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Canon EOS 550D Review

Canon announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR  cameras – the EOS 550D. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating 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 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 Canon EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers.

18 megapixel Canon EOS 550D SLR camera
Canon’s 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, the Canon EOS 550D 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.

Creative photography with the Canon 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. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the Canon 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

Creative photography with the Canon 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. The Canon EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the Canon 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

Record HD videos with the Canon 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 Canon 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 Canon EOS 550D SLR also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

Canon 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.

Canon EOS 550D SLR accessories
The Canon EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon 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. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

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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