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<td><a href="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-550d.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-673" title="Canon EOS 550D" src="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/canon-550d.jpg" alt="Canon EOS 550D" width="320" height="277" /></a></td>
<td>The CANON EOS 550D sports an LCD screen with anti-reflective technology to give you the ability to take photos and see your shots clearly even under bright studio lights or midday sun. Despite improvements with the LCD screen though, experienced enthusiasts may still find that the optical viewfinder is not as accurate as they would like, further to that the flash coverage at wide angles is uneven. But as we find with most cameras, it's a trade-off between what you need, what you want, and what you can live without.</td>
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Let's get to the gist of it in the tabs below.

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[tabhead id="1"]  Overview  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="2"]  Cheers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="3"]  Jeers  [/tabhead] [tabhead id="4"]  Who is it for?  [/tabhead] [tabhead_last id="5"]  The Verdict  [/tabhead_last]  [tab id="1"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Launched in February 2010</li>
	<li>3.7 fps in continuous shooting</li>
	<li>18 megapixels</li>
	<li>3.0-inch, 720x480-pixel anti-reflective and water-repellent LCD screen</li>
	<li>Expanded HD movie mode ability for better videos</li>
	<li>Successor to the EOS 500D</li>
	<li>Also known as Rebel T2i</li>
	<li>Currently retailing for around US $900</li>
</ul>
[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="2"] [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Takes good quality photos</li>
	<li>Excellent performance in low light</li>
	<li>Anti-reflective LCD screen (helpful in bright day light)</li>
	<li>User-friendly controls, crafted for beginners</li>
	<li>Fairly quick live view</li>
	<li>Autofocus during movie recording</li>
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[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="3"]  [list style="orb" color="grey"]
<ul>
	<li>Flash coverage is uneven</li>
	<li>No swivel screen limits view angles, especially when filming</li>
	<li>Optical viewfinder is not as accurate</li>
	<li>Battery performance is still below average</li>
</ul>
[/list]  [/tab] [tab id="4"]
 Proud beginner

 Casual photographer

 Point &amp; shoot photo fan

<strong>√ DSLR photo fan</strong>

 Advanced photographer

The CANON EOS 550D is a good entry-level camera for DSLR beginners given its easy to understand features. At the same time, it is also an excellent choice for enthusiasts who want a DLSR with similar features to Canon’s prosumer EOS 7D model but for a considerably smaller price tag.[/tab] [tab id="5"]CANON EOS 550D is a fantastic all-round DSLR, the many rave reviews it has received are a testament to just how good it is.
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<strong>Build Quality &amp; Design: </strong><strong>A welcome hefty size.</strong>

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CANON EOS 550D is an entry-level DLSR designed after its predecessor, the Canon EOS 500D, it's a sizeable camera with 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0 inch-dimensions and weighs in at approximately 736 grams. It is well-built, solid, and stable, and the rubber grip is comfortable and secure to hold even with one hand.

The 3:2 aspect ratio screen allows the user to see images in Live view without black borders and the HD video at 16:9 ratio is also a better fit for the screen allowing for more visible detail.

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<strong>Controls &amp; Ergonomics: Well placed, and easy to find. </strong>

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When it comes to controls the CANON EOS 550D is fairly similar to that of 500D, with a few tweaks. Buttons are now labeled with words or icons to help users navigate the functions easily. The options remain the same as the 500D but with the addition of a dedicated Live View/Movie button.

<a href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T2I/T2IA.HTM">Imaging-resource</a> adds that “Canon's menu design on the [550D] was among the clearest and easiest to understand compared to current digital SLRs […].” It also has a Creative Auto (CA) mode which allows basic user control without needing to understand shutter speed or aperture.”

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<strong>Shooting Performance: You'll miss less shots. </strong>

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CANON EOS 550D is quick to power up at 0.4 seconds with a shutter lag time of 0.252 seconds at full autofocus and 0.096 seconds when prefocused. Its movie mode is also capable of recording at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second and allows single autofocus during recording. Another feature of the 550D is its improved burst shooting at 3.7 frames per second. In addition to this, EOS 550D’s ISO range is at 100-6400 but is expandable up to 12800 and maximum aperture is at 3.5.

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<strong>Image Quality: Crisp and Clear.</strong>

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Because of CANON EOS 550D’s expandable ISO range, shooting in very dimly lit areas is made much easier. However, on the disappointing side, the flash coverage is uneven when taking wide-angle shots.That said, images taken with the 550D are exceptionally sharp and detailed. With its CA mode to assist beginners with aperture and shutter speed settings, users don’t need to hurriedly learn the advanced menus to be able to get good shots. You can rest easy that you'll capture that homerun, winning goal, or bird taking flight, this is a great camera for action shots!

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<strong>Special Features: Copyright Information.</strong>

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Like the Canon 7D in the prosumer line, you can also add your copyright information to images with the CANON EOS 550D.

<strong>The Beginners' Lens Ratings</strong>

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This table will help you evaluate the usefulness of a camera according to various photographic situations. These ratings are based on our photographers’ experience, taking into consideration the features and reviewed performances of the camera:

•	1 flash is a poor performance;

•	5 flashes herald a stellar performance.

The notes column features observations from advanced photographers. Feel free to agree/disagree in the comments below.
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Photo Type</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Camera Rating</strong></td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;"><strong>Notes</strong></td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Action / Children</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">3.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Optical Image Stabilization together with relatively quick burst speed yield excellent and stable actions shots.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Landscape / Architecture</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4  flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">18 megapixel sensor produces clear and detailed images.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Low light</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Excellent image quality even in very low light.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Portrait</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">4 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Creative Auto mode which facilitates improved portrait shots.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Rough conditions</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Good for normal everyday use.</td>
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<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Safari-like</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">2.5 flashes</td>
<td style="border: 0px solid #e08270;">Not great with kit lens, much improved with a telephoto lens longer than 100mm.</td>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>CATEGORY		:	DSLR</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>TOTAL RATING	:	20.50 / 30</strong></p>
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<strong>The Verdict (Extended version)</strong>

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The CANON EOS 550D is one of the most remarkable on the market today.

The improved features are definitely a plus for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike. And while the camera is beginner-friendly, it also allows for full manual configuration for the more advanced users, simplifying their search for the correct button in the quick menu. With superb image quality, there is no denying that you will definitely get your money’s worth with the 550D. Even <a href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/">DPreview </a>agrees that “it is the best camera of its class that we've ever seen, and one of those rare cameras that won't look out of date in a couple of years' time.”

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<strong>Review Digest</strong>

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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>CAMERA REVIEW WEBSITE</strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong>WHAT THEY HAVE TO  SAY</strong></td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos550d/">DPReview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“In practice, the camera does not disappoint, and in all respects it gives excellent performance, at least matching but in most cases bettering the best of the competition.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_550D_Rebel_T2i/">Cameralabs.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“Indeed it's a fantastic camera for videophiles on a budget, while the 18 Megapixel resolution, confident metering and superb screen will delight still photographers.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/T2I/T2IA.HTM">Imaging-resource.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“Though it comes at a noticeably lower price, the Canon [EOS 550D] handily trumps the competition from Nikon and others, and offers some timely features worth noticing.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.steves-digicams.com/camera-reviews/canon/eos-digital-rebel-t2i-slr/steves-conclusion-82.html">Steves-digicam.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“Bottom line - Canon's [EOS 550D] continues the traditions of the Digital Rebel line by offering outstanding performance, high-quality still/video capture, and plenty of advanced controls […] that are unmatched at this price.”</td>
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<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;"><strong><a rel="shadowbox;width=1000;height=640" href="http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=4312&amp;review=canon+rebel+t2i">Digitalcamerareview.com</a></strong></td>
<td style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid;">“No matter its intention, the [EOS 550D] is a capable performer and pleasant shooting companion […] there are more than enough available settings to satisfy manual shooters, and a basic serving of auto and scene modes to help folks either transition into a DSLR or just go about their photo adventures with the camera handling the lion's share of the duties.”</td>
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