- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How it compares
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Canon EOS 550D
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Rated 78% by by c|net (Apr, 2010)The camera also delivers the best video capture quality I've seen in a sub-$1,000 dSLR-subject to the inescapable limitations the technology, like unusable autofocus-with good exposure, sharpness, minimal artifacts, and excellent audio.
Conclusion Check out the Canon EOS 550D
Features Key features of the Canon EOS 550D
17.9 MP
APS-C
Rated 77% by by DPReview (Apr, 2010)Central to the impressive specification of the EOS 550D is a high-spec movie mode which offers full HD capture at up to 30 fps, manual control over exposure, and the option to use an external stereo microphone.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 24 MP    | 30 MP |
EOS 550D by hx1 (Dec, 2010)I learned my lesson and am now very leery of "big" megapixel cameras... More megapixel is not better!
EOS 550D by DPReview (Apr, 2010)Both cameras are capable of excellent resolution, but the EOS 550D just edges ahead thanks to its greater pixel count.
sensor size
EOS 550D by DPReview (Apr, 2010)The EOS 550D uses an APS-C size sensor and therefore you can't quite create the same DOF effects as on the full-frame EOS 5D Mark II but you still get a much shallower, more cinematic depth of field than with any digital compact camera.
EOS 550D by Photography Blog (Mar, 2010)Like all of Canon's APS-C digital SLR cameras, the EOS 550D / T2i is compatible with the manufacturer's entire line-up of lenses, including both EF and EF-S glass.
viewfinder size
EOS 550D by Dart (Jan, 2011)I also like the 'Live' setting (using the screen, which is a nice size, instead of the viewfinder) though under normal shooting I still like the viewfinder.
EOS 550D by Manish-S.-Vanjara--PhotographerTo be honest, in 5D, I can gauge the focus, and I can frame the image very easily due to the viewfinder brightness and size.
body size
129 x 98 x 62 mm
145 x 106 x 79 mm
145 x 111 x 71 mm
EOS 550D by Kenneth-R.-Depree (Aug, 2010)I expected to stay with that camera because it took excellent photos, allowed me to shoot videos for YouTube, permitted continuous shooting, and grouped for HDR processing-without having the expense of a SLR and lenses or the weight that comes with them.
EOS 550D by Richard-Hohn--Rixtar (May, 2012)I am especially pleased with the size and weight of the camera...it is among the smallest and lightest weight.
focus points
| 0 | 11 | 60 |
EOS 550D by ELMCIt doesn't always lock onto the target in the right place when all focus points are used, so I find myself using a single point.
Performance Real world tests of Canon EOS 550D
DxOMark image quality
EOS 550D by Charles-Perschon--Desert-Photography (Mar, 2010)IMAGE QUALITY: Image quality is amazing.
DxOMark low light performance
EOS 550D by VMI-1982 (Apr, 2012)This new unit was less expensive that that XTi it replace, has a higher resolution, uses my existing lenses and flash and seems to work even better than the one it replaces (I've notice a faster focusing and better performance under low light).
EOS 550D by E.-Lindahl--Just-a-guy (Jul, 2011)Taking pictures in low light was never an option with my previous camera, I was pleasantly surprised at the great images I could get in low light with no flash.
shutter lag
| 0 ms | 283 ms  | 300 ms |
EOS 550D by Terry (Jan, 2011)Shutter delay is almost eliminated and even though I hate to admit it the larger sensor of the DSLR does result in a much cleaner image file making photo editing a breeze.
EOS 550D by AnthonyH (Aug, 2011)They have great response times and are easy press from shooting position.
continuous shooting
EOS 550D by Trapshooter--UncleGuido (Jul, 2010)I was very happy with the quickness of the continuous shooting.
EOS 550D by Kenneth-R.-Depree (Aug, 2010)It should also say to use at least a Class 6 card when continuous shooting.
battery life
440 photos
1,100 photos
980 photos
EOS 550D by Will-S. (Jun, 2010)Picture clarity is great, battery life is good, weight is comfortable, lens is good for a beginner (though I have upgraded and purchased a Canon 70-300mm), and the buttons/menus are easy to navigate once you figure everything out.
EOS 550D by Nathan-Katsiaficas--nate-kLong battery life - I did spring for a second battery soon after buying it as a precaution, but I rarely need it, despite taking 2000-3000 photos in one day at times.-The sensor in the T2i is incredible at maintaining depth of field and capturing quality images, way better than comparable mid-range Nikon cameras.
Our analysis How does it stack up against its top 10 competitors
pros
-
HD video -
Generic -
Gives you more flexibility when framing your shot -
1,040 k dots -
Opaque -
400 ms -
For that film look -
62 mm -
129 x 98 x 62 mm
cons
-
66.0 -
Feb, 2010 -
12,800 ISO -
3.7 fps -
None -
1 -
The screen is fixed in place -
No automatic HDR -
11.5 ev -
95% -
HD video -
Use buttons to access features and menus -
No automatic 3D -
440 -
You'll have to protect your camera from the elements -
784 ISO -
0.54x -
No automatic stitching -
1/4000 s
Reviews Word on the street
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 | Rated by 832 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Purnachandra--W-Purna-Singh (Dec, 2011) Rated 100% by by wolfy (Jan, 2011) Rated 100% by by nako (Nov, 2010) |
Sensor
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 80% by by TrustedReviews (May, 2011)It has a buffer big enough for 34 images in high-quality JPEG mode, or six in Raw mode.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by PradeepWhen it comes to low light conditions, I did find the camera to be very sharp with high ISOs (upto ISO 1600).
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by jlu (Apr, 2011)I love the dedicated ISO button!! It makes things a lot easier when I have to change settings quickly.
Iso
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by P.-Malayil (Jan, 2011)Image quality is excellent and it has excellent options for aperture, shutter speed and ISO.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by Gerry-OginskiThis camera has a super-fast high speed shutter and high-speed exposure, up to a maximum of 3200 ISO.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by J.-Williams (May, 2011)My first shot (in program mode) ended up being automatically set at 3200 ISO - something the XT wasn't even capable of - and it looked as good as the XT did at 200 ISO!
Image quality
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by slugger (Mar, 2012)This is NOT a point and shoot camera, it will take a little bit of knowledge and experimenting to get quality photos, but well worth the time and effort.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by C.-SHI (Apr, 2010)I have been using this camera for almost a month now, I find it is very easy to use and the picture quality is far exceeding my expectation!
Lens
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by Terry (Jan, 2011)With the Canon T2i, the standard 18-55mm lens, the 55-250mm zoom, and the addition of a 60mm macro lens (reviewed else where) I feel I have a system that will meet my photo needs well into the future.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 80% by by Fabio-Passeto (Jan, 2012)But try to find what Canon offers on choices of normal or wide-angle lenses designed to the EF-S standard, there are very few options and none of them is a prime lens non-zoom normal or wide angle lens.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by satisfied-customer (Aug, 2011)Everything works wonderfully and I'm very happy with everything from the extra lenses to the lens cleaner.
Video
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by Jimi (Feb, 2011)You would definitely be a happy camper with this camera, it truly is a wonderful entry dslr with 720p & 1080p full HD video recording.
Canon EOS 550D | Rated 100% by by Dan134--dan134If you want to shoot video but do not want to pay for the 7D's bells and whistles (mostly in terms of still photography and build quality) and can't afford the 5D MkII, go for the Canon T2i.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Canon EOS 6D Largest sensor 6D vs 550D |
 | 2 | Nikon D5100 2-way tie: Autofocus supports continuous Nikon D5100 vs Canon EOS 550D |
 | 3 | Canon EOS 60D Most shots per battery charge 60D vs 550D |
 | 4 | Nikon D80 8-way tie: Doesn't have a built-in flash Nikon D80 vs Canon EOS 550D |
 | 5 | Nikon D7100 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark Nikon D7100 vs Canon EOS 550D |
 | 6 | Nikon D3100 5-way tie: Can autofocus while shooting video Nikon D3100 vs Canon EOS 550D |
 | 7 | Canon Rebel T3i 3-way tie: Has a flip out screen Rebel T3i vs EOS 550D |
 | 8 | Canon Rebel T3 Fastest to start up Rebel T3 vs EOS 550D |
New duel?
Let the battle continue or dare to compare.
Editions Editions of the Canon T2i / 550D / Kiss X4
| Price | Edition | Model | Continents | Phase detection focus points | Autofocus while shooting video | Compare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | | T2i | North America | 9 | | |||||
 | | Kiss X4 | Asia | 0 | | |||||
 | | 550D | Europe | 9 | Manual | | ||||
Popular Questions
Which camera i have to choose as i am Beginner?
I am going to buy my first ever DSLR camera but after reading lots of entries i am totally confused to select the right one. mainly i would like to take portriat (faces), nature things. and after...
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Looking to buy my first DSLR for primarily food blogging but also will be using it while traveling. Trying to decide between Canon T2i, T3i and Nikon D3200. Most of the food bloggers I follow...
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I need a camera for capturing birds, thats a gift for a 16 year old. i am confused between Canon 550D, Nikon coolpix P510 and Canon SX40.
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Hi guys I am really having a problem deciding between a Canon 550D and a Canon D7. I photograph jewelry and have a Canon EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM lens for the purpose. For dance photography...
Unanswered Questions
- 52 discussions
- View more
Canon 550 d or 600d ?
I am a teenager and i really like to take photos with my friends i want the camera to have effects and for the screen to be clear when zooming ..
Hi which one shall I buy?
I am a student, studying architecture, so will be photographing buildings mostly. Im stuck between these two as they are both in my budget. jessops has a deal with both twin lens both are on...
Light painting...
Can u tell me which camera has a can keep the shutter open longer for light painting -the d550 by canon or the Nikon d1500?
Community Find out what the Sortable community is saying about the Canon EOS 550D
62
people have recommended the
Canon EOS 550DTop Canon EOS 550D experts at Sortable
- 16.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
I'm a canon shooter, and as such, biased towards them, one thing you should look at however is what people you know use. If you're friends with a bunch of Nikon people, then buying a nikon you a...
- 0 comments
- June 11, 2012
- Reply to: Learning photography as a hobby
Both are great cameras, but Canon tends to have the lead when it comes to video making.
- 0 comments
- June 20, 2012
- Reply to: Which is best for shortfilm making?
Both are great.if u r thinking economically 550D is good !
- 0 comments
- July 20, 2012
- Reply to: Low light , portraits , wedding , fashion. macro,street
- 17.9 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
I strongly recommend the 550D, because I had it. When I upagraded it to the 600D I almost cry. There's a problem with the 600D talking about noise. You can appreciate noise even @ 100 ISO... my...
- 0 comments
- October 24, 2012
- Reply to: Is the EOS 600D or EOS 550D better for
Just flip out screen made a bit expensive 600D..otherwise the both camera are same.burst mode is bit more in 600D...I agree with Philip Davis.and for choosing right ow I got with 550D. wanna...
- 3 comments
- May 10, 2012
- Reply to: Profession.
I would recommend the EOS 550D just because it is cheaper. It is identical to the EOS 600D in every way except for the tilt and swivel screen. This may come in handy when shooting video or taking...
- 0 comments
- July 4, 2012
- Reply to: Taking nature photos & Wildlife
- 24.1 MP
- APS-C CMOS
- 3" LCD
Optical zoom is a function of the lens, which can be enhanced by ISO capability. If you are looking at taking fast action in low light then you will need a fast zoom (f/2.8). There is no "do it...
- 0 comments
- June 14, 2012
- Reply to: The optical zoom between the two? which is better?
Lens selection is critical for low light photography. Both Canon and Nikon have great lenses for your listed applications. The standard kit lens for these is an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, which is fine...
- 0 comments
- June 14, 2012
- Reply to: Taking photos in low light , wide view
Between the two Canon cameras, I'd suggest the 550D because the flip out screen on the 600D seems unnecessary to me. If you're shooting food in a studio then you could shoot tethered to really a...
- 0 comments
- July 25, 2012
- Reply to: Food photography
