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Canon 550D Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Canon 550D

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    Main Features

    • 18MP - APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 6400( expands to 12800)
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder
    • 4 fps continuous shooting
    • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video
    • 530g. 129 x 98 x 62 mm
    • Also known as EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4
    • Replaced Canon 500D
    • Replaced by Canon 600D
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Canon 550D Overview

    First introduced in April 2010 , Canon EOS 550D is a 18.0MP Entry-Level DSLR camera with a APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and Canon EF/EF-S lens mount. 550D is also sold as EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4 in some of the countries. Canon replaced the older Canon 500D with this model and later 550D was replaced with Canon 600D. Follow the links to compare these cameras in detail:
    Compare Canon EOS 550D (EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4) vs Canon 500D
    Compare Canon EOS 550D (EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4) vs Canon 600D

    Canon 550D Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Lens Mount and Lenses
    4. Sensor and Photography Features
    5. Physical Specs
    6. LCD and Viewfinder
    7. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    8. Video
    9. Other Features
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Canon 550D is a member of Canon's Rebel series of cameras. Canon's EOS Rebel series (known as EOS Kiss in Japan / EOS XXXD in other regions) are the all time best selling DSLR camera series in the world, providing perfect starting point for many photography lovers. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

    Canon Rebel Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Canon T8i
    Compare
    2020 24.0MP - APS-C 7.5 fps 131 x 103 x 76mm 515g
    Canon SL3
    Compare
    2019 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 122 x 93 x 70mm 449g
    Canon 4000D
    Compare
    2018 18.0MP - APS-C 3.0 fps 129 x 102 x 77mm 436g
    Canon T7
    Compare
    2018 24.0MP - APS-C 3.0 fps 129 x 101 x 78mm 475g
    Canon SL2
    Compare
    2017 24.0MP - APS-C 5.0 fps 122 x 93 x 70mm 453g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
    Canon T8i vs SL3 vs 4000D vs T7 vs SL2

    Canon 550D has an Overall Score of 61/100 and ranked #99 out of 206 in DSLR cameras (Top 10 DSLR), and ranked #280 out of 1223 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Canon 550D Physical Specs
    Canon 550D weighs 530 g (1.17 lb / 18.70 oz) and has external dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 2.44″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR type cameras is 774g, Canon 550D is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 62mm, it is also quite small, 14mm thinner than the average of its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 550D
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    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR Cameras

    Canon 550D
    Min
    Average
    Max

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Canon 550D, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Canon 550D Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Canon 550D Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now let's compare Canon 550D size with the camera that it replaced: Canon 500D. As depicted on the comparison image, and have the exact same height, width and thickness.


    Canon 550D vs Canon 500D Camera Size Comparison - Front View
    Comparison image of Canon 550D and Canon 500D Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Canon 550D with its main competitors:

    Canon 550D Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs 550D Thickness vs 550D
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 600D
    Compare
    570g 40g heavier 80mm 18mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 1200D
    Compare
    480g 50g lighter 78mm 16mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 500D
    Compare
    520g 10g lighter 62mm equal thickness
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 700D
    Compare
    580g 50g heavier 79mm 17mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 1100D
    Compare
    495g 35g lighter 78mm 16mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 60D
    Compare
    755g 225g heavier 79mm 17mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 4000D
    Compare
    436g 94g lighter 77mm 15mm thicker
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 650D
    Compare
    575g 45g heavier 79mm 17mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Canon 550D doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Canon 550D Sensor and Photography Features

    Canon 550D has a 18.0MP APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Digic 4 processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5184 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of and 3:2. 550D has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Canon 550D is not the highest resolution APS-C camera. Canon M6 MII with its 33.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Canon 550D vs Canon M6 MII or take a look at Highest resolution DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 550D DxOMark Sensor Scores

    DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Canon 550D sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 66 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Canon 550D here.

    Let's look at how the size of the Canon 550D's APS-C sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Canon 550D Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Canon 550D Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Canon 550D Lens Mount and Lenses

    Canon 550D has a Canon EF/EF-S lens mount and currently there are 326 native lenses available for this mount. EF mount has the widest and most complete native lens offerings in the DSLR world which helps Canon to protect its place as the number 1 choice amongst professional photographers all over the world.

    Canon 550D doesn't have a sensor based image stabilization system but 112 of these lenses already comes with Optical Image Stabilization. There are also 88 lenses with weather sealing for 550D but bear in mind that 550D body doesn't have weather sealings.

    Here are some of the most popular Canon 550D Lenses on Camera Decision:

    Popular Canon EF/EF-S Mount Lenses for Canon 550D
    Model Focal Length on 550D Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 II
    80mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM Lens Canon EF 24-105mm f4L IS USM
    38.4-168mm 35mm FF 670gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.8 STM
    80mm 35mm FF 159gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 IS STM Lens Canon EF-S 10-18mm f4.5-5.6 IS STM
    16-28.8mm APS-C / DX 240gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM Lens Canon EF 70-300mm f4-5.6 IS USM
    112-480mm 35mm FF 630gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye Lens Canon EF 15mm f2.8 Fisheye
    24mm 35mm FF 330gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM Lens Canon EF 50mm f1.4 USM
    80mm 35mm FF 290gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
    Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM Lens Canon EF 40mm f2.8 STM
    64mm 35mm FF 130gr AF Amazon B&H Photo

    Check our Canon 550D Lenses page for more detailed lens search.



    Canon 550D LCD and Viewfinder

    Canon 550D has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,040k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    550D has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor. The viewfinder has a coverage of 95% and a magnification ratio of 0.55x. 95% coverage means that what you see in your viewfinder while shooting will slightly be different from the actual image.

    Canon 550D Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect 550D to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Battery

    Canon 550D is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 470 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR type cameras is 943 shots, Canon 550D has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend 550D owners to buy some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Entry-Level DSLR Cameras

    Canon 550D
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Pentax K-x with its 1900shots is the model with longest battery life among Entry-Level DSLR cameras. Check the comparison of Canon 550D vs Pentax K-x or take a look at Longest Battery Life DSLR cameras list.

    Canon 550D Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 600D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 440shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 1200D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 500D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 440shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 700D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 440shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 1100D
    Compare
    1280 x 720 700shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 60D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 1100shots No No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 4000D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots Yes No No
    Canon EOS 550D Camera Canon 650D
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 440shots No No No

    Canon 550D Video Features

    With Canon 550D, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30,25,24 fps and save in and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Canon 550D will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    550D has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. Canon 550D also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Canon 550D Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Canon 550D can shoot continuously at max speed of 4 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

    Flash

    550D has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

    Focusing

    Canon 550D features both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus (AF) systems which ensures speed and accuracy of focusing in most situations. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Canon 550D also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    User Manual
    You can download Canon 550D's User Manual here

    Canon 550D PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Canon 550D review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Full HD Video
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Face Detection Focusing
    18.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    1.040k dots LCD Resolution
    530g Light Body
    External Microphone Port
    Flash Sync Port
    Report a correction

    Buy Canon 550D from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Image Stabilization
    No Articulating Screen
    No Touch Screen
    0.55x magnification - Small Viewfinder
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Low Battery Life: 470 shots
    No Environmental Sealing
    Not so wide AE Bracketing Range: ±2 EV
    No AF Micro Adjustment
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Canon 550D Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Canon 550D in 5 different photography areas.

    Canon 550D for Portrait Photography

    Canon 550D has a score of 55 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 550D for Portrait Photography

    Canon 550D for Street Photography

    Canon 550D has a score of 58 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    No Image Stabilization
    Large Body

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 550D for Street Photography

    Canon 550D for Sports Photography

    Canon 550D has a score of 72 for Sports Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Sports Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 DSLR Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
    Good Ergonomics&Handling
    Optical Built-in Viewfinder
    Average Continuous Shooting: 4.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    9 Focus Points
    No Image Stabilization

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 550D for Sports Photography

    Canon 550D for Daily Photography

    Canon 550D has a score of 58 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Large Body
    530g
    Body Thickness 62mm

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 550D for Daily Photography

    Canon 550D for Landscape Photography

    Canon 550D has a score of 41 for Landscape Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top DSLR Cameras for Landscape Photography list.
    Live-view
    Large APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sensor
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Canon 550D for Landscape Photography
    Canon 550D Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Canon 550D compares with other DSLR cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Canon 550D alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Canon 550D

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Canon 550D amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Canon 600D
    Canon 600D
    Compare
    Canon 1200D
    Canon 1200D
    Compare
    Canon 500D
    Canon 500D
    Compare
    Canon 700D
    Canon 700D
    Compare
    Canon 1100D
    Canon 1100D
    Compare
    Canon 60D
    Canon 60D
    Compare
    Canon 4000D
    Canon 4000D
    Compare
    Canon 650D
    Canon 650D
    Compare

    Canon 550D Alternatives in Mirrorless Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Canon 550D with Mirrorless Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked Mirrorless cameras in Canon 550D's price range.

    Olympus E-M10 II
    Olympus E-M10 II
    Compare
    Fujifilm X-T10
    Fujifilm X-T10
    Compare
    Olympus E-M10
    Olympus E-M10
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL7
    Olympus E-PL7
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL8
    Olympus E-PL8
    Compare
    Panasonic G5
    Panasonic G5
    Compare
    Olympus E-PL5
    Olympus E-PL5
    Compare
    Pentax Q10
    Pentax Q10
    Compare
    Frequently Asked Questions about Canon 550D
    Does the Canon 550D have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Canon 550D have RAW support?
    Does the Canon 550D have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Canon 550D have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Canon 550D?
    What is the Sensor Size of Canon 550D?
    is the Canon 550D a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Canon 550D have Touch Screen?
    Does the Canon 550D have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Canon 550D?
    What is the Weight of Canon 550D?
    What are the Dimensions of Canon 550D?
    Canon EOS 550D Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Canon
    Model Canon EOS 550D
    Also known as EOS Rebel T2i / EOS Kiss X4
    Announced 2010-04-01
    Body Type Compact SLR
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount Canon EF/EF-S
    Number of Lenses 326
    Focal Length Multiplier 1.6×
    Macro Focus Range n/a
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT color liquid-crystal LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 1,040k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Optical (pentamirror)
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.55x
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 30s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 4.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 13.00 m
    Max Flash Sync 1/200s
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score 66
    DxO Color Depth 22.0
    DxO Dynamic Range 11.6
    DxO Low Light ISO 807
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CMOS
    Sensor Size APS-C
    Sensor Dimensions 22.3 x 14.9 mm
    Sensor Area 332.27mm2
    Sensor Resolution 18 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5184 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Max Boosted ISO 12800
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Number of Focus Points 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30, 25, 24 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 50 fps), 640 x 480 (60, 50 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 530g
    Physical Dimensions 129 x 98 x 62mm
    Battery Life 470 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LP-E8
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 sec or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC
    Storage Slots 1


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