In fact, the 90D is so feature-packed that sorting out everything can be a challenge. For starters, you may not even know 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. If you’re like many people, you may be so overwhelmed by all the camera controls 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 911 and never pushing it past 35 miles per hour.
About This Book
In this book, you 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. 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 a photography workshop tailored specifically to your camera. Whether your interests lie in taking family photos, exploring nature and travel photography, or snapping product shots for your business, you’ll get the help you need to capture the images you envision.
Within this book, you may note that some web addresses break across two lines of text. If you’re reading this book in print and want to visit one of these web pages, simply key in the web address exactly as it’s noted in the text, pretending as though the line break doesn’t exist. If you’re reading this as an e-book, you’ve got it easy — just click the web address to be taken directly to the web page.
Additionally, replicas of some of your camera’s buttons and onscreen graphics appear throughout the book to help you locate the button or setting being discussed.
Foolish Assumptions
We don’t assume much about you, the reader, but we do assume the following:
You either have or are planning to acquire a Canon EOS 90D camera.
You want to learn about the camera’s features and how to use them.
You would like to deepen your knowledge of photography so that you can take better still photos and movies with the 90D.
Icons Used in This Book
If this isn’t your first For Dummies book, you may be familiar with the large round icons that decorate its margins. If not, here’s your very own icon-decoder ring:
Beyond the Book
In addition to the material in the print or e-book you’re reading right now, this product also comes with some access-anywhere goodies on the web. Check out the free Cheat Sheet for a handy reference to your camera’s buttons, controls, and exposure modes. To get this Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and type Canon EOS 90D For Dummies Cheat Sheet in the Search box.
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 good company. Everyone finds this stuff mind-boggling at first. Take it slowly, trying just one or two new camera settings or techniques each time you pick up your camera. With 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 start exploring the rest of this book. Your EOS 90D is the perfect partner for your photographic journey, and we thank you for allowing us, through this book, to serve as your tour guides.
Part 1
Fast Track to Super Snaps
IN THIS PART …
Familiarize yourself with the basics of using your camera, from attaching lenses to working with memory cards, navigating menus, and setting up the camera.
Decode viewfinder and Live View mode symbology.
Select the right exposure mode, shutter-release mode, picture aspect ratio, and image quality.
Discover options available for flash photography.
Enjoy the simplicity of shooting in Basic Zone exposure modes, including Scene Intelligent Auto.
Chapter 1
Getting Up and Running
IN THIS CHAPTER
If you’re like many people, shooting for the first time with a single-lens reflex (SLR) camera produces a blend of excitement and anxiety. On the one hand, you can’t wait to start using your new equipment, but on the other, you’re a little intimidated by all its buttons, dials, and menu options.
Well, fear not: This chapter provides the information you need to start getting comfortable with your Canon EOS 90D. The first section walks you through initial camera setup. Following that, you get an overview of camera controls, discover how to view and adjust camera settings, work with lenses and memory cards, and get advice on some basic setup options.
Preparing the Camera for Initial Use
After unpacking your camera, you have to assemble a few parts. In addition to the camera