| The latest innovation from our friends at Canon is | | | | 12800, with sophisticated in-camera noise reduction |
| the Canon 550D, a ground-breaking new addition to | | | | that drastically improves photographic quality in |
| the infamous EOS range, an acclaimed range of | | | | low-light conditions. Topped off with 14-bit image |
| professional cameras that have received a numerous | | | | processing, the display colours are much more natural |
| amount of photographic accolades worldwide. Canon | | | | looking both on the screen and on print. Another |
| has yet again covered significant ground in their quest | | | | photographic trait that the Canon 550D has inherited |
| to bridge the gap between professional and amateur | | | | from its parent is the support of high-speed, |
| photography. The Canon 550D is particularly unique as | | | | continuous shooting at up to 3.7 frames per |
| it incorporates the sheer power of professional | | | | second… It's not quite a "pocket" rocket, but this |
| photographic technology into a more compact, | | | | thing is extremely quick for its size! The 550D was |
| light-weight body as favoured by consumers. | | | | also lucky enough to inherit the 7D's iFCL metering |
| With the 550D, Canon has developed both an | | | | system, an amazing 63-zone dual layer metering |
| entry-level and advanced DSLR in one package. The | | | | sensor that analyses focus, colour and luminance |
| interface is extremely easy to use and the | | | | information for accurate image metering. If you're |
| convenience is unparalleled. Entry level users will have | | | | finicky with exposure settings, don't be, because the |
| no trouble at all capturing amazing images using the | | | | 550D allows exposure compensation and bracketing |
| most basic settings. The in-built Eye-Fi is a nice little | | | | to be set to plus or minus five and two stops |
| addition that allows users to transfer their images via | | | | allowing you to diversify your image exposure with a |
| a wireless connection, there is also an integrated | | | | number of differently exposed shots, even in difficult |
| HDMI port compatible with Hi-Def Multimedia | | | | lighting conditions, to ensure that you've captured |
| Interface that allows images and video stored on the | | | | your desired image. |
| 550D to be viewed on hi-def TVs and controlled via | | | | The physical build of the Canon 550D comprises of a |
| the TV remote… Not bad for a camera, huh? | | | | 7.7cm LCD screen with a resolution of 1040k, so you |
| For the photography guns out there, let's delve into | | | | can see your image clearly and without any borders. |
| the specs of the Canon 550D. At a glance, many | | | | Canon has really thought this one through with a |
| photographers will identify the 550D with its parent, | | | | reflective, water-shielded coating on the screen |
| the EOS 7D; rightly so too, because many of the | | | | allowing you to review your work in almost any |
| features possessed by the 550D are very similar. | | | | conditions. |
| There are many discernable differences which divide | | | | In our opinion, the Canon 550D exceeds performance |
| the two models – most notably the price points | | | | expectations and is a great buy for its technical |
| – but if you were to compare the two side by | | | | capabilities. Although the price is a little steeper than |
| side you'd have to be pretty picky to select a | | | | most entry level SLRs, the 550D really is in a league |
| winner. That's why we love the Canon 550D; it | | | | of its own as it possesses the strengths of its |
| incorporates so much technology of its parent the | | | | professional parent and makes these traits accessible |
| 7D which we are all fans of, and at nearly half the | | | | to entry-level photographers. For advanced |
| price. | | | | photographers, call the 550D a microcosmic version |
| The newly developed 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS | | | | of the 7D… And for half the price, how could you |
| sensor and Canon's advanced DIGIC 4 image | | | | possibly ignore it!? |
| processor allows photography enthusiasts to push | | | | The verdict…? The Canon 550D is definitely a |
| their creative boundaries. The sensor supports | | | | must-buy! |
| standard ISO settings of 100-6400, maxing out at | | | | |