EOS 550D main features
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
- Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
- Select maximum value for Auto ISO
- External Microphone socket
- Movie crop function
- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
18 MP CMOS sensor
Ideal for those who want to create large, poster-size prints – or crop images without losing any of the detail necessary for printing – EOS 550D’s 18MP CMOS sensor is outstanding in low light, and produces images with incredibly low noise.
DIGIC 4
Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor works with the CMOS sensor to deliver 14-bit image processing, for smooth gradations and natural looking colours. DIGIC 4 also powers advanced Noise Reduction when shooting at higher ISO speeds, plus split-second start-up times and near-instant image review after shooting.
High ISO for low light
When light levels fall, the EOS 550D offers an ISO range of up to 6400 – expandable to 12800 for those environments where using flash is undesirable.
Full HD movie recording
The EOS 550D combines exceptional still shooting with the ability to shoot Full HD (1080p) video. To satisfy your creativity the EOS 550D features full manual control and selectable frame rates. You can also shoot high speed 50/60fps movies at 720P for when the action is really fast. An HDMI connection allows High Definition playback of footage and images on any HDTV. Also with compatible TVs playback can be controlled using the TV’s remote control.
7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD
Detailed checks on images and video are possible with a 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen, which features an ultra-high 1,040,000 dots for increased clarity. Switch to Live View mode and use the real-time visual feed to shoot from awkward angles.
iFCL metering system
A new 63-zone dual layer metering sensor analyses Focus, Colour and Luminance information, providing accurate and consistent metering.
Quick Control screen
Accessible using a dedicated button it provides easy access to commonly used functions, ensuring that you are ready to take the shot as it happens.
External Microphone Socket
Add an additional microphone for better quality sound using the 3.5mm stereo jack socket.
Movie Crop
Shoot VGA movies with an effective zoom of 7x. Movie crop uses only the centre part of the sensor and allows long distance shooting without having to change lenses.
Create a shooting system as unique as you are
The EOS 550D is compatible with Canon’s full range of EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites.
The Canon 18-135mm lens
The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS lens is an all-in-one lens for EOS EF-S mount bodies. The powerful lens features an impressive 4-stop Image Stabiliser and a 7.5x super zoom range (approx. 29-216mm equivalent focal length). Covering a wide range of focal lengths, the Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens has a 0.45m minimum focusing distance. This lens is a general purpose zoom lens, ideal for photographers who want to try their hand at something different to a standard kit lens. Featuring fantastic low-light performance, this lens also includes ultra low dispersion (UD) lenses, aspherical lens elements and lens coatings optimised to combat ghosting and flare - meaning high quality throughout. The Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM lens also features a circular aperture for beautiful bokeh.
Sample images
Below are a couple of sample images taken by Katie Dix in the wex team using the Canon 550D & 18-135mm kit
wex photographic flickr page
f/7.1 / ISO 200 / 1/250sec / focal length 53mm / no flash used / hand held © Katie Dix
f/7.1 / ISO 100 / 1/200sec / focal length 67mm / no flash used / hand held © Katie Dix
Technical Jargon - What does it all mean?
EOS - Stands for Electro Optical System.
SLR - Stands for Single Lens Reflex: Means the camera has one lens that is used for both composing the frame and capturing the image to memory.
EF-S - Are designed specifically for cameras with an APS-format sensor, such as the Canon 1100D, 600D, etc. Cameras that support the Canon EF-S lens mount can also take the Canon EF lens mount. The 'S' stands for 'short back focus', which means that the rear element of the lens is closer to the image sensor.
APS-C - A type of digital camera sensor with an integral x1.6 magnification factor. This means that for all lenses (Canon, Sigma & Tamron) you have to x the focal length of your lens by the crop factor, which is 1.6 (Nikon 1.5). For example - Canon 50mm x 1.6 = 80mm. For a camera with a cropped sensor the field of view you actually get is 80mm.
IS (Image Stabilizer) - Image stabilization technology allows the lens to sense movement from "shake" or vibrations and instantly apply an optical correction by moving a group of lens elements. Today’s IS systems allow photographers to shoot up to 5 stops slower with no increase in blur. Since the image is stabilised within the lens instead of the camera, the IS system can be optimised for each model. What’s more, the auto focus system has a steady image to work with and the photographer gets a steady image through the viewfinder.
CMOS - Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor – A type of image sensor used in many digital cameras.
f-number - A numerical designation that indicates the size of the aperture. It is inversely proportional; a smaller number like F2.8 is a large opening whereas a larger number like F16 is a relatively small opening.