The XSi 450D and XS 1000D cameras come with many controls and settings designed to allow you to make a perfect exposure. But remembering where they are and how the features work together can be daunting.
If you decide to carry the user manual in your bag but finding the answer to your question can be a frustrating experience. That is why Blue Crane Digital developed an abbreviated field reference guide to your digital SLR.
The inBrief reference card is a laminated, foldable guide that answers most camera operation questions quickly and easily. The information is arranged logically for ease of use. Differences between the two cameras are clearly noted so you ll always have the correct information at hand.
The cover panel of each inBrief displays a labeled line drawing of the camera, and a color-coded index to the rest of the panels. For instance, if you have a question about white balance, just check the index, then turn to the purple panel. An overview of the information on each of the twelve panels is listed below:
Cover: Annotated line drawing, General index
Blue: Viewfinder, Control panel, and Monitor displays
Red: Camera functions by exposure mode; Flash information
Lime: Focus; Drive Modes; Self-timer
Yellow: Exposure; Metering; Bracketing
Purple: White balance; ISO; Image size/quality
Orange: Displaying images; Resetting the camera
Green: Custom settings
The inBrief reference card is professionally printed on 10 point card stock, and is laminated on each side for long wear and protection from the elements. When folded, the dimensions are 5.5 by 4.25 inches. It fits neatly into the outside pocket of your camera bag for instant access. Once you have an inBrief, you can leave your manual at home.
With the digital age moving forward at a rapid rate, people expect the best from their recreation time including time spent 'in front of the box'. These days, with the latest HD TV Equipment available, people are able to immerse themselves in the thick of the action incorporating the clearest picture and lifelike digital surround sound each pushing the boundaries of what we are used to!
To get the best from your HD viewing experience, it's recommended to incorporate the latest HD TV equipment including HD capable TV's, HD set top boxes, the latest in surround sound and of course the appropriate HD TV cabling to connect it all together.
HD televisions come in a range of flavours and it is important to select one that is both future proof and suits your budget. When selecting your HD television, ensure it is capable of displaying standard definition, 720p and 1080i high definition formats. It is also worth while asking if the HD television in question is HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) compatible. If the technology is too much for you, just look for the 'HD Tick' - This is the easiest way to tell if your television is true HD. The 'HD Tick' logo is an initiative of the Australian Digital Suppliers Industry Forum and may only be applied to televisions with specific criteria.
Do you own a gaming console? If so, you should enquire as to how many HDMI inputs it has. The HDMI inputs allows for high definition game play. Look for a high definition television that has more than one HDMI input to save you needing to change cords just to play your games.
An important part of your HD TV Equipment checklist is to incorporate the latest in surround sound technology. Lots of HD TV programs are also recorded with cinema-style surround sound, so it is certainly wise to invest in surround sound. There are several ways to connect your surround sound system to the rest of your HD TV equipment; HDMI, Optical, Digital Coax and RCA Analog. By far the easiest way to connect your surround sound system is by HDMI. HDMI also provides the best quality signal to ensure you get the best from your HD TV broadcasts.
Connecting all your HD TV equipment together is important in getting the best from your investment. The following connectors can all be used, some with better results than the rest:
- HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable
An HDMI cable is the simplest and best way to connect to your HD TV. Most HD TVs have an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connector which can be used to connect devices like your HD set-top box. HDMI offers crisp, clear all-digital video and analogue audio in a single cable
- DVI (Digital Video Interface) cable
Some HD TVs have a DVI (Digital Video Interface) connector instead of an HDMI connector. A DVI cable carries only picture information and not sound - so you'll need a separate audio connection. In some cases you can use an adapter to connect this to the HDMI connector on your HD device.
- Component Video cable
Component video is basically a transmission of three separate colour signals to represent all possible colours - no sound is carried on these cables. If you're using component video, make sure you have the cables properly matched to the colour coded jacks.
- S-Video cable
S-Video is a mid-level signal format that is not capable of carrying HD signals to HD Television.
- Composite Video cable
Composite video cable will provide the lowest resolution quality from your output device (DVD, VCR, cable box) to your TV and will not support a HD signal to your HD TV.
Invest in quality HD TV equipment including HD TV televisions, the latest in HD TV set top boxes and surround sound that can easily be connected to your HD TV components. You won't be sorry and your leisure time will be thrust into the High Definition digital future with new levels of entertainment immersion.
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