The Canon EOS 550D is a difficult product to categorize. Ostensibly designed to appeal to first-time DSLR buyers and enthusiasts, it offers a lot more technology, and at a higher price, than we might expect for a camera aimed squarely at this sector. Although it might seem logical for the 550D to replace the EOS 500D, the older camera is set to continue in Canon's lineup, which leaves the 550D pinched between its entry-level (represented by the still-current EOS 1000D and the 500D) and nominally enthusiast (the EOS 50D) peers. Confusingly however, apart from build quality (which is all but identical to the EOS 500D), the 550D has more in common with the prosumer EOS 7D, and - perhaps even more confusingly - it out-specifies the EOS 50D in many areas. Show
Central to the impressive specification of the EOS 550D is a high-spec movie mode which offers full HD capture at up to 30 fps, manual control over exposure, and the option to use an external stereo microphone. The new camera also inherits the EOS 7D's sophisticated metering system (which brings it a lot closer to similarly positioned Nikon SLRs). So why has Canon apparently risked cannibalizing 7D sales by releasing such a similarly-specced, lower-end model? Well, Canon might have invented the 'entry-level' DSLR way back in 2003 with the attractively priced (for the time) EOS 300D, but these days, this sector of the marketplace is pretty crowded. Far from enjoying a monopoly, Canon, like all manufacturers, faces a stiff battle to make its products stand out amongst their numerous peers. To this end, Canon has pulled out all the stops with the EOS 550D and produced the most highly-specced Rebel we've ever seen. Now that a production sample has arrived in dpreview's offices, we've had the chance to subject it to our full in-depth test procedure. Read on to find out how it performs. A brief history; Canon entry level digital SLR series
* The Canon EOS 1000D represents a sub-class of the Rebel series and hence should be considered a parallel series. Headline features
EOS 550D vs EOS 500D Key differences
Technology in Detail/What's New 18.7 megapixel CMOS sensor The 550D uses a new, 18.7 (total) megapixel sensor that's similar, but not exactly the same as the one featured in the 7D (according to our sources at Canon). As before the sensor uses high frequency vibrations to remove dust. Gapless micro lenses First touted by Canon on the 50D, the EOS 550D's sensor has what are effectively gapless micro lenses, which significantly increases the efficiency of each pixel. Full HD movie mode In keeping with the overall specification hike the EOS 550D gets full HD (1920 x 1080) movie capture at a range of frame rates (30, 25 and 20), bringing it in line with the EOS 7D. You also get full creative control (over apertures and shutter speeds), and you can set Highlight Tone Priority for movies independently of the setting used for stills. Another welcome addition is the inclusion of a stereo microphone jack. Button changes The EOS 550D gains new button dedicated to Live View / movie mode; where it used to sit on the EOS 500D is now a new 'Q' button (for fast access to the Quick Control Screen). Most of the buttons have been redesigned, and they're generally larger and flatter. You may also likeLatest sample galleriesLatest in-depth reviewsThe fourth camera in Leica's SL series of full-frame mirrorless cameras sees the 60MP BSI sensor from the Q3 and M11 models arrive with a significant interface redesign. The Fujifilm X100VI is the sixth iteration of Fujifilm's classically-styled large sensor compact. A 40MP X-Trans sensor, in-body stabilization and 6.2K video are among the updates. The Nikon Zf is a 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera with classic looks that brings significant improvements to Nikon's mid-price cameras. We just shot a sample reel to get a better feel for its video features and have added our impressions to the review. This $250 electronic lens adapter is perfect for Nikon Z-mount curious Sony shooters — shhh, we won’t tell anyone. Sony updates the ZV-1, giving the vlog-centric compact camera a 18-50mm equivalent F1.8-4.0 lens that's now wide enough for less cramped selfie mode videos. Latest buying guidesWhat’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We've picked the models that really stand out. What's the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we've rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best. If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites. 'What's the best mirrorless camera?' We're glad you asked. Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a 'best' option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder. Which film camera is best for beginners?10 Fun, Super Affordable 35mm Film Cameras for Beginners. ILFORD SPRITE 35-II Camera. The Best Selling. ... . Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera. ... . Holga 135BC 35mm Bent Corners Film Camera. ... . Holga 120 N Camera with Hotshoe. ... . Diana Mini & Flash. ... . Simple Use Color Negative AQUA 35mm. ... . B&W Simple Use Camera. ... . QuickSnap Flash 400.. Can you film with Canon EOS?The Canon EOS R6 Mark II enables you to shoot 4K footage at up to 60fps and 1080p footage at up to 180fps, which allows you to slow things down even further. What does EOS mean in Canon cameras?Canon EOS (Electro-Optical System) is an autofocus single-lens reflex camera (SLR) and mirrorless camera series produced by Canon Inc. How old is the Canon EOS 500?Canon EOS 500. |
