If you’ve recently stepped up from a point and shoot camera to the Canon Rebel XSi, which is also known as the 450D in non-US markets, then you might have a bit of learning curve to adapt to. There are a number of books out there that can get you acquainted with your new DSLR, including the manual.
The Rebel XSi manual does a great job of familiarizing you with the features found in the camera; however, it doesn’t really tie them all together for you. This new book by Ben Long does and it does it well.
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion starts off by setting out the camera’s features and then goes on to put those features in context of daily shooting situations that you’ll come across with your new camera. If you really want to get the most out of your Rebel XSi, then this book is a great place to start.
The Companion is a great book for beginners and avid amateurs alike. If you feel like you have been just getting by with your Rebel XSi (maybe getting some solid shots, but not really understanding what goes into making a technically great photograph), then the Companion can really help you out.
Generally, my recommendation to all new DSLR owners is to pick up Bryan Peterson’s Understanding Exposure. For the fundamentals of creating a properly exposed photograph, I still think it’s the best book out there. Canon Rebel XSi owners can go a beyond the fundamentals with the Companion though. It is a book that you can grow with for a while and really launch you into a full understanding of the creative tool that is the Canon Rebel XSi.
If you own the Rebel XSi and want to get more out of it, The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion is a great place to start. Ben Long has really put together a flowing educational resource that Rebel XSi owners can use to propel themselves to the next level of their photography.
It is currently available at a reasonable price of $16.49 at Amazon.com.
I just came across this book at my local B&N. Very disappointed. Only 3 or 4 chapters were XSi-specific, and those glossed ver functionality. The rest is a very, very basic introduction to photography. If you want to learn how to become expert with the XSi this is not the book for you.