Canon Rebel XSi 450D / XS 1000D inBrief Laminated Camera Reference Card

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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Giotto's Rocket-Air Blower Professional AA1903 Large (Red) + Lenspen Lens Pen Cleaning System + Lenspen Digi-Klear LCD Monitor Pen Digital Display Cleaning System + Accessory Kit for Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Pentax and Sony Digital SLR Cameras

Kit includes: 1) Giotto's Rocket-Air Blower Professional AA1903; 2) Lenspen Lens Pen Cleaning System; 3) Lenspen Digi-Klear LCD Monitor Pen Digital Display Cleaning System; 4) Purosol Optical Molecular Lens Cleaner; 5) Deluxe 5-Piece Lens Cleaning Kit; 6) Microfiber Cleaning Cloth. ♦ The Giotto's Rocket-Air Blower is very powerful and easy to use cleaning system. The super air stream blows off dust particles, even those attracted by static electricity. Giotto's' patented and unique rocket base design allows the Rocket-Air to stand by itself and prevents accidental blocking of the inlet valve as well as making it easy to store. The inlet valve prevents back flow from the air tube. This air blower is an excellent way to remove dust off sensitive equipment parts without physical contact. It works great when used on digital camera sensors, lenses, telescopes, computer keyboards, microscopes, communications equipment, musical instruments or just about any precision equipment. ♦ Keeping your lenses and LCD spotless is crucial to high-quality photography. After all, just the slightest imperfection -- such as dust, fingerprints or water stains -- can mean the difference between a stunning portrait and an unsalvageable mistake. Unfortunately, microfiber cloths can often leave dust behind, and compressed air won't clean fingerprints or other stains. The answer is the LensPen and the LensPen DigiKlear! ♦ Deluxe 5-Piece Cleaning Kit includes: Lens Cleaning Tissue; Lens Cloth; Lens Cleaning Liquid; Blower Brush; Cotton Swabs.

A successful photography studio must be able to offer its clients a variety of backgrounds. Although seamless paper backdrops are very effective and commonly used in commercial studios, I prefer to use muslin backdrops in my studio.

Muslin backdrops are significantly more expensive than seamless paper and require more storage space and care. However, they provide interesting textures and more realistic backgrounds for more sophisticated studio work. Muslin backdrops vary from very simple, single color backgrounds to complicated, hand-painted works of art. Likewise, they range in price from $30 to upwards of $400 per backdrop. Thus, if you decide to invest in muslin backdrops, you certainly need to know how to care for them properly.

Here are a few tips I have found helpful in caring for muslin backdrops:

Washing - I have purchased a variety of muslins from various manufacturers. Some will indicate that muslins can be hand or machine-washed. Others vehemently instruct you NOT to wash them. I have found through experience that washing muslins will quickly degrade their quality and hasten your need to replace them. I would avoid washing muslins unless absolutely necessary.

Stains or Soil - If your muslin backdrop becomes stained or soiled, try to spot treat using a scrub brush and mild soap and warm water. NEVER use bleach or harsh, abrasive detergents. If the stain resists spot treatment, you may need to soak the area in a warm water and mild soap solution overnight. You can drape the backdrop over a tub, strategically placing the spot over the tub and placing a smooth but heavy object on the spot to hold it in the solution. If this course of action fails to remove the stain, you may have no choice but to use a more powerful detergent or, perhaps, OxyClean. Keep in mind, however, that you may damage the backdrop and have to incorporate the damaged area into your photo background, shift it out of your cameras view, or simply place your subject(s) in front of the stain.

Creases and Folds Your muslin backdrop will arrive heavily folded, as there is simply no other way to ship a heavy, bulky muslin backdrop. If you know you will not need to use the backdrop for several days, simply hang it on your backdrop support and allow gravity to work for you. If you cannot wait several days to use the backdrop or if the creases and folds are still visible, use a hand-held fabric steamer. I use a Conair compact fabric steamer (model GS4, est. retail $30.00) with great results. Follow the instructions included with the steamer and be careful not to rub the muslin with the steam head. In the absence of a fabric steamer, you can (if you are brave) allow your backdrop to lay outstretched on a clean, no-traffic portion of your yard overnight. The natural dew will help to remove most of the wrinkles and folds.

Ironing JUST DON'T DO IT! Ironing your muslins will create noticeable, shiny hotspots in your backdrop and ruin the material.

Dust and Hair Muslin backdrops, like everything else in your home or studio, will attract dust and hair. To remove dust, simply shake the muslin as you would any other linen. To remove clingy pet or human hair, use a large lint roller (est. retail $4.00). They work fantastic and wont break the bank.

Storage Its best to roll your muslin backdrops into a ball when storing them. Natural wrinkles, not patterned folds and creases, can actually enhance your backdrop and create even more texture, which adds to the realism of your backdrops. Many photographers like working with wavy, naturally wrinkled backdrops. If your photo shoot is casual, then you can certainly get by with using one. If, however, you will be doing formal, more serious work, I would highly recommend removing as many of the wrinkles as you can before the shoot. I like to store my muslin backdrops, rolled in balls, in large plastic tubs. This helps to eliminate excessive dust from collecting on them and makes it easier and faster for me to simply shake and hang them when needed.

Muslin backdrops, when properly cared for, can last a number of years. They represent a significant investment in your photography business. I hope these tips will help you to better preserve the quality and integrity of your muslin backdrops.

Balsman Photography, LLC.

Kim Balsman is the owner of Balsman Photography, LLC, a small, professional photography studio in Longmont, Colorado.

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