My first digital camera is the Canon EOS 40D

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How do I set self-timer on my Canon 40D?
- Linda, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Canon EOS 40D allows you to set the self timer for 2 seconds or 10 seconds delay. To set the self timer press the < AF-DRIVE >. (After you release the AF-Drive button, you have 6 seconds to set the self timer.) While looking at the LCD panel, use the Quick Control Dial to select either 10 seconds delay or 2 seconds delay. More answers

This photograph was taken on a rainy night in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This is Las Olas Blvd eastbound near Andrews Ave. The light trail is one of the appealing features of this photo. Want to find out how this photo was taken?

UNDERSTANDING CREATIVE ZONE MODES
The Canon EOS 40D has 2 sets of shooting modes: the simplistic Basic Zone modes and the challenging Creative Zone modes preferred by pros.

The Creative Zone modes are represented as P, Tv, Av, M and A-DEP.

P = Program AE Mode

Tv = Shutter-Priority AE Mode

Av = Aperture-Priority AE Mode

UNDERSTANDING SHUTTER SPEED
The shutter is a device that acts like a curtain to control light reaching the sensor (or film on a 35mm film camera). The shutter speed is the duration of time that the shutter opens to allows light to reach the sensor.

Shutter speeds are stated in seconds such as 3", 2", 1", 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250, 1/500. The fractions are usually displayed simply as 30, 60, 125, 250, 500 in the LCD of your Canon EOS 40D.

UNDERSTANDING APERTURE
Aperture is the variable opening of a lens that allows light to pass through to the sensor. It is usually stated as an f-number such as f2.8 or f8.

To achieve a correct exposure the camera determines how much light is required to expose the sensor and recommends an aperture setting and shutter speed, for example f8 and 1/350 seconds.

To create stunning images with your Canon EOS 40D it helps to understand the creative effects of large and small apertures...

UNDERSTANDING HOW TO GET SHARP FOCUS
Sharp focus can be achieved by:

Choosing a "safe" shutter speed when handholding the camera

Using an IS/VR lens to reduce the effect of camera shake

Using a tripod, placing the camera on a steady surface or bracing it against a firm structure

Using a self-timer or shutter release with a tripod.