Canon EOS 550D Review

March 31, 2010 | Zoltan Arva-Toth | |

Main Rivals

Listed below are some of the rivals of the Canon EOS 550D.

Canon EOS 500D

The Canon EOS 500D is the latest DSLR camera to jump on the HD video bandwagon, offering 1080p and 720p quality settings. Also known as the Digital Rebel T1i, the successor to the EOS 450D features a 15 megapixel CMOS sensor, 940,000 dot 3-inch LCD screen, Live View and ISO range of 100-12800. At $799.99 / £869.99 body only or $899.99 / £969.99 with the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens, find out if the Canon EOS 500D is the best consumer digital SLR in our expert review.

Canon EOS 7D

The Canon EOS 7D is a brand new 18 megapixel DSLR camera, complete with 8fps continuous shooting, high-res 3 inch LCD screen, Live View and Full HD movies. The Canon 7D also features a number of significant improvements to its auto-focusing, metering, viewfinder and flash systems, which all add up to make this one of the best-ever specified EOS cameras. Find out if the Canon EOS 7D can also take great pictures by reading the World's first expert review...

Nikon D5000

The Nikon D5000 is the latest digital SLR camera to incorporate a video recording mode, capable of producing 720p, 1280x720 pixel movies at 30fps complete with sound. The 12.3 megapixel D5000 also features a vari-angle LCD screen, making unusual picture compostions easier than with a fixed screen. More traditional SLR features include an ISO range of 100-6400, 4fps continuous shooting, and 11-point autofocus system. Retailing for £719.99 / €878.00 / $729.95 body only, or £799.99 / €972.00 / $849.95 with the 18-55mm VR kit lens, we find out if the Nikon D5000 can successfuly combine video and still images in our latest expert review.

Olympus E-450

Looking for the smallest DSLR camera in the world? Step forward the diminutive Olympus E-450, weighing in at less than 400 grams. The tiny E450 is based on the FourThirds standard, offering a 10 megapixel sensor, 2.7 inch LCD screen and brand new Art Filters for creating your own digitally enhanced master-pieces. Is the Olympus E-450 worth £350 body only / £450 single lens kit in the UK, or $699 for the double-lens kit in the US? Zoltan Arva-Toth finds out in the World's first online Olympus E-450 review.

Olympus E-620

The Olympus E-620 is an affordable mid-range digital SLR camera that offers a lot of bang for your buck. The 12 megapixel E620 features built-in image stabilisation, a free-angle LCD screen, compact dimensions and light weight, 7-point autofocus system and 6 Art filters. Is the E-620 the best Olympus DSLR yet? Read our expert review to find out.

Olympus E-P2

Olympus have expanded their Micro Four Thirds family with the launch of the E-P2. Heavily promoted in a series of eye-catching adverts fronted by none other than Kevin Spacey, the E-P2 adds a smattering of new features to the existing E-P1. These include an optional electronic viewfinder, two new Art Filters, the ability to record movies in Manual mode, and a sober all-black finish. Gavin Stoker finds out if the Olympus E-P2 really is a camera for everyone in our latest expert review.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1

The new Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is a new DSLR-like camera that can shoot both still photos and high-definition video. Based on the Micro Four Thirds standard, the Panasonic GH1 takes all the good points of the original G1 camera and adds a plethora of advanced movie-making functionality into the mix. Available now in black, red and gold for $1499.95 / £1299.99, Mark Goldstein finds out if the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1 is the best ever DSLR / video camera.

Pentax K-7

The new Pentax K-7 digital SLR camera is one of the big surprises of 2009, offering a multitude of desirable features in a compact, weatherproof body. The K7 is the latest DSLR to feature a HD movie recording mode, in addition to its 14.6 megapixel still images. Other highlights include a dedicated HDR mode, improved 11-point auto-focus, high-res 3 inch LCD screen and optical viewfinder with 100% frame coverage. Can the Pentax K-7 take on and beat the likes of the Nikon D300 and Canon EOS 50D? Read our in-depth review with test shots, JPEGS, RAW files and movie to find out...

Samsung NX10

The catchily named "mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras" are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, a fact that Samsung have recognised with the launch of their own rival system to the Micro Four Thirds standard. The Samsung NX10 is the first model in the new series, featuring a DSLR-like design, large 3 inch AMOLED screen, electronic viewfinder, 720p video and a large APS-C CMOS sensor with 14.6 megapixels. With 30mm pancake, 18-55mm and 50-200mm lenses and a smattering of accessories available from day one and five more lenses to follow this year, Samsung are certainly making a sizeable investment in their compact/DSLR hybrid system. Read our Samsung NX10 review, complete with 50 JPEG samples and 12 RAW, to find out if it can out-perform its Olympus and Panasonic rivals.

Sony A380

Sony have revamped their entry- and mid-range DSLR cameras for 2009, with the A380 replacing the A350 as the most sophisticated model. The Sony A380 retains all the key features of its predecessor - 2.7 inch tilting LCD screen, Live View, anti-dust system, ISO range of 100-3200, body anti-shake system, eye-start auto-focus system and Dynamic Range Optimiser - whilst updating the design and user interface to supposedly make it easier to use. Find out if Sony's designers have been successful by reading our in-depth review of the £700 / $850 Sony A380 DSLR.

Sony A500

The Sony A500 is the latest mid-range DSLR camera to enter the market, promising excellent low-light performance thanks to its new 12.3 megapixel sensor and BIONZ processor. Offering an easy upgrade path for compact camera users but crucially enough advanced features to tempt more experienced photographers, the Sony A500 occupies that fiercely contested middle ground between complete beginner and the well-heeled prosumer. Find out if the Sony A500 offers the best value for your money in our in-depth review.

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