Basic Zone Modes

The final factor in the exposure equation is one that your T3i offers little control over: Basic Zone modes. Your Canon Rebel T3i includes seven Basic Zone shooting modes that can automatically make all the basic settings needed for certain types of shooting situations, such as Portraits, Landscapes, Close-ups, Sports, Night Portraits, and “No-Flash zone” pictures. They are especially useful when you suddenly encounter a picture-taking opportunity and don’t have time to decide exactly which Creative Zone mode you want to use. Instead, you can spin the Mode Dial to the appropriate Basic Zone mode and fire away, knowing that, at least, you have a fighting chance of getting a good or usable photo.

Basic Zone modes are also helpful when you’re just learning to use your T3i. Once you’ve learned how to operate your camera, you’ll probably prefer one of the Creative Zone modes that provide more control over shooting options. The Basic Zone scene modes may give you few options or none at all. The AF mode, drive mode, and metering mode are all set for you. Here are the modes available: