The Canon 20D is a powerful 8.2 megapixel digital SLR capable of shooting up to five frames per second. With a beefy magnesium allow body, the camera is designed for demanding professional use. However, even entry-level photographers can get a lot out of the 20D.
Basics
With an automatic mode on the mode dial (on the top left of the camera), getting started is simple. Charge the included lithium ion battery first, then load it into the camera (on the bottom right). Next, slide a compact flash card into the memory card slot on the right side of the camera. Turn on the camera (power on is on the back of the camera body), turn the mode dial to auto and aim the camera lens at something you want to shoot. Depress the shutter halfway to engage the autofocus; after you hear the beep, depress the shutter.
Scene Modes
Scene modes let a photographer proceed with more advanced photography by telling the camera what type of scene they are shooting; the camera will then adjust its settings to get the best exposure. The mode dial has six modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro (closeup), Sports, Night Portrait and No Flash.
Better Shots
Better shots can be achieved by using the creative zone on the mode dial. These modes include Program, Aperture, Shutter and Manual. In Program, the photographer chooses the ISO (sensor's sensitivity to light) and white balance (how camera reads white). The camera will adjust the aperture and shutter. Aperture and Shutter modes let the photographer adjust aperture and shutter speed respectively, as well as ISO and white balance, while Manual gives control of all four. Aperture is used to control depth-of-field or how much of the scene is in focus from front to back, while shutter is used to stop motion.
Tags: mode dial, adjust aperture, adjust aperture shutter, camera will, modes photographer
