Introduction
In 2003, Canon revolutionized the photography world by introducing the first digital SLR camera (dSLR) to sell for less than $1,000, the EOS Digital Rebel/300D. The camera delivered exceptional performance and picture quality, earning it rave reviews and multiple industry awards. No wonder it quickly became a best seller.
That tradition of excellence and value lives on in the EOS Rebel T6i/750D. Like its ancestors, this baby offers a range of controls for experienced photographers plus an assortment of features and tools designed to help beginners be successful. Adding to the fun, the Rebel T6i/750D also offers the option to record full high-definition video.
About This Book
The T6i/750D is so feature-packed that sorting out everything can be a challenge. For starters, you may not even be sure what SLR means, let alone have a clue about all the other terms you encounter in your camera manual — resolution, aperture, and ISO, for example. And if you’re like many people, you may be so overwhelmed by all the controls on your camera that you haven’t yet ventured beyond fully automatic picture-taking mode. That’s a shame because it’s sort of like buying a Porsche Turbo and never pushing it past 50 miles per hour.
Therein lies the point of Canon EOS Rebel T6i/750D For Dummies. In this book, you can discover not only what each bell and whistle on your camera does but also when, where, why, and how to put it to best use. Unlike many photography books, this one doesn’t require any previous knowledge of photography or digital imaging to make sense of concepts, either. In classic For Dummies style, everything is explained in easy-to-understand language, with lots of illustrations to help clear up any confusion.
In short, what you have in your hands is the paperback version of an in-depth photography workshop tailored specifically to your Canon picture-taking powerhouse. Whether your interests lie in taking family photos, exploring nature and travel photography, or snapping product shots for your business, you’ll get the information you need to capture the images you envision.
This book is organized into four parts, each devoted to a different aspect of using your camera. Although chapters flow in a sequence that’s designed to take you from absolute beginner to experienced user, we also tried to make each chapter as self-standing as possible so that you can explore topics that interest you in any order you please.
Additionally, we need to point out a few other details that will help you use this book:
- Margin art: Replicas of some of your camera’s buttons and onscreen graphics appear in the margins and in some tables. We include these images to provide quick reminders of the appearance of the button or option being discussed.
- Camera menu and screen options: In many cases, you can select a camera setting by using the cross keys and then pressing the Set button. To avoid having to spell all that out every time we describe a camera function that can be accessed, we use some verbal shorthand and simply tell you to choose the setting in question.
- Software menu commands: In sections that cover software, a series of words connected by an arrow indicates commands you choose from the program menus. For example, if a step tells you, “Choose File ⇒ Export,” click the File menu to unfurl it and then click the Export command on the menu.
Foolish Assumptions
Although it’s not possible for us to know everything about you — we’re not sure whether orange or blue is your favorite color or whether you have a penchant for mocha lattes or prefer herbal tea — we do tailor the content of this book around a few assumptions. Namely, we assume that you have little or no experience in photography, digital photography, or both, so we explain everything in beginner’s terms. Our goal is to help you take best advantage of your camera, whether you prefer to use Auto mode or built-in scenes, or decide to take on more creative control for yourself.
However, if you are a photo pro but new to the T6i/750D, this book is for you, too: It’ll help you get up and running with your new gear in no time.
Icons Used in This Book
A Tip icon flags information that will make your life easier. You’ll save time, effort, money, or other valuable resources, including your sanity.
This icon highlights important information that’s especially worth storing in your brain’s long-term memory or to remind you of a fact that may have been displaced from that memory by another pressing fact.
If we present a detail that’s useful mainly for impressing your geeky friends (but otherwise not critical for you to retain), we mark it with this icon.
When you see this icon, look alive. It indicates a potential danger zone that can result in much wailing and teeth-gnashing if it’s ignored.
Beyond the Book
We have snuck a bit of extra content online you may find helpful as you get to know your Rebel T6i/750D.
Where to Go from Here
To wrap up this preamble, we want to stress that if you initially think that digital photography is too confusing or too technical for you, you’re in very good company. Everyone finds this stuff a little mind-boggling at first. Take it slowly, experimenting with just one or two new camera settings or techniques at first. Then, every time you go on a photo outing, make it a point to add one or two more shooting skills to your repertoire. With some time, patience, and practice, you’ll soon wield your camera like a pro, dialing in the necessary settings to capture your creative vision almost instinctively.
So without further ado, we invite you to grab your camera and a cup of whatever it is you prefer to sip while you read and then start exploring the rest of this book. Your Rebel T6i/750D is the perfect partner for your photographic journey, and we thank you for allowing us, in this book, to serve as your tour guides.