I just got a Rebel XT - Few Q's

Hi everyone,

I just got my first DSLR (or SLR for that matter) camera after upgrading from a Canon Powershot S230.

I just had a few questions about this camera as I'm getting all set up - I've already taken about 300 shots on full auto mode and it's just unbelievable (I'm new to cameras to please forgive me)

My first question was about the battery - I don't know whether I'm just dumb or not but I had an impossible time getting the battery out of the camera. I googled and didn't see anyone else having this problem so I'm wondering if I'm alone on this?

My second question is probably a common one and is in regards to compact flash - for a new user like myself, is it even worth it for me to get a fast card or would a kingston elite pro 2gb suffice? I don't take many shots very fast, I'm just impatient when loading them onto my computer.

Lastly, I wondered if you guys had any links to tutorials on how to use some of the features? I read the manual but I didn't find it very thorough - for example, when I tried using the sports mode, it was extremely blurry and seemed like high ISO and I couldn't capture my friend running by - but that's what it said it's for?

Anyway, thanks a lot for any responses!

Doug

First Congrats to the DSLR

About the Battery: Where do you have the problem exactly. I suppose you opend the compartment. Then there is probably a small "hook" holding the batery.

About the CF Card. If you don't do Sport or Action Shooting a normal CF should be good enough. Faster is better but you have to find out if it is worth the additional costs. The Speed you get the Pics to your computer is mainly a question of the speed of the CF Reader and not of the CF itself.

About the Modes: I avoid the AUTO and the "Theme" modes. If i don't want to shoot Manual I Use P mode. There the Internal Flash isn't triggerd automaticly what i never want to happen. You can also shoot RAW in this mode (at least at the older Generation Canon Cameras this was not possible in AUTO Mode).

Try to shoot full manual whenever you have the time for it. You'll get good at it very fast and if gives you full control and is something you want to have UW (and anywhere else once you masterd it)

Have Fun,

Simon

Thanks for the fast response!

The battery problem is strange - there's the little orange clib that holds it in place (just like my s230), but when I slide the locking clip sideways, the battery doesnt pop out - even if I hold it upside down so gravity should do it's thing. I had to basically pry it out with my nails/fingers for 5 minutes to get it out.

I think I'm going to get a 2gb elite pro from kingston then - it had slightly slower read/write times than the lexar 80x but it's far far cheaper which sounds good to me!

I will definitely try to use other modes than full auto - it's just I don't even understand most of the controls for now. Lots of reading ahead!

I would like to someday take UW pictures because I love swimming/snorkeling and it would just be awesome!