Amateur Photographer Magazine

 Canon EOS 550D hands on preview - Page One: Main features

Monday 8th February 2010

Damien Demolder

Is it a more affordable 7D or an enhanced 500D? In a first look at a pre-production Canon EOS 550D Damien Demolder tries to find out...


Main features at a glance:

• Addition to EOS range, not a replacement for EOS 500D
• 18 million-pixel CMOS APS-C sensor
• ISO 100-12,800 via expansion setting
• New limiter in auto ISO mode
• 3in 1,014k dot Clear View LCD screen
• New battery form
• 9 point AF
• iFCL metering
• HD video with 24,25,30fps

There are more obvious gaps in the Canon EOS range than where the entry-level models meet the enthusiast bodies. There are already three beginner bodies to choose from, some of which are now rather long in the tooth, but Canon has now added another in the shape of the EOS 550D. You could argue it was the EOS 1000D that needed refreshing.

However, the company has instead decided to boost its more advanced entry proposition with a model to sit between the 500D and the 50D. It is an uncomfortable fit, though, as the newcomer with its 18 million-pixel resolution rather puts the 15.1MP sensors of its neighbours to shame.

The comparison with the EOS 7D cannot be avoided as it is to this model – Canon's last-launched DSLR – that the 550D owes much of its feature-set. The question of whether this is a scaled-down EOS 7D or a polished 500D is not immediately easy to answer.

In the hand
The first thing I noted when I saw the new camera was that it has a slightly different body shape. The base of the pentaprism is broader than in previous models and the shoulder above the nameplate seems much more rounded, while the lens mount bulges out of the body in a neat set of curves.

There are new grip and body coverings too, which seem to add extra purchase in the hand.

A new rubber pad mounted on the front of the body, for the left hand, works especially well. For such a lightweight and entry-level body the 550D seems remarkably well made.

Admittedly, it doesn't have the solidity of some other models further up the range but when squeezed it doesn't 'give' or change shape as so often happens with other 'lesser' models. The joints seem to fit well and, although it isn't marketed as a weatherproof camera the 550D certainly feels capable of surviving a bit of wet weather.

There will be plenty of people disappointed to see Canon introduce a new battery, but I'm told this was necessary to meet new Japanese guidelines.

The LPE8 cell won't be easily copied – which may be what Canon wants – but, of course, the new introduction requires a new mains power adapter and a new power grip. As is usual the grip, the BG-E8, accommodates two spare LPE8 units or 4AA cells in a cradle.

In all, the camera feels good to use and comfortable to hold. Although it will be less expensive than many others in the EOS range the EOS 550D still costs a lot of money – so it should feel well made and solid.

Article continues HERE

Safety fears prompted EOS 550D battery change

Canon EOS 550D NEWS STORY HERE

AP video interview with Canon Europe about the EOS 550D

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