Canon 300X User manual

E
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
English
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/

2
Thank you for purchasing a Canon product.
The EOS REBEL T2 (DATE) / 300X (DATE) is a very compact
autofocus, single-lens reflex camera. It can be used for a wide
variety of subjects and situations with fully automatic and user-
controlled shooting modes.
Read this Instruction manual and familiarize yourself with your new
camera before taking pictures.
Also read “Handling Cautions” on page 4 to prevent camera
malfunction and damage.
Before Using Your Camera
•Before shooting an important event, be sure to take test shots
to make sure the camera operates properly.
•EOS cameras have a lens mount for dedicated operation
(autofocusing, exposure control, etc.) with Canon EF lenses.
Using a non-Canon EF lens with an EOS camera may not
result in proper camera or lens operation. Note that the
warranty does not cover any camera malfunction or damage
occurring with the use of non-Canon products.
Conventions Used in this Instruction manual
•The <l> icon indicates the Main Dial.
•All operation procedures described in this booklet assume that
the Mode Dial is set to a mode except <:>. Before
proceeding with any operation, be sure that the Mode Dial is
set to a shooting mode.
•Reference page numbers are indicated by (p.∗∗).
•The ★symbol indicates that the respective feature can be
used only in Creative Zone modes (T, R, E, W, Q).
•The camera control icons and markings used in this booklet
correspond to the actual icons and markings found on the
camera.
•The (˜) and (∫) icons indicate that the respective function
remains in effect for 4 and 6 sec. respectively after the button
is released.

3
Contents
Symbols
The Caution symbol alerts you to actions to prevent
shooting problems.
The Note symbol gives supplemental information.
1
2
3
Conventions Used in this Instruction manual .....................2
Handling Cautions ..............................................................4
Nomenclature .....................................................................6
Before You Start 11
Installing the Batteries ......................................................11
Checking the Battery Level ..............................................12
Mounting and Detaching a Lens.......................................13
How the Shutter Button Works .........................................14
=Loading and Unloading Film ........................................15
¢Midroll Rewind......................................................16
Fully Automatic Shooting 17
Since everything is automatic, all you do is press the
shutter button.
User-Controlled Shooting 27
You can set the desired shutter speed or aperture value to
obtain the exposure you want. You take control of the
camera.
Reference 49

4
Handling Cautions
Camera Care and Storage
•The camera is a precision instrument. Do not drop it or subject it to
physical shock.
•The camera is not waterproof and should not be used in wet
conditions or underwater. If the camera gets wet, take it to your
nearest Canon dealer as soon as possible. If small amounts of
water splash onto the camera, wipe it with a clean dry cloth. If the
camera is exposed to salty air, wipe it thoroughly with a slightly
damp cloth.
•Do not leave the camera in places prone to excessive heat such as
in a car on a sunny day. Excessive heat can cause the camera to
malfunction.
•The camera contains precision electronic circuitry. Never attempt to
disassemble the camera.
•Use only a blower brush to blow away any dust on the lens,
eyepiece, mirror, focusing screen, film compartment, etc. Do not
clean the camera body or lens with any cleaner containing an
organic solvent. For stubborn dirt, consult your nearest Canon
Service Center.
•The shutter curtains are extremely thin. Use only a blower to clean
them. Be careful not to blow air too forcefully on the shutter
curtains. The shutter curtains can be easily deformed or damaged.
Also, when loading and unloading film, be careful not to touch the
shutter curtains.
•Do not touch the electrical contacts with your fingers. Otherwise
corrosion may develop on the contacts, resulting in improper
camera operation.
•If the camera is not to be used for an extended period, remove the
battery. Store the camera in a well-ventilated, cool, dry place.
During the storage period, press the shutter button to release the
shutter a few times once in a while.
•Avoid storing the camera in a laboratory, cabinet, etc., where
corrosive chemicals are present.

5
•If the camera has not been used for a prolonged period or if you
will use the camera for an important event, check the operation of
all the camera controls or take the camera to your nearest Canon
Service Center.
LCD Displays
By their nature, LCD displays react more slowly at low
temperatures, and may appear dark at high temperatures. The
display will return to normal at room temperature.
Batteries
•Before installing the batteries, wipe the battery contacts to remove
any fingerprints and smudges. This is to prevent faulty connections
and corrosion.
•Never disassemble or recharge the batteries. Also, never store a
battery in high-temperature places or short circuit the battery
contacts or toss a battery into a fire.
•Although the batteries work well even at low temperatures, battery
performance may decline slightly at freezing temperatures. In such
a case, keep spare batteries warm in a pocket, etc., and use and
warm the batteries alternately.
How Low Battery Levels Affect Camera Operation
On the LCD panel, if the <π> icon blinks or it is not displayed, a
proper exposure can still be obtained as long as the shutter
releases. However, when the battery level is low, film advance and
auto rewind might stop midway or not work at all and <π> icon may
blink on the LCD panel. After the batteries are replaced with new
ones, film advance will be possible and film rewind can resume by
pressing the <¢> button.
Lens Electrical Contacts
After detaching the lens from the camera, put
on the lens caps or put down the lens with
the rear end up to avoid scratching the lens
surface and electrical contacts.
Contacts

6
Nomenclature
<^> Film advance mode /
Self-timer/*Remote control button
(p.32/23/24)
<l> Main Dial
Shutter button (p.14)
Built-in flash /
AF-assist beam
(p.44/19)
Flash-sync contact
Hot shoe
Mode Dial (p.10)
Strap
mount
(p.7)
Lens release
button (p.13)
Remote
control
terminal**
Depth-of-field
preview button(p.42)
Focus mode switch
(p.13)
Zooming ring
Focusing ring (p.31)
Body cap (p.13)
*Remote control
sensor / Self-timer/
*Remote control
lamp (p.24/23/24)
<M> Flash button
(p.44)
Grip / Battery
compartment
(p.11)
Red-eye reduction lamp
(p.22)
<£>
Film plane
mark
•Reference page numbers are indicated by (p.∗∗).
*DATE Model only
**
For Remote Switch RS-60E3 (sold separately).

7
Eyecup (p.26)
Viewfinder eyepiece
Film check
window
Battery compartment
cover (p.11)
Guide hole
<6> LCD panel illumination
button
<\>
Function button
(p.22, 25, 26, 40,
42, 43, 44, 47)
<4>
AF mode/*SET button(p.28/26)
AF point selection
keys (p.29)
Back cover
Battery compartment
cover release lever
(p.11)
Tr ipod socket
<j> AE lock/FE lock
button (p.41/46)
LCD
panel
(p.8)
<3> AF point
selection button
(p.29)
Back
cover
release
lever
(p.15)
<>
 Aperture set/Exposure
compensation button (p.37/39)
<¢> Midroll
rewind button
(p.16)
Attaching the Strap
Pass the end of the strap through the
camera’s strap mount from the bottom. Then
pass it through the strap’s buckle as shown
in the illustration. Pull the strap to make sure
it does not slip out of the buckle.
•The eyepiece cover is also attached to the
strap. (p.24)
1
2
3
4
Eyepiece cover

8
Nomenclature
LCD Panel
Shooting mode
icon
ISO film speed
Shutter speed
ISO film speed
Date
FE lock
Battery level mark
AF Mode
One-Shot AF
AI Focus AF
AI Servo AF
Exposure level indicator
Exposure compensation amount
AEB level
Red-eye reduction lamp-on indicator
Film transport indicator
<=> Film mark
<>> Function pointer
<?> Manual focus
Multiple exposures
AEB
Custom Function
Red-eye reduction
Beeper
Safety release lock
Date
Film advance mode

<J>Single frame 
<H> Continuous
shooting

<´> Self-timer/
Remote control
Aperture value
Red-eye reduction setting
AEB amount
Date
Frame counter
Multiple-exposure setting
Self-timer operation
Remote control operation
Custom Function icon
Non-DATE Model
DATE Model
•Pressing the <6> button
illuminates the LCD panel.
•The actual display will show only the
applicable items.

9
Viewfinder Information
AF points (7)
Superimposed display
<j> AE lock / FE lock
AEB in progress
<M> Flash-ready
Improper FE lock
warning
<
| > *High-speed sync
(FP flash)
Aperture value
Focusing screen
<n>
Focus
confirmation light
Exposure level indicator
Exposure compensation
amount
AEB level
Red-eye reduction
lamp-on indicator
Shutter speed
FE lock
*With an EX-series Speedlite.
Remove the eyecup, then slide the
dioptric adjustment lever left or right until
the AF points in the viewfinder look
sharp.

B
a
s
i
c
Z
o
n
e
I
m
a
g
e
Z
o
n
e
OFF
Full Auto
C
r
e
a
t
i
v
e
Z
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Nomenclature
Mode Dial
The dial is divided into two zones.
1Basic Zone
Fully automatic mode where
the camera takes care of
everything.
Y: Full Auto (p.18)
Basically, all you do is point
and shoot.
Image Zone (p.20)
Fully automatic modes for a
particular subject.
U: Portrait
I: Landscape
O: Close-up
P: Sports
A: Night Portrait
S: Flash off
2Creative Zone
Semi-automatic and manual
modes enable you to take
control of the camera to
obtain the desired result.
T: Program AE (p.33)
R: Shutter-priority AE
(p.35)
E: Aperture-priority AE
(p.36)
W: Manual exposure
(p.37)
Q: Automatic Depth-of-
field AE (p.38)
3:: OFF

Before You Start
11
Installing the Batteries
1
1Open the battery compartment
cover.
•Slide the release lever in the
direction shown by the arrow in the
diagram, and open the cover.
1
2Install the batteries.
•Make sure the battery contacts (+
and –) are properly oriented as
shown.
•Do not mix old and new batteries.
3Close the battery compartment
cover.
•Press the cover until it snaps shut.
•The date and time must be set.
See page 26. (DATE Model only)
The camera uses two CR2 lithium batteries.
2
For places where CR2 batteries may not be easily available, take
spare batteries with you. Also carry spare batteries for extended
shooting sessions.
∗Batteries are not included in camera body only (not kit) sold in North
America. Obtain batteries separately.

12
Checking the Battery Level
Turn the Mode Dial to a shooting
mode.
•The camera will then turn on and the
LCD panel will display one of the
following battery level mark:
: Battery level OK.
: The battery level is low. Keep
spare batteries handy.
: The batteries will soon be
completely exhausted.
: Replace the batteries.
•The battery life shown above is based on Canon’s testing
conditions with new batteries.
Battery Life (With 24-ex. rolls)
Temperature 0% Flash Use 50% Flash Use 100% Flash Use
At 20˚C 54 rolls 23 rolls 16 rolls
At –10˚C 35 rolls 16 rolls 11 rolls
Check the battery level after replacing the batteries and before
using the camera.
•If nothing is displayed on the LCD panel, the batteries may have
been installed incorrectly. Take out the batteries and install
correctly.
•If you often press the shutter button halfway for a prolonged
period or just autofocus without taking a picture, the battery life
will be affected.
•When not using the camera, set the Mode Dial to <:>.

13
Mounting and Detaching a Lens
1Remove the caps.
•Remove the rear lens cap and the
camera body cap.
2Mount the lens.
•Align the red dots on the lens and
camera and turn the lens as shown
by the arrow until it snaps in place.
Red dots
3On the lens, set the focus mode
switch to <AF>.
•If the focus mode switch is set to
<MF>, autofocus will not operate.
4Remove the front lens cap.
Mounting a Lens
•Keep the removed caps where you will not lose them.
•<AF> stands for “Auto Focus,” and <MF> stands for “Manual
Focus.”
•An EF-S lens cannot be attached to the camera.
Detaching the Lens
While pressing the lens release
button, turn the lens as shown
by the arrow.
•Turn the lens until it stops, then
detach it.
11
2
1
2
3

14
How the Shutter Button Works
When it is pressed halfway:
•Pressing the shutter button down
halfway activates autofocusing
(AF), and also activates the
automatic exposure (AE)
mechanism and sets the shutter
speed and aperture value.
•The exposure (the combination of
shutter speed and aperture value)
appears on the LCD panel and in
the viewfinder (˜).
When it is pressed fully:
•The shutter is released to take the
picture and the film advances by
one frame.
The shutter button has two stages. You can press it down halfway
or fully. The two levels of shutter button operation are as follows:
Camera movement during the moment of exposure is called
camera shake. Camera shake can cause blurred pictures. To
prevent blurred pictures due to camera shake:
•Hold the camera steady.
·Firmly grasp the camera grip with your right hand, and press
your both elbows lightly against your body.
·Hold the lens at the bottom with your left hand.
·
Press the camera against your face and look through the viewfinder.
·To maintain a stable stance, place one foot in front of the other
instead of lining up both feet.
•Use your finger tip to touch the shutter button, grasp the camera
with your entire right hand, then press the shutter button gently.
If an Extender (optional) is used and the maximum aperture (the
lowest f/number) of the lens becomes smaller than f/5.6, autofocusing
will not operate. For details, refer to the extender's instructions.

15
=Loading and Unloading Film
2Open the back cover.
•Slide down the back cover release
lever and open the back.
1Turn the Mode Dial to any
setting except <:>.
3Insert the film cartridge at a
slight angle.
4Align the film leader edge with
the <§> mark.
•Hold down the film cartridge while
pulling out the film leader. If you
pull out the film leader too much,
rewind it back into the film
cartridge.
Loading Film
After you load the film, the camera first winds the entire roll onto the
camera’s take-up spool. With DX-coded film, the camera
automatically sets the film’s ISO speed. Then each time a picture is
taken, one frame of film is rewound back into the film cartridge. The
frame counter shows always number of shots remaining.
Wrong
5Close the back cover.
•Close the back cover until it snaps
shut.
sFilm prewind will start and there will
be a shutter-release sound about
10 sec. later. The <=> icon and
frame count will also be displayed
on the LCD panel.
sDuring the film prewind, the ISO
speed will be displayed on the LCD
panel.

16
=Loading and Unloading Film
If the film is not loaded properly, the <=> icon will blink on the LCD
panel and the shutter will not work. Reload the film cartridge
properly.
•The shutter curtains have been manufactured with very high
precision. Never touch them with your fingers. When loading film,
do not touch or damage the curtains with your fingers or film.
•In hot and humid environments, do not remove the film packaging
until you are ready to load the film.
•Infrared film cannot be used with this camera.
After the film’s last frame is exposed, the camera rewinds the film
automatically.
Unloading Film
After the film is rewound, there will
be a shutter-release sound. Check
that the <=> icon is blinking on the
LCD panel, then open the back
cover and take out the film cartridge.
To rewind the film in midroll, follow the procedure below.
¢Midroll Rewind
Press the <¢> button.
sFilm rewind will begin.
•Make sure the <=> icon is
blinking, then take out film
cartridge.
If you take out the film cartridge in midroll without rewinding the film
and then load a new roll of film and press the shutter button
completely, the new film will only rewind into the cartridge. Before
loading a new roll of film in this case, close the camera back and
press the shutter button.

17
2
Fully Automatic Shooting
YFull Auto Mode ......................................................18
AF-Assist beam with the Built-in Flash .................19
Programmed Image Control Modes ...........................20
UPortrait / ILandscape / OClose-up /
PSports / ANight Portrait / SFlash off
FUsing Red-eye Reduction .....................................22
qSelf-timer Operation..............................................23
KWireless Remote Control (DATE Model only) ...........24
Using the Eyepiece Cover..........................................24
;Imprinting the Date or Time (DATE Model only) .....25
B
a
s
i
c
Z
o
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This section explains how to use the camera's Basic Zone modes
<Y> <U> <I> <O> <P> <A> <S> on the Mode Dial for
quick and easy shooting. Each Basic Zone mode suits a particular
subject. The film advance mode, flash, and other functions are set
automatically. You just press the shutter button.
Turn the Mode Dial to <Y>, <U>,
<I>, <O>, <P>, <A> or <S>.
•The picture-taking procedure is the same
as with the “<Y> Full Auto mode” on
page 18.

Aperture value
Shutter speed
18
YFull Auto Mode
All you do is point the camera and press the shutter button.
Everything is automatic so it is easy to photograph any subject.
With seven AF points to focus the subject, anyone can just point
and shoot.
1Turn the Mode Dial to <Y>.
2Aim any of the AF points on the
subject.
•Out of the seven AF points, the one
covering the closest subject is
selected automatically to achieve
focus.
AF point
3Focus the subject.
•Press the shutter button halfway to
focus.
sWhen focus is achieved, the AF
point mark and focus confirmation
light <n> in the viewfinder will
flash.
sWhen necessary, the built-in flash
will pop up automatically.
4Check the exposure setting.
sThe shutter speed and aperture
value will be set automatically and
displayed in the viewfinder and on
the LCD panel.
Focus
confirmation
light

19
5Take the picture.
•Compose the shot and press the
shutter button fully.
•If you want to zoom, do it before focusing. Turning the zooming
ring after achieving focus may throw off the focus.
•If the built-in flash’s pop-up operation is obstructed, the <π> icon
will blink on the LCD panel. Press the shutter button halfway to
resolve the problem.
•When focus is achieved, the autofocus and auto exposure setting
will also be locked.
•If the focus confirmation light <n> blinks, the picture cannot be
taken. (p.30)
•If multiple AF point marks will light, it means that all of them have
achieved focus at the respective points.
•In the Basic Zone modes (except <I> <P> <S> ), the built-in
flash will pop up and fire automatically in low-light or backlit
conditions. To retract the flash, push it back down.
•If you want to use a certain AF point to focus, set the Mode Dial to
<T> and select the AF point manually. (p.29)
AF-Assist beam with the Built-in Flash
Under low-light conditions, the built-in flash fires a brief burst of
flashes when you press the shutter button halfway. This is to
illuminate the subject to enable easier autofocusing.
•The AF-assist beam does not function in the <I><P><S>
modes.
•The AF-assist beam is effective up to about 4 meters/13.1 feet.
•In the Creative Zone modes when the built-in flash is popped up
with the <M> button, the AF-assist beam may be emitted.

20
Programmed Image Control Modes
Select a shooting mode to suit the target subject, and the camera
will be set to obtain the best results.
Portrait
This mode blurs the background to make
the human subject stand out.
•Holding down the shutter button executes
continuous shooting.
•To improve the background blur, use a
telephoto lens and fill the frame with the
subject or have the subject stand farther away
from the background.
U
I
O
Landscape
Close-up
This is for wide scenic views, night scenes,
etc.
•Using a wide-angle lens will further enhance
the depth and breadth of the picture.
Use this mode to take close-up shots of
flowers, insects, etc.
•As much as possible, focus the subject at the
lens’ closest focusing distance.
•To obtain a larger magnification, use the
telephoto end of a zoom lens.
Ablinking shutter speed indicates that the shutter speed is too slow
to prevent a blurred picture due to camera shake. Be careful to hold
the camera steady and press the shutter button smoothly, or use a
tripod. (The shutter speed indicator still blinks when you use a
tripod, but camera shake will not be a problem.)