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.
S P E C I F I C A T I O N
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Type
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| Type | Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Recording Media | SD memory card, SDHC memory card, SDXC Memory Card | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Image Sensor Size | 22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C size) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Compatible Lenses | Canon EF lenses including EF-S lenses (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx. 1.6x the lens focal length) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Lens Mount | Canon EF mount | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Image Sensor
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| Type | High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Pixels | Effective pixels: Approx. 18.00 Megapixels | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Color Filter System | RGB primary color filters | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Low-pass Filter | Fixed position in front of the CMOS sensor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dust Deletion feature | (1) Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit (2) Dust Delete Data appended to the captured image (3) Manual cleaning of sensor |
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Recording System
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| Recording Format | Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 and Exif 2.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Image Type | Still: JPEG, RAW (14-bit, Canon original), RAW+JPEG Video: MOV (Image data: H.264, Audio: Linear PCM) |
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| File Size | (1) Large/Fine: Approx. 6.4MB (5184 x 3456 pixels) (2) Large/Normal: Approx. 3.2MB (5184 x 3456 pixels) (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 3.4MB (3456 x 2304 pixels) (4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.7MB (3456 x 2304 pixels) (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 2.2MB (2592 x 1728 pixels) (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 1.1MB (2592 x 1728 pixels) (7) RAW: Approx. 24.5MB (5184 x 3456 pixels) Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc. |
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| File Numbering | Continuous numbering, auto reset, manual reset | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Color Space | sRGB, Adobe RGB selectable | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Picture Style | Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful, Monochrome, User Defined 1-3 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Image Processing
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| Type | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten Light, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Color Temperature Compensation | White balance correction: ±9 stops in full-stop increments White balance bracketing: ±3 stops in full-stop increments Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible |
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| Color Temperature Information Transmission | Provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Viewfinder
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| Type | Eye-level SLR (with pentamirror) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Coverage | Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95% | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Magnification | Approx. 0.87x (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1 m-1 (dpt)) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Eyepoint | Approx. 19mm (from eyepiece lens center) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Built-in Dioptric Adjustment | -3.0 to +1.0m-1 (diopter) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Focusing Screen | Fixed, Precision Matte | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Mirror | Quick-return half mirror (transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Viewfinder Information | AF information
Exposure information Flash information Image information |
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| Depth-of-Field Preview | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Autofocus
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| Type | TTL-CT-SIR AF-dedicated CMOS sensor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AF Points | 9 AF points (center AF point is cross-type) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Focusing Modes | Auto, One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual Focusing (MF) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AF Point Selection | Automatic selection, manual selection | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Selected AF Point Display | Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AF-assist Beam | Intermittent firing of built-in flash Effective range: Approx. 4.0m/13.1 ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5 ft. at periphery. When EOS-dedicated Speedlite attached, the Speedlite’s AF-assist beam is emitted instead. |
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Exposure Control
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| Metering Modes | 63-zone TTL full-aperture metering
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| Metering Range | EV 1-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exposure Control | (1) Program AE (shiftable) (2) Shutter-priority AE (3) Aperture-priority AE (4) Depth-of-field AE (A-DEP, non-shiftable) (5) Full Auto (Program AE, non-shiftable) (6) Programmed Image Control modes (6 modes) (7) Manual exposure (including bulb) (8) E-TTL II autoflash program AE |
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| ISO Speed (Recommended Exposure Index) | ISO 100~6400 (in 1-stop increments), H: 12800 Basic Zone modes: ISO 100~3200 set automatically |
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| Exposure Compensation | Manual: ±5 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| AE Lock | (1) Auto AE lock
(2) Manual AE lock Enabled in all metering modes. |
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Shutter
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| Type | Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically controlled | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode) |
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| Shutter Release | Soft-touch electromagnetic release | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Self-timer | 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay or 10-sec. delay plus continuous shooting | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Remote Control | Remote Switch RS-60E3 Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5/RC-6 |
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Built-in Flash
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| Type | Retractable, auto pop-up flash | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Flash Metering | E-TTL II autoflash | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Guide Number | 13/43 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Recycling Time | Approx. 3 sec. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Flash-ready Indicator | Flash-ready icon lights in viewfinder | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Flash Coverage | Up to 17mm lens focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 135 format) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| FE Lock | Provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Flash Exposure Compensation | ±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments Flash exposure compensation for built-in flash and Speedlite can be set with the camera. |
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| Drive System | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Drive Modes | Single, continuous, self-timer (10 sec. or 2 sec. delay)/remote control | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuous Shooting Speed | Max. 3.7 shots/sec. (with One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum Burst | JPEG (Large/Fine): Approx. 34, RAW: Approx. 6 Based on Canon’s testing standards with a 2GB SD memory card, ISO 100 and Standard Picture Style Varies depending on the subject, SD memory card brand, image-recording quality, etc. |
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Live View Functions
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| Shooting Modes | Still photo shooting and video shooting | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Focusing | Autofocus (One-Shot AF): Live mode, Face Detection Live mode, Quick mode; Manual focus (5x or 10x manually) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Metering Modes | Real-time evaluative metering with image sensor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Metering Range | EV 0-20 (at 73°F/23°C with EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Grid Display | Provided (Two grid displays) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exposure Simulation | Provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Silent Shooting | Not provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Video Shooting
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| File Format | MOV (image data: H.264; audio: Linear PCM (with internal mic: monaural, with external mic: stereo)) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| File Size | Recording Size: 1920 x 1080 (Full HD): 30p (29.97) / 24p (23.976) / 25p, 1280 x 720: 60p (59.94) / 50p, 640 x 480 (SD): 60p (59.94) / 50p), Movie Crop recording in 640 x 480 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Continuous Shooting Time | Approx. 12 min. (1920 x 1080), 18 min. (1280 x 720), 24 min. (640 x 480) Based on Canon’s testing standards using a 4GB card |
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| Focusing | Autofocus: Quick mode, Live mode, Face Detection Live mode; manual | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Exposure Control | (1) Program AE for movie shooting * For shooting modes other than manual exposure. * Shutter speed (1/30 – 1/4000 sec., signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed automatically set. (2) Manual exposure * For manual exposure. * Shutter speed (signal accumulation time), aperture, and ISO speed (auto/ manual) manually set. The shutter speed (signal accumulation time) is limited to 1/4000 sec. at the maximum and to 1/30 sec. at the minimum for 24/25/30 fps or 1/60 sec. or higher for 50/60 fps. |
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| Exposure Compensation | Up to ±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments * Possible only with autoexposure. |
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| Audio recording method | Linear PCM (1) Internal monaural microphone (2) External stereo microphone jack |
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| Video Playback | Playback, slow motion (variable speed possible), jump to first frame, previous frame, next frame, jump to last frame, cut out first or last, frame, and audio volume (6 levels, including mute). * The audio level when the camera is connected to a TV set is adjusted with the TV set. |
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LCD Monitor
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| Type | TFT color, liquid-crystal monitor | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Monitor Size | 3.0 in. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Dots | Approx. 1,040,000 dots (VGA) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Coverage | Approx. 100% Viewing angle: 160° |
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| Brightness Adjustment | 7 levels provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interface Languages | English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Russian, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Romanian, Ukraine, Turkish, Arabic, Thai, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Image Playback
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| Display Format | (1) Single image display - Two types of single-image full display and two types of shooting information display. (2) Index display - 4-image index and 9-index image. (3) Jump display - 10/100 images, shooting date, movies, stills |
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| Highlight Warning | Provided (Overexposed highlights blink) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Image Protection and Erase
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| Protect | Erase protect (or cancel) each image individually | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Erase | Single image, selected images or all images in the SD card can be erased (except protected images) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Direct Printing
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| Compatible Printers | PictBridge-compatible printers | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Printable Images | JPEG images compliant to Design rule for Camera File System (DPOF printing possible) and RAW images captured with the EOS Rebel T2i | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Easy Print feature | Provided | ||||||||||||||||||||
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DPOF: Digital Print Order Format
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| DPOF | Version 1.1 compatible | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Direct Image Transfer
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| Compatible Images | JPEG and RAW images Only JPEG images can be transferred as wallpaper on the personal computer screen |
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Customization
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| Custom Functions | Total 12 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| My Menu Registration | Up to 6 menus, Custom functions and other top-tier options can be registered | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Interface
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| USB Terminal | For personal computer communication and direct printing (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Video Out Terminal | (1) Video OUT terminal: NTSC/PAL selectable (2) mini-HDMI OUT terminal |
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Power Source
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| Battery | One Battery Pack LP-E8 AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E8 With Battery Grip BG-E8, AA-size batteries can be used |
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| Number of Shots | Number of shots (approx.)
The above figures apply with a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E8. |
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| Battery Check | Auto | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Power Saving | Provided. Power turns off after 30 sec., 1, 2, 4, 8, 15 min. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Date/Time Battery | Built-in secondary battery | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Start-up Time | Approx. 0.1 sec. | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Dimensions and Weight
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| Dimensions (WxHxD) | Approx. 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 75.3mm | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | Approx. 18.7 oz./530g (CIPA standard, includes battery and memory card.) | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Operating Environment
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| Working Temperature Range | 32-104°F/0-40°C | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Working Humidity Range | 85% or less | ||||||||||||||||||||
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS Review
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is compact, attractive and extremely easy to use. Packed with a range of intuitive and user-friendly features, the Canon PowerShot A3100 IS makes photography more enjoyable than ever, helping users get great shots with the minimum of effort.
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS has everything you need to make shooting fast, easy and fun including a large 2.7″ LCD. There is a full range of performance features including enhanced Face Detection technology, and a DIGIC III Image Processor to keep every image looking its best. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack is lighter then AA batteries, and provide power for taking many photos and videos. The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is compatible with SDHC and SDXC storage cards, offering up to 2TB (SDXC only) of convenient and reliable memory that users can take anywhere.
12.1 megapixel Canon PowerShot A3100 IS camera
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS will succeed the current PowerShot A1100 IS, and marks a true step forward for the PowerShot A series line. The Canon A3100 IS features a 12.1 Megapixel image sensor. Equipped with DIGIC III processing, a 4x optical zoom lens and integrated optical Image Stabilizer, the PowerShot A3100IS provides rich, detailed and blur-free images. A bright, 6.7cm (2.7″) high resolution LCD screen offers crisp playback, enabling users to frame and review images in pin-sharp clarity.
Key Features:
- Quality images – 12.1 Megapixels deliver outstanding image quality and stunning prints up to A3 size
- Zoom – Genuine Canon 4x optical zoom lens (35mm-140mm) to zoom in to the subject
- Sharper Previews – 2.7″ LCD Screen for vivid bright and sharp images to view and share your photos
- Intelligent Auto – New Auto mode with Scene Detection, Face Detection, Motion Detection and Noise Reduction makes it even easier to get the perfect shot
- Intelligent Flash Exposure – Automatically detects whether flash is required and adjusts the flash output, shutter speed, aperture and ISO speed to best suit the photo being taken
- Perfect People Shots – Face Detection for perfect focus, exposure, lighting and skin tones when photographing people
- Red-eye Correction – In-camera red-eye correction gives you more natural-looking portraits
- Be Creative – Special Scene Modes allow you to choose from a variety of predetermined settings to get more creative
- Movie Recording – Continuous movie recording and playback with sound
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS camera supports Face Detection
Face Detection Technology makes it easy to take pictures of friends, tracking faces and providing correct exposure and focus for the best results. The Face Select & Track function allows one face to be given priority over others in a group if required, while Red-Eye Correction identifies and corrects red eyes, making sure everyone looks their best. The smart FaceSelf-Timer features on the Canon A3100 IS allows the photographer to be included in group photos, only taking the shot when an extra face has entered the frame.
Canon Powershot A3000 IS Review
Canon Powershot A3000 IS Review
The new Canon PowerShot A3000 IS is sleek and compact, great looking and extremely easy to use. The Canon PowerShot A3000 IS makes photography more enjoyable than ever, helping users get great shots with the minimum of effort.
With a resolution of 10.0 megapixels and a 4x Optical zoom, the Canon PowerShot A3000 IS provides the performance and features that are perfect for photographing family events, keeping up with children at play, or recording scenes and events during a vacation or business trip.
Canon A3000 IS features a Smart Auto mode
The Canon PowerShot A3000 IS also makes it easy to capture the perfect shot, thanks to the intelligent Smart Auto mode. Smart Auto with Scene Detection Technology recognises up to 18 different scenes and automatically applies the optimum settings required to capture the best picture. Smart Auto also includes i-Contrast technology, which analyses images to deliver perfect exposure, adding brightness and detail to darker sections without blowing out correctly-exposed areas. Additionally, Canon’s Easy mode provides super-simple settings for beginners, deactivating most of the buttons and removing icons from the screen for straightforward point-and-shoot photography.
Creative photography with the Canon PowerShot A3000 IS
A range of creative shooting features includes the new Low Light mode, which provides improved performance in challenging lighting conditions at 2.0 Megapixel resolution. The new Super Vivid mode injects new life into subjects, adding colour to images to provide a dramatic, enriched effect. The new PowerShot A3000 IS digital camera also features the new Poster Effect mode, which reduces the number of colours to create retro-looking, poster-style images.
Canon A3000IS features a Lithium-Ion battery pack
For the first time in a PowerShot A series model, the new Canon A3000 IS features a Lithium-ion battery pack. Lightweight and rechargeable, the Lithium-ion battery pack is slim and easier to carry, and provides the convenience of being able to be charged on demand. The Canon PowerShot A3000 IS camera is also compatible with SDHC and SDXC storage cards, offering up to 2TB (SDXC only) of convenient and reliable memory that users can take anywhere.
Capture videos with the Canon PowerShot A3000IS
In addition to high-quality images, the PowerShot A3000 IS captures video at VGA resolution with sound, offering users the ability to go beyond stills. The new Canon camera model features comprehensive software packages, including an integrated YouTube upload function, for sharing videos online quickly and easily.
Olympus Mju 5010 Review
Olympus Mju 5010 Review
Boasting the world’s smallest and slimmest 5x zoom lens with 26mm wide-angle shooting respectively, the Olympus Mju 5010 offers HD movie recording and a practical internal USB charging capability so you can charge your camera while uploading still and moving images to your PC.
14 megapixel Olympus Mju 5010 camera
The 5x optical zoom ensures you’ll never be at a loss when capturing a group of friends or a point in the distance. Then simply flip through the results using the new Photo Surfing option. Thanks to Olympus [ib] technology, the camera allows pictures tagged by event, person, or location (using Face Recognition and GPS) to be located easily. The 2.7″ LCD screen on the Olympus Mju 5010 makes sharing or looking up the latest trick in the In-Camera Manual all the more enjoyable. And you can even shoot HD movies to capture important events in all their glory and relax by watching them on TV via HDMI.
Olympus Mju-5010 features AF tracking system and face detection
The advanced face detection technology on the Olympus Mju 5010 searches for faces in a composition and recognises them as the main subject. The camera then automatically puts them in focus and optimally adjusts exposure to create an image that’s sharp in the right places and ideally exposed. Advanced Face Detection Technology can detect up to 16 faces. Furthermore, an AF tracking system tracks the moving subject automatically and keeps it continually in focus for pictures that are optimally focused and exposed. The Olympus µ 5010 also memorises subject data even when the subject goes out of frame and resumes tracking when it reappears. Moreover the Beauty mode touches up the appearance of subjects even while the shot is being taken. The Beauty mode feature recognises faces and automatically makes skin on the face and adjacent areas appear smoother, brighter and more youthful.
What’s in the box?
•Li-Ion Battery ( Li-42B )
•Battery Charger (Li-41C)
•Strap
•USB Cable (CB-USB6)
•AV Cable (CB-VC3)
•MicroSD card Adapter (MASD-1)
•Olympus Master Software v2.2
•Worldwide Warranty Card
Olympus Mju Digital 5010 incorporates a panorama mode
Providing two-fold protection, this special function helps to avoid image blur caused by camera shake or fast-moving subjects. The Olympus Mju 5010 combines high ISO values with a CCD-based mechanical image stabiliser, where a built-in gyro sensor detects camera movement and adjusts the CCD accordingly. A in-camera panorama mode allowing users to instantly compose panoramas of approx. 130° right inside the camera. By framing each shot in step with the on-screen guide, exciting panoramic scenes can be stitched together for a more realistic and emotional depiction of any landscape or skyline.
i-Auto mode on the Olympus Mju 5010 camera
The “intelligent-Auto” mode uses advanced automatic detection technology to allow the Olympus 5010 camera to recognise the five most commonly used scenes automatically. The new Olympus digital camera enables the capture of perfect photos without any need for manual settings. Olympus also offers [ib] software, an integrated photo browsing and organising software. Using the software on a PC, images can be organised by person, by place or by event. The information tagged in each photo allows selected pictures to be viewed on a PC.
Olympus Mju 5010 incorporates Magic Filters
Enables special artistic effects to be created directly in the camera.
• Pop Art: Enhances colours, making them stronger and more vivid to create high-impact pictures that express the happy, light-hearted feeling of the pop art style.
• Fish-Eye: Reproduces the dramatic effect of a fish eye lens, lending a new perspective to the whole scene with a “round” effect.
• Sketch: Gives the impression that subjects have been sketched by an artist by transforming images into line drawings.
• Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness like an image seen through a pinhole. Added to this is a unique colour tone that results in a style that has an air of secrecy or portrays the feeling of being lost in another dimension or space
iRiver Story Review
The iRiver Story is the latest entrant into the Ebook Reader market, and its iRiver’s first ebook reader.
I must admit I was weary when I first heard bout the iRiver Story, as from afar it could be mistaken for a rebadged Amazon Kindle clone. But I’m pleased to say that iRiver have done a good job designing this ebook reader, and they have invested quite a bit in the packaging and marketing material for their ebook reader.
This is no Amazon Kindle though, the build quality although ok and it doesn’t have the solid feel of a Kindle. But the device doesn’t feel cheap, its quite attractive and the keyboard actually works quite well.
The screen is your typical Vizplex E-Ink screen, featuring 8 levels of greyscale (same as the Sony Touch & Pocket / Bebook) with a resolution of 800×600. The Kindle features a better 16 greyscale screen, but both offer a really good reading experience.
The user interface is intuitive, you can use the keypad to navigate through the menus and there are side buttons available so that you can use the book in one hand for both left and right handed users.
Unlike the Amazon Kindle which limits the ebook formats to their own amazon.com and pdf ebook formats, the iRiver Story is compatible with a wide range of ebook formats including: EPUB, PDF & TXT cover the main formats for commercial ebooks, while the Story also displays office files like DOC, PPT & XLS. For comics & graphic novels, JPEG, BMP and GIF image. This makes this ideal for reading business documents on the road without having to carry a laptop.
Page turns are snappy (for ebook reader standards) and you’ll find the ebook reader comfortable to read all sorts of books on your journeys.
The device comes with a generous 2GB of internal storage, enough to store hundreds of books, and it can be expanded with an external SD card.
We also like the added features which are not available on other ebook readers as yet including the diary, memo facility, the built in speaker and the voice recorder which are all handy but will probably never be used…
In all the iRiver is a good device, especially if you are interested in being able to upload any ebook format, or your own documents which is not currently possible on the Kindle.