Canon EOS Rebel SL1 Digital SLR Camera User Manual

1. Overview

The Canon EOS Rebel SL1 is a compact and lightweight Digital SLR camera designed for both beginners and enthusiasts. It features an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 5 image processor, delivering high-quality images and Full HD video. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your camera.

Figure 1.1: Front view of the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera with the EF-S 18-55mm IS STM lens.

2. Setup

2.1 Unboxing Contents

Verify that all items are present in the box:

• EOS Rebel SL1 Body (White)
• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens (White)
• Eyecup Ef
• Battery Pack LP-E12
• Battery Charger LC-E12
• Wide Neck Strap EW-300D
• USB Interface Cable IFC-130U
• EOS Digital Solution Disk & Software Instruction Manual CD
• Camera Instruction Manual
• One Year Limited Warranty Card

2.2 Battery Installation and Charging

1. Open the battery compartment cover located at the bottom of the camera.
2. Insert the LP-E12 Battery Pack with the electrical contacts facing inward, ensuring it clicks into place.
3. Close the battery compartment cover.
4. To charge, insert the battery into the LC-E12 Battery Charger and plug the charger into a power outlet. The charging indicator light will illuminate. It will turn off when charging is complete.

2.3 Memory Card Insertion

The camera uses SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards. The memory card slot is located in the same compartment as the battery.

1. Open the battery/card compartment cover.
2. Insert the memory card into the slot with the label facing the rear of the camera until it clicks.
3. Close the compartment cover.

Note: Ensure the camera is powered off before inserting or removing the memory card.

2.4 Attaching the Lens

1. Remove the rear lens cap and the camera body cap.
2. Align the red dot on the lens with the red dot on the camera's lens mount.
3. Turn the lens clockwise until it clicks into place.
4. To remove the lens, press the lens release button on the camera and turn the lens counter-clockwise.

2.5 Initial Settings

Upon first power-on, you will be prompted to set the date, time, and language. Follow the on-screen instructions using the touch screen or directional buttons.

3. Operating the Camera

3.1 Basic Controls

Figure 3.1: Rear view of the Canon EOS Rebel SL1 with LCD and controls.

• Mode Dial: Located on the top of the camera, used to select shooting modes (e.g., Auto, P, Av, Tv, M).
• Shutter Button: Press halfway to focus, fully to take a picture.
• Main Dial: Used to adjust settings like aperture or shutter speed depending on the mode.
• LCD Touch Screen: 3-inch display for menu navigation, Live View shooting, and image playback.
• Directional Buttons: For navigating menus and selecting options.

3.2 Shooting Modes

Rotate the Mode Dial to select your desired shooting mode:

• Scene Intelligent Auto (Green Square): Fully automatic mode for general shooting.
• Program AE (P): Camera sets aperture and shutter speed, but you can adjust other settings.
• Shutter-priority AE (Tv): You set the shutter speed, camera sets aperture.
• Aperture-priority AE (Av): You set the aperture, camera sets shutter speed.
• Manual (M): You control both aperture and shutter speed.
• Special Scene Modes (SCN): Includes modes for Kids, Food, Candlelight, and Creative Filters.

3.3 Focusing

• Autofocus (AF): The camera features a 9-point AF system. For optimal performance, ensure the AF/MF switch on the lens is set to AF.
• Live View Shooting: Use the LCD screen to compose and focus. Hybrid CMOS AF II provides fast and accurate autofocus during Live View.
• Movie Servo AF: Provides continuous focus tracking of moving subjects during video recording.
• Manual Focus (MF): Set the AF/MF switch on the lens to MF and rotate the focusing ring on the lens to adjust focus.

3.4 Exposure Settings

• ISO Speed: Adjustable from 100-12800 (expandable to 25600) for varying light conditions.
• Shutter Speed: Controls the duration the sensor is exposed to light (1/4000 sec to 30 sec).
• Aperture: Controls the amount of light entering the lens and depth of field (f/3.5-5.6 for the kit lens).

3.5 Video Recording

The EOS Rebel SL1 can record Full HD (1080p) video at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second, and HD (720p) video at 60 or 50 frames per second. The maximum recording time per clip is 29 minutes.

1. Set the Mode Dial to the movie shooting mode.
2. Press the Live View/Movie Shooting button to start/stop recording.

3.6 Image Playback

Press the Playback button (usually indicated by a triangle icon) to review your photos and videos. Use the directional buttons or the touch screen to navigate through images, zoom in/out, and play videos.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning the Camera

• Camera Body: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the camera body. For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed by a dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals.
• Lens: Use a lens blower brush to remove dust, then a lens cleaning cloth with a specialized lens cleaning solution if necessary. Never touch the lens glass with your fingers.
• Sensor: Sensor cleaning should be performed with extreme caution. If dust spots appear on images, it is recommended to use the camera's built-in sensor cleaning function or have it professionally cleaned.
• LCD Screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the screen.

4.2 Battery Care

• Always use the genuine Canon LP-E12 battery and LC-E12 charger.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• Avoid fully discharging batteries frequently to prolong their lifespan.
• If storing for extended periods, charge batteries to about 50% capacity.

4.3 Storage

• Store the camera in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Use a camera bag or case to protect it from dust, moisture, and physical impact.
• Remove the battery and memory card if storing the camera for a long time.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Common Issues and Solutions

• Camera does not power on:
  • Ensure the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted.
  • Check if the battery contacts are clean.
• Pictures are blurry:
  • Verify the lens AF/MF switch is set to AF for autofocus.
  • Ensure sufficient lighting for the scene.
  • Check shutter speed; use a faster shutter speed or image stabilization (if available on lens) in low light.
  • Clean the lens.
• Battery drains quickly:
  • Using Live View or video recording consumes more power.
  • Reduce screen brightness.
  • Consider purchasing a spare LP-E12 battery.
• Memory card error:
  • Ensure the memory card is inserted correctly.
  • Try reinserting the card or using a different compatible SD/SDHC/SDXC card.
  • If necessary, format the card in-camera (this will erase all data).
• Flash does not fire:
  • Check if the flash is enabled in the camera settings.
  • Ensure the shooting mode allows flash (e.g., not in 'Flash Off' mode).

For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the full instruction manual provided on the included CD or Canon's official support website.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

7.1 Warranty Information

Your Canon EOS Rebel SL1 camera comes with a One Year Limited Warranty. Please refer to the included 'One Year Limited Warranty Card' for specific terms, conditions, and registration details. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

7.2 Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Canon support website or contact Canon customer service. You can find detailed support resources, FAQs, and contact information on their website.

Canon Official Website: www.usa.canon.com/support