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The 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 (MP) 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.
Creative control with no compromise on
quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to
consumers. 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 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
EOS 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.
Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new
technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the
EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for
EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to
control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level
EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five
and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of
differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a
well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.
“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 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 EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits
of their own creative vision.”
EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative
control
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 EOS 550D records video in full 1920x1080p 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 EOS 550D also
includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external
microphone when capturing video.
 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 EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the
central 640x480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of
approximately seven times. The EOS 550D 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.
A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video
in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k
dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders.
The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the
screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.
 EOS
build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a
high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which
have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the
EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing
aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical
position, without having to reorient the body.
Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a
first step. Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with
High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC),
video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and
controlled via the TV remote.
For users who want to transfer content
wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi connected functions. The EOS 550D
features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the
automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting - allowing
users to transfer content easily and without interruption.
Accessories
The 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 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 slim line 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 iMAGE GATEWAY – share your
stories
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.
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