The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XS/1000D Companion

Drive Mode and the Self-Timer

By default, the XS shoots in single-frame mode. When you hold the button down, it takes only one picture. But, you can change the camera to Drive mode, which will cause it to keep shooting frames as long as you have the button held down.

The obvious application for Drive mode is shooting action scenes such as sporting events or wild animals, or any moment where you're concerned that your reflexes won't be fast enough to grab the decisive moment. With Drive mode you can shoot a burst of images and pick out the best one later.

Figure 6-22. Drive mode is great for shooting action sequences, since it allows you to shoot a burst of images to capture a specific moment.

But Drive mode can also be useful for more everyday events, especially shooting candid shots of people. People's expressions can change very subtly from one moment to the next, and with a burst of images you can capture a range of expression and pull out exactly the right shot later.

Figure 6-23. With groups of people, it can be difficult to know the precise moment when everyone's eyes will be open, when everyone will have a good expression, and so on. Drive mode can ease this by letting you quickly gather a burst of images.

To activate Drive mode, press the Drive mode button on the back of the ...