With its 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and 1080P full high definition video capability, the new Canon EOS 550D DSLR is already grabbing the attention of HD video-makers as well as stills snappers.

Canon EOS-550D DSLR with flash and lens

Canon EOS 550D with Flash and fitted with EF-S 18-55mm Lens

There’s no doubt that the new generation of DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras are making further inroads into the HD video camcorder market.

By providing users with the options of shooting full specification 1080P progressive scan high definition HD video as well as professional-standard stills, users now only need one device when shooting.

The new 550D, we’re informed, incorporates technologies and features more commonly found in semi-pro DSLRs into the kind of compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers.

Advanced image processing and fast optical performance

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 designed to produce smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours that will result in high quality prints and on-screen display.

Up front in the optical department, 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) and will undoubtedly provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

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Canon EOS-550D with user viewing media

Canon EOS-550D's 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen

Meanwhile, Canon continues to filter its 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.

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 which the company claims “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 640×480 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.

Bigger buttons, more intuitive design

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.

Canon EOS-550D DSLR Back View

View from the rear: Canon EOS-550D DSLR

Connectivity

For EOS 550D photographers, shooting high resolution pictures and video is of course just the 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.

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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 for free online storage of media

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.

Canon EOS-550D showing upper-rear controls

Canon EOS-550D showing upper-rear controls

Main features summary of the Canon EOS 550D DSLR

Here’s our at-a-glance summary of the main features of the new camera as supplied to us by Canon UK:

  • 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

UK / Europe Pricing and Availability

  • The EOS 550D body only is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £799.99.00 / €899.00 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £899.99.00 / €999.00 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £1,099.99.00 / €1,249.00 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The EOS 550D, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS & EF-S 55-250 f/4-5.6 IS double lens kit is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £1,199.99.00 / €1,349.00 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The BG-E8 battery grip for the EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £159.99.00 / €179.00 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The LP-E8 battery pack for the the EOS 550D is available from 24th February 2010 priced at £49.99.00 / €49.99 RRP inc. VAT.
  • The RC-06 remote price is TBA.

Original Source: Canon UK Press Release 8th February 2010. Additional content by Colin Barrett.

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