Answers to Questions about Aperture, Shutter Speed, Creative Zone Modes, Self Timer and More...

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What settings should I use in Manual mode? - Mike, Dallas, Texas
Mike, the simple answer to the question is, use the setting recommended by your camera's built-in light meter, the reading from an incident light meter or the setting the camera recommends when it is pointed at a grey scale.

There are many factors that affect the use of a certain aperture, shutter speed and ISO when taking a photograph. Lighting conditions, the type of lens used, the distance from the subject, the position of the subject relative to the light source and the desired creative effect, will dictate what settings should be used.

However, if you are not sure when to use f2.8, f10 or f16 or when to use a slow or fast shutter speed, we recommend starting with the aperture priority (Av) mode and using a "safe" aperture like f8. In this mode the camera sets the shutter speed automatically. You also have the option to allow the camera to select the ISO value automatically.

To use manual mode effectively, a good understanding of aperture and shutter speed and their creative effects, is definitely needed. Take a look at the articles on aperture and shutter speed to get some basic information of when to use certain settings.

How do I change the aperture on the Canon 40D? - Cindy, Brooklyn, New York
Set the Mode Dial to < Av >. While looking at the LCD panel (or through the Viewfinder) turn the Main Dial (near the Shutter button) to the desired aperture value. When you press the shutter button halfway, the camera automatically sets the shutter speed. As long as the shutter speed is not blinking, the exposure will be correct. (Page 88 of the Canon EOS 40D instruction manual)

How do you change the shutter speed?- Felix, Albuquerque, New Mexico
Set the Mode Dial to < Tv >. While looking at the LCD panel (or through the Viewfinder) turn the Main Dial (near the Shutter button) to the desired shutter speed. When you press the shutter button halfway, the camera automaticallty sets the aperture. As long as the aperture is not blinking, the exposure will be correct. (Page 86 of the Canon EOS 40D instruction manual)

How do I set the 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.
The symbol for 10 seconds looks like this: The symbol for 2 seconds has a 2 next the the symbol shown here.