Canon EOS 550D 18-55mm 55-250mm IS Twin Kit-iFCL Metering System

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 Canon 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 Canon 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.

   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 camera 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 Canon EOS 550D SLR 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 the Canon 550D 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 Movie Crop function records with the central 640x480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. This DSLR 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.

 The Canon EOS 550D SLR camera 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. As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the Canon 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. For 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 Canon 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.

 This Canon 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The Canon 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.

Owners of the new Canon 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 details: