Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semiÂprofessional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newlyÂdeveloped 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s 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 Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 Â 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced inÂcamera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14Âbit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.
For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9Âpoint AF system with one extraÂsensitive crossÂtype point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports highÂspeed, 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 splitÂsecond moments with ease and accuracy.
- 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 inch) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
Review by E. A. Haselden for Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
Put simply this is the most important camera to be released in years.
What I find astonishing that people have spent £750 on a DSLR as good as this and complain about the video issues. I work in TV and deal with professional cameras and footage for broadcast on a daily basis and I can tell you with every bit of my professional opinion that this camera is outstanding.
The stills are incredible and while the only frustrating video issue is the lack of audio control or monitoring, which can be compensated by recording on to a separate device and sync by clapper, the video is absolutely fantastic. Easily broadcastable when in the right hands.
Could you even imagine a camera capable of all this, for this price 10 years ago? 5 years ago? a year ago?
Please do not look any further, this camera has incredible video and still performance with interchangeable lens capability and with a decent mic attached could be a broadcast kit that could fit in a small bag.
I have a XH-A1 for personal use at home and I am already using this more. It doesn’t have quite the same features and manual controls, but hey, the XH-A1 cost £2500, This costs about £700 and has equally good image production. In some ways is even more flexible with changeable lenses.
I can not recommend any product I have ever bought as highly as this.
Keen Amateurs, Holiday makers, Semi Professional Videographers… It’s all there for you!!
Review by Preston Vin for Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
I have had the eos 550d for a week now. For the last month, Ive been doing much research to choose between the nikon d90 and the canon 550d. I chose the eos 550d and wow, what a camera!!! Sharp, crisp and bright pictures and the HD movie recording is the icing on the cake. I bought it more for still photography, and the eos 550d has surely delivered!!!!
Review by Lloyd W. Whittle for Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
After researching for several weeks through Canon’s large variety of DSLRs, I came to the conclusion of purchasing a 500D because of it’s high reputation. Just as I was about to seal the deal, I came across the not-so-much talked about 550D. Although higher in specifications, I was unsure whether or not its lack of hype was due to poor quality or its more recent debut: I decided to add to basket and cross my fingers.
Wow. In replacement to a Sony Cybershot, it seems as if any photo taken is stunning. The image quality is superb and the auto settings make a world of difference. Although not the most pricey of the Canon EOS range, the camera feels utterly professional. The battery life passed my expectations and the flash is a beast, albeit sometimes I find myself switching to ‘Flash off’ mode. The body is sturdy and lightweight and the HD video function is fantastic.
My only complaints are that the microphone isn’t great and tends to pick up a lot of ‘fuzz’ and that the mode settings utilize the wheel to navigate as opposed to the generic d-pad. Moreover, the pros outweigh the cons marginally hence my high rating.
The perfect ‘first real camera’ for any aspiring photographer whose ready to up their game. Although pretty big bucks, you won’t regret it; I know I haven’t!
Review by S. D. O’Flynn for Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
I had tentatively considered buying a DSLR camera and had spent several months wondering which one it might be. Canon seemed the obvious choice, after recommendations from everyone I know with any experience on this subject. I’d pored over the manufacturers specifications and had thought the 450d seemed ideal, but then noticed the 500d looked more capable for comparatively little extra cost. Just as I thought I’d made up my mind, the 550d came onto the market, with newer processor, far higher mega-pixel rate and capable of taking HD quality video AND for very little more than the 500d. The problem was that delivery would be 1-3 months down the line and I really wanted to get hold of it before my holiday, so I ordered it right then (Sunday night). On the Tuesday I received an e-mail saying that delivery would be sooner than expected and then Friday morning it was delivered. I only spent the briefest time studying the instructions before I was off and using it, so the basic functions at least are simple enough (here I’d like to point out that despite the spec stating that battery and charger wouldn’t be included, I was pleased to see that they in fact were and following a quick run down to Tesco for a decent quality SD card, I was in business). The pictures I’ve taken so far have been surprisingly good, which is more a testiment to the wizardry in the processor and the 18-55mm IS lense than my amateur fumblings. In time I hope to learn how to use more of this superb piece of kit’s capabilities and progress onto shooting in RAW. I’ve added a 55-250mm IS lense for those long range shots and results so far have been very pleasing, so if anyone were to ask me if this was an idiot-proof camera, I’d have to say that it is at the very least idiot compatible and I suspect very capable of much higher things; time will tell no doubt! In the meantime, I’m enjoying learning to use the camera. I’d conclude that this is a superb piece of kit and good value for what it is. Am I pleased with it……. I’d say delighted would be a better description.
Review by Mr. Peter J. Chapman for Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (inc 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens Kit)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
The Canon 550d is an upgrade from the 500d, a model that really hasn’t been out for that long itself.
The 550d has a bigger and better sensor – The APS-C CMOS.
This new censor allows more light to hit it which results in brighter images.
The chassis is very similar in size to the 500d and still retains its light weight.
There’s a 9-point AF system on-board, which locks on to subjects nice and fast. The ISO can be pushed up to as high as 12800.
Now, the tipping point for me in purchasing this camera was that it has amazing video capturing capabilities. You have a choice of frame rates, 30, 25 and 24fps at 1920×1080 with 60 and 50fps available at 1280×720 resolution.
The capture quality is superb, the footage you shoot can look as good as what you see at the cinema. It’s to be expected really when you are using dslr lenses.
The only downfall of the video mode is that you can only capture around 12 minutes of HD footage at a time, this I have discovered is because of UK tax restrictions on recording equipment.
I really advise you to check out video samples captured from the 550d, you can find these on the popular video sharing websites. Your jaw will drop when you see just how good it is!
For me it had been a toss up between buying an HD camcorder or a digital slr camera, my budget couldn’t stretch to getting both. The 550d is a great hybrid that allowed me to have both, albeit with a few compromises.
Finally, I almost forgot to mention the 3.5mm stereo microphone input on the 550d. Many expensive camcorders omit such a feature, so it’s great for the cannon camera to have it. I personally have used a Sony ECM MS907 microphone with the unit and had great results.