Canon EOS 550D, EOS REBEL T2i User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

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E

The “Quick Reference Guide” and “Software Start Guide” are
provided at end of this manual.

E

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

Introduction

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The EOS REBEL T2i/EOS 550D is a high-performance, digital single­lens reflex camera featuring a fine-detail CMOS sensor with 18.0
effective megapixels, DIGIC 4, high-precision and high-speed 9-point
AF, approx. 3.7 fps continuous shooting, Live View shooting, and Full
HD (Full High-Definition) movie shooting.
The camera is highly responsive for shooting at anytime, provides many
functions fitted for advanced shooting, and offers many other features.

Take Test Shots to Familiarize Yourself with the Camera

With a digital camera, you can immediately view the image you have
captured. While reading this manual, take a few test shots and see how
they come out. You can then better understand the camera.
To avoid botched pictures and accidents, first read the Safety Warnings
(p.233, 234) and Handling Precautions (p.12,13).

Testing the Camera Before Use and Liability

After shooting, playback and check whether the images have been
properly recorded. If the camera or memory card is faulty and the
images cannot be recorded or downloaded to a computer, Canon
cannot be held liable for any loss or inconvenience caused.

Copyrights

Copyright laws in your country may prohibit the use of your recorded
images of people and certain subjects for anything but private
enjoyment. Also be aware that certain public performances, exhibitions,
etc., may prohibit photography even for private enjoyment.

This camera is compatible with SD memory cards, SDHC memory
cards, and SDXC memory cards. This manual will refer to all these
cards as just
* The camera does not come with a card for recording images.

Please purchase it separately.

“card.”

2

Item Check List

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Before starting, check that all the following items have been included
with your camera. If anything is missing, contact your dealer.

Camera

(with eyecup and body cap)

Wide Strap

EW-100DB III

EOS DIGITAL
Solution Disk

(Software)

* Battery Charger LC-E8 or LC-E8E is provided. (The LC-E8E comes with a

power cord.)

If you purchased a Lens Kit, check that the lens is included.
Depending on the Lens Kit type, the lens instruction manual might also be

included.

Be careful not to lose any of the above items.

Battery Pack

LP-E8

(with protective cover)

Interface cable Stereo AV Cable

Software Instruction

Manual

Battery Charger

LC-E8/LC-E8E*

AVC-DC400ST

Camera

Instruction Manual

(this booklet)

3

Conventions Used in this Manual

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Icons in this Manual

<6> : Indicates the Main Dial.
<V> <U> : Indicates the <S> cross keys.
<0> : Indicates the setting button.
0, 9, 7, 8 : Indicates that the respective function remains

* In this manual, the icons and markings indicating the camera’s buttons, dials,

and settings correspond to the icons and markings on the camera and on the
LCD monitor.

3: Indicates a function which can be changed by pressing the

<M> button and changing the setting.

M : When shown on the upper right of the page, it indicates that the

function is available only in the Creative Zone modes (p.20).

(p.**) : Reference page numbers for more information.

: Tip or advice for better shooting.

: Problem-solving advice.

: Warning to prevent shooting problems.

: Supplemental information.

Basic Assumptions

All operations explained in this manual assume that the power switch

has already been set to <1> (p.27).

It is assumed that all the menu settings and Custom Functions are

set to the default.

For explanatory purposes, the instructions show the camera attached

with an EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens.

active for 4 sec., 6 sec., 10 sec., or 16 sec.
respectively after you let go of the button.

4

Chapters

1

6

1011

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For first-time DSLR users, Chapters 1 and 2 explain the camera’s
basic operations and shooting procedures.

Introduction

Camera basics.

Getting Started

Basic Shooting and Image Playback

2

3

4

5

7

8
9

Fully automatic shooting for different subjects.

Creative Shooting

Basic shooting features for specific types of subjects.

Advanced Shooting

Advanced shooting features.

Shooting with the LCD Monitor (Live View Shooting)

Shooting Movies

Handy Features

Convenient menu-based functions.

Image Playback

Printing Images

Customizing the Camera

Reference

2

23

45

59

77

107

123

137

155

175

189

201

End Pages: Quick Reference Guide and Software Start Guide

243

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Contents

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Introduction 2

Item Check List.................................................................................................. 3

Conventions Used in this Manual ...................................................................... 4

Chapters............................................................................................................ 5

Contents at a Glance....................................................................................... 10

Handling Precautions ...................................................................................... 12

Quick Start Guide ............................................................................................ 14

Nomenclature .................................................................................................. 16

Getting Started 23

1

Charging the Battery ....................................................................................... 24

Installing and Removing the Battery................................................................ 26

Turning on the Power ...................................................................................... 27

Setting the Date and Time............................................................................... 29

Selecting the Interface Language.................................................................... 30

Installing and Removing the SD Card ............................................................. 31

Attaching and Detaching a Lens ..................................................................... 33

About the Lens Image Stabilizer...................................................................... 35

Basic Operation............................................................................................... 36

Q Using the Quick Control Screen ................................................................ 38

3 Menu Operations .................................................................................. 40

Formatting the Card......................................................................................... 42

Switching the LCD Monitor Display ................................................................. 44

Basic Shooting and Image Playback 45

2

1 Fully Automatic Shooting........................................................................... 46

1 Full Auto Techniques................................................................................. 48

7 Disabling Flash.......................................................................................... 49

2 Shooting Portraits....................................................................................... 50

3 Shooting Landscapes................................................................................ 51

4 Shooting Close-ups .................................................................................... 52

5 Shooting Moving Subjects......................................................................... 53

6 Shooting Portraits at Night ......................................................................... 54

C Creative Auto Shooting ............................................................................. 55

x Image Playback......................................................................................... 58

6

Creative Shooting 59

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3

d: Program AE................................................................................................60

Z: Changing the ISO Speed .........................................................................62

D Using the Built-in Flash ................................................................................64

E: Changing the AF Mode .............................................................................66

S Selecting the AF Point ...............................................................................68

MF: Manual Focusing ...................................................................................69

i Continuous Shooting ..................................................................................70

j Using the Self-timer ....................................................................................71

Setting the Image-recording Quality.................................................................72

A Selecting a Picture Style ..........................................................................75

Advanced Shooting 77

4

s: Action Shots .............................................................................................78

f: Changing the Depth of Field ....................................................................80

Depth of Field Preview..................................................................................82

a: Manual Exposure.......................................................................................83

8: Automatic Depth-of-Field AE................................................................85

q Changing the Metering Mode.....................................................................86

OySetting Exposure Compensation.......................................................87

Auto Exposure Bracketing................................................................................89

A Customizing a Picture Style .....................................................................91

A Registering a Picture Style.......................................................................94

Setting the Color Space ...................................................................................96

A AE Lock ......................................................................................................97

A FE Lock.......................................................................................................98

B: Setting the White Balance .......................................................................99

2 White Balance Correction.........................................................................101

Auto Lighting Optimizer..................................................................................103

Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction .........................................................104

Preventing Camera Shake .............................................................................106

Contents

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Contents

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Shooting with the LCD Monitor (Live View Shooting) 107

5

A Shooting with the LCD Monitor ............................................................... 108

Shooting Function Settings ........................................................................... 111

Using AF to Focus......................................................................................... 113

Focusing Manually......................................................................................... 120

Shooting Movies 123

6

k Shooting Movies...................................................................................... 124

Shooting Function Settings ........................................................................... 130

Handy Features 137

7

Handy Features............................................................................................. 138

Silencing the Beeper .................................................................................. 138

Card Reminder ........................................................................................... 138

Setting the Image Review Time ................................................................. 138

Setting the Auto Power-off Time................................................................. 139

Adjusting the LCD Monitor Brightness ....................................................... 139

File Numbering Methods ............................................................................ 140

Auto Rotation of Vertical Images................................................................ 142

B Checking Camera Settings................................................................ 143

Reverting the Camera to the Default Settings............................................ 144

Preventing the LCD Monitor from Turning off Automatically ...................... 146

Changing the Shooting Settings Screen Color........................................... 146

Setting the Flash ........................................................................................... 147

f Automatic Sensor Cleaning ................................................................... 150

Appending Dust Delete Data......................................................................... 151

Manual Sensor Cleaning ............................................................................... 153

Image Playback 155

8

HI Searching for Images Quickly.............................................................. 156

u/y Magnified View.................................................................................... 158

b Rotating the Image................................................................................... 159

k Enjoying Movies ...................................................................................... 160

k Playing Movies ........................................................................................ 162

X Editing the Movie’s First and Last Scenes ............................................... 164

8

Slide Show (Auto Playback)...........................................................................165

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Viewing the Images on TV .............................................................................167

K Protecting Images ....................................................................................170

L Erasing Images .........................................................................................171

B Shooting Information Display ................................................................173

Printing Images 175

9

Preparing to Print ...........................................................................................176

wPrinting......................................................................................................178

Trimming the Image ....................................................................................183

W Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) ...........................................................185

Direct Printing with DPOF ..............................................................................188

Customizing the Camera 189

10

Setting Custom Functions ..............................................................................190

Custom Function Settings ..............................................................................192

Registering My Menu .....................................................................................198

Setting Copyright Information.........................................................................199

Reference 201

11

When Autofocus Fails ....................................................................................202

Using a Household Power Outlet ...................................................................203

Remote Control Shooting...............................................................................204

External Speedlites ........................................................................................206

Using Eye-Fi Cards ........................................................................................208

Function Availability Table according to Shooting Modes..............................210

Menu Settings ................................................................................................212

System Map ...................................................................................................216

Troubleshooting Guide...................................................................................218

Error Codes....................................................................................................224

Specifications .................................................................................................225

Index ..............................................................................................................237

End Pages: Quick Reference Guide and Software Start Guide

Contents

243

9

Contents at a Glance

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Shooting

Shoot automatically Î p.45 - 57 (Basic Zone modes)

Shoot continuously Î p.50, 53, 70 (i Continuous shooting)

Take a picture of yourself in a group

Freeze the action
Blur the action

Blur the background

Keep the background in sharp focus

Adjust the image brightness (exposure)

Î p.71 (j Self-timer)

Î p.78 (s Shutter-priority AE)

Î p.80 (f Aperture-priority AE)

Î p.87 (Exposure compensation)

Shoot in low light Î p.46, 62, 64 (D

Shoot without flash Î p.49 (7 Flash Off)

Photograph fireworks at night Î p.84 (Bulb exposure)

Shoot while viewing the LCD monitor

Shoot movies Î p.124 (k Movie shooting)

Î p.108 (A Live View shooting)

Flash photography

Image Quality

Shoot with image effects

matching the subject

Î p.75 (Selecting a Picture Style)

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)

Make a large-size print of the picture Î p.72 (73, 83, 1)

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Take many pictures Î p.72 (76, 86)

Focusing

Change the point of focus Î p.68 (S AF point selection)

Shoot a moving subject Î p.53, 67 (AI Servo AF)

Playback

View the images with the camera Î p.58 (x Playback)

Search for pictures quickly Î p.156 (H Index display)

Prevent important images

from accidental deletion

Delete unnecessary images Î p.171 (L Delete)

View the images on a TV set Î p.167 (Video OUT)

Set the LCD brightness Î p.139 (LCD brightness)

Printing

Print pictures easily Î p.175 (Direct printing)

Î p.170 (K Image protect)

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Handling Precautions

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Camera Care

This camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it or subject it to physical

shock.

The camera is not waterproof and cannot be used underwater. If you

accidentally drop the camera into water, promptly consult your nearest
Canon Service Center. Wipe off any water droplets with a dry cloth. If the
camera has been exposed to salty air, wipe it with a well-wrung wet cloth.

Never leave the camera near anything having a strong magnetic field such

as a magnet or electric motor. Also avoid using or leaving the camera near
anything emitting strong radio waves such as a large antenna. Strong
magnetic fields can cause camera misoperation or destroy image data.

Do not leave the camera in excessive heat such as in a car in direct sunlight.

High temperatures can cause the camera to malfunction.

The camera contains precision electronic circuitry. Never attempt to

disassemble the camera yourself.

Use a blower to blow away dust on the lens, viewfinder, reflex mirror, and

focusing screen. Do not use cleaners that contain organic solvents to clean
the camera body or lens. For stubborn dirt, take the camera to the nearest
Canon Service Center.

Do not touch the camera’s electrical contacts with your fingers. This is to

prevent the contacts from corroding. Corroded contacts can cause camera
misoperation.

If the camera is suddenly brought in from the cold into a warm room,

condensation may form on the camera and internal parts. To prevent
condensation, first put the camera in a sealed plastic bag and let it adjust to
the warmer temperature before taking it out of the bag.

If condensation forms on the camera, do not use the camera. This is to avoid

damaging the camera. If there is condensation, remove the lens, card and
battery from the camera, and wait until the condensation has evaporated
before using the camera.

If the camera will not be used for an extended period, remove the battery

and store the camera in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Even while the
camera is in storage, press the shutter button a few times once in a while to
check that the camera is still working.

Avoid storing the camera where there are corrosive chemicals such as a

darkroom or chemical lab.

If the camera has not been used for an extended period, test all its functions

before using it. If you have not used the camera for some time or if there is
an important shoot coming up, have the camera checked by your Canon
dealer or check the camera yourself and make sure it is working properly.

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Handling Precautions

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LCD Monitor

Although the LCD monitor is manufactured with very high precision

technology with over 99.99% effective pixels, there might be a few dead
pixels among the remaining 0.01% or less pixels. Dead pixels displaying
only black or red, etc., are not a malfunction. They do not affect the images
recorded.

If the LCD monitor is left on for a prolonged period, screen burn-in may occur

where you see remnants of what was displayed. However, this is only
temporary and will disappear when the camera is left unused for a few days.

In low or high temperatures, the LCD monitor display may seem slow or it

might look black. It will return to normal at room temperature.

Cards

To protect the card and its recorded data, note the following:

Do not drop, bend, or wet the card. Do not subject it to excessive force,

physical shock, or vibration.

Do not store or use the card near anything having a strong magnetic field

such as a TV set, speakers, or magnet. Also avoid places prone to having
static electricity.

Do not leave the card in direct sunlight or near a heat source.
Store the card in a case.
Do not store the card in hot, dusty, or humid locations.

Lens

After detaching the lens from the camera, attach the lens
caps or put down the lens with the rear end up to avoid
scratching the lens surface and electrical contacts.

Contacts

Cautions During Prolonged Use

If you use continuous shooting, Live View shooting, or
movie shooting for a prolonged period, the camera may
become hot. Although this is not a malfunction, holding the
hot camera for a long period can cause slight skin burns.

About smear adhering to the front of the sensor

Besides dust entering the camera from outside, in rare cases lubricant from the
camera’s internal parts may adhere to the front of the sensor. In case visible
spots still remain after the automatic sensor cleaning, having the sensor cleaned
by a Canon Service Center is recommended.

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Quick Start Guide

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1

Insert the battery. (p.26)

To charge the battery, see page 24.

White index Red index

2

3

4

5

14

Attach the lens. (p.33)

Align the lens’ white or red index with
the camera’s index in the matching
color.

Set the lens focus mode switch
to <AF>.

Set the power switch to <1>.

(p.27)

When the LCD monitor displays the

Date/Time setting screen, see page

29.

(p.33)

Open the slot cover and
insert a card.

With the card’s label facing you,
insert it into the slot.

(p.31)

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7

8

9

Set the Mode Dial to <1> (Full
Auto).

(p.46)

All the necessary camera settings will
be set automatically.

Focus the subject. (p.37)

Look through the viewfinder and aim the
viewfinder center over the subject.
Press the shutter button halfway, and
the camera will focus the subject.
If necessary, the built-in flash will pop­up automatically.

Take the picture. (p.37)

Press the shutter button completely to
take the picture.

Review the picture. (p.138)

The captured image will be displayed
for approx. 2 sec. on the LCD monitor.
To display the image again, press the
<x> button (p.58).

Quick Start Guide

The shooting settings displayed on the LCD monitor will turn off

when your eye nears the viewfinder eyepiece.

To shoot while looking at the LCD monitor, see page 107.
To delete an image, see “Erasing Images” (p.171).

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Nomenclature

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The names in bold indicate the parts mentioned up until the “Basic
Shooting and Image Playback” section.

Built-in flash/AF-assist beam

(p.64/147)

EF Lens mount index (p.33)

EF-S Lens mount index (p.33)

Flash-sync contacts

Hot shoe (p.206)

Lens lock pin

External microphone
IN terminal (p.134)

Remote control
terminal (p.205)

Audio/video OUT/
Digital terminal (p.169,176)

HDMI mini OUT
terminal (p.167)

<V> Focal plane

mark (p.52)

Strap mount

(p.23)

Microphone
(p.134)

<D> Flash
button (p.64)

Terminal
cover

Lens release button

(p.34)

Depth-of-field preview
button (p.82)

Power switch (p.27)

<Z> ISO speed
setting button (p.62)

<6> Main Dial
(p.4)

Shutter button

(p.37)

Red-eye
reduction/
Self-timer
lamp (p.65/71)

Remote control
sensor
(p.106,204)

Grip

Mirror (p.106,153)

Body cap (p.33)

Mode Dial (p.20)

Contacts (p.13)

Lens mount

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Nomenclature

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Eyecup (p.205)

Viewfinder eyepiece

Display-off sensor (p.146)

<B> Shooting

settings display
button

(p.44,110,126,
143,173)

<M> Menu

button (p.40)

LCD monitor

(p.40,139)

<O> Aperture/
Exposure compensation
button (p.83/87)

Tripod socket

<Q/l> Quick Control button/
Direct print button (p.38/181)

<x> Playback button (p.58)

<0> Setting button (p.40)

<S> Cross keys (p.40)
<WB> White balance selection button (p.99)
<XA> Picture Style selection button (p.75)
<Yi/Q> Drive mode selection button (p.70,71)
<ZE> AF mode selection button (p.66)

Card slot (p.31)

Dioptric adjustment knob (p.36)

<A> Live View shooting/
Movie shooting button
(p.108/124)

<A/I> AE lock/
FE lock button/
Index/Reduce button
(p.97/98/156/158,183)

Access lamp (p.32)

Battery compartment
cover release lever (p.26)

Battery compartment cover

(p.26)

<L> Erase button (p.171)

<S/u>
AF point selection/
Magnify button
(p.68/158,183)

Speaker
(p.162)

Card slot
cover (p.31)

DC cord hole
(p.203)

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Nomenclature

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Shooting Settings Display

Exposure level indicator

Exposure compensation amount (p.87)

AEB range (p.89)

Shutter speed

Picture Style (p.75)

Shooting mode

Image-recording
quality (p.72)

73 Large/Fine
83 Large/Normal
74 Medium/Fine
84 Medium/Normal
76 Small/Fine
86 Small/Normal
1 RAW
1+73 RAW+Large/Fine

Quick Control icon (p.38)

White balance (p.99)

Q Auto
W Daylight
E Shade
R Cloudy
Y Tungsten light
U White fluorescent light
I Flash
O Custom
2 White balance correction (p.101)

B White balance bracketing (p.102)

Eye-Fi transmission status* (p.208)

Battery check (p.28)

zxcn

* Displayed if an Eye-Fi card is used.

The display will show only the settings currently applied.

Aperture

c Main Dial pointer (p.77)

AF mode (p.66)

X One-Shot AF
9 AI Focus AF
Z AI Servo AF
g Manual Focusing

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ISO speed (p.62)

Flash exposure
compensation (p.88)

Highlight tone priority
(p.194)

Auto Lighting
Optimizer (p.103)

Drive mode (p.70,71)

u Single shooting
i Continuous

shooting

Q Self-timer/

Remote control

l Self-timer:2 sec

q Self-timer:

Continuous

Shots remaining

Shots remaining during
WB bracketing

Self-timer countdown

Bulb exposure time

Metering mode (p.86)

Evaluative metering

q
w Partial metering
r Spot metering
e Center-weighted

average metering

Viewfinder Information

g

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Spot metering circle

Nomenclature

AF point activation indicator < >

Focusing screen

<A> AE lock/

AEB in-progress

<D> Flash-ready

Improper FE lock
warning

<e> High-speed sync

(FP flash)

<d> FE lock/

FEB in-progress

<y> Flash exposure

compensation

Shutter speed

FE lock (FEL)

Busy (buSY)
Built-in flash recycling (D buSY)

AF points

<A> Highlight tone priority

Exposure level indicator
Exposure compensation amount
AEB range
Red-eye reduction lamp-on indicator

Aperture

Card full warning (FuLL)
Card error warning (Err)

No card warning (Card)

<Z>
ISO speed

<2>
White balance

correction

<o> Focus

confirmation
light

Max. burst

<0> Monochrome shootin

ISO speed

The display will show only the settings currently applied.

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Nomenclature

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Mode Dial

The Mode Dial includes the Basic Zone modes, Creative Zone modes,
and Movie shooting mode.

Creative Zone

These modes give you more control for
shooting various subjects.

d : Program AE (p.60)
s : Shutter-priority AE (p.78)
f : Aperture-priority AE (p.80)
a : Manual exposure (p.83)

8: Automatic depth-of-field

AE (p.85)

Basic Zone

All you do is press the shutter button.
Fully-automatic shooting suiting the
subject.

1: Full Auto (p.46)

C: Creative Auto (p.55)

Image Zone

7: Flash Off (p.49)
2 : Portrait (p.50)
3: Landscape (p.51)
4 : Close-up (p.52)
5: Sports (p.53)
6 : Night Portrait (p.54)

k: Movie shooting

(p.123)

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Lens

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Lens without a distance scale

Focusing ring (p.69,120)

Hood mount
(p.231)

Filter thread
(front of lens) (p.231)

Image Stabilizer switch (p.35)

Lens mount index (p.33)

Lens with a distance scale

Hood mount
(p.231)

Nomenclature

Focus mode switch (p.33)

Zoom ring (p.34)

Zoom position index (p.34)

Contacts (p.13)

Focus mode switch (p.33)

Zoom position index (p.34)

Distance scale

Filter thread
(front of lens) (p.231)

Zoom ring (p.34)

Focusing ring (p.69,120)

Image Stabilizer switch (p.35)

Contacts (p.13)

Lens mount index (p.33)

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Nomenclature

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Battery Charger LC-E8

Charger for Battery Pack LP-E8 (p.24).

Battery pack slot

Charge lamp

Full-charge lamp

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS-SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
DANGER-TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
CAREFULLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

For connection to a supply not in the U.S.A., use an attachment plug adapter
of the proper configuration for the power outlet, if needed.

Battery Charger LC-E8E

Charger for Battery Pack LP-E8 (p.24).

Charge lamp

Full-charge lamp

Power cord socket

Battery pack slot

Power plug

Power cord

22

Getting Started

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This chapter explains preparatory steps before you start
shooting and basic camera operations.

Attaching the Strap

Pass the end of the strap through
the camera’s strap mount eyelet
from the bottom. Then pass it
through the strap’s buckle as shown
in the illustration. Pull the strap to
take up any slack and make sure
the strap will not loosen from the
buckle.

The eyepiece cover is also

attached to the strap (p.205).

Eyepiece cover

23

Charging the Battery

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Remove the protective cover.

1

Attach the battery.

2

As shown in the illustration, attach the

To detach the battery, follow the

battery securely.

above procedure in reverse.

LC-E8

LC-E8E

It takes approx. 2 hours to fully recharge a completely exhausted
battery at 23°C / 73°F. The time required to recharge the battery
depends on the ambient temperature and battery’s charge level.

For safety reasons, recharging in low temperatures (6°C - 10°C /

°

F - 50°F) will take a longer time (up to 4 hours).

43

24

Recharge the battery.

3

For LC-E8

As shown by the arrow, flip out the

battery charger’s prongs and insert
the prongs into a power outlet.

For LC-E8E

Connect the power cord to the

charger and insert the plug into the
power outlet.

X Recharging starts automatically and

the charge lamp turns orange.

X When the battery is fully recharged,

the full-charge lamp will turn green.

Charging the Battery

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Tips for Using the Battery and Charger

Recharge the battery on the day before or on the day it is to be

used.

Even during storage, a charged battery will gradually discharge and
lose its power.

After recharging the battery, detach it and unplug the charger

from the power outlet.

When not using the camera, remove the battery.

If the battery is left in the camera for a prolonged period, a small
amount of power current is released, resulting in excess discharge
and shorter battery life. Store the battery with the protective cover
attached. Storing the battery after it is fully charged can lower the
battery’s performance.

The battery charger can also be used in foreign countries.

The battery charger is compatible with a 100 V AC to 240 V AC 50/
60 Hz power source. If necessary, attach a commercially-available
plug adapter for the respective country or region. Do not attach any
portable voltage transformer to the battery charger. Doing so can
damage the battery charger.

If the battery becomes exhausted quickly even after being fully

charged, the battery has reached the end of its service life.

Purchase a new battery.

Do not charge any battery other than the Battery Pack LP-E8.
The Battery Pack LP-E8 is dedicated to Canon products only. Using it

with an incompatible battery charger or product may result in malfunction
or accidents for which Canon cannot be held liable.

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Installing and Removing the Battery

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Installing the Battery

Load a fully charged Battery Pack LP-E8 into the camera.

Open the battery compartment

1

cover.

Slide the lever as shown by the arrow

and open the cover.

Insert the battery.

2

Insert the end with the battery

contacts.

Insert the battery until it locks in

place.

Close the cover.

3

Press the cover until it snaps shut.

Removing the Battery

Open the cover and remove the
battery.

Press the battery release lever as

shown by the arrow and remove the
battery.

To prevent short circuiting, be sure to

attach the protective cover to the
battery.

After opening the battery compartment cover, be careful not to swing it back
further. Otherwise, the hinge might break.

26

Turning on the Power

COPY

If the date/time setting screen appears when you turn on the power
switch, see page 29 to set the date/time.

<1> : The camera turns on.
<2> : The camera is turned off and

About the Automatic Self-Cleaning Sensor

Whenever you set the power switch to <1> or <2>, the sensor

cleaning will be executed automatically. During the sensor cleaning,
the LCD monitor will display <f>. Even during the sensor
cleaning, you can still shoot by pressing the shutter button halfway
(p.37) to stop the sensor cleaning and take a picture.

If you repeatedly turn the power switch <1>/<2> at a short

interval, the <f> icon might not be displayed. This is normal and
not a problem.

does not operate. Set to this
position when not using the
camera.

About Auto Power Off

To save battery power, the camera turns off automatically after about

30 seconds of non-operation. To turn on the camera again, just
press the shutter button halfway (p.37).

You can change the auto power-off time with the menu’s [5 Auto

power off] setting (p.139).

If you set the power switch to <2> while an image is being recorded to
the card, [Recording ...] will be displayed and the power will turn off after
the card finishes recording the image.

27

Turning on the Power

COPY

Checking the Battery Level

When the power switch is set to <1>, the battery level will be
indicated in one of four levels:

z : Battery level is OK.

x : Battery level is slightly down,

but adequate power remains.

c : Battery will be exhausted soon.

n : Battery must be recharged.

Battery Life

Temperature At 23°C / 73°F At 0°C / 32°F

No Flash Approx. 550 shots Approx. 470 shots

50% Flash Use Approx. 440 shots Approx. 400 shots

The figures above are based on a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E8, no Live

View shooting, and CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) testing
standards.

The Battery Grip BG-E8 approximately doubles the number of possible shots

with two LP-E8 batteries installed. With size-AA/LR6 alkaline batteries, the
number of possible shots at 23°C / 73°F is approx. 470 shots without flash use
and approx. 270 shots with 50% flash use.

The number of possible shots will decrease with any of the following

operations:

• Pressing the shutter button halfway for a prolonged period.

• Often activating only the AF without taking a picture.

• Using the LCD monitor often.

• Using the lens Image Stabilizer.

The lens operation is powered by the camera’s battery. Depending on

the lens used, the number of possible shots may be lower.

For battery life with Live View shooting, see page 109.

28

3 Setting the Date and Time

COPY

When you turn on the power for the first time or if the date/time has
been reset, the Date/Time setting screen will appear. Follow steps 3
and 4 to set the date/time. Note that the date/time appended to

recorded images will be based on this date/time setting. Be sure to
set the correct date/time.

Display the menu.

1

Press the <M> button to display

the menu.

Under the [6] tab, select [Date/

2

Time].

Press the <U> key to select the

[6] tab.

Press the <V> key to select [Date/

Time], then press <0>.

Set the date and time.

3

Press the <U> key to select the

date or time number.

Press <0> so <a> is displayed.

Press the
then press

Exit the setting.

4

Press the <U> key to select [OK],

then press <0>.

X The date/time will be set.

Press the <M> button to return

to the shooting settings display.

<V>

key to set the number,

<0>. (Returns to b.)

The date/time set will start from when you press <0> in step 4.
If you store the camera without the battery or if the camera’s battery

becomes exhausted, the date/time might be reset. If this happens, set
the date/time again.

29

3 Selecting the Interface Language

COPY

Display the menu.

1

Press the <M> button to display

the menu.

Under the [6] tab, select

2

[LanguageK].

Press the <U> key to select the

[6] tab.

Press the <V> key to select

[Language
the top), then press <0>.

Set the desired language.

3

Press the <V> key to select the

language, then press <0>.

X The interface language will change.

Press the <M> button to return

to the shooting settings display.

K] (the third item from

30

Installing and Removing the SD Card

COPY

The captured images are recorded onto the card (sold separately).

Make sure the card’s write protect switch is set upward to
enable writing/erasing.

Installing the Card

Open the cover.

1

Slide the cover as shown by the

arrow to open it.

Write protect switch

Possible shots

The number of possible shots depends on the remaining capacity of the

card, image-recording quality, ISO speed, etc.

Setting the [1 Release shutter without card] menu option to [Disable]

will prevent you from forgetting to install a card (p.138).

Insert the card.

2

As shown by the illustration, face
the card’s label side toward you
and insert it until it clicks in place.

Close the cover.

3

Close the cover and slide it in the

direction shown by the arrow until it
snaps shut.

When you set the power switch to

<1>, the number of possible shots
will be displayed on the LCD monitor.

31

Installing and Removing the SD Card

COPY

Removing the Card

Open the cover.

1

Set the power switch to <2>.
Check that “Recording...” is not

displayed on the LCD monitor.

Make sure the access lamp is off,

Access lamp

then open the cover.

Remove the card.

2

Gently push in the card, then let go.

The card will stick out.

Pull the card straight out, then close

the cover.

When the access lamp is lit or blinking, it indicates that the images
are being written to or read by the card, being erased, or data is
being transferred. While the access lamp is lit or blinking, never do
any of the following. Doing so may damage the image data. It may
also damage the card or camera.

• Opening the card slot cover.

• Removing the battery.

• Shaking or banging the camera around.

If the card already contains recorded images, the image number might

not start from 0001 (p.140).

Do not touch the card’s contacts with your fingers or metal objects.
If a card-related error message is displayed on the LCD monitor, remove

and reinstall the card. If the error persists, use a different card.
If you can transfer all the images in the card to a computer, transfer all
the images and then format the card with the camera (p.42). The card
may then return to normal.

32

Attaching and Detaching a Lens

COPY

Attaching a Lens

Remove the caps.

1

Remove the rear lens cap and the

body cap by turning them as shown
by the arrows.

White index

Red index

Minimizing Dust

When changing lenses, do it in a place with minimal dust.
When storing the camera without a lens attached, be sure to attach the

body cap to the camera.

Remove dust on the body cap before attaching it.

Attach the lens.

2

Align the lens’ red or white index with

the camera’s index matching the
same color. Turn the lens as shown
by the arrow until it snaps in place.

On the lens, set the focus mode

3

switch to <AF> (autofocus).

If it is set to <MF> (manual focus),

autofocus will not operate.

Remove the front lens cap.

4

33

Attaching and Detaching a Lens

COPY

About Zooming

To zoom, turn the zoom ring on the lens
with your fingers.

If you want to zoom, do it before
focusing. Turning the zoom ring after
achieving focus may throw off the
focus slightly.

Detaching the Lens

While pressing the lens release
button, turn the lens as shown by
the arrows.

Turn the lens until it stops, then

detach it.

Attach the rear lens cap to the

detached lens.

Do not look at the sun directly through any lens. Doing so may cause

loss of vision.

If the front part (focusing ring) of the lens rotates during autofocusing, do

not touch the rotating part.

Image Conversion Factor

Since the image sensor size is
smaller than the 35mm film
format, it will look like the lens
focal length is increased by 1.6x.

34

Image sensor size
(22.3 x 14.9 mm / 0.88 x 0.59 in.)

35mm image size
(36 x 24 mm / 1.42 x 0.94 in.)

About the Lens Image Stabilizer

COPY

When you use the IS lens’ built-in Image Stabilizer, camera shake is
corrected to obtain a less blurred shot. The procedure explained here is
based on the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens as an example.

* IS stands for Image Stabilizer.

Set the IS switch to <1>.

1

Set also the camera’s power switch to

<1>.

Press the shutter button halfway.

2

X The Image Stabilizer will operate.

Take the picture.

3

When the picture looks steady in the

viewfinder, press the shutter button
completely to take the picture.

The Image Stabilizer may not be effective if the subject moves at the time

of exposure.

The Image Stabilizer may not be effective for excessive shaking such as

on a rocking boat.

The Image Stabilizer can operate with the focus mode switch set to

either <f> or <g>.

If the camera is mounted on a tripod, you can save battery power by

switching the IS switch to <2>.

The Image Stabilizer is effective even when the camera is mounted on a

monopod.

Some IS lenses enable you to switch the IS mode manually to suit the

shooting conditions. However, the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, EF-S18­55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II and EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lenses switch the IS
mode automatically.

35

Basic Operation

COPY

Adjusting the Viewfinder Clarity

Turn the dioptric adjustment
knob.

Turn the knob left or right until the

nine AF points in the viewfinder look
sharp.

If the camera’s dioptric adjustment still cannot provide a sharp viewfinder
image, using Dioptric Adjustment Lens E (10 types, sold separately) is
recommended.

Holding the Camera

To obtain sharp images, hold the camera still to minimize camera
shake.

Horizontal shooting

1. Wrap your right hand around the camera grip firmly.

2. Hold the lens bottom with your left hand.

3. Press the shutter button lightly with your right hand’s index finger.

4. Press your arms and elbows lightly against the front of your body.

5. To maintain a stable stance, place one foot in front of the other.

6. Press the camera against your face and look through the viewfinder.

To shoot while looking at the LCD monitor, see page 107.

36

Vertical shooting

Basic Operation

COPY

Shutter Button

The shutter button has two steps. You can press the shutter button
halfway. Then you can further press the shutter button completely.

Pressing halfway

This activates autofocusing and
automatic exposure metering that sets
the shutter speed and aperture.
The exposure setting (shutter speed and
aperture) is displayed in the viewfinder
(0).

Pressing completely

This releases the shutter and takes the
picture.

Preventing Camera Shake

Hand-held camera movement during the moment of exposure is called
camera shake. It can cause blurred pictures. To prevent camera shake,
note the following:

• Hold and steady the camera as shown on the previous page.

• Press the shutter button halfway to autofocus, then slowly press the
shutter button completely.

If you press the shutter button completely without pressing it halfway first

or if you press the shutter button halfway and then press it completely
immediately, the camera will take a moment before it takes the picture.

Even during the menu display, image playback, and image recording,

you can instantly go back to shooting-ready by pressing the shutter
button halfway.

37

Q Using the Quick Control Screen

COPY

You can directly select and set the shooting functions displayed on the
LCD monitor. This is called the Quick Control screen.

Display the Quick Control screen.

1

When the shooting settings are

displayed, press the <Q> button.

X The Quick Control screen will activate

(7).

Set the desired setting.

2

Press the <S> key to select the

function to be set.

In the Basic Zone modes (except

C), you can select certain drive

Basic Zone modes

modes (p.70) and the image­recording quality (p.72).

X The selected function is displayed on

the screen’s bottom.

Turn the <6> dial to change the

setting.

Creative Zone modes

Take the picture.

3

Press the shutter button completely to

take the picture.

38

Quick Control Screen Nomenclature

COPY

Q Using the Quick Control Screen

Aperture (p.80)

Shutter speed (p.78)

Exposure compensation/

AEB setting

Shooting mode* (p.20)

Image-recording

Asterisked functions cannot be set with the Quick Control screen.

(p.89)

quality (p.72)

Picture Style (p.75)

White balance (p.99)

ISO speed (p.62)

Highlight tone
priority* (p.194)

Flash exposure
compensation (p.88)

Auto Lighting Optimizer
(p.103)

Drive mode (p.70)

Metering mode (p.86)

AF mode (p.66)

Function Setting Display

On the Quick Control screen, select

the function and press <0>. The
respective setting screen will then
appear (except for the shutter speed
and aperture).

Î

<0>

Turn the <6> dial to change the

setting. You can also press the
<U> key to change the setting.

Press <0> to finalize the setting and

return to the Quick Control screen.

39

3 Menu Operations

COPY

You can set various functions with the menus such as the image-recording
quality, date/time, etc. While looking at the LCD monitor, use the
button,

<S>

cross keys, and

<M> button

LCD monitor

<0>

button on the camera back.

<M>

<0> button

<S> Cross keys

Menu Screen

Basic Zone modes Movie shooting mode

* In Basic Zone modes and Movie shooting mode, the tabs and menu

options displayed will be different.

Creative Zone modes

1 Shooting

Ta b

Menu items

40

3 Playback

5 Set-up

9 My Menu

Menu settings

Menu Setting Procedure

COPY

1

2

3

4

5

6

3 Menu Operations

Display the menu.

Press the <M> button to display

the menu.

Select a tab.

Press the <U> key to select a tab.
You can also turn the <6> dial to

select a tab.

Select the desired item.

Press the <V> key to select the

item, then press <0>.

Select the setting.

Press the <V> or <U> key to

select the desired setting. (Some
settings require you to press either
the <V> or <U> key to select it.)

The current setting is indicated in

blue.

Set the desired setting.

Press <0> to set it.

Exit the setting.

Press the <M> button to return

to the shooting settings display.

The explanation of menu functions hereinafter assumes that you have

pressed the <M> button to display the menu screen.

A list of menu functions is on page 212.

41

3 Formatting the Card

COPY

If the card is new or was previously formatted by another camera or
computer, format the card with the camera.

When the card is formatted, all images and data in the card will
be erased. Even protected images will be erased, so make
sure there is nothing you need to keep. If necessary, transfer
the images to a computer, etc., before formatting the card.

Select [Format].

1

Under the [5] tab, select [Format],

then press <0>.

Format the card.

2

Select [OK], then press <0>.

X The card will be formatted.
X When the formatting is completed,

the menu will reappear.

For low-level formatting, press the

<L> button to checkmark [Low level
format] with <X>, then select [OK].

42

3 Formatting the Card

COPY

Execute [Format] in the following cases:

The card is new.
The card was formatted by a different camera or a computer.
The card is full with images or data.
A card-related error is displayed (p.224).

About Low-level Formatting

Do low-level formatting if the card’s recording or reading speed seems

slow.

Since low-level formatting will erase all recordable sectors in the card, the

formatting will take slightly longer than normal formatting.

You can stop the low-level formatting by selecting [Cancel]. Even in this

case, normal formatting will have been completed and you can use the
card as usual.

When the card is formatted or data is erased, only the file management

information is changed. The actual data is not completely erased. Be
aware of this when selling or discarding the card. When discarding the
card, execute low-level formatting or destroy the card physically to
prevent the data from being leaked.

Before using a new Eye-Fi card, the software in the card must be

installed in your computer. Then format the card with the camera.

The card capacity displayed on the card format screen might be smaller

than the capacity indicated on the card.

This device incorporates exFAT technology licensed from Microsoft.

43

Switching the LCD Monitor Display

COPY

The LCD monitor can display the shooting settings screen, menu
screen, image, etc.

Shooting Settings

Displayed when the camera is turned on.

When your eye nears the viewfinder

eyepiece, the display-off sensor
(p.17, 146) turns off the LCD monitor
automatically. This prevents the bright
LCD monitor from interfering with
your view. The LCD monitor turns on
again when your eye leaves the
viewfinder eyepiece.

While the menu screen or image is displayed as shown below, you

can instantly return to the shooting settings screen (shown above)
and shoot by pressing the shutter button halfway.

Pressing the <B> button turns the display on or off.

If you look at the viewfinder while wearing sunglasses, the LCD monitor

might not turn off automatically. In such a case, press the <B> button
to turn off the monitor.

If a fluorescent light is nearby, the LCD monitor might turn off. If this

happens, take the camera away from the fluorescent light.

Menu Functions Captured Image

Appears when you press the

<M> button. Press the
button again to return to the
previous screen.

44

Appears when you press the

<x> button. Press the button
again to return to the previous
screen.

Basic Shooting and

COPY

Image Playback

This chapter explains how to use the Basic Zone modes on
the Mode Dial for best results and how to playback images.

With the Basic Zone modes, all you do is point and shoot and
the camera sets everything automatically
prevent botched pictures due to mistaken operations, major
shooting settings cannot be changed in the fully-automatic
modes. The settings (functions set automatically) which cannot
be set by the user are grayed out.

About the Auto Lighting Optimizer

In the Basic Zone modes, the Auto Lighting Optimizer will adjust the
image automatically to obtain the optimum brightness and contrast.
It is also enabled by default in the Creative Zone modes (p.103).

(p.210). Also, to

B

a

s

i

c

Z

o

n

e

45

1 Fully Automatic Shooting

COPY

Set the Mode Dial to <1>.

1

AF point

Focus confirmation light

Aim any AF point over the

2

subject.

All the AF points will be used to focus,

and generally the closest object will
be focused.

Aiming the center AF point over the

subject will make focusing easier.

Focus the subject.

3

Press the shutter button halfway, and

the lens will adjust the focus.

X The dot inside the AF point achieving

focus flashes briefly in red. At the
same time, the beeper will sound and
the focus confirmation light <o> in
the viewfinder will light.

X If necessary, the built-in flash will pop-

up automatically.

Take the picture.

4

Press the shutter button completely to

take the picture.

X The captured image will be displayed

for about 2 sec. on the LCD monitor.

If the built-in flash has popped up,

you can push it back down with your
fingers.

46

1 Fully Automatic Shooting

COPY

FAQ

The focus confirmation light

Aim the AF point over an area having good contrast, then press the
shutter button halfway (p.202). If you are too close to the subject,
move away and try again.

Sometimes multiple AF points flash simultaneously.

This indicates that focus has been achieved at all those AF points. When
the AF point covering the desired subject flashes, take the picture.

The beeper continues to beep softly. (The focus confirmation

light <o> does not light.)

It indicates that the camera is focusing continuously on a moving
subject. (The focus confirmation light <o> does not light.) While the
beeper is beeping, you can press the shutter button completely to
shoot a moving subject in focus.

Pressing the shutter button halfway does not focus the subject.

When the focus mode switch on the lens is set to
camera does not focus. Set the focus mode switch to

Although it is daylight, the flash popped up.

For a backlit subject, the flash may pop up to help reduce the
subject’s dark shadow.

In low light, the built-in flash fired a series of flashes.

Pressing the shutter button halfway may trigger the built-in flash to
fire a series of flashes to assist autofocusing. This is called AF-assist
beam. It is effective up to approx. 4 meters/13.1 feet away.

Although flash was used, the picture came out dark.

The subject was too far away. The subject should be within 5
meters/16.4 feet from the camera.

When flash was used, the bottom part of the picture came out

unnaturally dark.

The subject was too close to the camera, and a shadow was created
by the lens barrel. The subject should be at least 1 meter/3.3 feet
away from the camera. If a hood has been attached to the lens,
remove it before taking the flash picture.

<o>

blinks and focus is not achieved.

<MF>

(Manual Focus), the

<AF>

(Auto Focus).

47

1 Full Auto Techniques

COPY

Recomposing the Shot

Depending on the scene, position the subject toward the left or right to
create a balanced background and good perspective.
In the <1> (Full Auto) mode, while you press the shutter button
halfway to focus a still subject, the focus will be locked. You can then
recompose the shot and press the shutter button completely to take the
picture. This is called “focus lock”. Focus lock is also possible in other
Basic Zone modes (except <5> Sports).

Shooting a Moving Subject

In the <1> (Full Auto) mode, if the subject moves (distance to camera
changes) during or after you focus, AI Servo AF will take effect to focus
the subject continuously. As long as you keep aiming the AF point on
the subject while pressing the shutter button halfway, the focusing will
be continuous. When you want to take the picture, press the shutter
button completely.

48

7 Disabling Flash

COPY

In places where flash photography is prohibited, use the <7> (Flash
Off) mode. This mode is also effective for candlelight scenes when you
want to capture the ambient light.

Shooting Tips

If the numeric display in the viewfinder blinks, take care to

prevent camera shake.

Under low light when camera shake is prone to occur, the
viewfinder’s shutter speed display will blink. Hold the camera steady
or use a tripod. When using a zoom lens, use the wide-angle end to
reduce blur caused by camera shake.

Taking portraits without flash.

Under low light, the person must not move until the picture is taken.
If the person moves during the exposure, he or she might look
blurred in the picture.

49

2 Shooting Portraits

COPY

The <2> (Portrait) mode blurs the background to make the human
subject stand out. It also makes flesh tones and the hair look softer than
with the <1> (Full Auto) mode.

Shooting Tips

The farther the distance between the subject and background,

the better.

The further the distance between the subject and background, the
more blurred the background will look. The subject will also stand
out better in front of a plain, dark background.

Use a telephoto lens.

If you have a zoom lens, use the telephoto end to fill the frame with
the subject from the waist up. Move in closer if necessary.

Focus the face.

Check that the AF point covering the face flashes in red.

If you hold down the shutter button, you can shoot continuously to obtain

different poses and facial expressions. (max. approx. 3.7 shots/sec.)

If necessary, the built-in flash will pop up automatically.

50

3 Shooting Landscapes

COPY

Use the <3> (Landscape) mode for wide scenery, night scenes, or to
have everything in focus from near to far. The greens and blues also
become more vivid and sharper than with <1> (Full Auto).

Shooting Tips

With a zoom lens, use the wide-angle end.

When using the wide-angle end of a zoom lens, objects near and far
will be in focus better than at the telephoto end. It also adds breadth
to landscapes.

Shooting night scenes.

Since the built-in flash will be disabled, this
mode <3> is also good for night scenes.
Use a tripod to prevent camera shake. If
you want to photograph a person against a
night scene, set the Mode Dial to <6>
(Night Portrait) and use a tripod (p.54).

51

4 Shooting Close-ups

COPY

When you want to photograph flowers or small things up close, use the
<4> (Close-up) mode. To make small things appear much larger, use a
macro lens (sold separately).

Shooting Tips

Use a simple background.

A simple background makes the flower, etc., stand out better.

Move to the subject as close as possible.

Check the lens for its minimum focusing distance. Some lenses
have indications such as <40.25m/0.8ft>. The lens minimum
focusing distance is measured from the <V> (focal plane) mark on
the camera to the subject. If you are too close to the subject, the
focus confirmation light <o> will blink.
Under low light, the built-in flash will fire. If you are too close to the
subject and the bottom of the picture looks dark, move away from
the subject.

With a zoom lens, use the telephoto end.

If you have a zoom lens, using the telephoto end will make the
subject look larger.

52

5 Shooting Moving Subjects

COPY

To photograph a moving subject, whether it is a child running or a
moving vehicle, use the <5> (Sports) mode.

Shooting Tips

Use a telephoto lens.

Using a telephoto lens is recommended so you can shoot from afar.

Use the center AF point to focus.

Aim the center AF point over the subject, then press the shutter
button halfway to auto focus. During autofocusing, the beeper will
continue beeping softly. If focus cannot be achieved, the focus
confirmation light <o> will blink.
When you want to take the picture, press the shutter button
completely. If you hold down the shutter button, continuous shooting
(max. approx. 3.7 shots per sec.) and autofocusing will take effect.

Under low light when camera shake is prone to occur, the viewfinder’s
shutter speed display on the bottom left will blink. Hold the camera steady
and shoot.

53

6 Shooting Portraits at Night

COPY

To shoot someone at night and obtain a natural-looking exposure in the
background, use the <6> (Night Portrait) mode.

Shooting Tips

Use a wide-angle lens and a tripod.

When using a zoom lens, use the wide-angle end to obtain a wide
night view. Also, use a tripod to prevent camera shake.

Keep the person within 5 meters/16.4 feet from the camera.

Under low light, the built-in flash will fire automatically to obtain a
good exposure of the person. The effective distance of the built-in
flash is 5 meters/16.4 feet from the camera.

Shoot also with <1> (Full Auto).

Since camera shake is prone to occur with night shots, shooting also
with <1> (Full Auto) is recommended.

Tell the subject to keep still even after the flash fires.
If the self-timer is also used, the self-timer lamp will light briefly when the

picture is taken.

54

C Creative Auto Shooting

COPY

Basic Zone modes except <C> (Creative Auto) take care of
everything, whereas the <C> Creative Auto mode enables you to
easily change the picture’s brightness, depth of field, color tone (Picture
Style), etc. The default settings are the same as the <1> (Full Auto)
mode.

* CA stands for Creative Auto.

Set the Mode Dial to <C>.

1

X The Creative Auto screen appears on

the LCD monitor.

Press the <Q> button.

2

You can use the <S> key to select

the function (7).

For details about each function, see

page 56-57.

Set the desired setting.

3

Press the <S> key to select the

function to be set.

X A brief description of the selected

function is displayed on the screen’s
bottom.

Turn the <6> dial to change the

setting.

Press the shutter button halfway to

return to the screen in step 2.

Take the picture.

4

Press the shutter button completely to

take the picture.

If you change the shooting mode or if the power turns off via auto power off
(p.139) or by the power switch being set to <2>, the Creative Auto
settings will revert to the default. However, the image-recording quality, self­timer and remote control settings will be retained.

55

C Creative Auto Shooting

COPY

Shutter speed and aperture

(6)

Battery check

(1) Flash firing

<a> (Auto flash), <D> (Flash on), or <b> (Flash off) can be
selected.
If you set <b> (Flash off), see “Disabling Flash” on page 49.

(2) Blurring/sharpening the background

If you move the index mark toward the left, the background will look
more blurred. If you move it toward the right, the background will
look more in focus. If you want to blur the background, see
“Shooting Portraits” on page 50.
Depending on the lens and shooting conditions, the background
might not look so blurred. This setting cannot be set (grayed out)
while the built-in flash is popped up. When flash is used, it will not
be applied.

(3) Adjusting the picture brightness

(1)

(2)
(3)

(4)

(5)

Possible shots

If you move the index mark toward the left, the picture will look
darker. If you move it toward the right, the picture will look brighter.

56

C Creative Auto Shooting

COPY

(4) Image effects

Besides the standard image effect, you can set it for portraits,
landscapes, or black-and-white photos. (p.75: Picture Style)
<P> (Standard): Standard image effect applicable to most

scenes.

<Q> (Smooth skin tones): Effective for close-ups of women or

children.

<R> (Vivid blues and greens): For impressive landscapes.
<V> (Monochrome image): Creates black-and-white photos.

(5) Single, continuous, and self-timer shooting

<i> (Continuous shooting): Shoot continuously at a maximum of

about 3.7 frames per second (fps).

<Q> (Self-timer/Remote control): See the “Using the Self-timer”

note ( ) on p.71. Remote control shooting is also possible
(p.204).

<q> (Self-timer:Continuous): After 10 sec., the set number of

shots is taken continuously. Press the <V> key to set the
number of multiple shots (2 to 10) to be taken with the self­timer.

* By pressing <0>, you can display the [Drive mode] selection screen and

set the same settings.

(6) Image-recording quality

To set the image-recording quality, see “Setting the Image-recording
Quality” on page 72-74. By pressing <0>, you can display the
[Quality] selection screen and set the same settings.

57

x Image Playback

COPY

The easiest way to playback images is explained below. For more
details on the playback procedure, see page 155.

Playback the image.

1

When you press the <x> button, the

last captured image will be displayed.

Select the image.

2

To view images starting with the last

image, press the <Y> key.
To view images starting with the first
(oldest) image, press the <Z> key.

Each time you press the <B>

button, the display format will change.

With no information displayed

Histogram display

58

Basic information displayed

Detailed information display

Exit the image playback.

3

Press the <x> button to exit the

image playback and return to the
shooting settings display.

Creative Shooting

COPY

In the Basic Zone modes, to prevent spoiled shots,
most functions are set automatically and cannot be
changed. In the <d> (Program AE) mode, you can set
various functions and be more creative.

In the <d> (Program AE) mode, the camera sets the

shutter speed and aperture automatically to obtain a
standard exposure.

The difference between the Basic Zone modes and <d> is

explained on page 210.

* <d> stands for Program.
* AE stands for Auto Exposure.

59

d: Program AE

COPY

To obtain a good exposure of the subject, the camera sets the exposure
(shutter speed and aperture) automatically. This is called Program AE.

Set the Mode Dial to <d>.

1

Focus the subject.

2

Look through the viewfinder and aim

the selected AF point over the
subject. Then press the shutter button
halfway.

X The dot inside the AF point achieving

focus flashes briefly in red, and the
focus confirmation light <o> in the
viewfinder’s bottom right lights (with
One Shot AF + automatic AF point
selection).

X The shutter speed and aperture will

be set automatically and displayed in
the viewfinder.

Check the shutter speed and

3

aperture display.

A correct exposure will be obtained

as long as the shutter speed and
aperture display do not blink.

Take the picture.

4

Compose the shot and press the

shutter button completely.

60

d: Program AE

COPY

Shooting Tips

Change the ISO speed or use the built-in flash.

To match the subject and ambient lighting level, you can change the
ISO speed (p.62) or use the built-in flash (p.64). In the <d> mode,
the built-in flash will not fire automatically. So under low light, press
the <I> (Flash) button to pop up the built-in flash.

The program can be shifted. (Program shift)

After pressing the shutter button halfway, turn the <6> dial to
change the shutter speed and aperture setting combination
(program). After you take the picture, the program shift will be
canceled. Program shift is not possible with flash.

In very low light or very bright light, the shutter speed and
aperture display will blink when you press the shutter
button halfway, as shown in the figure. In low light (30"

3.5), either increase the ISO speed (p.62) or use flash
(p.64). In bright light (4000 22), decrease the ISO speed.

Differences Between <d> and <1> (Full Auto)

With <1>, many functions such the AF mode, drive mode, and built-in
flash are set automatically to prevent spoiled shots. The functions you can
set are limited. With <d>, only the shutter speed and aperture are set
automatically. You can freely set the AF mode, drive mode, built-in flash,
and other functions (p.210).

61

Z: Changing the ISO SpeedN

COPY

Set the ISO speed (image sensor’s sensitivity to light) to suit the
ambient light level. In the Basic Zone modes, the ISO speed is set
automatically (p.63).

Press the <Z> button. (9)

1

X [ISO speed] will appear.

Set the ISO speed.

2

Turn the <6> dial or press the

<U> key to select the ISO speed.

You can also set the ISO speed in the

viewfinder while turning the <6>
dial.

With “AUTO” selected, the ISO speed

will be set automatically (p.63).

ISO Speed Guide

ISO Speed

100 - 400 Sunny outdoors

400 - 1600 Overcast skies or evening time

1600 - 6400, H Dark indoors or night

In the [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)] menu, if [Highlight tone priority]

is set to [1: Enable], ISO 100 and “H” (equivalent to ISO 12800) settings
cannot be set (p.194).

Using a high ISO speed or shooting in high-temperature conditions may

result in more grainy images. Long exposures can also cause irregular
colors in the image.

When you shoot at high ISO speeds, noise (banding, dots of light, etc.)

may appear.

Shooting Situation

(No flash)

Flash Range

The higher the ISO
speed, the farther the
flash range will be (p.64).

In the [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)] menu, if [ISO expansion] is set to [1:
On], “H” (equivalent to ISO 12800) can also be set (p.192).

62

Z: Changing the ISO SpeedN

COPY

About “AUTO” for Automatic ISO Speed

If the ISO speed is set to “AUTO”, the
actual ISO speed to be set will be
displayed when you press the shutter
button halfway. As indicated below, the
ISO speed will be set automatically to
suit the shooting mode.

Shooting Mode ISO Speed Setting

1/7/3/4/5/6/C Automatically set within ISO 100 - 3200
d/s/f/a/8 Automatically set within ISO 100 - 6400
2 Fixed at ISO 100

With flash Fixed at ISO 400

*1: Depending on the maximum ISO speed that has been set.
*2: If fill flash results in overexposure, ISO 100 or a higher ISO will be set.
*3: In the <d/8> modes and Basic Zone modes <except 6>, ISO 400 -

1600 will be set automatically if bounce flash is used with an external
Speedlite. If the maximum ISO speed has been set to [400] or [800], the ISO
speed will be set within this range.

When “AUTO” is set, the ISO speed will be displayed in whole-stop
increments of 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, or 3200. However, the actual ISO
speed may be set more precisely. Therefore, in the image’s shooting
information, you may find an ISO speed like 125 or 640 displayed as the
ISO speed.

*2*3

*1

3 Setting the Maximum ISO Speed for Auto ISON

For Auto ISO, you can set the maximum ISO speed within ISO 400 -

6400.

Under the [y] tab, select [ISO Auto],
then press <0>. Select the ISO speed,
then press <0>.

63

D Using the Built-in Flash

COPY

In indoors, low light, or backlit conditions in daylight, just pop up the
built-in flash and press the shutter button to take flash pictures. In the
<d> mode, the shutter speed (1/60 sec. - 1/200 sec.) will be set
automatically to prevent camera shake.

Press the <D> button.

1

In Creative Zone modes, you can

press the <D> button anytime to take
flash pictures.

While the flash is recycling, “DbuSY”

is displayed in the viewfinder, and
[BUSYD] is displayed on the LCD
monitor.

Press the shutter button halfway.

2

In the bottom left of the viewfinder,

check that the <D> icon is lit.

Take the picture.

3

When focus is achieved and you

press the shutter button completely,
the flash will fire for the picture.

Effective Flash Range [Approx. in meters / feet]

ISO Speed

100 1 - 3.5 / 3.5 - 12 1 - 2.5 / 3.5 - 7.5

200 1 - 5.5 / 3.5 - 17 1 - 3.5 / 3.5 - 11

400/AUTO 1 - 7.5 / 3.5 - 24 1 - 4.5 / 3.5 - 15

800 1 - 11 / 3.5 - 34 1 - 6.5 / 3.5 - 22

1600 1 - 15 / 3.5 - 49 1 - 9.5 / 3.5 - 31

3200 1 - 21 / 3.5 - 69 1 - 13 / 3.5 - 43

6400 1 - 30 / 3.5 - 97 1 - 19 / 3.5 - 61

H: 12800 1 - 42 / 3.5 - 138 1 - 26 / 3.5 - 86

64

EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens / EF-S18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens

Wide Angle Telephoto

D Using the Built-in Flash

COPY

Shooting Tips

If the subject is far away, increase the ISO speed.

By increasing the ISO speed, you can extend the flash range.

In bright light, decrease the ISO speed.

If the exposure setting in the viewfinder blinks, decrease the ISO speed.

Detach the lens hood and keep at least 1 meter/3.3 feet away

from the subject.

If the lens has a hood attached or you are too close to the subject,
the bottom of the picture might look dark due to the obstructed flash.
For important shots, check the image on the LCD monitor to make
sure the flash exposure looks good (not dark at the bottom).

3 Using Red-eye Reduction

Using the red-eye reduction lamp before taking a flash picture can
reduce red eye.
Red-eye reduction will work in any shooting mode except <7> <3>
<5> <k>.

Under the [1] tab, select [Red-eye

reduc.], then press <0>. Select

[Enable], then press <0>.
For flash photography, when you
press the shutter button halfway, the
red-eye reduction lamp will light. Then
when you press the shutter button
completely, the picture will be taken.

The red-eye reduction feature is most effective when the subject looks at

the red-eye reduction lamp, when the room is well lit, or when you go
closer to the subject.

When you press the shutter button halfway, the

viewfinder display on the bottom will gradually turn
off. For best results, take the picture after this display
turns off.

The effectiveness of red-eye reduction varies depending on the subject.

65

E: Changing the AF ModeN

COPY

You can select the AF mode suiting the shooting conditions or subject. In
the Basic Zone modes, the optimum AF mode is set automatically.

On the lens, set the focus mode

1

switch to <AF>.

Press the <ZE> button.

2

X [AF mode] will appear.

Select the AF mode.

3

Press the <U> key to select the AF

mode, then press <0>.

Focus the subject.

4

Aim the AF point over the subject and

press the shutter button halfway. The
camera will then autofocus in the
selected AF mode.

One-Shot AF for Still Subjects

Suited for still subjects. When you press the shutter button
halfway, the camera will focus only once.

When focus is achieved, the dot inside the AF point achieving focus

lights briefly in red, and the focus confirmation light <o> in the
viewfinder will also light.

With evaluative metering (p.86), the exposure setting will be set at

the same time focus is achieved.

While you hold down the shutter button halfway, the focus will be

locked. You can then recompose the shot if desired.

66

E: Changing the AF ModeN

COPY

If focus cannot be achieved, the focus confirmation light <o> in the

viewfinder will blink. If this occurs, a picture cannot be taken even if the
shutter button is pressed completely. Recompose the picture and try to
focus again. Or see “When Autofocus Fails” (p.202).

If the [1 Beep] menu is set to [Disable], the beeper will not sound when

focus is achieved.

AI Servo AF for Moving Subjects

This AF mode is for moving subjects when the focusing distance
keeps changing. While you hold down the shutter button halfway,
the subject will be focused continuously.

The exposure is set at the moment the picture is taken.
When the AF point selection (p.68) is automatic, the camera first

uses the center AF point to focus. During autofocusing, if the subject
moves away from the center AF point, focus tracking continues as
long as the subject is covered by another AF point.

With AI Servo AF, the beeper will not sound even when focus is achieved.
Also, the focus confirmation light

<o>

in the viewfinder will not light.

AI Focus AF for Automatic Switching of AF Mode

AI Focus AF switches the AF mode from One-Shot AF to AI Servo
AF automatically if the still subject starts moving.

After the subject is focused in the One-Shot AF mode, if the subject

starts moving, the camera will detect the movement and change the
AF mode automatically to AI Servo AF.

When focus is achieved in the AI Focus AF mode with the Servo mode
active, the beeper will sound softly. However, the focus confirmation light
<o> in the viewfinder will not light.

67

S Selecting the AF PointN

COPY

In the Basic Zone modes, all the AF points are active. Generally, the AF
point covering the closest subject will be selected to focus. Therefore,
the camera sometimes may not focus the subject you want.
With the <d> (Program AE), <s>, <f>, and <a> modes, you can
select one AF point to focus where you want.

Press the <S> button. (9)

1

X The selected AF point will be

displayed on the LCD monitor and in
the viewfinder.

When all AF points light up, automatic

AF point selection will be set.

Select the AF point.

2

Press the <S> key to select the AF

point.

While looking at the viewfinder, you

can select the AF point by turning the
<6> dial until the desired AF point
lights in red.

Pressing <0> toggles the AF point

selection between the center AF point
and automatic AF point selection.

Focus the subject.

3

Aim the selected AF point over the

subject and press the shutter button
halfway to focus.

68

S Selecting the AF PointN

COPY

Shooting Tips

When shooting a portrait up close, use One-Shot AF and focus

the eyes.

If you focus the eyes first, you can then recompose and the face will
remain sharp.

If it is difficult to focus, select and use the center AF point.

The center AF point is the most sensitive among the nine AF points.
Also, with a fast lens from f/1.0 to f/2.8, high-precision focusing is
possible with the center AF point.

To make it easier to focus a moving subject, set the camera to

automatic AF point selection and AI Servo AF.

First use the center AF point to focus. If the subject moves away
from the center AF point, the other AF points will continue to focus­track the subject automatically.

MF: Manual Focusing

Set the lens focus mode switch to

1

<MF>.

Focus the subject.

2

Focus by turning the lens focusing

ring until the subject looks sharp in

Focusing ring

the viewfinder.

If you press the shutter button halfway during manual focusing, the AF point
achieving focus flashes in red briefly, the beeper sounds, and the focus
confirmation light <o> in the viewfinder will light.

69

i Continuous ShootingN

COPY

You can shoot up to about 3.7 shots per sec. This is effective for
shooting a child running toward you or capturing the different facial
expressions.

Press the <YiQ> button.

1

Select <i>.

2

Press the <U> key to select <i>,

then press <0>.

Take the picture.

3

The camera shoots continuously

while you hold down the shutter
button fully.

Shooting Tips

Also set the AF mode matching the subject.

• For moving subject

When AI Servo AF is set, focusing will be continuous during
continuous shooting.

• For still subjects

When One-Shot AF is set, the camera will focus only once during
continuous shooting.

Flash can also be used.

Since the flash will require recycling time, the continuous shooting
speed will be slower.

If the [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)] menu’s [High ISO speed noise

reduction] (p.193) is set to [2: Strong], the maximum continuous

shooting burst will greatly decrease.

In AI Servo AF mode, the continuous shooting speed may become

slightly slower depending on the subject and the lens used.
The continuous shooting speed might also decrease indoors and under low light.

70

j Using the Self-timer

COPY

Press the <YiQ> button.

1

Select the self-timer.

2

Press the <U> key to select the

desired self-timer, then press <0>.

Q: 10-sec. self-timer

The remote control can also be
used. (p.204)

l: 2-sec. self-timerN (p.106)

q: 10-sec. self-timer plus

continuous shots

Press the
number of multiple shots (2 to 10)
to be taken with the self-timer.

Take the picture.

3

Look through the viewfinder, focus the subject,
then press the shutter button completely.

X

You can check the self-timer operation with

With

<q>

on the shooting functions settings such as the image-recording quality or flash.

, the interval between the multiple shots may be prolonged depending

the self-timer lamp, beeper, and countdown
display (in seconds) on the LCD monitor.

X Two seconds before the picture is

taken, the self-timer lamp will stay on
and the beeper will sound faster.

<V>

key to set the

After taking self-timer shots, you should check the image for proper focus

and exposure (p.58).

If you will not look through the viewfinder when you press the shutter

button, attach the eyepiece cover (p.205). If stray light enters the
viewfinder when the picture is taken, it may throw off the exposure.

When using the self-timer to shoot only yourself, use focus lock (p.48) on

an object at about the same distance as where you will stand.

To cancel the self-timer after it starts, press the <YiQ> button.

71

3 Setting the Image-recording Quality

COPY

You can select the number of megapixels to record (approx. 17.9, 8.0,
or 4.5 megapixels) and the image quality.

Select [Quality].

1

Under the [1] tab, select [Quality],

then press <0>.

X [Quality] will appear.

Select the image-recording quality.

2

For your reference, the respective

quality’s megapixel count (***M),
image size in pixels (****x****), and
the number of possible shots [***] will
be displayed. Select the desired
quality, then press <0>.

Guide to Image-recording Quality Settings (Approx.)

Quality

73

High quality

83 3.2 112 0 112 0

74

Medium quality

84 1.7 2100 2100

76

Low quality

86 1.1 3180 3180

1

1+73 24.5+6.4 110 3

* Based on Canon’s testing standards with a 4GB card, ISO 100, and

Standard Picture Style.

* The file size, number of possible shots, and maximum burst will

vary depending on the subject, card brand, ISO speed, Custom
Functions, and other settings.

JPEG

High quality

Pixels

Recorded

Approx. 17.9

megapixels

(18M)

Approx. 8.0
megapixels

(8M)

Approx. 4.5
megapixels

(4.5M)

Approx. 17.9

megapixels

(18M)

72

File Size

Possible

(MB)

6.4 570 34

3.4 1070 1070

2.2 1670 1670

24.5 150 6

Shots

Maximum

Burst

3 Setting the Image-recording Quality

COPY

FAQ

I want to select the image-recording quality matching the paper

size for printing.

Paper size

A3 (42x29.7cm/16.5x11.7in.)

A4 (29.7x21cm/

11.7x8.3in.)

76
86

17.8x12.7cm/7.0x5.0in.

14.8x10cm/5.8x3.9in.

74
84

1+73

What’s the difference between

It indicates a different image quality due to a different compression
rate. Even with the same number of pixels, the
image quality. If

8 is selected, the image quality will be slightly lower,

but more images can be saved to the card.

I took more shots than the number of possible shots indicated.

Depending on the shooting conditions, you may be able to take
more shots than was indicated. Or, it might be fewer than indicated.
The number of possible shots displayed is only an estimate.

Does the camera display the maximum burst?

The maximum burst is displayed in the viewfinder’s right side. Since
it is only a single-digit indicator 0 - 9, any number higher than 9 will
be displayed only as “9.” Note that this number will also be displayed
even when no card is installed in the camera. Be careful not to shoot
without a card in the camera.

When should I use

1 images require processing with your computer. For details, see

1” and “About 1+73” on the next page.

“About
Other than

1, the images will be in the JPEG type commonly used

in digital cameras.

Refer to the diagram on the left when
choosing the image-recording quality. If
you want to crop the image, selecting a

73

higher quality (more pixels) such as 73,

83
1

83, 1, or 1+73 is recommended.

7 and 8?

7 image has higher

1?

73

3 Setting the Image-recording Quality

COPY

About 1

1

is the raw image data before it is made into 73 or other images.

1

Although
(provided) so they can be displayed on the computer, they also offer flexibility
for image adjustments possible only with
want to precisely adjust the image yourself or shoot an important subject.

images require software like Digital Photo Professional

1. 1

is effective when you

About 1+73

1+73

images are saved to the card simultaneously. The two images will be saved
in the same folder with the same file numbers (file extension .JPG for JPEG
and .CR2 for RAW).
computer which does not have the camera

records both a 1 and 73 image with a single shot. The two

73

images can be viewed or printed even with a

’

s provided software.

1

73

image

image

0001 . CR2

0001 . JPG

File number File extension

1, 1+73 and [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)] menu’s
[High ISO speed noise reduction]

Although the [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)] menu’s [High ISO speed
noise reduction] (p.193) settings (Standard/Low/Strong/Disable) are

applied to the recorded images, the images are displayed without noise
reduction during image playback (on the LCD monitor and on a TV screen)
or direct printing. (Noise may be noticeable in the images.) You can check
the noise reduction effect or print noise-reduced images with Digital Photo
Professional (provided software).

Commercially-available software might not be able to display RAW images.
Using the provided software is recommended.

74

A Selecting a Picture StyleN

COPY

By selecting a Picture Style, you can obtain image effects matching
your photographic expression or the subject.

Press the <XA> button.

1

X [Picture Style] will appear.

Select a Picture Style.

2

Press the <U> key to select a

Picture Style, then press <0>.

Take the picture.

3

Focus and press the shutter button

completely. The picture will be taken
with the selected Picture Style
applied.

Picture Style Effects

P Standard (C: Standard)

The image looks vivid, sharp, and crisp. This is a general-purpose
Picture Style suitable for most scenes.

Q Portrait (C: Smooth skin tones)

For nice skin tones. The image looks softer. Effective for close-ups
of women or children. This Picture Style is also selected
automatically when the Mode Dial is set to <2>.
By changing the [Color tone] (p.92), you can adjust the skin tone.

R Landscape (C: Vivid blues and greens)

For vivid blues and greens, and very sharp and crisp images.
Effective for impressive landscapes. This Picture Style is also
selected automatically when the Mode Dial is set to <3>.

75

A Selecting a Picture StyleN

COPY

S Neutral

This Picture Style is for users who prefer to process images with
their computer. For natural colors and subdued images.

U Faithful

This Picture Style is for users who prefer to process images with
their computer. When the subject is captured under a color
temperature of 5200K, the color is adjusted colorimetrically to match
the subject’s color. The image is dull and subdued.

V Monochrome (C: Monochrome image)

Creates black-and-white images.

Other than with 1, the black-and-white image cannot be reverted to
color. If you want to later shoot pictures in color, make sure the
[Monochrome] setting has been canceled. When [Monochrome] is
selected, <0> will appear in the viewfinder.

W User Def. 1-3

You can register a basic style such as [Portrait], [Landscape], a
Picture Style file, etc., and adjust it as desired (p.91). Any User
Defined Picture Style which has not been set will have the same
settings as the Standard Picture Style.

76

Advanced Shooting

COPY

This chapter builds on the previous chapter and
introduces more ways to shoot creatively.

The first half of this chapter explains how to use the <s>

<f> <a> <8> modes on the Mode Dial. Except for
<8>, all the shooting modes can be used in
combination with the functions introduced in Chapter 3.

The second half of this chapter, starting with “Changing the

Metering Mode” explains the methods to adjust the
exposure and the Picture Styles. All the functions
introduced in this chapter can also be used with the <d>
(Program AE) mode introduced in Chapter 3.

c About the Main Dial Pointer

The pointer icon <c> displayed
together with the shutter speed, aperture
setting, or exposure compensation
amount indicates that you can turn the
<6> dial to adjust the respective
setting.

77

s: Action Shots

COPY

You can either freeze the action or create motion blur with the <s>
(Shutter-priority AE) mode on the Mode Dial.

* <s> stands for Time value.

Frozen action

(Fast shutter speed: 1/2000 sec.)

Set the Mode Dial to <s>.

1

Set the desired shutter speed.

2

See “Shooting Tips” for advice on

setting the shutter speed.

Turning the <6> dial to the right

sets a faster shutter speed, and
turning it to the left sets a slower one.

Take the picture.

3

When you focus and press the

shutter button completely, the picture
will be taken at the selected shutter
speed.

Shutter Speed Display

The LCD monitor displays the shutter speed as a fraction. However, the
viewfinder displays only the denominator. Also, “0"5” indicates 0.5 sec. and
“15"” is 15 sec.

78

Blurred motion

(Slow shutter speed: 1/30 sec.)

s: Action Shots

COPY

Shooting Tips

To freeze the action or moving subject.

Use a fast shutter speed such as 1/4000 sec. to 1/500 sec.

To blur a running child or animal giving the impression of fast

movement.

Use a medium shutter speed such as 1/250 sec. to 1/30 sec. Follow
the moving subject through the viewfinder and press the shutter
button to take the picture. If you use a telephoto lens, hold it steady
to prevent camera shake.

How to blur a flowing river or water fountain.

Use a slow shutter speed of 1/15 sec. or slower. Use a tripod to
prevent camera shake.

Set the shutter speed so that the aperture display does not

blink in the viewfinder.

If you press the shutter button halfway and change
the shutter speed while the aperture is displayed,
the aperture display will also change to maintain the
same exposure (amount of light reaching the image
sensor). If you exceed the adjustable aperture
range, the aperture display will blink to indicate that
the standard exposure cannot be obtained.
If the exposure will be too dark, the maximum aperture (smallest

number) will blink. If this happens, turn the <6> dial to the left to
set a slower shutter speed or increase the ISO speed.
If the exposure will be too bright, the minimum aperture (highest
number) will blink. If this happens, turn the <6> dial to the right to
set a faster shutter speed or decrease the ISO speed.

Using the Built-in Flash

To obtain a correct flash exposure, the flash output will be set
automatically (autoflash exposure) to match the automatically-set
aperture. The flash sync speed can be set from 1/200 sec. to 30 sec.

79

f: Changing the Depth of Field

COPY

To obtain a blurry background or to make everything near and far look
sharp, set the Mode Dial to <f> (Aperture-priority AE) to adjust the
depth of field (range of acceptable focus).

* <f> stands for Aperture value which is the size of the diaphragm hole inside

the lens.

Sharp foreground and background
(With a high aperture f-number: f/32)

Set the Mode Dial to <f>.

1

Set the desired aperture.

2

The higher the aperture f-number, the

sharper the picture will look with a
wider depth of field.

Turning the <6> dial to the right will

set a higher f-number, and turning it
to the left will set a lower f-number.

Take the picture.

3

Focus and press the shutter button

completely. The picture will be taken
with the selected aperture.

Aperture Display

The higher the f-number, the smaller the aperture opening will be. The
apertures displayed will differ depending on the lens. If no lens is attached to
the camera, “00” will be displayed for the aperture.

80

Blurred background

(With a low aperture f-number: f/5.6)

f: Changing the Depth of Field

COPY

Shooting Tips

When using an aperture with a high f-number, note that camera

shake can occur in low light scenes.

A higher aperture f-number will make the shutter speed slower.
Under low light, the shutter speed can be as long as 30 sec. In such
cases, increase the ISO speed and hold the camera steady or use a
tripod.

The depth of field depends not only on the aperture, but also

the lens and subject distance.

Since wide-angle lenses have a wide depth of field (range of
acceptable focus in front of and behind the point of focus), you need
not set a high aperture f-number to obtain a sharp picture from the
foreground to the background. On the other hand, a telephoto lens
has a narrow depth of field.
And the closer the subject, the narrower the depth of field. A farther
subject will have a wider depth of field.

Set the aperture so that the shutter speed display does not

blink in the viewfinder.

If you press the shutter button halfway and change
the aperture while the shutter speed is displayed,
the shutter speed display will also change to
maintain the same exposure (amount of light
reaching the image sensor). If you exceed the
adjustable shutter speed range, the shutter speed
display will blink to indicate that the standard
exposure cannot be obtained.
If the picture will be too dark, the “30"” (30 sec.) shutter speed
display will blink. If this happens, turn the <6> dial to the left to set
a lower aperture f-number or increase the ISO speed.
If the picture will be too bright, the “4000” (1/4000 sec.) shutter
speed display will blink. If this happens, turn the <6> dial to the
right to set a higher aperture f-number or decrease the ISO speed.

81

f: Changing the Depth of Field

COPY

Using the Built-in Flash

To obtain a correct flash exposure, the flash output will be set
automatically to match the set aperture (autoflash exposure). The
shutter speed will be set automatically between 1/200 sec. - 30 sec. to
suit the scene’s brightness.
In low light, the main subject is exposed with the automatic flash, and
the background is exposed with a slow shutter speed set automatically.
Both the subject and background look properly exposed (automatic
slow-speed flash sync). If you are handholding the camera, keep it
steady to prevent camera shake. Using a tripod is recommended.
If you do not want a slow shutter speed to be used, set the [7 Custom

Functions (C.Fn)] menu’s [Flash sync. speed in Av mode] to [1: 1/
200-1/60 sec. auto] or [2: 1/200 sec. (fixed)] (p.192).

Depth of Field PreviewN

Press the depth-of-field preview button
to stop down to the lens’s current
aperture setting. You can then check the
depth of field (range of acceptable focus)
through the viewfinder.

The depth-of-field effect can be clearly seen on the Live View image as you
change the aperture and press the depth-of-field preview button (p.112).

82

a: Manual Exposure

COPY

You can set both the shutter speed and aperture manually as desired.
With flash, the flash exposure will be set automatically to match the
aperture that was set. The flash sync speed can be set within 1/200
sec. to 1/30 sec. or to bulb.

* <a> stands for Manual.

Set the Mode Dial to <a>.

1

Set the shutter speed and

2

<6>

<O> + <6>

Standard exposure index

Exposure level mark

aperture.

To set the shutter speed, turn the

<6> dial.

To set the aperture, hold down the

<O> button and turn the <6>
dial.

Set the exposure and take the

3

picture.

The exposure level indicator in the

viewfinder indicates the exposure
level up to ±2 stops from the standard
exposure index at the center. While
you change the shutter speed and
aperture, the exposure level mark will
move. You can decide which
exposure level to set. If the amount
set exceeds ±2 stops, the end of the
exposure level indicator will display
<I> or <J>.

If the [2 Auto Lighting Optimizer] (p.103) is set to anything other than
[Disable], the image may still look bright even if a darker exposure has been
set.

83

a: Manual Exposure

COPY

Bulb Exposures

In step 2 on the preceding page, turn the
<6> dial to the left to set <BULB>. A
bulb exposure keeps the shutter open for
as long as you hold down the shutter
button. It can be used to photograph
fireworks, etc. The elapsed exposure
time will be displayed on the LCD
monitor.

Since bulb exposures produce more noise than usual, the image might

look a little grainy.

You can reduce this noise by setting the [7 Custom Functions (C.Fn)]

menu’s [Long exp. noise reduction] to [1: Auto] or [2: On] (p.193).

For bulb exposures, using a tripod and Remote Switch (p.204, 205) is

recommended.

You can also use a remote controller (sold separately, p.204) for bulb

exposures. When you press the remote controller’s transmit button, the
bulb exposure will start immediately or 2 sec. later. Press the button
again to stop the bulb exposure.

84

8: Automatic Depth-of-Field AE

COPY

Objects in the foreground and background will be in focus automatically.
All the AF points will function to detect the subject, and the aperture
required to attain the necessary depth of field will be set automatically.

* <8> stands for Auto-Depth of field. This mode sets the depth of field

automatically.

Set the Mode Dial to <8>.

1

Focus the subject.

2

Aim the AF points over the subjects

and press the shutter button halfway
(0).

All the subjects covered by the AF

points flashing in red will be in focus.

Take the picture.

3

FAQ

The aperture display in the viewfinder blinks.

The exposure is correct, but the desired depth of field cannot be
obtained. Either use a wide-angle lens or move farther away from
the subjects.

The shutter speed display in the viewfinder blinks.

If the “30"” shutter speed blinks, it means that the subject is too dark.
Increase the ISO speed. If the “4000” shutter speed blinks, it means
that the subject is too bright. Decrease the ISO speed.

A slow shutter speed has been set.

Use a tripod to steady the camera.

I want to use flash.

Flash can be used, however, the result will be the same as using the
<d> mode with flash. The desired depth of field will not be obtained.

85

q Changing the Metering ModeN

COPY

The metering mode measures the subject’s brightness to determine the
correct exposure. Normally, evaluative metering is recommended.

Select [Metering mode].

1

Under the [2] tab, select [Metering

mode], then press <0>.

Set the metering mode.

2

Press the <U> key to select the

metering mode, then press <0>.

q Evaluative metering

This is an all-around metering mode suited for
portraits and even backlit subjects. The camera
sets the exposure automatically to suit the
scene. This metering mode is set automatically
in Basic Zone modes.

w Partial metering

Effective when the background is much brighter
than the subject due to backlighting, etc. The
gray area in the figure is where the brightness is
metered to obtain the standard exposure.

r Spot metering

This is for metering a specific part of the subject
or scene. The gray area in the left figure is
where the brightness is metered to obtain the
standard exposure. This metering mode is for
advanced users.

e Center-weighted average metering

The brightness is metered at the center and
then averaged for the entire scene. This
metering mode is for advanced users.

86

Setting Exposure CompensationN

COPY

O Setting Exposure Compensation

Set exposure compensation if the exposure (without flash) does not come out as
desired. This feature can be used in Creative Zone modes (except
you can set the exposure compensation up to ±5 stops in 1/3-stop increments, the
exposure compensation indicator in the viewfinder can only display the setting up to
±2 stops. If you want to set the exposure compensation beyond ±2 stops, you should
follow the instructions for

Increased exposure for a brighter image

Decreased exposure for a darker image

[2 Exp. comp./AEB]

Making it brighter:

Hold down the <O> button and
turn the <6> dial to the right.
(Increased exposure)

Making it darker:

Hold down the <O> button and
turn the <6> dial to the left.
(Decreased exposure)

X As shown in the figure, the exposure

level is displayed on the LCD monitor
and in the viewfinder.

After taking the picture, hold down

the <O> button and turn the
<6> dial to reset the exposure
compensation to zero.

on page 89.

<a>

). Although

Dark exposure Brighter with increased exposure

If the amount set exceeds ±2 stops, the end of the exposure level indicator
will display <I> or <J>.

87

Setting Exposure CompensationN

COPY

y Flash Exposure CompensationN

Set flash exposure compensation if the flash exposure of the subject
does not come out as desired. You can set the flash exposure
compensation up to ±2 stops in 1/3-stop increments.

Display the Quick Control screen.

1

With the shooting settings displayed,

press the <Q> button (p.38).

X The Quick Control screen will activate

(7).

Select [y].

2

Press the <S> key to select [y*].

X [Flash exposure comp.] will be

displayed at the bottom.

Set the flash exposure

3

compensation amount.

To make the flash exposure brighter, turn the
<6>

X When you press the shutter button halfway, the <y> will appear in

the viewfinder.

After taking the picture, do steps 1 to 3 to return the flash

exposure compensation amount to zero.

If the [2 Auto Lighting Optimizer] (p.103) is set to anything other than
[Disable], the image may look bright even if a decreased exposure
compensation or flash exposure compensation has been set.

dial to the right. (Increased exposure)
Or to make it darker, turn the
the left. (Decreased exposure)

<6>

dial to

You can also set and cancel the flash exposure compensation with the

[1 Flash control] menu’s [Built-in flash func. setting] option. Select
[Flash exp. comp] (p.149).

The exposure compensation can also be set with the [2 Expo. comp./

AEB] menu (p.89).

88

3 Auto Exposure BracketingN

COPY

This feature takes exposure compensation a step further by varying the
exposure automatically with three shots (±2 stops in 1/3-stop
increments) as shown below. You can then choose the best exposure.
This is called AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing).

Standard exposure

AEB amount

Darker exposure

(Decreased exposure)

Select [Expo. comp./AEB].

1

Under the [2] tab, select [Expo.

comp./AEB], then press <0>.

Set the AEB amount.

2

Turn the <6> dial to set the AEB

amount.

Press the <U> key to set the

exposure compensation amount. If
AEB is combined with exposure
compensation, AEB will be applied
centering on the exposure
compensation amount.

Press <0> to set it.
When you press the shutter button

halfway, the AEB amount will be
displayed on the LCD monitor.

Take the picture.

3

Focus and press the shutter button

completely. The three bracketed
shots will be taken in this sequence:
Standard exposure, decreased
exposure, and increased exposure.

Brighter exposure

(Increased exposure)

89

3 Auto Exposure BracketingN

COPY

Canceling AEB

Follow steps 1 and 2 to turn off the AEB amount display.
The AEB setting will be canceled automatically if the power switch is

set to <2>, flash recycling is complete, etc.

Shooting Tips

Using AEB with continuous shooting.

If <i> continuous shooting (p.70) has been set and you press the
shutter button completely, the three bracketed shots will be taken
continuously in this sequence: Standard exposure, decreased
exposure, and increased exposure.

Using AEB with <u> single shooting.

Press the shutter button three times to take the three bracketed
shots. The three bracketed shots will be exposed in the following
sequence: Standard exposure, decreased exposure, and increased
exposure.

Using AEB with exposure compensation.

Centering on the exposure compensation amount, AEB will be
applied.

Using AEB with the self-timer or wireless remote control.

With the self-timer or wireless remote control (<Q> or <l>), you
can take three continuous shots. With <q> set, the number of
continuous shots will be three times the number set (p.57).

Neither flash nor bulb exposures can be used with AEB.
If the [2 Auto Lighting Optimizer] (p.103) menu is set to other than

[Disable], the AEB’s effect might be minimal.

90

A Customizing a Picture StyleN

COPY

You can customize a Picture Style by adjusting individual parameters
like [Sharpness] and [Contrast]. To see the resulting effects, take test
shots. To customize [Monochrome], see page 93.

Select [Picture Style].

1

Under the [2] tab, select [Picture

Style], then press <0>.

X The Picture Style selection screen will

appear.

Select a Picture Style.

2

Select a Picture Style, then press the

<B> button.

X The Detail set. screen will appear.

Select a parameter.

3

X Select a parameter such as

[Sharpness], then press <0>.

Set the parameter.

4

Press the <U> key to adjust the

parameter as desired, then press
<0>.

Press the <M> button to save

the adjusted parameters. The Picture
Style selection screen will reappear.

X Any parameter settings different from

the default will be displayed in blue.

91

A Customizing a Picture StyleN

COPY

Parameter Settings and Effects

Sharpness

Adjusts the sharpness of the image.

To make it less sharp, set it toward the E end. The closer it is to E,
the softer the image will look.
To make it sharper, set it toward the F end. The closer it is to F, the
sharper the image will look.

Contrast

Adjusts the image contrast and the vividness of colors.

To decrease the contrast, set it toward the minus end. The closer it is
to G, the blander the image will look.
To increase the contrast, set it toward the plus end. The closer it is to
H, the crisper the image will look.

Saturation

The image’s color saturation can be adjusted.

To decrease the color saturation, set it toward the minus end.
The closer it is to G, the more diluted the colors will look.
To increase the color saturation, set it toward the plus end. The
closer it is to H, the bolder the colors will look.

Color tone

The skin tones can be adjusted.

To make the skin tone redder, set it toward the minus end. The closer
it is to G, the redder the skin tone will look.
To make the skin tone less red, set it toward the plus end. The closer
it is to H, the more yellow the skin tone will look.

By selecting [Default set.] in step 3, you can revert the respective

Picture Style to its default parameter settings.

The above adjustments will not be applied to the Picture Styles used in

the <C> (Creative Auto) mode.

92

A Customizing a Picture StyleN

COPY

Monochrome Adjustment

For Monochrome, you can also set [Filter effect] and [Toning effect] in
addition to [Sharpness] and [Contrast] explained on the preceding
page.

kFilter Effect

With a filter effect applied to a
monochrome image, you can make
white clouds or green trees stand out
more.

Filter Sample Effects

N: None Normal black-and-white image with no filter effects.

Ye: Ye llo w

Or: Orange

R: Red

G: Green

Increasing the [Contrast] will make the filter effect more pronounced.

The blue sky will look more natural, and the white clouds will look
crisper.

The blue sky will look slightly darker. The sunset will look more
brilliant.

The blue sky will look quite dark. Fall leaves will look crisper and
brighter.

Skin tones and lips will look fine. Tree leaves will look crisper and
brighter.

lToning Effect

By applying a toning effect, you can
create a monochrome image in that
color. It can make the image look more
impressive.
The following can be selected: [N:None]
[S:Sepia] [B:Blue] [P:Purple]
[G:Green].

93

A Registering a Picture StyleN

COPY

You can select a base Picture Style such as [Portrait] or [Landscape],
adjust its parameters as desired and register it under [User Def. 1],
[User Def. 2], or [User Def. 3].
You can create Picture Styles whose parameter settings such as for
sharpness and contrast are different. You can also adjust the
parameters of a Picture Style which has been registered to the camera
with the provided software.

Select [Picture Style].

1

Under the [2] tab, select [Picture

Style], then press <0>.

X The Picture Style selection screen will

appear.

Select [User Def.].

2

Select [User Def. *], then press the

<B> button.

X The Detail set. screen will appear.

Press <0>.

3

With [Picture Style] selected, press

<0>.

Select the base Picture Style.

4

Press the <V> key to select the

base Picture Style, then press <0>.

To adjust the parameters of a Picture

Style which has been registered to
the camera with the provided
software, select the Picture Style
here.

94

A Registering a Picture StyleN

COPY

Select a parameter.

5

Select a parameter such as

[Sharpness], then press <0>.

Set the parameter.

6

Press the <U> key to adjust the

parameter as desired, then press
<0>.
For details, see “Customizing a
Picture Style” on pages 91-93.

Press the <M> button to register

the new Picture Style. The Picture
Style selection screen will then
reappear.

X The base Picture Style will be

indicated on the right of [User Def. *].

X The name of the Picture Style having

any modified settings (different from
the default) registered under [User
Def. *] will be displayed in blue.

If a Picture Style has already been registered under [User Def. *],

changing the base Picture Style in step 4 will nullify the parameter
settings of the registered Picture Style.

If you execute [Clear all camera settings] (p.144), all the [User Def. *]

settings will revert to the default.

To shoot with the registered Picture Style, follow step 2 on page 75 to select
[User Def. *] and then shoot.

95

3 Setting the Color SpaceN

COPY

The color space refers to the range of reproducible colors. With this
camera, you can set the color space to sRGB or Adobe RGB for
captured images. For normal shooting, sRGB is recommended.
In Basic Zone modes, sRGB is set automatically.

Select [Color space].

1

Under the [2] tab, select [Color

space], then press <0>.

Set the desired color space.

2

Select [sRGB] or [Adobe RGB], then

press <0>.

About Adobe RGB

This color space is mainly used for commercial printing and other
industrial uses. This setting is not recommended if you do not know
about image processing, Adobe RGB, and Design rule for Camera File
System 2.0 (Exif 2.21).
The image will look very subdued in a sRGB personal computer
environment and with printers not compatible with Design rule for
Camera File System 2.0 (Exif 2.21). Post-processing of the image with
software will therefore be required.

If the image is captured with the color space set to Adobe RGB, the file

name will start with “_MG_” (first character is an underscore).
The ICC profile is not appended. See explanations about the ICC profile
in the Software Instruction Manual in the CD-ROM.

96

A AE LockN

COPY

Use AE lock when the area of focus is to be different from the exposure
metering area or when you want to take multiple shots at the same exposure
setting. Press the
the shot. This is called AE lock. It is effective for backlit subjects.

AE Lock Effects

<A>

button to lock the exposure, then recompose and take

Focus the subject.

1

Press the shutter button halfway.

X The exposure setting will be

displayed.

Press the <A> button. (0)

2

X The <A> icon lights in the viewfinder

to indicate that the exposure setting is
locked (AE lock).

Each time you press the <A> button,

it locks the current auto exposure
setting.

Recompose and take the picture.

3

If you want to maintain the AE lock

while taking more shots, hold down
the <A> button and press the shutter
button to take another shot.

Metering

Mode

(p.86)

q*

wre

*

When the lens’ focus mode switch is set to

Automatic Selection Manual Selection

AE lock is applied at the AF
point that achieved focus.

AE lock is applied at the center AF point.

AF Point Selection Method (p.68)

AE lock is applied at the
selected AF point.

<MF>

, AE lock is applied at the center AF point.

97

A FE LockN

COPY

FE lock locks the flash exposure setting over the desired area of the
subject. This feature can also be used with a Canon EX-series Speedlite.

* FE stands for Flash Exposure.

Press the <D> button to pop-up

1

the built-in flash.

Press the shutter button halfway and

look in the viewfinder to check that
the <D> icon is lit.

Focus the subject.

Spot metering circle

2

Press the <A> button. (8)

3

Aim the spot-metering circle over the

subject, then press the <A> button.

X The flash will fire a preflash and the

required flash output is calculated
and retained in memory.

X In the viewfinder, “FEL” is displayed

for a moment and <d> will light.

Each time you press the <A> button,

a preflash is fired and the required
flash output is calculated and retained
in memory.

Take the picture.

4

Compose the shot and press the

shutter button completely.

X The flash is fired to take the picture.

If the subject is too far away and beyond the effective range of the flash, the
<D> icon will blink. Get closer to the subject and repeat steps 2 to 4.

98

B: Setting the White BalanceN

COPY

White balance (WB) is for making the white areas look white. Normally,
the <Q> (Auto) setting will obtain the correct white balance. If natural­looking colors cannot be obtained with <Q>, you can select the white
balance to match the light source or set it manually by shooting a white
object. In Basic Zone modes, <Q> will be set automatically.

Press the <WB> button.

1

X [White balance] will appear.

Select the white balance.

2

Press the <U> key to select the

desired white balance, then press
<0>.

The “Approx. ****K” (K: Kelvin)

displayed for the selected white
balance <W> <E> <R> <Y>
<U> is the respective color
temperature.

O Custom White Balance

Custom white balance enables you to manually set the white balance
for a specific light source for better accuracy. Do this procedure under
the actual light source to be used.

Spot metering circle

Photograph a white object.

1

The plain, white object should fill the

spot metering circle.

Focus manually and set the standard

exposure for the white object.

You can set any white balance.

99

B: Setting the White BalanceN

COPY

Select [Custom White Balance].

2

Under the [2] tab, select [Custom

White Balance], then press <0>.

X The custom white balance selection

screen will appear.

Import the white balance data.

3

Select the image that was captured in

step 1, then press <0>.

X On the dialog screen which appears,

select [OK] and the data will be
imported.

When the menu reappears, press the

<M> button to exit the menu.

Select the custom white balance.

4

Press the <

Press the <U> key to select <O>,

then press <0>.

WB

> button.

If the exposure obtained in step 1 is way off, a correct white balance

might not be obtained.

If the image was captured while the Picture Style was set to

[Monochrome] (p.76), it cannot be selected in step 3.

Instead of a white object, an 18% gray card (commercially available) can

produce a more accurate white balance.

The personal white balance registered with the provided software will be

registered under <O>. If you do step 3, the data for the registered
personal white balance will be erased.

100