Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D Digital Field Guide [Paperback]

I recently upgraded to the Canon Rebel Xsi (previously using a point and shoot) and wanted a book to help explain the many features on the Xsi and how to use them in different shooting situations. This book is exactly what I was looking for. It offers a good explanation of concepts and as well as showing me how to use the different features my camera offers.

The first half of the book details the different features and settings of the Xsi with step by step instructions on how to access the settings along with explanation for when and why you would use the different settings. For me there is just enough detail to help my understanding without being overwhelming.

The second half of the book focuses on more general photography fundamentals (light and exposure, using flash); discussion of canon lenses; and discussion of different subjects with tips for shooting each (action/sports; children; nature/landscape; night/low-light; portrait; travel; etc.)

There are color pictures throughout the book that illustrate most of the concepts being explained which I found to be very helpful. The chapters discussing the fundamentals of light and exposure are excellent, especially for the beginner without an understanding of aperture, shutter speed, ISO and how they work together to create exposure.

Here's the table on contents (at a glance) since Amazon does not yet have a preview of the book available:

PART I: USING THE REBEL XSI/450D
Ch. 1: Exploring and Setting Up the Rebel Xsi
Ch. 2: Using the Rebel Xsi
Ch. 3: Using the White Balance and Picture Styles
Ch. 4: Using Live View
Ch. 5: Customizing the Rebel Xsi

PART II: CREATING GREAT PHOTOS WITH THE XSI
Ch. 6: The Fundamentals of Light and Exposure
Ch. 7: Using Flash
Ch. 8: Exploring Canon Lenses
Ch. 9: In the Field with the Xsi

PART III: APPENDIXES
Appendix A: Downloading Images and Updating Firmware
Appendix B: Exploring RAW Capture
Glossary

I went from a point and shoot to a Canon Rebel XSI SLR. It has been somewhat of an intimadating experience, but with the field guide book explaining so many features and settings, I can breath a sigh of relief.

It is well layed out and easy to read. The index covers all the necessary cross reference pages so a user can quickly find what he or she needs to operate the camera.

After reading the first couple of chapters, I am now ready to get off the Basic mode settings with confidence.

Well written, excellent guide for the Canon Rebel XSi. Many of the features that were unclear in the user manual are clearly explained in this guide. After reading this book, I have a much better understanding of my XSi than before, even though I read the user's manual from cover to cover. This book is easy to understand and will put you in touch with all the features the XSi has to offer.