Was XTi a mistake?

[sherin65]

I bought DH the xti back in March as stated in a previous thread. Years ago he had an
A1 and was pro at taking family pics and such. I didn't feel I could afford the 40D and focused my research on the xti.

I wanted to buy him an additional lens for xmas but will probably wait until March to make that decision.

Now that he has it, it is just so complicated. The speedlite flash I got him sometimes seems to adjust itself and sometimes we can manually adjust it and sometimes we can't. We don't know if the flash and/or camera has a problem or if the user(s) are the problem. Some holiday pics were dark and he felt the flash should have brightened things up a bit better than they did.

Can the xti take a picture through the screen on the back? If so, we can't figure out how. DH has read the instructions that came with the camera and it seems to not mention it. Does every pic have to be seen/taken through the viewfinder only?
Does anyone know of a good book that helps with the features better than the original instructions?

I'm beginning to feel as if this was a mistake.

Any help on how to best get to know this camera would be greatly appreciated.

Sher

[mjs1973]

I'm still pretty clueless when it comes to using a flash so I won't be much help there. As long as the flash is fully compatible with the camera, you should be able to use it in a full auto mode with good results. You should also be able to set it manually.

As far as taking photos using the LCD screen on the back, it is not possible with the XTi. You have to use the viewfinder. The 40D does have that capability, but not the XTi.

I don't think the XTi was a mistake, but it will take some practice to figure it out.

[gryphonslair99]

I bought DH the xti back in March as stated in a previous thread. Years ago he had an
A1 and was pro at taking family pics and such. I didn't feel I could afford the 40D and focused my research on the xti.

I wanted to buy him an additional lens for xmas but will probably wait until March to make that decision.

Now that he has it, it is just so complicated. The speedlite flash I got him sometimes seems to adjust itself and sometimes we can manually adjust it and sometimes we can't. We don't know if the flash and/or camera has a problem or if the user(s) are the problem. Some holiday pics were dark and he felt the flash should have brightened things up a bit better than they did.

Here is a great link on using EOS flash.
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/
Worth printing and keeping around.

Can the xti take a picture through the screen on the back? If so, we can't figure out how. DH has read the instructions that came with the camera and it seems to not mention it. Does every pic have to be seen/taken through the viewfinder only?


No, and no DSLR is good for taking pictures with the LCD screen. The viewfinder provides all the shooting information necessary to make quick adjustments. With a viewfinder you can accurately see what your focus point(s) are, and frame your shot. A brief way to see why the LCD is not a good way to take general photographs is to go get a nice big book like a large dictionary. Something that weighs about 2 1/2 pounds. Hold it out in front of you with two hands, one on each side like you would if you were using the LCD. Now line up the top of the book with a window sill, edge of a table or something like that. See all the movement in your arms? That is what your are going to get in you photos. Camera shake. The LCD is good for taking things like macro shots with the camera on a tripod. It can help in focusing then but for everyday use it should be avoided.

Does anyone know of a good book that helps with the features better than the original instructions?

Couple of good books.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-.../dp/0470110074
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/boo...1598634563&z=y

And a good book for any beginning photographer.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...kstorenow57-20

I'm beginning to feel as if this was a mistake.

A DSLR can be a big step up from a P&S camera. They do have a learning curve, but once you understand the functions and how they relate to each other this can get very addictive. One of the best ways to learn some of this is to just go try things. Shoot lots of pictures and keep notes of what worked. All it takes is time with a DSLR. You can look at the photos, learn from them and delete them from the computer.

Any help on how to best get to know this camera would be greatly appreciated.

Sher

With a little reading and some practice I think that you will find that instead of a mistake a new hobby will be born. Good Luck.

[Frog]

It may also help if he can post some of the pics here and the settings used and someone may be able to help him figure it out...one step at a time.

[brmill26]

I just got an XTi myself, my first forray into "real" photography from P&S cameras. It's definitely much different.

The manual that comes with the XTi is pretty well-written as far as explaining the functions of the camera. If you need more clarity on the terms used (aperture, ISO, shutter, etc), then getting a basic photography book will help get you up to speed.

Also, the XTi can be set to a fully automatic mode. Just turn the dial on top of the camera to the green square and the camera will take care of everything for you - nothing to adjust.

Finally, I have no experience with an external flash, but the one on the camera should do just fine if you're having problems with the speedlite. Again, the camera will take care of the flash settings for you in most modes (including the green square fully automatic mode). Once you get more comfortable with the general use of the camera, then you can add in the speedlite again.

[Alison]

No you haven't made a mistake buying the XTi. It's a great camera. You just have to practise with it to get used to it.

I started with a Canon EOS 350D then got the 40D back in September. I was completely lost. The controls were all over the place but I have got used to them now. So, even though I had owned, and used on a regular basis, another Canon, it was a whole new learning curve for me.

The 40D has a live view but I never use it. Waste of time in my opinion. I use the viewfinder ALWAYS.
Leave the flash on ETTL for now and use P mode, ISO 400, set the aperture to 5.6 (you know how to do that right? No that isn't sarcasm). And bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall.
This should give you great results until you master the other bits and bobs.

I feel I am pretty good with my camera but I am not a master with my flash so P mode is what I use, (thanks to Jurgens advice on here), and here are some of the results I get at dark parties.







Trust me when I tell you I couldn't see a thing on this stage lol.



And if you are looking for a lens, the 50mm f/1.8 MKII lens is awesome! (How many of you knew I was going to say that?! haha). It's mega cheap. Do not be put off by the price. You get GREAT portraits with that.

[mn shutterbug]

And if you are looking for a lens, the 50mm f/1.8 MKII lens is awesome! (How many of you knew I was going to say that?! haha). It's mega cheap. Do not be put off by the price. You get GREAT portraits with that.[/SIZE]

Alison, how much is Canon paying you to promote their cheap lens?

[gryphonslair99]

Alison, how much is Canon paying you to promote their cheap lens?

Well what ever it is, at least it is truth in advertising. :smilewinkgrin:

[Music Man5]

I completely agree with gryphonslair99 on the book recommendations. They are excellent books for the XTi and for getting started with a dslr.

Which Speedlite did you get and what kind of batteries are you using in it?

[Tarheelvolvo]

As a new XTi user myself, stepping up from the P&S crowd, and simply love it. Although I spend most of my free time reading stuff about the camera, settings, features, etc... So there is a learning curve but if DH likes photography then its a great camera to get started with and will bring alot of joy and fun into photography.

One book that I picked up was:
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Photog...9721398&sr=8-1

It's an easy read and makes sense and has given me a ton of tips on how to shoot different subjects, what types of angles I may want to look for and I have even started teaching my friends how to use their camera's just from this book! It's cheap too, which seems illogical in the world of digital photography!

[gahspidy]

Definetly not a mistake in buying the XTi. Most bang for your buck . . .It was my first DSLR and i have a load of great pics from it. Look through the viewfinder for everything. One tip about shooting with the flash especially indoors. Do not use AV, or TV mode. Instead use P or Auto.
Just keep using the camera and eventually he and you will get the hang of it.

[WesternGuy]

Sherin, an XTi is never a mistake, its just different technology . FYI, Wiley Publishing put out books on various DSLRs. They are called Digital Field Guide's. They are more about photography techniques and things to watch for in digital photography, but they also have a better user's guide than the one that comes with the camera.

Lark Books publish a series which they call Magic Lantern Guides. They are sort of like super user's manuals. They also cover various aspects on Flash. Each one is for a specific camera and you can probably find them at a local book store or on Amazon.

I have the Magic Lantern Guide for my 5D (quite useful :thumbsup: ) and the Field Guide will be out in March 2008. Maybe there is some help in these for the XTi. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

[Music Man5]

Sherin, an XTi is never a mistake, its just different technology . FYI, Wiley Publishing put out books on various DSLRs. They are called Digital Field Guide's. They are more about photography techniques and things to watch for in digital photography, but they also have a better user's guide than the one that comes with the camera.

Lark Books publish a series which they call Magic Lantern Guides. They are sort of like super user's manuals. They also cover various aspects on Flash. Each one is for a specific camera and you can probably find them at a local book store or on Amazon.

I have the Magic Lantern Guide for my 5D (quite useful :thumbsup: ) and the Field Guide will be out in March 2008. Maybe there is some help in these for the XTi. HTH.

Cheers,

WesternGuy

I had the "Field Guide" for my XTi and it was great. Was very informative and explains things in terms we can understand. I highly recommend it.