If you would rather read SLR cameras reviews first before purchasing one, then this is the right article for you. As you are undoubtedly well aware, there are LOTS of SLR cameras on the market, but one of the latest in the mid price range is the Canon EOS 550D SLR. One of the first questions we asked in looking at the 550D was what sets this camera apart from the rest of the pack? What can readers expect from this camera? Read on to find out.

For starters, let’s get possible model confusion out of the way right now – the 550D and the T2i kits are very nearly identical cameras, marketed in Europe and America, so the information here should apply equally well to both model names. It is similar to the higher-priced Canon EOS 7D, but lacks some of the bells and whistles of this professional-level camera. The Canon EOS 550D SLR is the very height of the Canon Rebel line, which is intended for entry-level photographers. Even so, user reviews indicate that the 550D is a very high quality digital SLR, suitable for limited professional use, and quite a step ahead of its predecessor, the Canon EOS 500D.

Rather than run through a huge number of features and comparisons,  which you can easily find just about anywhere, we thought it would be useful to share the key features that really make a difference – for the good and the bad, to help you make a decision.

What I really liked:

• Video improvements are really where the 550D shines. A lot of improvements have been made to video over the 500D.
• The buttons have been reconfigured to create a stand-alone button for video. The end result here is that you can’t accidentally leave the camera in the wrong mode, and end up taking stills when you want video and vice versa.
• You can now use an external stereo microphone when shooting video, which not only means you can get crisper sound on the go, but can tie into sound systems at events for crystal clear sound from anywhere in the room.
• Full-on manual video focus and full HD recording. Good stuff!
• A video crop feature – something that entry-level video editing software struggles to deliver reliably – is included on-board, which is immensely helpful for those without access to high-end editing software.
• It has a 63 zone iFCL metering system and the same evaluative metering vcapabilities of the Canon EOS 7D, which does a much better job than the Canon EOS 500D of taking color information into account, almost completely eliminating the need for manual metering adjustments.
• 18 Mega Pixels is a big improvement over the 500D’s 15 Mega Pixels, resulting in shrper, more detailed images than ever.

What I didn’t like:

• While the LCD screen has been improved a bit over the 500D, from 920,000 dots on the Canon EOS 500D to 1,040,000 on the Canon 550D SLR, it’s only a slight upgrade, and doesn’t do enough to aid viewing in high-light environments, like full sun. An articulated screen like that offered on some other high-end cameras would be a welcome addition.

My verdict: the Canon EOS 550D SLR is a good camera and is worth its price. It demonstrates some clear improvements over the Canon EOS 500D, and shares an impressive number of high-end features with the Canon EOS 7D. Aspiring pros can feel comfortable that this camera will grow into their careers with them, and that they won’t need to upgrade too soon. Avid amateurs interested in catching every moment of a trip, event, or opportunity, in high quality stills and excellent video will be very pleased with this camera, as well. An excellent and flexible choice for most general photography needs.

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With the Canon 550D review, it has developed both an entry-level and superior Digital camera in one bundle. The user interface is very simple to use and the benefit is unparalleled. Entry level users should have no hassle at all taking amazing pictures using the simplest adjustments. The in-built Eye-Fi is a good minor addition that allows users to move their photos by way of a wireless connection, there is also an integrated HDMI port suitable for Hi-Def Multimedia Interface that permits images and video saved on the 550D to be seen on hi-def Televisions and operated through the TV remote control… Not bad for a camera, right?

For the photography guns out there, we will delve into the specifications of the Canon 550D. Immediately, many photographers will identify the 550D with its parent, the EOS 7D; rightly so too, because many of the characteristics possessed by the 550D are very comparable. There are numerous discernable differences which divide both models – particularly the value factors – but if you were to check the two alongside each other you’d must be pretty choosy to decide on a winner. This is exactly why we like the Canon 550D; it incorporates a great deal of engineering of its parent the 7D that we are all followers of, and at just about fifty percent the value.

The newly produced 18 Mp APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s sophisticated DIGIC 4 graphic processor lets photography fanatics to motivate their own artistic limitations. The indicator sustains standard ISO controls of 100-6400, maxing away at 12800, with sophisticated in-camera disturbance elimination that dramatically increases photo level of quality in low-light conditions. Topped off with 14-bit image processing, the display colors are a lot more genuine looking both on the display screen and on hard copy. An additional photographic attribute that the Canon 550D has inherited from its parent is the help of high-speed, constant capturing at up to three.seven frames per second… It is not quite a “pocket” rocket, but it is exceedingly fast for its measurement! The 550D has also been fortunate enough to inherit the 7D’s iFCL metering technique, an remarkable 63-zone dual layer metering sensor that examines concentration, coloring and luminance information for accurate picture metering. If you’re finicky with exposure settings, you shouldn’t be, since the 550D lets exposure compensation and bracketing to be set to plus or minus five and 2 stops enabling you to broaden your photograph exposure with a variety of diversely exposed images, even during difficult lighting style situations, to make sure that you’ve captured your own preferred graphic.

The physical make of the Canon 550D includes a 7.7cm Digital monitor having a resolution of 1040k, so you can see your photo clearly and without the edges. Canon has truly considered this one through with a reflective, water-shielded coating on the monitor so that you can review your work in just about any conditions.

In our impression, the Canon 550D exceeds performance expectations and is a good purchase because of its specialized capabilities. Even though the price is a little steeper compared to most entry level SLRs, the 550D is really in a category of its own since it offers the strengths of its specialized parent and makes the qualities accessible to entry-level photography enthusiasts. For advanced photographers, refer to the 550D a microcosmic version of the 7D… And also for 50 % the cost, how could you quite possibly overlook that!?

If you’re ready to take your photography skills to the next level, you need the Canon EOS 550D. This camera has been touted as the definitive camera for bridging the gap between amateur and professional. Our Canon EOS 550D review proved that those recommendations are right on the money.

Before moving forward with our Canon EOS 550D review, it’s worth noting that this camera also has another name – the Canon EOS Rebel T2i. This is the latest offering in the award-winning Rebel series, which has been going strong for nearly a decade. Canon’s cameras are renowned for their quality and ease of use, and the Rebel line brings that to consumers at an affordable price. This combination, plus a suite of high-end features, has made the series (including the camera featured in this Canon EOS 550D review) a top recommendation of photography instructors. The research we conducted along with our Canon EOS 550D review found that many photography students continue using their Rebel series cameras well into their careers.

Our Canon EOS 550D review uncovered plenty of fantastic features in this sweet little camera, starting with its image sensor. The EOS Rebel T2i features a big 18.1 megapixels, for sharp photos at varying distances. A lack of gaps between the camera’s microlenses puts each pixel into overdrive, for sharp focus and clarity in every shot. The EOS 550D’s 3:2 aspect ratio translates perfectly to 4×6 prints. So not only will you be able to take shots you’ll be proud of, but they’ll be ready to share with family and friends without editing.

Canon EOS 550D Review Video

Among the other features found in our Canon EOS 550D review is a quality camcorder functionality, with HDMI output for plugging the camera right into your TV. The Canon 550D’s advanced iFCL metering system reduces the risk of overexposure, and improves color, focus and contrast in your shots. Many cameras in this price range struggle with those elements, but the Canon EOS 550D review showed us 100% smooth shots.

Like nearly all DSLRs, our Canon EOS 550D review also found that this camera can be used with a variety of interchangeable lenses. Instead of purchasing different equipment for zoom, close-range or outdoor shots, the Canon EOS 550D can simply be fitted with a different lens for a fraction of the cost. Best of all, those interchangeable lenses fit easily into your camera bag for pro photography on the go.

Don’t let the low price fool you – our Canon EOS 550D review proved that this camera’s performance is on par with much more expensive equipment. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just want to look like one, look no further than the Canon 550D.