Canon 550D Review

Canon outdoes itself with its most recent innovation, a fresh addition to its highly acclaimed EOS range of professional cameras that has garnered a considerable number of photographic accolades the world over. Yet again, Canon continues to narrow the gap separating professional and amateur photography, coming out with a digital SLR camera unique among all others in its capability of incorporating professional photographic technology into a portable and lightweight body more favorable to ordinary consumers.

This Canon SLR review, or, to be more specific, this 550D review, gives you an enumeration of the Canon T2I 550D’s most appealing features. For one, it’s a versatile product that can be handled both by entry-level and advanced digital SLR camera users, with an easy-to-use interface and unparalleled convenience. Even photography newbies can effortlessly take breathtaking snapshots by using just the most basic settings. The 550D T2I’s built-in Eye-Fi is a useful addition that allows image transfer through a wireless connection, and its integrated HDMI port enables you to view your 550D images and videos on HD TVs.

Of course, no 550D review can be complete without a rundown of the camera specs. At first glance, seasoned photographers may identify 550D with its predecessor, the EOS 7D, because both have similar features. Still, there are quite a number of discernible differences between the two – the most obvious one is the accompanying price tag. And that’s what makes the 550D a clear winner: not only does it incorporate most of the 7D’s technology, it comes at almost half the 7D’s price, too.

The 550D comes with an 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor. The sensor is capable of supporting standard ISO settings (100-6400) and can max out at 12800, and its sleek camera noise reduction significantly improves images taken in low-light conditions. With 14-bit image processing, the 550D’s camera display colors look much more natural on the camera screen and on print. Among the 7D’s most loved features that is carried over to the 550D is the capacity for high-speed continuous shooting (up to 3.7 frames per second) – and for the 550D’s size, that’s quite a feat! Another is the 7D’s iFCL metering system, a sensor with a brilliant 63-zone dual layer metering sensor capable of analyzing focus, color and luminance information for the most accurate image metering possible. The 550D allows you to set your exposure compensation and bracketing to plus or minus five, enabling you to diversify your image exposure even in the midst of tricky lighting conditions.

The Canon 550D’s 7.7cm LCD screen has a resolution of 1040k. It’s protected with a reflective water-shielded coating, so you don’t have to worry about reviewing your work in almost any condition.

This Canon 550D review confidently tells you that the Canon 550D exceeds performance expectations in more ways than one. Don’t be discouraged by its comparably steeper price than most other entry level SLRs – it’s in a league of its own because it’s practically a microcosmic version of the professional 7D! For half the 7D’s price, the 550D is definitely a bargain.