Canon EOS 550D

Powerful entry-level DSLR with cinematic video capabilities

Canon EOS 550D
79/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 16
Performance 16
Durability 16
Price 14
Usability 17
Brand Canon
Model 4462B003

Key Features

SENSOR 18.0 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
PROCESSOR DIGIC 4 image processor for fast processing
AUTOFOCUS 9-point AF system with center cross-type sensor
PHASE DETECTION Dedicated TTL secondary image-forming phase-difference detection
VIDEO Full HD 1080p at 30/25/24fps, H.264 format
STABILIZATION Lens-based optical image stabilization support
BURST RATE 3.7 frames per second, up to 34 JPEGs
VIEWFINDER Eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x magnification
DISPLAY 3.0-inch Clear View LCD, 1.04 million dots, fixed
CONNECTIVITY USB 2.0, HDMI mini out, 3.5mm mic jack
MEMORY CARD Single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot
WEATHER SEALING Plastic chassis, no official weather sealing rating
BATTERY LIFE Approx. 440 shots per charge, LP-E8 battery

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Canon EOS 550D

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✓ Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✓ Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✓ Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ~ Limited Via main dial + AV button
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ~ Limited Via main dial
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✓ Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✗ Not Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✓ Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✓ Present
Drive Mode Control ✓ Present

How-to Use Canon EOS 550D

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Canon EOS 550D Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Canon EOS 550D

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor APS-C CMOS
Resolution 18.0 Megapixels
ISO Range 100-6400 (expandable to 12800)
Autofocus 9-point AF
Shutter Speed 1/4000 to 30 sec
Burst Rate 3.7 fps
Video 1080p @ 30fps
Stabilization Lens-dependent
Viewfinder Pentamirror
LCD 3.0-inch fixed
Memory Card SD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity USB 2.0, HDMI
Battery Life 440 shots
Weight 530g
Dimensions 128.8 x 97.5 x 75.3 mm