I have always had trouble with camera manuals, but this book is great.
I understand so much more about my camera and have had fun trying different settings.

I have been using point and shoot cameras for some time now but decided to make the leap to an SLR. I bought the XSi without knowing anything about SLR cameras. I just knew I wanted to learn how to take better pictures and had read reviews that stated the XSi was a great entry level camera. When I picked up this book, I was looking for something that would be pretty basic, but also get into some of the more complex functions of the camera and give a basic overview of them.

If what I described above sounds like you, this book is an absolute must buy. I am literally shocked at how easy it is to ready. The author has a sense of humor throughout and everything he describes is very clear and concise. If this is your first SLR purchase and you don't buy the book, I think you are making a big mistake as I learned things about taking care of the camera I would not have otherwise known or thought about.

The author also gets into basic entry level information regarding ISO, shutter speed, etc etc. This was a perfect beginner spot for someone who didn't know much about those items. The book begins bye telling you how to work with/care for your camera, talks about using the automatic function built in, and then closes with more detailed instruction for manual use and also has a section on the different lenses, ad-ons. A-Z guide.

Unlike other camera guides to the Canon, The Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi/450d Companion provides a portable class on digital photography for those who use this particular model and shows how to use its special features to take superior photos. Technical savvy blends with specialty photography tips in a survey important for any Canon DOS Digital Rebel camera owner.

Ben Long has written the finest how to use a camera book I have ever read. Not only does he clearly describe the camera but he gives very useful information on the the digital world , how to better use any camera, clear descriptions of how to take better photos and how even to hold the camera properly. I would recommend this book to any Canon 450D/xsi users.

This book looked like the best alternative to my new camera's manual, and it did not disappoint. As others have mentioned, the author indeed goes well beyond the manual, with excellent examples.

Ben Long writes columns for MacWorld and also has a nice website. You can preview some of his books there.

I recently bought a Canon SXI camera. I read through the manual. The manual is well written, but I felt I needed more information. I found that information in The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSI/450D Companion by Ben Long.
Long takes the approach that you are brand new to photography and have recently bought this great camera. Now, how do you use it? He takes you step by step through using the camera. The first chapter gets you acquainted with the very basic functions of using the camera in full auto mode. By the time I finished the book, I had a very good idea what the camera will and won't do. I also know how to use it in different situations.
Long's chapter on composition is one of the best synopses I have read. I have used a film SLR for many years and have read several photography books, so I hope I know what I am talking about.
Canon would do well to bundle this book with the XSI as well as their own very good manual.

This is an easy to read guide to using your new Canon Rebel XSi. This a practical manual that provides useful information that can and should be used everyday. I found it extremely valuable in learning the capabilities of the Rebel XSi and how to employ those capabilities to take fantastic pictures. In addition to providing a guide to all of the camera features, the author also provides a short course in basic and slightly advanced photography techniques using your Rebel XSi. I consider this book a must if you want to learn how to use the camera to its fullest advantage.

I have always used point and shoot cameras. This is my first SLR. I wanted a book that dealt with this camera. Th first book was over my head in detail I got this book and it is jsut right. i am reading and section then getting ou my cmera and testing out what I just read. it is helping me get to know my camera. Once I get comfortable and get the basics then I can read m first book!!!

I ordered this book even though there were no customer reviews for it based upon its description and reviews of other XSi books categorizing them as "glorified manuals". This seemed more useful from description and it turned out to be more than just manual. It is compact and can be carried along and has good advice from holding your camera right to using all the modes of XSi. It is filled with color photos and is written in an easy to read manner. The only downside of this book that i have noticed is that at times it asks the reader to perform certain tasks without telling them how - that ultimately is explained in a later chapter. E.g. the first chapter tell you to insert a CF card and install the battery but it is only in chapter 2 that it shows you the location of these objects and where they go in your camera. It is really nit-picking but to an absolute beginner who has never used a digital camera, it might confuse them. My advice: read the Nomenclature chapter first and then come back to chapter one.
By no means it is a comprehensive tutorial on photography but as a compact traveling companion on SLR photography and reference for XSi, this is almost perfect.

There are lots of camera books that regurgitate the product manual. This book, however, offers explanation of the various options and settings on the camera. It also explains how the camera should be set up for different kinds of photography. It is well illustrated and the figures and photos in the book are first quality. If you own a Canon Rebel Xsi, this is the only book you will need.