Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Body Only

* 18 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
* DIGIC 4
* ISO 100-6400, H:12800
* 3.7fps shooting
* Full HD movies
* 7.7cm (3.0inch) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
* iFCL metering
* Quick Control screen
* Ext. Mic socket
* Exposure compensation +/-5 stops
* Select maximum value for Auto ISO
* External Microphone socket
* Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility


Our opinion:

Until now, features like 18MP, ISO 6400 and full HD movies were reserved for professional DSLRs only. No more: It would seem that Canon has redefined the boundaries with the new EOS 550D.

Not only has the EOS 550D Canon's latest DiGIC 4 image processor and the new iFCL metering system developed for the EOS 7D,it also allows manual (creative) control of video footage: change exposure, aperture and degree of motion blur. Rather sensibly, 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 EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640x480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times.

Whether you are shooting still images or capturing video, the EOS 550D is the DSLR to do it with. Highly recommended *****


Manufacturer's description:

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 (3.0inch) 3:2 Clear View LCD
Detailed checks on images and video are possible with a 7.7cm (3.0 inch) 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.

TIPA AWARDS 2010

The best imaging products of 2010 were voted on at the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) General Assembly held from April 8'th to 10'th, 2010 in New York City, USA. The editors of the 28 member photo magazines from 9 European countries plus Canada, South Africa and the United States met to discuss the association's activities in the previous 12 months, new projects as well as to vote on the TIPA Awards 2010.

Best DSLR Advanced: Canon EOS 550D

'With a definition of 18 MP, the Canon EOS 550D competes with her more expensive sister-competitor. This advanced DSLR includes a 1920 x 1080 full-HD video mode, efficient Live View, an impressive number of settings and functions and is dedicated to the demanding consumer, but definitely usable by any amateur and enthusiast photographers. An excellent compromise.'