Cameras
Canon EOS 550D
Capture your story in stunning detail with the EOS 550D. With the creative freedom to capture the decisive shot, see all the detail of your holiday sunset or follow action in the local football match.
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Canon EOS- 550D Video Review
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Canon's EOS-550D Walkthrough Video
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Salton Sea by Philip Bloom
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The Orchestra by TJ Jeffrey
Canon EOS- 550D Video Review
A great video review from What Digital Camera.
Canon's EOS-550D Walkthrough Video
Salton Sea by Philip Bloom
This video also shows you just what the 550D is capable of. Philip Bloom is well known within the DSLR video world and for very good reason. Not only are his films great, he is also kind enough to explain how he did it! More details about this video can be found on his blog. Many thanks to Philip for allowing us to include this.
The Orchestra by TJ Jeffrey
If you wanted proof of just what the 550D, look no further than this superb video shot by TJ Jeffrey. This was only her second time of filming with the camera - she used a EF 70-200mm f/2.8 lens and Manfrotte pro-video tripod & head.Judge for yourselves but we think it's just wonderful.
Features
18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
DIGIC 4
ISO 100-6400, H:12800
3.7fps shooting
Full HD movies
7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
iFCL metering
Quick Control screen
Ext. Mic socket
Movie crop
Stills or movies, capture your story
18 MP CMOS sensor
Ideal for those who want to create large, poster-size prints – or crop images without losing any of the detail necessary for printing – EOS 550D’s 18MP CMOS sensor is outstanding in low light, and produces images with incredibly low noise.
DIGIC 4
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor works with the CMOS sensor to deliver 14-bit image processing, for smooth gradations and natural looking colours. DIGIC 4 also powers advanced Noise Reduction when shooting at higher ISO speeds, plus split-second start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting.
High ISO for low light
When light levels fall, the EOS 550D offers an ISO range of up to 6400 – expandable to 12800 for those environments where using flash is undesirable.
Full HD movie recording
The EOS 550D combines exceptional still shooting with the ability to shoot Full HD (1080p) video. To satisfy your creativity the EOS 550D features full manual control and selectable frame rates. You can also shoot high speed 50/60fps movies at 720P for when the action is really fast. An HDMI connection allows High Definition playback of footage and images on any HDTV. Also with compatible TVs playback can be controlled using the TV’s remote control.
7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD
Detailed checks on images and video are possible with a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen, which features an ultra-high 1,040,000 dots for increased clarity. Switch to Live View mode and use the real-time visual feed to shoot from awkward angles.
iFCL metering system
A new 63-zone dual layer metering sensor analyses Focus, Colour and Luminance information, providing accurate and consistent metering.
Quick Control screen
Accessible using a dedicated button it provides easy access to commonly used functions, ensuring that you are ready to take the shot as it happens.
External Microphone Socket
Add an additional microphone for better quality sound using the 3.5mm stereo jack socket.
Movie Crop
Shoot VGA movies with an effective zoom of 7x. Movie crop uses only the centre part of the sensor and allows long distance shooting without having to change lenses.
Create a shooting system as unique as you are
The EOS 550D is compatible with Canon’s full range of EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites.
| IMAGE SENSOR Type | 22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS |
| Effective Pixels | Approx. 18.0 megapixels |
| Total Pixels | Approx. 18.7 megapixels |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Low-Pass Filter | Built-in/Fixed with Self Cleaning Sensor Unit |
| Sensor Cleaning | EOS integrated cleaning system |
| Colour Filter Type | Primary Colour |
| Image Processor Type | DIGIC 4 |
| Lens Mount | EF/EF-S |
| Focal Length | Equivalent to 1.6x the focal length of the lens |
| Focusing Type | TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated with a CMOS sensor |
| AF System/ Points | 9 AF points (f/5.6 cross type at centre, extra sensitivity at f/2.8) |
| AF Working Range | EV -0.5 -18 (at 23°C & ISO100) |
| AF Modes | AI Focus One Shot AI Servo |
| AF Point Selection | AF Point Selection |
| Selected AF Point Display | Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor |
| Predictive AF | Yes, up to 10m ¹ |
| AF Lock | Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode. |
| AF Assist Beam | Intermittent firing of built-in flash or emitted by optional dedicated Speedlite |
| Manual Focus | Selected on lens |
| Metering Modes | TTL full aperture metering with 63-zone SPC (1) Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points) (2) Partial metering at center (approx. 9% of viewfinder) (3) Spot metering (approx. 4% of viewfinder at center) (4) Center weighted average metering |
| Metering Range | EV 1-20 (at 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens ISO100) |
| AE Lock | Auto: In 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering exposure is locked when focus is achieved. Manual: By AE lock button in creative zone modes. |
| Exposure Compensation | /-5 EV in 1/3 or 1/2 stop increments (can be combined with AEB). |
| AEB | 3 shots +/- 2 EV, 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments |
| ISO Sensitivity* | AUTO(100-6400), 100-6400 Expandable to H (approx 12800) in 1-stop increments |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 30-1/4000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode) |
| White Balance Type | Auto white balance with the imaging sensor |
| Settings | AWB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom. White balance compensation: 1. Blue/Amber +/-9 2. Magenta/ Green +/-9. |
| Custom White Balance | Yes, 1 setting can be registered |
| WB Bracketing | +/-3 levels in single level increments 3 bracketed images per shutter release. Selectable Blue/Amber bias or Magenta/ Green bias. |
| Viewfinder Type | Pentamirror |
| Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal) | Approx. 95% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.87x |
| Eyepoint | Approx. 19mm (from eyepiece lens centre) |
| Dioptre Correction | 3 to +1 (1/m) (dioptre) |
| Focusing Screen | Fixed |
| Mirror | Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4 or shorter) |
| Viewfinder Information | AF information: AF points, focus confirmation light Exposure information: Shutter speed, aperture value, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level/compensation, spot metering circle, exposure warning, AEB Flash information: Flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction light Image information: White balance correction, SD card information, monochrome shooting, maximum burst (1 digit display), Highlight tone priority (D+) |
| Depth of Field Preview | Yes, with Depth of Field preview button. |
| Eyepiece Shutter | On strap |
| LCD Monitor Type | 7.7cm (3.0") 3:2 Clear View TFT, approx. 1040K dots |
| Coverage | Approx. 100% |
| Viewing Angle (Horizontally/Vertically) | Approx 160° |
| Coating | Dual Anti-reflection, anti smudge |
| Brightness Adjustment | Adjustable to one of seven levels |
| Display Options | (1) Quick Control Screen (2) Camera settings |
| Built-in Flash GN (ISO 100, meters) | 13 |
| Built-in Flash Coverage | up to 17mm focal length (35mm equivalent: 27mm) |
| Built-in Flash Recycle Time | Approx. 3 seconds |
| Modes | Auto, Manual Flash On/off |
| Red-Eye Reduction | Yes - with red eye reduction lamp |
| X-Sync | 1/200sec |
| Flash Exposure Compensation | +/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments |
| Flash Exposure Bracketing | Yes, with compatible External Flash |
| Flash Exposure Lock | Yes |
| Second Curtain Synchronisation | Yes |
| HotShoe/ PC Terminal | Yes/ - |
| External Flash Compatibility | E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support |
| External Flash Control | via camera menu screen |
| Shooting Modes | Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, No Flash, Movie, Program AE , Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, A-DEP |
| Picture Styles | Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined (x3) |
| Colour Space | sRGB and Adobe RGB |
| Image Processing | Highlight Tone Priority Auto Lighting Optimizer (Basic and Creative modes) Long exposure noise reduction High ISO speed noise reduction Peripheral illumination correction |
| Drive Modes | Single, Continuous, Self timer (2s, 10s+remote, 10s + continuous shots 2-10) |
| Continuous Shooting | Max. Approx. 3.7fps. (speed maintained for minimum of approx 34 images (JPEG)¹, 6 images (RAW)) ² |
| Live View Mode Type | Electronic viewfinder with image sensor |
| Coverage | Approx. 100% (horizontally and vertically) |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps |
| Focusing | Manual Focus (Magnify the image 5x or 10x at any point on screen) Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode |
| Metering | Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor Active metering time can be changed |
| Display Options | Grid overlay, Histogram |
| Still Image Type | JPEG: Fine, Normal (Exif 2.21 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0), RAW: RAW (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition), Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant |
| RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording | Yes (RAW + Large JPEG only) |
| Image Size | JPEG: (L) 5184x3456 (M) 3456x2304, (S) 2592x1728 RAW: (RAW) 5184x3456 |
| Movie Type | MOV (Video: H.264, Sound: Linear PCM) |
| Movie Size | 1920 x 1080 (29.97, 25, 23.976 fps) 1280 x 720 (59.94, 50 fps) 640 x 480 (59.94, 50 fps) |
| Movie Length | Max duration 29m 59sec, Max file size 4GB |
| File Numbering | (1) Consecutive numbering (2) Auto reset (3) Manual reset |
| Custom Functions | 12 Custom Functions with 36 settings |
| Metadata Tag | User copyright information (can be set in camera) |
| LCD Panel / Illumination | Yes |
| Playback Zoom | 1.5x - 10x enabled in 15steps |
| Display Formats | (1) Single image with information (2 levels) (2) Single image (3) 4 image index (4) 9 image index (5) Jump Display |
| Slide Show | Image selection: All images, by Date, by Folder, Movies, Stills Playback time: 1/2/3/5 seconds Repeat: On/Off |
| Histogram | Brightness: Yes RGB: Yes |
| Highlight Alert | Yes (Shooting information display only) |
| Image Erase/Protection | Erase: Single image, Checkmarked images, Unprotected images Protection: Erase protection of one image at a time |
| Data Verification | Original image verification data can be appended to the image (OSK-E3 required for verification) |
| Menu Categories | (1) Shooting menu (x4) (2) Playback menu (x2) (3) Setup menu (x3) (4) My Menu |
| Menu Languages | 25 Languages English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese |
| Computer Interface | Hi-Speed USB |
| Other | Video output (PAL/ NTSC) (integrated with USB terminal), HDMI mini output (HDMI-CEC compatible), External microphone (3.5mm Stereo mini jack) |
| Storage Type | SD card, SDHC card or SDXC card |
| PC & Macintosh | Windows XP (SP2/SP3) / Vista inc SP1 (excl. Starter Edition) / 7 (excl. Starter Edition) OS X v10.4-10.6 |
| Batteries | 1 x Rechargeable Li-ion Battery LP-E8 |
| Battery Life | Approx. 440 (at 23°C, AE 50%, FE 50%) ¹ Approx. 400 (at 0°C, AE 50%, FE 50%) |
| Battery Indicator | 4 levels |
| Power Saving | Power turns off after 30sec or 1, 2, 4, 8 or 15mins. |
| Body Materials | Stainless Steel and polycarbonate resin with glass fiber |
| Operating Environment | 0 – 40 °C, 85% or less humidity |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 128.8 x 97.3 x 62 mm |
| Weight (Body Only) | Approx. 530g (CIPA testing standard, including battery and memory card) |
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Please note that this list is for guidance only. We will always advise you if for any reason the equipment is to be supplied with a different number of batteries.
Where applicable, all batteries will be fully charged before dispatch, except in the event of a turnaround where the client will be advised accordingly.
The following accessories are available to hire with the Canon EOS 550D -
| Daily Hire | £43.33 (£52.00) | Weekend Hire | £68.33 (£82.00) |
| Weekly Hire | £160.83 (£193.00) | 2 Weekly Hire | £250.00 (£300.00) |
| 3 Weekly Hire | £325.00 (£390.00) | Deposit | £150.00 |
Prices shown above as Ex VAT in black (Inc VAT in red). These prices are for hire only - courier charges will apply. All equipment will be delivered by 12pm on the day before the hire period and collected the day after the hire has finished. For more details, visit our How to Hire section.
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Overall Verdict 94/100 Canon needs the EOS 550D to be the complete all-rounder to dominate this area of the market and judging from the two weeks I've had with the camera, I have to say I think it is. In terms of what a would-be user expects, it ticks all the boxes. It's small, lightweight and easy to use and its range of features are more than enough for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. Its performance doesn't disappoint either, delivering high-quality images at an exceptional resolution for the price. There are several very good models at this price but no have the all-round appeal of the EOS550D. Regardless of whether or not you plan to use the HD video, in terms of value-for-money, there is nothing in its class to match it and I can see it being a runaway success and on the year's best-sellers. |
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The Canon EOS 550D has set a benchmark for DSLRs under £1,000. It's small, lightweight and easy to use with a decent range of features to suit all levels of amateur photographer. Its performance is very high too, delivering consistently sharp and well-exposed images. Its HD video facility is competent too. It's an excellent all-round package and represents great value for money. |
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What Digital Camera Gold Award - 91% The EOS 550D is an excellent camera, offering a beginner similar specs to an EOS 7D semi-pro model at a fraction of the price. The low-light and video performance are a superb bonus to the excellent overall image quality. The 18MP resolution may mainly make the files larger, but the sharpness and detail are top-notch regardless. The most impressive new addition on the stills side is the 63-zone metering system, as it seems to be capable of coping with almost any lighting condition and still turn out a decent shot. The ISO range may be verging toward unusuable at 12,800, but below that the noise was minimal enough to make it difficult to tell the shots apart. The price may be a touch high compared to its rivals, but the Canon EOS 550D is well worth the extra cash. |
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Rated: Good 83% I like the Canon EOS 550D and although £750 is by no means a small amount of money, it does seem to buy a lot of technology. Importantly, the EOS 550D also delivers excellent image quality making it a good choice for enthusiasts looking for a sub-£1,000 camera and novices who want a little more headroom along with the satisfaction of owning the very latest equipment. |
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Verdict 8/10 A well-equipped camera with a simple interface that results in easy handling and brilliant image/movie quality. |
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