov file extension. The flexibility comes in because you can choose the type of file-numbering method that the camera uses, and your choice can help you manage images on your computer. The file-numbering options are Continuous, Auto reset, and Manual reset

(Show in Figure 1.11).

Working With Folders

2012-02-28T08:46:00.003-08:00

With the T3i/600D, the camera automatically creates a folder in which to store images. However, you can set up additional folders and that's helpful if you want to keep images for different scenes and subjects in separate folders. Plus using folders can help you organize images as you download them to the computer. On the T3i/600D, each folder can contain up to 9,999 images, and when that number is reached, the camera automatically creates a new folder.
The folder numbering sequence is straightforward. It starts with the default 100CANON folder and goes up to 999CANON. You can create new folders either in the camera or on the computer. Here are the folder guidelines using either option.

When image 9999 is recorded within a folder on the memory card, the camera displays error message, and you cannot continue shooting until you replace the memory card, regardless of whether the card contains additional free space. This may sound innocuous, but it can cause missed shots. So if the camera stops shooting, try replacing the card.

> Creating folders in the camera. Folders created in the camera are numbered sequentially, and begin with one number higher than the last number in the existing folder. The camera automatically creates folder 100CANON; therefore, if you create a new folder, the next folder name is 100CANON. When you create folders in the camera, the folder-naming structure is present and cannot be changed. If you insect a memory card from another Canon EOS dSLR, the folder retains the folder naming from the other EOS camera until you format the card in the T3i/600D.

> Creating folder on the computer. You can also create folders on the computer fo more flexibility in file naming. However, you must follow naming conventions. Each folder must be labeled with a unique 3-digit number from 101 to 999. Then a combination of up to five letters (upper-and/or lowercase) and/or numbers can be added with an underscore after the number. No spaces are alowed and the same three-digit number can't be repeated. So, you can create a folder name 102CKL_1, but no one name 102SKL_1.

If you format the memory card, the folders you created either in the camera or on the computer are erased along with all images. The only folder that isn't erased is the default 100CANON folder.

When you format the memory card, all existing folders except 100CANON are deleted. Thus you need to create new folders after you format the card.

To view an existing folder or create a new folder, follow these steps:

1. On the Setup 1 camera menu ta, highlight Select Folder, and then press the Set button.
The Select folder screen appears showing existing folder and the number of image
in each folder.

2. To create a new folder, highlight Create folder, and then press the Set button.
The camera displays the Select folder screen with a confirmation message
to create a folder with the next incremented number.

3. Select OK, and then press the Set button. The Select folder screen appears with
the newly created folder selected.

Resizing JPEG Images In The Camera

2012-02-27T07:26:00.001-08:00

If you want to have images read to use off the memory card in a digital photo frame, on a web or social medial site, or to send in e-mail, you can resize most JPEG images directly in the camera. Whne you resize an image, the T3i/600D creates a copy of the original file, resizes it to the size you choose, and then saves it as a new file on the memory card. The original image is left intact on the memory card so that you have a full-size image for editing and printing. You can only resize JPEG images captured as Large, Medium, S1, or S2. RAW and S3 JPEG images can't be resized.

When you resize images, the aspect ratio and pixel count are set as well. The aspect ratio refers to the relationship of the image width to height. Standard print sizes have aspect ratios that may be different from the image's aspect ratio. For example, a 4 x 6 inch has a 3:2 aspect ratio while an 8 x 10 inch print has a 5:4 aspect ratio. The resize option anables you to fit the image to the print's aspect ratio with varying amounts of cropping to make the image fit the paper size. To figure out the print size that each aspect ratio produces, multiply each number in the ratio by 2. A 3:2 aspect ratio translates to 6 x 4, or a 4 x 6 inch print.

You can resize the JPEG images as follows:

Large can be resized to M, S1, S2, or S3.
Medium can be resized to S1, S2, or, S3.
S1 can be resized to S2 or S3.

You can also choose the resolution (or pixel count) and the aspect ratio as show Table 1.2 when you shooting in Live View you're shooting in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes. Aspect ratios can be set for Live View shooting on the Shooting 3 menu. Just select Aspect ratio, press the Set button, and then select the aspect ratio you want. Then when you begin shooting in Live View, nonprinting lines show the amount of the scene that will be in the final print based on the aspect ratio you chose for the 4:3, 16:9, and 1:1 aspect ratios.

NOTE: RAW images are saved at the camera's native 3:2 aspect ratio, but if you apply a ratio, it is appended to RAW file. Then when you open the image in Canon Digital Photo Professional, the image is show with chosen aspect ration.

To resize an L, M, S1, or S2 JPEG image, follow these steps:

1. On the Playback 1 menu, highlight Resize, then press the Set button.

The image appears on the LCD with the resize icon at the upper left.

2. Press the Set button, and then select the size you want.

3. Press the Set button. The Save as new file controls appear.

4. Select OK, and then press the Set button. A message appears noting the folder in which the
image will be saved and file number.

5. Press the Set button to OK the message. The original image appears.

RAW + JPEG

2012-02-24T18:45:00.000-08:00

On the Rebel T3i/600D, you can also choose to capture both RAW and Large/Fine JPEG images simultaneously. The RAW + JPEG option on the image Quality screen show in Figure 1.110 is handy when you want the advantages that RAW file offer, and you also want a JPEG image to quickly post on a website or to send in e-mail. If you choose RAW + PPEG, both images are saved in the same folder with the same file number but with different file extensions. RAW file have a . CR2 extension, and JPEG files have a. JPG extension.

Table 1.1 shows the choices you have for images quality on the T3i and how each affects the number of images you can capture when you're using Continuous drive mode and shooting a series of images, called a burst. You'll also see the maximum number of images that you can shoot in a burst on the right side of the viewfinder. The display only goes up to 9, so if the maximum number is greater than 9, it is displayed as "9."

TIPS : The same image quality settings are available when you are shooting movies. Just set the Mode dial to Movie mode, and then choose the Movie 2 camera menu to set the recording size.

To set the image quality, follow these steps

1. On the Shooting 1 menu select Quality, and then press the Set button.

Quality screen appears with the currently selected quality setting displayed along with the image

dimensions in pixels and the approximate number images you can store on the current memory

card in the camera.

2. Press the right or left cross key to select the size and quality that you want, and then press

the Set Button.

RAW Format

2012-02-24T02:41:00.001-08:00

RAW files store image data directly from the camera's sensor to the memory card with a minimum of in-camera processing. Unlike JPEG images, which you can view in any images - editing program, you must view RAW files using the Canon Image Browser or Digital Photo Professional, which are programs included on the EOS Digital Solutions Disk. Or you can use another RAW - compatible program such as Adobe Bridge, Lightroom, or Camera Raw. Most operating systems, such at the Mac, provide regular updates so that you can view RAW images on you computer without first opening them in a RAW conversion program. To print and share RAW images, you must first convert them by using a program that supports the T3i/600D's RAW file format, and then save them as a TIFF or JPEG file. You can use Canon's Digital Photo Professional program are Third-party Raw-conversion program to convert RAW images.

With all these caveats, you may wonder why you'd choose RAW shooting. The answer is simple and compelling - RAW files offer the highest image quality and the ultimate flexibility in correcting and perfecting the final images. With RAW images, you can change key camera settings after you take the picture. For example, if you change it when you convert the image on the computer.

In addition, you can adjust the images brightness, contrast, and color saturation - in effect, you have a second chance to correct underexposed or overexpose images, and to correct the color balance, contrast, and saturation after you take the picture. The only camera settings that the Rebel T3i/600D applies to RAW files are aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Other settings, such as White Balance, and Picture Style, are "noted" but not applied to the file. As a result, you have a great deal of control over how image data looks when you convert a RAW image.

Because RAW is a lossless format (no loss if image data), image quality is not degraded by compression. However, RAW files are larger, so you can store fewer RAW images on the memory card than JPEG images.

RAW files are denoted with a .CR2 file name extension. After converting the RAW data, you can save the image in a standard file format such as TIFF or JPEG.

Should You Use The S2 and S3 JPEG Options?

2012-02-22T11:50:00.003-08:00

On the T3i/600D you have two additional JPEG options ; S2 and S3. Both options create images that are saved with low compression, but at very small sizes. The S2 option produces images at a diminutive 3.5 x 5.1 inches with a 2.5 megapixel recording size, but the image is at a size that fits into a digital photo frame with no resizing needed in an editing program. The S3 option produces even smaller images that are ready for you to send in e-mail or post on the web, and it record on 0.3 megapixels. These are convenient options, but because you cannot shoot these small file in combination with a large size , you have to be certain that you will never want large versions of you S2 and S3 images.

Rather than set the image quality to these small sizes, you can instead resize L, M, S1, and, S2 images in the camera so that you have the size you need for diferent uses such as displaying in a photo frame or e-mailing. The process of resizing images in the camera is detailed later in this blog

JPEG Format

2012-02-21T20:28:00.005-08:00

JPEG, an acronym for Joint Photograpic Experts Group, is a popular file format for digital images that provides not only smaller file sizes than the RAW files, but also offers the advantage of being able to display your images straight from the camera on any computer, on the web, and in e-mail messages. To achieve the small file size, JPEG compresses images, and in the process, discard some data from the image typically data that you would not easily see. This characteristic of discarding image data during compression is why JPEG compression. High compression level, the smaller the file size and the more images that you can store on the memory card, and vice versa.

As the compression level increases to make the file size smaller, more of the original images data is discarded, and the image quality degrades. Compression also introduces defects, referred as artifacts, which can create a blocky, jagged look, blurring, and diminished color fidelity in the image. At low compression levels, artifacts are minimal, but as the level increases, they become more noticeable and objectionable. You'll see the effects of high compression ratios when you enlarge the image to 100 percent in an image - editing program on the computer. To get the highest - quality images, use the lowest compression and the highest quality settings, such as Large/Fine. If space on the card is tight, then use the next lower setting, Large/Normal. If you use lower quality settings, just be aware that the image quality diminishes accordingly.

TIPS: If you edit JEPG images in a editing program, image data continues to be discarded each time you save the file. I recommend downloading JPEG files to the computer, and then saving them as TIFF (Target Image File Format) or PSD (Photoshop's file format) files. TIFF and PSD, available in Adobe's Photoshop image- eiditing program, are lossless file formats.

When you shoot JPEG images, the camera's internal software processes, or edits, the images before storing them on the memory card. This images processing is an advantage if you routinely print images directly from the SD card, and if you prefer not to edit images on the computer. And because the T3i/600D offers a variety of Picture Styles that change the way that image contrast, saturation, sharpness and color are rendered, you can get very nice prints with no editing on the computer.

The JPEG quality option reflect the megapixels recorded of image. At the Large settings, images are recorded at 18 megapixels. The Medium quality option record megapixels, while Small quality option record 4.5 megapixels.

Choosing The File Format and Quality

2012-02-21T06:23:00.004-08:00

When it comes to deciding what kind of image to capture, you have three choices. You can first choose whether to shoot JPEG or RAW images, and then you can decide the size or quality of the files. The file format and quality level decision are important ones because they determine not only the number of images that you can store on the memory card, but also the size at which you can print images from the Rebel T3i/600D.

Many people want to maximize the number of images they can store on the memory card. And choosing JPEG images at a lower quality level enables you to store more images on the card. But also consider that with a high - resolution camera, you also want the best image quality that you can get. And with the lower prices of memory cards today, you can shoot at the highest quality setting and still have room on the memory card for lots of pictures. At the highest quality setting and still have room on the memory card for lots of pictures. At the highest quality settings, you can make beautiful prints at approximately 14.5x21.6 inches on inkjet printers. Even if you don't foresee printing images any large that 4 x 5 inches, you make get a once - in - a lifetime shoot that you you want to print as large as possible. For this reason, and to take advantage of the Rebel T3i/600D's fine image detail and high resolution, consider setting a highest quality setting for all you shooting.

The JPEG quality options on the Rebel T3i/600D are displayed with icons on the Quality screen that indicate the compression level of the files and the recording size. For example, a solid quarter circle and the letter "L" indicate the largest JPEG file size, with the solid quarter circle indicating the lowest level of file compression for the highest image quality. Likewise, a jagged quarter circle indicates higher compression levels and relatively lower quality, and "M" indicates medium quality. To help you decide the image quality setting to use, file formats and compression are detailed next.

Memory Cards

2012-02-20T15:16:00.000-08:00

One of the important choices you make is deciding which memory card you use in the camera. You can use SD and SDHC, SDXC, and Eye-FI SD memory cards. Not all memory cards are created equal, and the type and speed of media that you use affects the Rebel T3i/600D's performance, including how quickly images are written to the memory card, and your ability to continue shooting during the image-writing process. Memory card speed also effects the speed at which images display on the LCD. And with the high-definition video capability of the Rebel, Canon recommends using a Class 6 or higher memory card.

In addition, the T3i/600D accepts SDXC memory cards that have a greater storage capacity than previous SD cards. Eye-Fi SD cards have a built-in Wi-Fi transmitter and internal antenna to wireless, high-speed transfer of images and video from the camera to the computer or to online website from Wi-Fi-enabled locations or you home network. Eye-Fi also supports geotagging, where geographical information is recorded with the image metadata.

At the time of writing, SDXC cards are not supported by all computer operating systems. If you insert the card into a computer or card reader and receive a message asking you to format the card, choose Cancel to avoid overwriting the SDXC format. For more information, visit the www.sdcard.org/develophers/tech/sdxc/using_sdxc website.

The type of image file that you choose for shooting also affects the speed of certain tasks. For example, JPEG image file write to the memory card faster than RAW or RAW + Large JPEG files. JPEG and RAW file formats are discussed in detail later in this blog.

As you take pictures, the LCD on the Rebel T3i/600D show the approximate number of images that will fit on the memory card. The number is approximate because each images varies slightly, depending on the ISO setting, the file format and resolution, the Picture Style, and the image itself (different images compress differently). And as you shoot video, the Rebel displays the recording time on the LCD. Video recording shuts off automatically when the size of the movie file reaches 4GB. For still and video shooting, an 8GB or 16GB card is a good size consider.

When you buy a new memory card, be sure to always format the card in the camera and never on your computer. Always off-load all images and movies to the computer before formatting because formatting erases images and movie even if you've protected them. Also cleans any images-related data, freeing up space on the card, and it manages the file structure on the card so the Rebel T3i/600D and memory card properly together.

NOTE: For the following step-by-step tasks that involve the camera menus, just press the Menu button, turn the Main dial to move to the camera menu tab you want. Press the up or down cross key to select an option, and then press the right cross key to select OK.

To format a card in the camera, be sure that you download all images and movies to your computer first, and then follow these steps:

1. On the Setup 1 camera menu tab, select Format, and then press the Set button. The Format screen appears asking you to confirm that you want to format the card and lose all data on the card.

You can optionally choose the Low-level format option that takes longer but completely erases all data and the recordable sectors on the card. The low-level format can improve the performance of the card.

2. Select OK, o to do a Low level format, press the Erase button to place a check mark next to Low level format, and then press OK.

3. Press the Set button. The camera formats the card, and then displays the Setup 1menu.

NOTE: Here's how to avoid talking pictures when no memory card is in the camera. On the Shooting 1 menu, select Release shutter without card. Press the Set button, select Disable, and then press the Set button again.

Avoid Losing Images

When the camera's are red access light - located on the back of the camera - is blinking, it means that camera is recording or erasing images data. When the access light is blinking, do not open the card slot the camera, and do not remove the camera battery. Any of these actions can result in lost images and damage to the memory card. There is a beep to let you know that images are being written to the card, but make it a habit to use the access light as the indicator to not to open the memory card slot cover or turn off the camera.

Getting Started With The Rebel T3i/600D

2012-02-17T09:30:00.000-08:00

Even if you've aready set up the T3i/600D, I suggest that you review this section foe settings that you may have missed or want to adjust.

Many people are afraid that changing camera setting will "mess up" the pictures that they're getting, and that they wont't know how to reset the camera if they don't like the changes they've made. But there is no reason to worry because Cannon provides a reset option so that you can always go back to the original setting on the Rebel T3i/600D and start fresh.

To reset the camera to the original settings, follow these steps:

1) Press the Menu button, and then press the right cross key to select the Setup 3 menu.

2) Press the down cross key to select Clear settings, and then press the Set button.

3) To reset the camera to factory settings, press the up or down cross key to select Clear all camera settings, and then press the Set button. The Clear all camera settings confirmation screen appears.

4) Press the right cross key to select OK

Viewfinder Display

2012-02-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

On the Rebel T3i/600D, the optical, eye-level pentamirror viewfinder displays approximately 95 percent of the scene that the sensor captures. In addition, the viewfinder display the AF points, a 4-percent Spot metering circle that is displayed at the center of the viewfinder, as well as information at the bottom that displays the current shooting settings, a focus confirmation light, and other settings.

Nine AF points are displayed in the viewfinder. You can manually select an AF point by pressing the AF-point Selection/Magnify button and turning the Main dial until the AF point you want is selected. If the camera automatically selects the AF point or points, the selected AF point or points are highlighted in the viewfinder when you press down the shutter button halfway.

You can verify exposure settings, focus, and more in the viewfinder before making a picture. The display changes depending on the shooting mode you're using.

The LCD

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With the T3i/600D, the 3-inch LCD not only displays captured images and current camera settings, but it also provides a live view of the scene when you're shooting in Live View and Movie modes. The LCD display 100 percent coverage of the scene coverage of the scene. Figure 1.8 provides LCD detail.

1.8 Rebel T3i/600D LCD with the shooting settings displayed

Lens Controls

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Depending on the lens your are using, the number and type of controls offered vary. For example, if you using an Image Stabilized lens, such as the lend, the lends barrel has a switch to turn on images Stabilization, which helps counteract the motion of you hands as you told the camera and lens,

Many Canon lenses offer the Focus modes switch the enables you to switch between autofocus or manual focus. Image Stabilization (IS) lenses offer controls to turn stabilization on or off. Lens controls differ by lens.

Depending on the lens, additional controls may include the following.

>Focusing distance range selection switch. Although no offered on the lens, this switch determines and limits the ranges that the lens uses when seeking focus to speed up autofocusing. The focusing distance range options very by lens.

>Image Stabilizer switch. This switch turns Optical Image Stabilization on or off. Optical Image Stabilization (IS) corrects vibrations at any angle when handholding the camera and lens. IS lenses typically allow sharp handheld images of two or more f-stops over the lens's maximum aperture.

>Stabilizer mode switch. Offered on some telephoto lenses, this switch has two modes: one mode for standard shooting and one mode for vibration correction when panning at right angles to the camera's panning movement.

>Zoom ring. The zoom ring adjusts the lens in or out to the focal lengths marked on the ring.

>Zoom setting. The focal length at which a zoom lens is set.

>Focusing ring. For lenses that have a focusing mode switch, the lens-focusing ring can be used at any time regardless of focusing mode by switching to Manual Focus (MF) on the side of the lens, and then turning this ring to focus.

>Distance scale and infinity compensation mark. This shows the lens's minimum focusing distance to infinity, denoted as an "8" on its side. The infinity compensation mark compensates for the shifting of the infinity focus point that result from changes in temperature. You can set the distance scale slightly past the infinity mart to compensate

Side of The Camera

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On the side of the T3i/600D is a set of terminal under a cover and embossed with icons that identify the terminal, which include.

>>External microphone IN terminal. This terminal enables the connection of an external stereo microphone that you can use to record sound with videos.

>>Remote control terminal. This terminal enables the connection of an accessory Remote Switch RS-60E3.

>>Audio/Video OUT/Digital terminal. The A/V OUT terminal enables you to connect the camera to a nonhigh-definition (HD) television set using the A/V cable supplied in the camera box to view still images and movies on the TV. This cord is also used for printing directly from the camera to the printer.

>>HDMI mini OUT terminal. The HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) mini OUT terminal is used to connect the camera to an HD television using the accessory HDMI Cable HTC-100 cable to play back still images and movies on the TV.

Rear of The Camera - Part 2

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The four buttons grouped around the Set button are collectively referred to ass cross keys. The fuctionality of the keys changes depending on whether you're playing back omages, navigating camera menus, or changing exposure settings. Also you can adjust the setting designated by the key only P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP modes. in automatic modes such as Portrait and Landscape, only some of the keys are available. For example, in Portrait shooting mode, you can press the Drive mode key to select some of the drive modes.

During images playback, the left and right cross keys move backward and forward through the images stored on the memory car. On the camera menus, press the up and down cross keys to move among options.

Here is a summary of the cross key and Set button functions:

AF mode button. Press this button to choose one of the three autofocus modes: One-shot AF (also know as Al Focus) for still subjects, Al Focus AF for subjects that may start to move or move unpredictably such as children and wildlife, or Al Servo AF for tracking focus of moving subjects.
Picture Style button. Press the button to display the Picture Style screen where you can choose the look of images in term of contrast, color rendition, saturation, and sharpness. In P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes, you can choose Auto, Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, or Monochrome Picture Style, and you can create up to three of you own Picture Style.
White Balance button. Press this button to display the White Balance screen where you can choose among seven present White Balance option, or choose Custom White Balance in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes. In automatic modes such as Portrait and Landscape, you can choose a similar adjustment called Lighting or Scene Type.
Drive mode button. Press this button to set the Drive mode in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes and in some automatic modes. Depending on the shooting mode, you can choose to shoot one picture at a time, to shoot continuously at 3.7 frames per second (fps), or to shoot in one of the Self-timer/Remote control modes. The maximum burst during continuous shooting is approximately 34 Large/Fine JPEG images or 6 RAW images. During image playback, press this button to move a previous image.
Set button. Press this button to confirm changes you make on the camera menus, and to display submenus.

Rear of The Camera - Part 1

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The controls on the back of the Rebel T3i/600D. Some of the rear camera controls can be used only in P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes. In automatic camera modes such as Portrait, Landscape, and Sport, the camera sets the majority of the camera settings for you, so pressing the AF,WB and Drive mode selection button has no effect. But in P, Tv, Av, or M, and A-DEP shooting modes, these buttons function as describeb in this section.

Here is a look at the of the camera:

Menu button. Press the Menu button to display camera menus on the LCD. To move among menu tabs, turn the Main dial or press the left or right cross keys on the back of the camera. ( The cross keys are the keys surrounding the Set button.).
Info. button. During still-image playback and in Movie mode, press Info. one or more times to show more of less information with the images or view of the scene. In still shooting, press the DISP. button, and press the info.button to switch back and forth between the Quick Control and Shooting information screens. The Camera Settings Screen lists key camera setting for quick reference.
Viewfinder. Onthe Rebel T3i/600D, the viewfinder offers an approximately 95 percent view of the scene. The viewfinder uses a noninterchangeable Precision Matte focusing screen that displays the nine autofocus (AF) points.
Dioptric adjustmen knob. Turn this knob to adjust the sharpness for your vision by -3 +1 diopters. If you wear eyeglasses or contact lenses for shooting, be sure to wear them as you adjust the dioptric adjustment knob. To make the adjustment, point the lens to a light-colored surface such as a white wall, and then turn the control until the AF points in the viewfinder are perfectly sharp for your vision.
Live View/Movie shooting button. Pressing this button enables you to begin shooting in Live View mode. During movie recording, a red dot appears on the LCD screen to indicate that recording in underway.
AE Lock/FE Lock/Index/Reduce button. Pressing this button after pressing the shutter button halfway enables you to lock the exposure on a specific point in the scene. Then you can focus on another part of the scene. If you're using the built-in flash, pressing this button locks the flash exposure in the same way. During image playback, you can press this button to display multiple images as an index or four nine images, or to reduce the size of an image you're enlarged during images playback.
AF-point Selection/Magnify button. Press this button to activate the AF points displayed in the viewfinder so that you can manually select an AF point in P, Tv, Av, and M shooting modes. As you hold the button and turn the Main dial, you can select the AF point, or you can select all the AF points to have the camera automatically select the AF point or points used to focus. Then you can press the Set button to select the center AF point, or press again to switch to automatic AF point selection. During image playback, you can press this button to enlarge the preview image to check focus.
Speaker. Plays the audio recorded when you shoot a movie clip. You can adjust the playback volume by turning volume by turning the Main dial.
Card slot cover. Covers the housing for the SD (Secure Digital), SDHC (SD High Capacity), or SDXC (SD Extended Capacity) memory card. Do not open this cover while images are being recorded or erased from the memory card, and do not turn off the camera.
DC cord hole. Use this connection with the accessory AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8 to power the camera by plugging it into a household electrical outlet.
Access lamp. Lights when images are being written to the memory card. Do not open the card slot cover or turn off the camera when this lamp is lit.
Erase button. During image playback, press this button to delete the currently displayed image. Or you can press the left or right cross key to move to another pictureto delete.
Playback button. Press this button to display the last image or movie captured on the LCD. To show more or less information durin playback, press the info. button one or more times. Pressing the Index/Reduce button on the top-right back of the camera during playback displays a grid of 2x2 or 3x3 images that you can scroll through using the Main dial. Press the AF-point Selection/Magnify button once or twice to return to single-image display.
Quick Control (Q) button. Press this button to display the Quick Control screen on the LCD. From the Quick Control screen, you can change exposure and other camera settings. During priting, press this button to print one or more images from the SD card when the camera is connected to a compatible printer.
Aperture/Exposure Compensation button. Press and hold this button and turn the Main dial to set Exposure Compensation in P, Tv, Av, and A-DEP shooting modes. In Manual mode, press and hold this button and turn the Main dial to set the aperture.
Articulates LCD monitor. The color liquid-crystal 3-inch LCD monitor displays the camera settings, camera menus, images previews, and the Quick Control screen. You can choose from seven levels of LCD brightness. You can pull out and turn the articulated LCD in virtually any direction to view the scene when looking through the viewfinder is awkward, and when you're shooting in Live View and Movie modes.

Top of The Camera

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Controls on the top of the camera, show in Figure 1.5, enable you to use your thumb and index finger on your right hant to control common adjustments quickly. Here is a look at the top of the camera.

Focal plane mark. This is the point from which the lens's minimum, or closest, focusing distance is measured.
Hot shoe. You can mount an accessory Speedlite or third-party flash unit here. The contacts provide communication between the flash and the T3i/600D.
Mode dial. Turning this dial changes the shooting mode. Just line up the shooting mode you want to use the white mark beside the dial. Shooting modes are detailed.
Power switch. This button switches the camera on and off.
ISO speed button. Pressing this button display the ISO speed screen on the LCD so that you can change the ISO setting, which determines the sensor's sensitivity to light. In P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes, you can select Auto ISO to have the camera automatically determine the ISO from 100 to 6400, or you can set the ISO yourself. Alternately, you can set the highest ISO setting that the Auto ISO option users. You can also turn on on a additional high ISO setting, equivalent to 12800, by setting Custom Fuction 1-2. In all automatically shooting modes, such as Portrait and Landscape, the camera automatically sets the ISO between 100 and 3200.
DISP. button. Press this button to turn the LCD on and off, although you can change is behavior on the Setup 2 menu. In Movie mode, holding the DISP. button and pressing the zoom in or zoom out buttons enables you to use digital zoom at a 3X to 10X zoom.
Main dial. Described early in this chapter.
Shutter button. Described in the previous section.

Front of The Camera

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On the front of the camera, the controls that you'll use most often are the Lens Release button and the Depth-of-Field Previem button (show in Figure 1.4). And, of course, you'll use the lens mount each time you change lenses.

From bottom left to top right, here is a look at the front of the camera:

-Red-eye Reduction/Self-timer lamp. When you have Red-eye Reduction turned on, this lamp lights to help reduce the size of the subject's, which minimizes the appearance of red-eye in the final images.

-Shutter button. Press this button halfway down to focus on the subject, and then press it completely to make the picture. You'll learn more about focusing and exposure . In addition, when you half-press the shutter button, the camera measure, or "meters," the light and calculates the aperture and the shutter speed based on the current ISO needed to make a well-exposed picture.

-Remote control sensor. This sensor works with the accessory Remote Controller RC-6 that can fire the camera's shutter from up to 16.4 feet (5meters) from the camera. The remote includes the option for immediate or a 2-second delay before shutter firing.

-Grip/battery compartment. This is the molded area where your hand grips the camera, and it serves as the battery compartment as well.

-Reflex mirror. This mirror provides a view of the scene when you're composing the images in the viewfinder, and when you press the shutter button completely, it flips up and out of the optical path to expose the image sensor to make the picture. In Live View and Movie shooting, the mirror also flips up to give you a live view of the scene.

-Lens contacts. These contacts provides communication between the lens and the camera.

-Depth-of-Field Preview button. Press this button to stop down, or adjust, the lens diaphragm to the current aperture (f-stop) so that you can preview the depth of field in the viewfinder. The large the area of darkness in the viewfinder, the more extensive the depth of field will be. You can also use this button when shooting in Live View. While you press the Depth-of-Field Preview button, you can't change the aperture.

Note : At the len's maximum aperture, the Depth-of-Field Preview button does not show a change because the camera's diaphragm is fully open. The maximum aperture is the widest lens opening for the lens you're using and it varies by lens.

-Lens Release button. Press this button to release the lens mount, and then turn the lens to remove it.

-Flash button. In P, Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes, press this button to pop up and use the built-in flash. In some Basic Zone shooting modes, such as Full Auto and Portrait, the flash fire automatically.

-Built-in microphone. The built-in monaural microphone record sound when you're shooting movies.

-EF an EF-S lens mount index markers. The lens mount has a white and a red mark for two types of lennses. The white mark on the lens mount is for Canon EF-S lenses that have a white mark on the lens barrel. EF-S lenses are designed for a smaller sensor size of the T3i/600D. The red mark on the lens mount is to Canon EF lenses. EF lenses can be used on any Canon Eos camera. Just line up the white or red mark on the lens barrel with the same color mark on the lens mount, and then turn the lens to the right to attach it

Roadmad to the Rebel T3i/600D

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With the clean desing of the T3i/600D , you can use your thumb to quickly adjust the key controls on the back of the camera. The camera has good heft that helps stabilize it in your hand. The grip is deeper then on previous models, and the channel pad on the back is sculpted to steady your thumb when you are holding the camera. when you're shooting in positions where it's awkward or impossible to look through the viewfinder, just flip out and rotate the articulated LCD screen to get a 100 percent view of the scene at the angle you need. The LCD is also indispensable when you're recording movies.

The T3i/600D's most frequently accessed camera controls are easily accessible for quick adjustments as you're shooting. Less frequently used functions are accessible from the camera menus. The following sections will help you get acquainted with the camera's buttons and controls. It's good ideal to familiarize yourself with the name of the controls because those names will be used throughout the book.

Overview of the T3i/600D Camera Control

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There are several key camera controls that you will use often. The following selections provide methods for using the controls efficiently.

The following main controls can be used together or separately to control mos functions on the T3i/600D:

Cross keys. These controls (show in Figure 1.1) enable you to make adjustments to key settings in P,Tv, Av, M, and A-DEP shooting modes. Just press the AF (Autofocus mode); Drive (Drive mode), which is displayed as an icon; WB (White Balance); or Picture Style selection button, and then turn the Main dial to adjust the setting.
Main dial. In some camera menu screens, such as the Quality screen, you also use the Main dial (show in Figure 1.2) for selecting different options on the screen. You can also turn the Main dial to move among the camera menu tabs, and then press a cross key to select a menu option.
Quick Control button. This button with a Q on it not only displays the current camera settings on the LCD, but also gives you access to settings raging from the ISO and Exposure Compensation to the White Balance and images quality.Just press the Q button and press one of the cross keys to select a setting displayed on the Quick Control screen. Then turn the Main dial to change the setting. For some settings, you can press the Set button to display all the options, For example, if you select the White Balance, and then press the Set button, the White Balance setting. This is the easiest way to adjust settings when you are shooting in Program (P), Shutter-priority AE (Tv), Aperture-priority AE (Av), Manual (M), and Automatic Depth of Field (A-DEP) shooting modes.
Setting (Set) button. Press the Set button, locates in the center of the cross keys, to confirm changes you makes to the options you find on the camera menus, and press it to open some sub menus. Also, when you are using the Quick Control screen, you can select a setting, such as White Balance, and then press the Set button to display all the option for the setting.

NEXT---> Roadmap to the Rebel T3i/600D