A Simple Review of the Canon EOS 550D

By Nathaniel

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.

The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers.

The EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross hair.

Continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps).

The EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D.

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.

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.

It features bigger, more intuitive buttons.

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 slimline 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.

• 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

I hope that this summary of the Canon EOS 550D have been helpful to you. Please make careful note that I am not a representative Canon Cameras nor am I being paid to write about Canon cameras. Rather, as a photographer and lover of photography, I use this blog of mine to share my passion for anything concerning photography. It's that simple. Thank you for your time and happy shooting.

Zoom Settings: The Best Way to Use the Zoom

By Nathaniel

Zoom Settings:

The best way to use the zoom is to decide what kind of picture or what part of a scene you want, then set the zoom to suit. Often you want the widest or the longest setting, but when you compose the image you can make small adjustments if you have time.

Zoom Settings: When Using the Long End of a Zoom

By Nathaniel

Zoom Settings:

When using the long end of a z, be extra careful to hold the camera steady, since the chance of camera shake grows as focal length increases. I would like to suggest that you use either a tripod or a monopod for added stability.

Happy shooting!

Zoom Settings: Shoot at a Wider Angle

By Nathaniel

If in doubt, shoot at a wider angle and take in more of the scene. You can always crop an image afterwards, but you can not add to it once you leave. Personally, I want to get it correct the first time in the camera. I prefer not to spend time in post production, using photo manipulative softwares. One will only achieve correct photographs with practice. So as they say, practice makes perfect.

Happy shooting!

Zoom Settings: In Dim Light

By Nathaniel

In dim light, use the widest zoom setting available as zoom lenses can gather more light (have a larger maximum aperture) at wide settings than at longer settings.

Happy shooting!

Zoom Settings

By Nathaniel

Zoom Settings

If you want the lines in an image to be straight as possible, for example, when photographing buildings, use the lens at around the middle of the range of zoom settings. Lenses tend to distort (bend) lines less at mid-range settings.

Happy shooting!

How to determine a Camera’s Capabilities

By Nathaniel

When you’re holding that beautiful camera in your hands, the first thing you should do is see what it is capable of doing. Are the pictures sharp, can you adjust settings, will it meet your needs, or will you outgrow it within a few months or weeks? You should have a good idea of what you want and what you need. Now you need to see if the camera you like will satisfy your needs and wants.

You should never be in a hurry to make a digital camera purchase. They are expensive, therefore, time and consideration is and should be needed. I encourage you to do your research on the Internet and then go to your local camera store. Try to avoid department stores for the personnel there may not be knowledgeable about cameras. At a camera store you can actually see and hold the camera. Not only that, but you will be able to get great assistance from such places for the sales people themselves are knowledgeable about the cameras and may even be photographers themselves.

While at the camera store ask if they have literature on the camera you’re interested in or better yet, see if they have a copy of the user’s manual available so that you may browse through it. Do not be rushed by someone looking at his or her watch and constantly asking if you are ready to make a decision. Check to see what the manual has to say about the camera’s capabilities. If you find something close to what you want but that may be missing a couple of features, ask the salesperson if he or she has any recommendations. Revisit the Internet if necessary after shopping around.

Similar to buying a car, few people walk right in and purchase one. A digital camera, although costing less, should not be any different. Yo need to see it, drive it, look at all the options, and come back later when you’ve checked out the competition.

Shop around and take your time. There is no need to rush and/or pressure yourself into buying a camera. Do not even allow sales to pressure you into purchasing something you may regret later. If a salesperson is pressuring to purchase any camera, the best thing to do is to politely move on to another store. Such people are interested in closing a sale and getting their commission. They are not interested in help you. In this case you have to help yourself by educating yourself about cameras and what it is you want and need.

I hope that this short article will prove to be beneficial to you. Please follow my blog in order to receive more helpful and valuable information about all things pertaining to photography. Thank you for your time.