Canon EOS 450D Instruction Manual

51
To shoot someone at night and obtain a natural-looking exposure in the background, use the  (Night Portrait) mode.
 Use a wide-angle lens and a tripod.
When using a zoom lens, use the wide-angle end to obtain a wide 
night view. Use a tripod to prevent camera shake.
 Keep the person within 5 meters/16.4 feet from the camera.
Under low light, the built-in flash will fire automatically to obtain a 
good exposure of the person. The effective distance of the built-in 
flash is 5 meters/16.4 feet from the...

52
In places where flash photography is prohibited, use the  (Flash 
Off) mode. This mode is also effective for candlelight scenes when you 
want to obtain the candlelight effect.
 If the numeric display in the viewfinder blinks, take care to 
prevent camera shake.
Under low light when camera shake is prone to occur, the 
viewfinder’s shutter speed display will blink. Hold the camera steady 
or use a tripod. When using a zoom lens, use the wide-angle end to 
reduce blur caused by camera shake.
 Taking...

53
1Press the  button.
2Select the self-timer.
 Press the  key to select the 
desired self-timer, then press .
Q:10-sec. self-timer
The remote control can also be 
used. (p.164)
l:2-sec. self-timerN (p.94)
q:
10-sec. self-timer plus continuous shotsPress the  key to set the 
number of multiple shots (2 to 10) 
to be taken with the self-timer.
3Take the picture.
 Focus the subject and press the 
shutter button completely.
XYou can check the self-timer 
operation with the self-timer lamp, 
beeper, and...

54
The easiest way to playback images is explained below. For more details on image playback methods, see page 123.
1Playback the image.
 When you press the  button, the 
last captured image will be displayed.
2Select the image.
 To view images starting with the last 
image, press the  key. 
To view images starting with the first 
(oldest) image, press the  key.
 Press the  button to change 
the display format.
3Exit the image playback.
 Press the  button to exit the 
image playback and return the...

55
3
Advanced Shooting
Techniques
In the Basic Zone modes, to prevent spoiled shots, 
most functions are set automatically and cannot be 
changed. In the  (Program AE) mode, you can set 
various functions and be more creative.
 In the  (Program AE) mode, the camera sets the 
shutter speed and aperture automatically to obtain the 
standard exposure.
 The difference between the Basic Zone modes and  is 
explained on page 170.
* stands for Program.
*AE stands for Auto Exposure. 

56
To obtain a good exposure of the subject, the camera sets the exposure (shutter speed and aperture) automatically. This is called Program AE.
1Set the Mode Dial to .
2Take the picture.
 Press the shutter button halfway and 
the camera will focus.
XThe exposure setting (shutter speed 
and aperture) set automatically is 
displayed in the viewfinder.
 Press the shutter button completely.
 Changing the ISO speed and using the built-in flash.
To match the subject and lighting level, you can change the ISO...

57
Set the ISO speed (image sensor’s sensitivity to light) to suit the 
ambient light level. In the Basic Zone modes, the ISO speed is set 
automatically.
1Press the  button. (9)
X[ISO speed] will appear.
2Select the ISO speed.
 Turn the  dial or press the 
 key to select the ISO speed.
 You can also look at the ISO speed in 
the viewfinder while turning the 
 dial.
ISO Speed Guide
About Auto ISO
This mode sets the ISO speed automatically between ISO 100 - 800 to 
suit the shooting mode and ambient light...

58
In indoors, low light, or backlit conditions, just pop-up the built-in flash 
and press the shutter button to take flash pictures. In the  mode, 
the shutter speed (1/60 sec. - 1/200 sec.) will be set automatically to 
prevent camera shake.
1Press the  button.
 In Creative Zone modes, you can 
press the  button anytime to take 
flash pictures.
 While the flash is recycling, “DbuSY” 
is displayed in the viewfinder, and 
[BUSYD] is displayed on the upper 
left of the LCD monitor.
2Press the shutter...

59
Using the Built-in Flash
 If the subject is far away, increase the ISO speed.
This will increase the flash range.
 In bright light, decrease the ISO speed.
If the exposure setting in the viewfinder blinks, decrease the ISO 
speed.
 Detach the lens hood and keep at least 1 meter/3.3 feet away 
from the subject.
If the lens hood is attached or if you are too close to the subject, the 
bottom portion of the picture might turn out dark. For important 
shots, check the image on the LCD monitor to make sure...

60
You can change the AF mode to suit different subjects such as group photos, animals, and sports.
1Press the  button.
X[AF mode] will appear.
2Select the AF mode.
 Press the  key to select the AF 
mode, then press .
3Focus the subject.
 Aim the AF point over the subject and 
press the shutter button halfway. The 
camera will then autofocus in the 
selected AF mode.
Selecting the Best AF Mode
 One-Shot AF
Suitable for still subjects. When you press the shutter button halfway, 
the camera will focus only...