Canon EOS 550D Review

Canon announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR  cameras – the Canon EOS 550D

The 550D has technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD  movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity. The EOS 550D makes powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers.

18 megapixel EOS 550D SLR camera
The advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing  also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display. For swift and accurate focusing, it features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross-type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The Canon 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Main features:

• 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
• DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
• Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
• Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
• 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
• iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
• Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
• Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
• Select maximum value for Auto ISO
• External Microphone socket
• Movie crop function

EOS 550D equipped with iFCL metering system
New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.

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techradar reviews the Canon EOS 550D and writes:
“Acting like an upgraded 500D, the camera totes a bigger, better sensor in the guise of the APS-C CMOS. Essentially this means brighter images due to the amount of light which hits the sensor.”

Photoreview reviews the Canon EOS 550D and writes:
“The EOS 550D body is built to match its market position with a polycarbonate resin and glass fibre cladding over a stainless steel chassis. Together these materials provide strength and durability. The grip is generous – but not over-large and should suit users with both small and medium-sized hands, without being difficult for those with large hands or limited dexterity to use.”

Creative photography with the EOS 550D
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. With the Canon 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

Record HD videos with the 550D DSLR
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D SLR also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

EOS 550D manual control
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the Canon EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The Canon 550D DSLR is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.

EOS 550D SLR accessories
The Canon EOS 550D is fully compatible with all EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The Canon EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body.

Canon 550D includes a free membership of iMAGE Gateway
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the Canon iMAGE Gateway, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.

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