Canon Digital Rebel XTi Field Guide a Good Buy

Some user manuals don't tell you a whole lot. The manual included with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi is lacking in many respects. Sure, it gives you the basics, but if you're not already acquainted with photographic terms and techniques you may be a little lost.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide is a wonder reference companion chocked full of useful tidbits. While much of the information is basic in scope and aimed at newbie shutterbugs, there are a few tips serious amateurs and semi pros might find useful.

Charlotte K. Lowrie, the Field Guide's author has penned several books on Canon digital cameras as well as being a contributor to Popular Photography & Imaging and PHOTOgraphic magazines. Lowrie is also an online instructor with betterphoto.com.

She knows her stuff. The book begins with basic information about the camera, the settings, modes and configuration information. The LCD screen and viewfinder are explained. Some of confusing photographic terms and nomenclature, ISO, Tv, and Av, are briefly defined. In-depth information is available in later chapters.

The start of the book also includes several pages dedicated to explaining white balance and how these setting affects images, and the picture style settings on Digital Rebel XTi. Both are broken down and explained in terms a novice can understand.

Chapter 2 moves into the nuts and bolts of the Rebel XTi: How to use the autofocus and metering systems, change settings to improve images, preview your images on the camera's LCD, and the basics of flash photography. The information in this chapter is pure gold and goes miles beyond the official Canon manual.

Part 2 of the Field Guide, Chapters. 3 to 8, are an examination of basic photographic techniques such as composition, exposure, light, and an explanation of lenses and when to properly use them. Chapter 7 offers tips on various photograph situations and ways to improve your images. Sports photography, portraits, landscapes and macro photography are discussed by the author. Digital editing of images shot by the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi is also touched upon.

Part 3 contains internet resources, camera settings data, and a glossary of photographic terms.

The book is full color, offering readers many stunning images and the settings used to capture them. These images are an invaluable resource to photographers learning the ropes. Lowrie's style is easy to read and understand. She puts the technical world of digital photography into easily digestible laymen's terms.

Part 2 of the book may be a little basic for the serious amateur or semi pro. That said, is it good to read another artist's thoughts on exposure and composition. For the new shutterbug, Part 2 will be extremely valuable in helping to develop their eye and vision. Being able to see, without the camera, is just as important as with the camera to your eye.

The field guide, published by Wiley, lists for $19.99, but is available for less from internet booksellers. It is worth the investment to supplement the less-than-perfect Canon manual.