Canon EOS 550D user reviews

Sean Gilbert 9 June 2012

Good: Good image quality, good battery life, movie's excellent (but they are huge in size).

Bad: needs a fast SD card (class 10), a class 6 is not good enough for HD video.

Comment: Wouldn't mind seeing a better kit lens with it. I purchased a refurbished one from eBay at a fraction of the new price (I paid £320 including the IS kit lens) - at that price it is a no brainer!

Andrew_Field 18 March 2011

Good: Image quality is superb, Excellent LCD display, Great battery Life, Shooting modes are very easy to select

Bad: Slower continuous photos than higher end cameras, but fine for the average user

Comment: This is my first Canon camera having been an Olympus devotee for many years. The lack of a real roadmap for 4/3 forced me to change and I have not been disappointed.

The camera feels very comfortable in my hand and the viewfinder is clear and uncluttered. The controlll fall to hand quite easily once you have located them and are intuitive and easy to use. The camera is well equipped with the same 18MP sensor as used on the 60D and 7D. The kit lens is bright and even though the maxumum aperture is only 5.6 at maximum zoom the higher ISO speeds don't exhibit too much in the way of noise and auto ISO allows you get shots with narrow depth of field even in fairly poor light. There is an ISO push facility which lets you go up to 12800 should you wish and this is great for grainy low light shots.

I was sceptical about whether I wanted a camera to take video as well, but have been very impressed with this, one tip though, get an external microphone if you want reasonable sound, but 1080P video is certainly a worthwhile addition. I was also not convinced by live view, always preferred to compose via the viewfinder, but again, the large bright screen has sold me on this feature.

So, am I glad I made the switch, yes. Did I consider any other camera? Yes, the 60D and 7D, and as I couldnt stretch to the 7D I looked carefully at the 60D and 550D and simply couldn't justify the extra cost for the 60D over the 550D given the features of each.

If you are in the market for a good DSLR at a great preice, then this is the one I would suggest

*** P.S. If you will buy this camera I suggest at: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0037KM0F8/?tag=reviews.cnet.co.uk-21

Ho-Man Li 2 February 2011

Good: Weight, Functions, Excellent Screen, high video mode

Bad: no flip out screen.

Comment: A great entry DSLR, lots of lens options and an overall good camera with lots of features and functions of it's big brother. As my first DSLR I have to say I am glad I went for the 550D. If they bring out a 600D I am guessing the changes will be minimal.

hjkl 29 December 2010

Good: Easy to use, I own a IMAC. Very easy to install and edit photos.

Bad: Absolutely a nightmare taking the lens out, photo quality alright, not very good. It got broken, sent it to canon. Got a new one.

Comment: Go and buy one, good value for money... But somethings need improving.

Keith Brown 1 October 2010

Good: Everything

Bad: not found anything yet

Comment: I would highly recommend this camera

dugfrumfev 30 August 2010

Comment: great camera when you've been used to a small compact, it takes a bit of getting used to, but when you get the hang of it,its great. one small gripe though,the supplied lens is'nt quite up to the job.