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Creative control with no compromise on quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.
For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.
Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.
“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe. “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”
EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920x1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.
Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.
A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.
EOS build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.
Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step. Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.
For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi* connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption**.
Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.
CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Features at a glance:
- 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)
- Continuous shooting at 3.7fps
- Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates
- 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots
- iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor
- Quick Control screen to change shooting settings
- Exposure compensation +/-5 stops.
- Select maximum value for Auto ISO
- External Microphone socket
- Movie crop function
- Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility
SAVE 60D… please put there max 15mpx… the best will be 12 mpx with god range of colors and dynamics.
That +/-5 EC should be nice asset for HDR photogs :) Pity that you can’t see it fully in the VF, only +/-2 there…
I really hope they do mean Shutter control in video mode when they say ‘full manual control’
Magic Lantern Ahoy!
I will be buying this. I want a good camera with great video. I prey the reviews will give me the info I need to make this a day 1 purchase. Or I wait for PAX(I will anyways cause X2i doesn’t come out until after PAX) released camera’s.
Why wont my posts post?
oh but that one does
No 60D…disappointing.
So the new Rebel has better movie modes than the 5DMKii, what the heck Canon?! Whats with the jimmy kick?
For the non-believers
‘I told you so’…. Especially for all of those people who baffled me. Meaby you should take some time to listen to what some people tell you!
um… you do realize what baffled means, don’t you?
hope that we will have good news of 60D…..
by the way, 550D sounds better than 500D a lot!
(poor english, sorry about that)
YES! YES! YES! This is the camera I’ve been waiting for. I hesitated on the T1i because of the lame 1080p at 20 fps. And now the T2i has not only corrected that, but blown me away with it’s video features. Not only that, so many other improvements have been made. This is one sick camera. I wouldn’t have minded if they kept the mega pixels at 15…but I’ll check out the reviews when they come in. I’m also curious about the price.
But I’m almost 100% sure, I’m getting this baby. :-)
Maybe it means something else where you are from but by me it means confused, all those people who confused you.
Baffle- verb- totally bewilder or perplex
Nope, makes full sense if you know how this business works…
This should be a very nice backup and travel camera for a lot of folks. I want to know if the ergonomics have been improved. It looks awfully similar to the T1i.
I’m baffled by Canon’s seeming unwillingness to give the 5DMKii the expanded movie modes these cheaper cameras are getting…
Forgiven… for now…. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!
even though I am not awaiting some release in particular, my 30D does still fine, there’s another announcement date tomorrow…maybe there will be a 60D for all these photogs who are waiting…I am waiting out a 7DMk II whenever it may hit the streets. As things look now it is quite likely to feature ISO 25600 or even 52100. time will tell. I am glad for everyone who leaps for joy about this release her. regards. peter
This has to be a good indication that the 5DII will get 720p/60
Man, I want that auto ISO upper limit thing on my 7D.
Or that it wont… if it is in this new camera, with its single DIGIC IV, then it must be that they’ve figured out all the bumps already. They may have just decided the 5DMKII works for what it is and now if you want more you have to buy more. What Id really like to see at this point is Canon take all they’ve learned from single sensor video tech and build us a RED killer camcorder that takes stills also.
“30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps”
This proves one Digic 4 can handle these frame rates and we would be expecting the same in the new 5DMk2 firmware.
Boomshakaa!
Finally Canon is ambitiously checking some tickboxes and restart to produce well featured camera…I am a little afraid of the noise and diffraction, seen on the 7D, but wow! This simple and hopefully affordable camera, in the right hands…will be able to produce fantastic things…Pro who are currently broke will appreciate !
Very interesting thing…the sensor crop feature for video…this is exactly moving in the way I predicted concerning the future of the 1D serie and fast low res full frame sensor. Maybe I am wrong but I predict that this is the first sign of Advanced Full Frame sensor being able to select several coverage of its surface APS-H, and APS-C on demand, with high speed. This is I think the future of 1D serie : A fast, medium resolution (inferior of the 1Ds), full frame sensor being able to select the usefull surface of the sensor to use to take advantage of APS-H and APS-C range with tele…Very interesting indeed also because the features in video kill the rumors of underfeatured firmware for 5D2 pretty much…they share the same Digic 4 family sensor, I can imagine that there is several version among the family, but I can’t imagine Canon making cheap savings in putting a cheap Digic 4 version onboard the 5D2…
From opposite perspective, the 5D2, we know it, was quite rushed…let’s hope the Sluggish but still precise AF inherited from 5D1 was the only collateral damage of this relative rush…and the postponed update is just a marketing trick or just ressource allocation to allow the teams to develop 1D4, 7D, 550D, and the next 60D firmware…It should be good for 5D2 owners (keep fingers crossed!)
I think they put so many pixels in the 550D to not make it better than the 7D which already has too many pixels. So there is no hope for another chip in 60D.
Sounds like the video features (frame rates, ext. mic jack) are the only noteworthy improvements. I bet high iso noise won’t be much better.
T1i can do more burst mode frames. I don’t need the 3 extra megapixels.
I wonder how much Canon will charge for a rebel before they decide buyers deserve a better grip… This appears to be an otherwise awesome camera.
STUPID 18 MP!!!
I’m waiting for “5DMkII Team” to comment about the video features and firmware updates :)
Good, now I want my 1D MKV with the color metering and wide screen aspect ratio…
What is up with Canon? The 7D and T2i (and the eventual 5DIII) will have better metering, better screen and better added feature than the 1 series…
I dont expect the 1Ds IV to receive any of these update so I guess we will have to wait another 2y 1.2 for the 1D V…
sigh…
Hi Peter, what you are waiting for in a 7D2 that the 7D doesn’t currently offer? Furthermore, I don’t understand what people are looking for in a 60D… do they just want the 7D features in a body that costs 500 less? If that’s the case I’d say save another $500 and get a 7D as soon as you can.
Does this mean that this is the video announcement Canon was teasing for today?! If so, meh.
Does this mean the 500d might get a firmware update?
I only ask as both cameras seem to sport the same image processors “DIGIC 4”. Or have i got that completely wrong.
I agree with you. *sighs* Why Canon? !!
The 5D2 was rushed? 3 years is not rushed…
Sounds like a very aggressive set of features. Neat. But….
I am not sure why Canon stopped at 18megapixel on the sensor. I guess because at 18 they are safely in the insanity zone for entry-level APS-C cameras. I doubt any other manufacturer is willing to following them there. If I was Nikon, I’d run a campaign to educate the public on noisy images and pixel density. Done well, they would start to turn the tide on this megapixel race AND the public would appreciate learning the truth.
This is a bad sign for those of us who wanted the 60D to be less than 18… how can they market a 60D with fewer megapixels than the models above and below it?
The even worse news is all the talk about Canon software making radical changes to the RAW images to try to make them usable. That is very troubling. Speaking for myself, I MUCH prefer better hardware than software.
Can a ‘kit’ lens really resolve 18 megapixels? Sigh….
I hope I am proved wrong…
The burst buffer is the most disappointing thing I see so far in the specs.
I think people are forgetting the fact that the 7d is probably the best APS-C camera ever.
Nikon with their 12 mp sensor in the D300s isn’t really any better.
That makes no sense. If you have a full frame sensor, the mirror will be so large it will physically block the use of ef-s lenses. Plus selecting a different crop doesn’t change the pixel size, so you don’t get any better noise performance. You are better off to just crop in post.
My 2 cents
I’m sure it’ll come soon..
But LOL at the comment :)
Great news about ergonomics everyone!
According to Canon specs, the new body is (WxHxD) 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0. This means it will fit better in the hand! The T1i is 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 That is 0.6 inches more depth which means it will feel much more like Nikon D90!!!
Yes 7Dmk2 will have 21mpx 1.6crop sensor with 25600 in-spec ISO with Hi1 Hi2 and Hi3 (256k) modes available too. This way Canon wins both megapixel and ISO race once and for all. And the image quality? Who cares about that in Canon Japan?
Just read that the T2i will be selling for $799 for body only! Woo Hoo! I’m sold. What a steal. Can’t wait to get mine in March….HOPEFULLY! :-)
Yes it seems so, but Canon really didn’t expected the huge success and the high praise from the press the D700 was earning each months…So the fantastic sales of the D700, and the huge number of switchers, and we know it was reported so by press (the concerns about the switchers Canon exec had) made Canon haste the 5D2 a little bit. They choosed on which part they should focus their R&D…For a long time, the 5D was supposed to have 17-18MP full frame sensors…even some well informed sources said so…Okay we cannot be sure, but a strong feeling of urgency was shared by many in the releasing of the 5D2…(remembre all the debuging, and problems they had with this camera, black dots, etc. I am sure this is the kind of problem that could have been easily fixed with a proper testing campaign, even among pros…)
cool news!
Improved ergonomics is probably the most overlooked update this series needs. Honestly, the T1i took exceptional pictures in capable hands. I loved mine. But I loved it for its light and small volume build. The T2i fixes almost any complaint you may have had with the T1i (namely crippled video mode). But this little camera (rebel line) really needs a functional overhaul to take it to the next level. Internals are great! Externals are mediocre! Canon missed an opportunity here. I’m not quite sure to whom Canon has aimed this camera. If this camera is to co-exist with the T1i and actually take the place of the xxD series, then I think it would have made sense to offer more of the handling improvements that xxD users desire.
My only thought is this. That Canon is going to introduce a 7D2 at the end of this year and have the 7D and 7D2 remain current together. The 7D could then fall in price to around $1200 and the 7D2 could be priced at the $1800 mark.
But that still leaves me scratching my head as to what could possibly go into a 7D successor. I really don’t know what else it could use.
The EYE-Fi controller sounds killer!
I too would like to see the end to the megapixel race… Where’s my 15MP FF sensor?
Also, T2i weights 18.7 oz versus T1i at 16.9. Should feel a bit more balanced with my Canon 15-85 lens.
I thought it was gonna be released in November or in the summer. Now I’m wondering how the 60D will look like. Same this camera, except that it’s gonna be slightly bigger and faster and maybe 2 more AF points? If, it’s going to be released, of course..
Well, we already know the 24/25fps is coming.
They have now shown that 720p 50/60fps is possible with the single Digic IV…. it would be a real kick in the teeth if Canon don’t add this to the 5DII firmware.
The 5DII users are the ones who made all the noise about the video feature to begin with… we deserve it.
this is so sad..i just got my 500d last nov.of 09.
I’m hoping for sRAW with 10MP or so… unfortunately, an 10MP sRAW is larger than an original RAW with 10MP (on current cameras)… In addition, the 500D doesn’t feature sRAW, while the 50D does. Maybe they added sRAW to the 550D? Would be cool.
However, I’d preferred a 550D with 12 or 10MP.
http://www.canonrumors.com/2010/02/canon-rebel-t2i/
That rumor on the 1st was spot on!
Stan, what is PAX?
Yeah, me too…I would be interested in the specs of the differents Digic 4 used so far…
You got it right but I doubt Canon will release an update. People should go and buy 550Ds. ;)
“According to Canon specs, the new body is (WxHxD) 5.1 x 3.8 x 3.0. This means it will fit better in the hand! The T1i is 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 That is 0.6 inches more depth” “Its 2 ounces heavier too”
I’m wondering how the 60D will fit in too. There isn’t that much room in the lineup to get a new distinct camera, is there?
Canon just got even better in my book if it does have proper manual video, just hope they get the MKII firmware out before the flames get too high!
add 3Extra MP`s Plus $100 on the 500d. and you get 550d!!whoala..
seconded!
btw,This what 18mp looks like on Video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFqQj0puris
…..slightly dissapointed.
I am one of those people that wants high ISO more than they want more than ~10MP. …there is still a fair chance this will replace my XTi though. I will wait a couple of months until I see real reviews.
The T1i was better than the 50D at High ISO so I guess there is some slight hope this will be at least as good as the T1i. Dont start giving me stuff about the ability to post process images to give better results, I dont have time for that.
If canon is going to keep increasing the MP they need to start offering an option that creates in camera low MP, sharp, clean images in camera by binning sets of pixles.
Then we can have the best of both worlds. Huge landscape pictures and crop ability when outside under good light. And good, reasonably sized, pictures of our loved ones under less light.
If your post is related to mine (there was a reply button), you are totally right in your remark, using EF-S lense is non sense with full frame sensors and if you read my post completely, you must have seen I neither talked about EF-S lenses, nor changing the pixel size or noise…you associating my post will recent technologies to “improve dynamic range, ISO perf, or other things”. If your post is really replying to mine, I must add that my idea is just to adress the big demand for a quick D3-like FF sensor being able to crop on demand. I never talked about using DX lenses or EF-S lenses. Most pro using 1D serie (not 1Ds) use it because of the APS-H, and it’s edge on speed and the X1,3 factor in focal, useful when using long tele lenses for sport. BUT the same pro recognize that FF sensor could be better, but the additionnal range is just more useful than FF sensor in this league. Having both would definitely be an edge to win back pros…If they can choose between FX, APS-H, APS-C sensor, but with the classic restriction of using EF lenses (do they care about EF-S?), it will be a major plus. It will allow them to change on demand the range without having to put a multiplier, which can make them miss the shot. More than that, a multiplier multiplies also the aperture…smaller active zone on the sensor means no change in the aperture…
What do you think?
and the flames begin…
I think the combined stills and video camera system is the way to go, just like the way mobile phones have replaced lots of devices.
It makes it cheaper to produce and to buy, you get a massive shared range of lenses and accessories plus the opportunity to create new accessories aimed at specific uses (rails, grip, filters, data storage etc).
If anything I’d like to see Canon putting the R&D resources into new EF lenses (updating the old primes, and the new L’s) and supporting an EOS system for both stills and video this would be my preference to a new separate video line.
There will be benefits to stills photography from video R&D and vice-versa.
Exactly, especially when you downsize from 18mp to 12mp.
It looks the same to me – I guess I’ll believe it when I feel it.
That’s what sucks with the rebel line, a new model is like released every year.
huge megapixels and video cropping ability?
I agree, High ISO should be more important than video capabilities on a DSLR. Only option is to switch to Nikon at-least they get it.
DPreview have handled one and state that it is exactly the same body (except for minor alterations to the buttons and shutter release area).
Oh well, I suppose you can’t blame Canon, I doubt that many potential buyers will be put off by the body design (or at least they haven’t for the last 6 years), so why spend the money on a re-design…
Stills are my interest.
I havent had and SLR that shot video yet. I suspect I would use it on occsion, but as an afterthought not as a primary reason for getting the camera.
More and more I think that Canon does this deliberately in order to set the XXD/7D apart from the rebels, since so much of the internals are similar. This might make sense for the more inexpensive rebel models, but this is getting to be a sophistocated enthusiast-level camera, like you say, without enthusiast-level ergonomics.
I’m doubtful about a 7D replacement anytime soon, but I am baffled by the current price gap between this model and the 7D. Marketing the 50D is ever more difficult now that the Rebel offers many more features, and the 550D specs are high enough so as to doubt the possibility of a 60D. I guess time will tell…
@Justin: I would wait for usable extended high ISO’s as I am doing everything without flash and a 5D2 is beyond my amateur budget. regards
If a 18mp sensor on a Rebel camera can have similar high ISO perfomance as the 7D I would already be very impressed, what more could you ask for? The 7D is a great performer for its 18mp in the first place.
550D: US$799
70D : US$1,699
Price gap: US$900
60D: US$1,199
Being LOGICAL: Priceless
550D: US$799
70D : US$1,699
Price gap: US$900
60D: US$1,199
LOGICAL: Priceless
My only, and I mean ONLY reservation is with Canon’s choice to go with 18 mega pixels instead of keeping the new rebel at a respectable 15. But I will wait to hold judgement until I see the reviews. I am sure Canon wouldn’t put this out there if it didn’t match the 7D’s quality.
Aside from that, this is my dream camera(except that it isn’t FF…LOL). Seriously, it is the PERFECT travel dslr for me, and I can’t wait to get my hands on one. The synergies between still and video look amazing. :-)
Yes, they should really add this feature to the 7D (and the 5D Mk.II for that matter) via a firmware update, or this will be a slap in the face for many 7D buyers. Its a joke that the 7D didn’t have this right from the start. At least Canon cannot argue any longer that configurable auto ISO is a “pro” feature.
Of course, you are aware that the relative crop of a 12MP would be:
for 1.3x crop ~ 7.7 MP
for 1.6x crop ~ 4.6 MP
I’m not sure how useful a sub-8 MP image would be to most professionals these days.
I think they don’t put the auto upper ISO thing on high end canon’s because amature/pro photographers (who use 50D’s +) use auto like 0.1% of the time that they shoot.
So is that it? No more announcements? Am I safe to buy the 50 1.4 now without seeing a second version soon?
Plus one over here.
This feature is a MUST on the 7D!
You are NEVER safe Peter. Lol. The moment you buy something, a newer better version is just around the corner. Still I’d wait a few days at least to be sure. No harm in that right? Then if nothing, go for the 50 1.4 and enjoy. Great lens.
Canon’s technical specs state (UK) 550D: 128.8 x 97.3 x 62 mm
http://www.canon.co.uk/Images/EOS_550D_Specification_Sheet-v1_0_tcm14-711521.pdf
500D: 128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm
http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Product_Finder/Cameras/Digital_SLR/EOS_500D/index.asp?specs=1
I think that someone has mis-read something, sorry!
you should switch to Nikon if their design philosophy suits you better than Canon’s. I’d never switch to Nikon with their lame HDSLR ability and their low MP sensor’s that offer at best only slight ISO/noise ability over Canon’s higher MP cameras. That’s why I’m a Canon shooter. It makes no sense for people to whine in forums that Canon should become Nikon, just buy your Nikon and be happy.
Hahaha I agree. And even if not today, the 50 1.4 is due for an update, but I’m willing to purchase now if February’s announcements are over!
that’s the bitter truth of it…
Whilst I am also a bit tired of the “high ISO noise, megapixel race, Canon still don’t get it” line of comments, I don’t think that it is right to dismiss people with the “go switch to Nikon” line either.
Many Canon customers chose the EOS system years ago and have spent a great deal of money on lenses and accessories. It would therefore be very expensive for them to “switch to Nikon”.
I think that these people have a lot of justification to be irritated if Canon cannot offer them new products that suit their style of shooting.
I just wish that they would tell it to Canon and NOT ME!!!!
Welcome Nikon.
With this sensor of canon of 18 Mp I’m ready to switch
to Nikon,
7D is a 1500 euro camera with worse image than
Nikon D90 that cost 700 euro.
I’ll sell my canon lenses and I’ll buy the successor
of D90.
Canon makes Marketing, Nikon makes Cameras…..
.
There’s no chance in hell of the 60D having any less than 18MP. I too was hoping for 15, but that’s out the window now.
Limitations to camera function, like limiting the maximum ISO or adding low definition video clipped from the center 640×480 pixels, are clearly within the capability of the 7d and 5DM2 hardware. No excuse to not include it in the next firmware update. And for those who say that Canon will cynically not introduce those features because they fear it will cannibalize sales, well, maybe thats what Canon thinks. But I think they’re wrong. The 5DM2 and 7D (I have both) are both positioned for those willing to spend the most to have the newest technology. Allowing the easily added new features to be retrofitted to older cameras isn’t going to stop 5DM2 and 7D users from upgrading to newer cameras when they’re available — we’re going to want the lower noise at higher ISO and other improvements that can’t be accomplished via firmware upgrade. But keeping older cameras semi-modern by updating the firmware with simple things like auto ISO caps and video “zoom”/”crop” will help bolster the resale value of these older cameras, which in turn will allow those of us on the bleeding edge to afford to upgrade to the 5DM3 or 7DM2 when available (or at least to keep the total cost within the Wife Acceptance Factor range). The older cameras become hand-me-downs (as was the case for my daughter when I was upgrading 40d to 7d) or second bodies or used cameras, so maybe there is some cannibalization of the very low end of the line (i.e. used 5DM2 isn’t going to cannibalize 5DM3 sales, but might be a good purchase for somebody who would otherwise buy a cheap new Rebel), but the margins on a $3000 5DM3 have to be substantially better than the margins on a Rebel — plus Canon gets to sell a bunch of glass to the buyer of the used 5DM2 who suddenly realizes that he can’t use his EF/S lenses and the camera can out-resolve the really cheap lenses.
Anyhow, just my two cents after being very annoyed to see the lowest end camera get two features that I’ve been wanted on my high end 7D and 5DM2 (the ISO cap I’ve done for myself by manually setting ISO to 2000 in low light instead of letting it climb to 3200 and, for distance videos, but even manually cropping 640×480 videos out of the 1080×1920 videos wouldn’t get the 7x crop that the new Rebel promises).
I know it might be a controversial thing, but when my car’s GPS needs a map upgrade, I pay for the new map. When the operating system I buy with my computer needs an upgrade, I pay for the new version of the software. Either canon should open its firmware up so that people like the CHDK group and Magic Lantern group can easily add these features, or canon should provide them free during the warranty period and charge for them afterwards. But there is no excuse for not adding simple features to the firmware that are clearly supported by the hardware just because the camera is already in the consumer’s hands. I would be willing to pay to add these features to my 7D and 5DM2 when the warranty expires (I think buyers deserve it free during the warranty period). But its just not right that they lock down the firmware to make user tweaks difficult while not upgrading the firmware themselves.
I go thru this with Apple ALL the time. Constantly trying to “time” my purchase just riiiight. Lol. It started after I bought the G5 imac, and then the next month they abandoned the G5 and went with intel. DOH!
Heres the thing tho, sure, timing a purchase is fun. You get that slight “ego” boost and sense of satisfaction if you buy EXACTLY after an upgrade. But you have to remember, it’s short lived. Cause once you buy, that clock starts ticking towards the next upgrade with the new “must have” feature that is going to make your purchase look lame and obsolete. LOL.
The point is, by and large it’s all ego based. Not that new features are bad. They can be GREAT….just as they can also be plagued with bugs! It’s just that when you get down to it, your creativity is the most important thing. Unfortunately we often forget about the work we want to create when we get caught up in “upgraditis”.
Yeah, it feels great to time ones purchases just right, but in the end, it’s about the work. So if for some reason you buy something, and they upgrade a month later….it won’t sting as much if you are using your equipment and having fun.
Cause the bottom line is WHY we get the equipment….not the equipment itself. Otherwise it becomes a game of keeping up with the Jones’ instead of creating works of art.
And TOO many times I have seen people with perhaps not the latest and greatest camera equipment produce amazing works of art, while the person with the BEST of the BEST most expensive and newest camera or lens produce junk in comparison.
Anyway….just saying :-)
Having said that tho, I am VERY happy I waited for the T2i. I plan to get it and use it to the best of my ability. So that when the T3i comes out, I won’t have buyers remorse or envy at all, cause I’ll know my little T2 has served me well and traveled with me around the world and on many adventures. :-)
“… the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D.”
All Canon bodies should have this.
“New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images.”
All Canon bodies should have this.
“In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.”
It’s about time that all Canon bodies now have this.
When I bought my Xti 5years ago there wasnt this division in approach between Nikon and Canon. The 5Dmk1 was new and was the coolest thing since sliced bread and outstanding high iso but outside my budget.
Now I am several lenses into Canon and switching would be painful. Canon does more lenses I want (some I even have 17-55, 10-22). ….I complain but I dont see my self switching over this. If I was just starting out however I might look at it differently. Really this makes me want to be able to justify the cost of a 5DmkII which is probably want Canon wants.
Yes, 60D looks to have 18mp; however, it may be the platform for Digic V release. Maybe other goodies — we’ll just have to wait and see.
But oh, the 7D’s IQ is one of the best in the APS-C world. But who cares about that in whine-world?
This seems to have been a “consumer” announcement, since powershots were announced at the same time. Perhaps sometime soon there will be a “pro/prosumer” announcement with the new 1Ds and some lenses.
Again, I never talked about 12 MP…If you take a 18 MP sensor, it gives 10,6 in APS-H, and 7,03 MP in APS-C…
A lot of people are still working with 1dmark3 at 10MP…I mean those who didn’t switched after the AF problem.
The D3s is 12 MP and I know some people using the DX mode all the time for additionnal range and the quicker speed in continous shooting. DX Mode on the D3s is only 5,33 MP… and it is used a lot by sport shooters (quicker shooting speed).
Another pick : Take an updated version of the 21 MP sensors of 5D2, in APS-H mode it will be 12,4 MP and 8,2 MP APS-C sensors. Then you must notice that it is less than what is existing now, the pixel pitchs are bigger in both case, because 21MP FF sensor pixels’pitch is bigger than 1D4’s, 7D’s, and so on (1D4 sensors is 16MP).
Remember it’s just an idea, but I can’t see real drawbacks until now…the only one, from an engineering perspective, would be to improve the design of the 21MP sensor, especially by adding reading channels on it. Dual Digic 4 or DIgic 5 should be able to achieve somewhat 9 / 10 fps at 21MP, and hopefully 11/12 at APS-H and 12/13 at APS-C. Here, the limiting factor will be the mechanical shutter…Oh how adequate ! Canon is working on differents technique of electronic shutter, or sensor shutter (for video application reason among others, remember the rolling shutter?)
Might be wishfull thinking ok (I am not personnally interested here), but it makes sense no?
“Canon makes Marketing, Nikon makes Cameras…”
cute.
The ability to set a maximum ISO in auto-ISO mode is especially important when you consider how noisy high ISO images can be from these megapixel monsters.
It makes no sense not encourage people who say “Nikon get’s it” and talk about switching to Nikon to buy what they are saying they want. If they want a Nikon, think Nikon get’s it and Canon doesn’t, then why would you not want them to be happy and get what they want? I didn’t bring up switching to Nikon, roger767 did. All I’m saying is if he wants a Nikon, buy one and be happy.
As for pros or those with tons of glass, they can get good return on their glass and cameras as used DSLR gear is always in high demand. Isn’t it better to shoot with a system you want then one you don’t?
I’m not talking about switching over wanting a specific feature to be added, no one company is going to offer every feature we may want, but when it comes to not being happy with the overall camera design philosophy and priorities, why would you encourage people to stay with a company they don’t agree with and is always going to be making cameras they wish were designed differently? Doesn’t make sense to me. People should buy or switch to what makes them happy and meets their photography needs.
Can anyone tell whether there is the “Mirco Adjustment” feature included? I tried that on my lens and found that it’s a MUST!
It’s pretty logical to conclude that you don’t know how this business works. The number of potential 40D buyers who coughed up the extra $500 to get the D300 convinced Canon to make the 60D into the 7D. There won’t be a 60D for now, maybe next year.
Does that usually happen within the same month/time period?
Well trolled sir. Hats off to you. Please go switch to Nikon and choose from among their fine selection of 10 12MP cameras.
And STILL no MLU button (custom assignable or not).
Nope, not in the Rebels.
“Really this makes me want to be able to justify the cost of a 5DmkII which is probably want Canon wants.”
Canon needs to make a 5DMkIII with a 7D-type AF and max ISO in Auto-ISO mode! And not 32MP! Then I’ll justify the cost…
Please learn to use the My Menu function and nominate MLU as the 1st menu item in that screen.
this movie crop thing actually looks neat. i wonder what kind of quality you get from turning a 100mm to a 700mm lens though…!?
hmmm…no mRAW or sRAW. That would have been one way to reduce noise, especially for those of us who don’t desire more megapixels.
OK! So now I want to get the…
– EOS-1D Mark IV
– EOS 7D
– EOS Rebel T2i
How about some lenses now?
16-35/2.8 -> 14-30/2.8
50/1.2 -> 50/1.0 II
135/2.0 -> 135/1.8 IS
180/3.5 Macro -> 180/2.8 or 200/2.8 Macro IS
400/5.6 -> 400/4 or 400/4.5 IS
300/4 IS -> 300/3.5 IS
new 20/2.0 EF-S
new 15-65/2.8 EF-S
new 35/1.2 L
new 28-60/2.0 L
new 60-250/4 L IS
And maybe a new 620EX SpeedLite?
And maybe a new ST-Ex?
And maybe an EOS 6D w/ 10MP APS-H (just as the 5D was the “mini” 1D)?
Oh well … probably not …
I’ve already done that. A half measure, nothing more.
Do you really think futzing with a menu is more convenient than a assigning a button dedicated to an obvious function?
I just ordered the T1i yesterday. :-(
ISO performance on this camera is really poor especially at 1600 and 3200 but that can be forgiving. What I cant accept is the image quality is so low and looks blurry to me at base ISO.
I’m just thinking: what if Canon isn’t going to continue 50D? And the 7D is the more advanced continuation of 50D? Comparing to Nikon, there is no camera between D90 and D300s (where 50D is placed in my opinion). Maybe cameras like 50D are not selling to good? Too expensive for amatheur and not enough for pro?
It is just my speculation, as I don’t see enough place between new Rebel and 7D.
Feel free to write what do you think about :-)
erm where is the 1ds mark iv? does canon have another press release scheduled soon?
ha ha… that’s a one-of-a-kind wishlist!
you’ve tried the t2i?
If it looks blurry it’s almost certainly thanks to the lens and not the sensor.
yes, when does the new lenses come? :(
i want to buy myself a 50 1.4 but i’ve red that there should come a new version of this lense. i wait and wait and the price of the old one gets higher and higher, but no new version…
what i think about the 550d is, that if the 18mp sensor is as good as the one from the 7d its a great cam, BUT when this should be the case the 550d is placed in low distance to the 7d… i can’t understand the way canon goes with this camera…
(sorry for my broken english and greets from germany ;) )
yes, exactly thats my opinion. the new rebel is placed very near to the 7d for nearly the half price in one or two month…
It is a big price gap in what should be a fairly high volume portion of the market. Nikon hit a home run with the d90, and even with the updated specs the Rebel 550D is still externally “entry-level” , yet it is offered at nearly twice the price as the 1000D. I wonder if Canon thinks the 550D can compete effectively with the D90 (and its successor) and therefore sees no need to squish another model between the 550D and 7D. The specs are indeed very similar and it’s hard to imagine what compromises they would make in a 60D vs. the 7D while still retaining clear superiority over the 550D. Canon’s product design has lately favored entry-level and pro/semi-pro segments over the enthusiast segment. Too bad for me and others like me who don’t want to shell out cash for the 7D but want something nicer than a rebel.
then there’s the 400/450/500D owners (like me) who wants something better than the xxxD line, but feels that a 7D is overkill both in specs and price.. a 60D would be perfect for those..
dunno man, there are never any guarantees with this stuff… if you NEED a lens, well then you NEED it. If you don’t need it and you think there are reliable rumors of a replacement then it makes sense to wait. However, I’ve been following canon rumors pretty closely for the last year and usually we don’t get accurate info on lenses (if any) until days before their release.
What images are u talking about? Have u seen the dpreview.com gallery? Looks pretty fine to me.
The hands-on video confirms the grip is bigger. The UK spec sheets must be wrong. The stats I quoted are directly off the Canonusa site. No mis-read.
no 60D… how surprising.
though I might wanna upgrade my 30D sometime soon ;)
This must have been the most boring announcement ever in the DSLR world!!!
I always think that the articulating screen could have been the most practical improvement but they decided not to include it.
Or adding cross autofocus points at the sides…
I wonder how many of you – save the professional cameramen – have actually tried to manually adjust things while taking videos? If you did and you liked it, hats off to you.
For me, manually keeping the object in focus, and framing at the same time is hard enough. Adjust one thing (such as frame) and you need to adjust the other (focus).
Personally, I DO like to manually focus while shooting video. Especially when shooting with prime lenses with shallow depth of field effects. It gives you MORE control over WHAT you want in focus and what you want out of focus. But hey, thats just me. :-)
+1. And since entry-level DSLR sales have been good in recent years the “upgrader” market is sure to be growing. I don’t think Canon will ignore this market segment. With the 550D out, the 50D is going to start looking really old really fast.
Canon 550D – Digic 4 = 1080p @30/25/24
Canon 500D – Digic 4 = 1080p @20fps
Am I missing something? Or is this just one hell of a slap in the face (more like a kick in the balls) from Canon.
CANON!I love you! For 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps mode! Sad, that no articulating screen, but I can live without that. One guy said right about it: “Problem, that you can very easily or accidentally brake it”.
They use the same Digic 4…
What differ are chipsets and other electronic components, but the main features are handled by the Digic 4
The in-depth tech specs of that processor is something only Canon knows.
But CLEARLY it was designed far beyond than it was used for, and has MUCH more potential that those required for features initially implemented on the firsts cameras using it (and not talking only about 5D2 indeed, because that CPU was used in lot of other models before)
Well put.
While I am quite happy with my 7D now (despite having to live without a usable auto ISO function, as 3200 is just too much), I will remember whatever Canon does (or does not) to cater to the customers of their higher end products.
I don’t say I won’t buy a Canon if I don’t get auto ISO in the 7D, after all, that would be ridiculous, and given that I am somewhat invested in EF mount glass (primarily Canon, BTW, but also some third party lenses).
But however this matter ends up to be will be remembered by me whenever I come to the point of making another purchasing decision.
After all, eBay and Canon’s steadily rising lens prices make it easier and cheaper to switch systems than it was a few years ago.
So if I feel like I got screwed a few times too often by Canon, a D700(s/x) or D800 could start to look more attractive whenever I decide to go FF.
Nope. The EOS 60D will have 21.1 megapixels.
You’re lucky, I found your post and then paste here what we wrote in other topic:
” Now people don’t need to translate from japanese that “a single Digic 4 can handle both 24p and 60p”… do they?
Canon also took our idea of video crop mode…
Interesting, but what is Canon going to do with all 5D Mark II customers?
We’ll see in few days, maybe Feb. 11th, if not enough, we might start a new campaign, because this seems to be a “funny” game to them, but not to people who invested THOUSANDS of dollars in Canon gear. ”
Additionally I personally wonder: Isn’t Canon concerned about customers loyalty and their thoughts/feelings regarding Canon’s attitude?
I guess Canon is interested/concerned, but we might have to remind them a bit…
For everything else, there’s MasterCard…
I love the EC! +/- 5 stops! Is that correct?! This must also be the metering range then, right? I hate it that on my 5DII the meter blinks at +2, while I have a couple of clicks more reach due to the RAW file. This would be a welcome improvement in the 5DIII.
And the AF system looks the same as the 5DII, no? So the 5DIII must have a new AF system too. This is fantastic news for the future!
Wouldn’t surprise me.
Interesting. I’d love some more detailed figures. Don’t forget to cite your sources!
Great catch!
++
is this possibly the exact same sensor as the 7d?
Can you post some of your images – you know, the ones that were ruined by Canon?
that is called good sales strategy
keep on dreaming but why not just get Nikon D700?
So cancel.
Good sales strategy? Well I’m sure after months of pushing for firmware updates and nagging at canon at improving this must feel like dropping the soap in prison showers with Bubba moving just behind you! Shows that they just want to take your money and abuse you. What happened to customer loyalty? Months of lies and failure to answer to the plagues of pleas – if the digic 4 could not do manual controls how come it magically can now? You don’t need a new body for that change. How about 720/1080 @ 24/25/30 wih manual controls with digic 4 they just proved its do-able! I guess Japanese honor goes out the window as a samurai sword pierces through your spine as they laugh to the bank!
are you kidding, look how close the buttons are to the screen.
Not feeling the ergo at all.
That’s it? Only 21.1??? It’ll be the lean mean noise machine.
I just can’t see them squeezing another crop body between the T2i and the 7D.
The only room Canon has to expand it’s line up is with FF.
The next body will be the 1DsIV with new glass.
then this fall a 3D? I hope.
“exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively”
Either
+5 -2
or
+5 -5 or +2 -2
I think it’s the 2nd.
I wonder if this will appear in any FW updates for the 7D & 5DII?
Really? Canon seems to ignore the FF with less than 21Mp
market.
I’m baffled by Canon’s lack of choice for FF bodies.
21Mp or 21Mp
The only reason I can see why Canon didn’t include the iFCL metering in the 1DIV is that it is new technology and they
didn’t want to chance another oops to the 1D line.
So they stuck to what they know and trust.
I could say the same thing about the 40D but I know I’m S.O.L.
PowerShot SD1300 21.1Mp
which translates to a Zillion Mp in FF
What more could I ask for???
FF version of the 7D.
Well there is the 1DsIV
And who knows what glass will be announced with it.
That’s so much easier to do than pressing the useless direct print button.
ignore my post, Dyslexia
So, could some one fill me in. I keep reading all these comments of people going, “pffff who needs 18MP. What a waste”. Can some one point me in the direction of a website that explains why that isn’t necessarily good? Something that explains about pixel density etc? Thanks in advance!
hmm i cant immagine what the 60D will be like now this is about what i expected forthe 60D not a 500d replacement…
there isnt any reason not to imcrease MP people are just clueless whiners more megapixels is better period you will get better noise preformance these days of sensors with 21 MP then the older 10 megapixel sensors if you crop that to 10 MP it would be even better people just need to get there head out of there arse and live with it.
iso 3200 these days preforms better then iso 1600 on the old 10 mpix sensors.
more megapixels is fine even better its creat more cropping more noice controll less need for more lenses its a tripple win.
Looks like that we are beating the “image quality” vs higher pixel density to death for no reason again and again. These are the well know facts:
1. higher pixel density does contribute more noise, assuming anything else are equal.
2. higher pixel density does approaching “diffraction limit” at larger aperture opening.
3. higher pixel density will demand excellent lens that can resolve at least 110 lp/mm, which even most the Canon L lens will have problem doing it.
In order to combat problem #1, Canon is using noise reduction on 7D at ALL ISO setting and result in slightly un-sharp picture at pixel level. In order to combat problem #2, users cannot use anything smaller than 5.6 to get the maximum sharpness. in order to combat problem #3. users cannot use even the cheaper L lens. All these solutions an their effect on picture quality are well documented in various test reports that you can find in the CR site. even CR will not give 7D the camera of the year due to the softness of the picture.
Someone may argue that user can always down size the picture to 12 or 8 Mp to gain back lower noise and sharper per pixel image. that is true. Then why do we have 18 Mp picture to begin with? We still end up 12 or 8 Mp pictures at the end. We may as well start with a gapless 12 or 8 MP sensor.
For me the idea digital SLR is a camera with all the 7D feature, minus video function and with 12 or even 8 MP gapless sensor. Until Canon comes out with something close to that, I will hang on to me OLD 20D.
Those are NOT facts.
Just gibberish bandied around by ignorant fools who think they know more than sensor designers (read Eric Fosssum’s posts in DPReview).
Straight from horse’s mouth (sensor designer):
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1000&message=34469358
Religious troll
I have Canon glass, thank you.
I DO like manual focus too.
Autofocus during live view and video shooting is still very bad, plus the lens’ focusing noise in the video is horrible (USM or not). So manual focus is a must, and like you, I found that the videos are great when used with my f1.4 lens.
My point is when you manual focus and frame your video at the same time, you can’t control much of anything else.
If you try to press a few buttons while shooting video the end result will look like earthquake :-)) (because of camera shake)
Besides, even if they have some way for you to conveniently control exposure and other things (voice activation, thought projection, mind reading, etc), the video would not be nice when it darken or lighted suddenly anyway.
Looks like Canon controls the flow of information quite well. :)
Nikon beware! The market has changed!
Instead of counting pixels we are now counting frames per second!!!
High ISO will most certainly be better on 550D than 500D.
All the 3 points are facts and well documented in various web site. I am in the electronics industry and I know what I am talking about. If you try to ignore them, it is your choice. Please do not call people name on this site. It will just make you become what you have called the other people to be.
This the last time that I will answer your message.
Rocky
I want to know why the 550D does not have 24/25/30 fps in 720P. I just think it is odd. Does anyone know?
Whether you like it or not those three points ARE facts.
Could a lack of in camera memory be a limitation here too?
me too…. I am afraid that I will be selling mine soon on ebay
I own both 450D and 7D. I have DIRECT PROOF that the 7D is NOT softer than 450D at the pixel level when shot at f/11. Canon does NOT apply in-camera RAW NR like Nikon D90/D5000, all the Sony cameras etc.
If you do not own the cameras, you should just shut up and go away.
I guess trolls like yourself will only shut up after Nikon has released an 18 MP D400.
I would probably just go with the 50 1.4. I have one and was is by far my most used lens at the wedding I just did.
I remember reading in a review for the T1i about how they only included 2 channels between the sensor and the processor while in the 50D there are 4. I don’t remember exactly where I read this though (maybe dpreview?) I am guessing there are more channels in this new camera so more data can be transferred
If youve seen what i had during the last couple of days you should consider to start buying some Nikon glass!
You need to take your complaint to the likes of Spielberg, Lucas and Tarantino if you want Canon to release the same video feature as the 550D. Only these people and not some online user campaign can convince Canon.
Lets hope for miracles. A 60D with 12-14 MP, 8fps and good high ISO performance. Because Nikon is knocking on my door, HARD!!!
If that is the case then fair doos. But what is the kick in the balls is that 2 channels/4channels/6channels does not mean they could not release manual controls like everyone qsked for – even if frame size stays the same at 1020p but a drop down at 720p from 30 to 25/24 is possible. Nag for a firmware update and canon responds with a new camera 9 months later. I really hope a firware comes out to say sorry for ‘shafting all you canon fans so early right up the @$$!’ I’m sure everyone who signed petitions feels violated.
Perhaps he means PMA…?
Any ideas of what and when this will do to the T1i’s price? Was just about to pick one up, and if the price drop is significant, may still do so…
Haha! Spoiler you own! Heh. The 18mp flings us all into head-banging sprees now…
Well trolled sir. Hats off to you. Please have your eyes checked or replace your uncalibrated, 6-bit, low-color gamut LCD monitor if you think the DPR 550D Beta samples gallery evinced poor high ISO IQ.
0wnz0red!!11 :P
Well trolled sir. Hats off to you.
You’re full of it. Noise reduce then sharpen your 7D images, then reduce the resolution to 12 MP. Then pixel-peep in comparison to the D90. The D90 doesn’t stand a chance.
oooo my god, i have no money enough for the 7D and i ‘ve been waiting for the 60D, what i’ve to do now, my 350/rebel is death, and i need a camera urgently, i want to improve, and the 550 is the same kind of camera tahan 350/rebel and i want a good camera for my new100-400 is usm. i’m very sad because i t’hink that 60D are not going to exist never
nor the kelvin white balance and the built in flash trigger I suppose :) yup… getting the 7D soon! I reckon the kelvin white balance is a must have feature for all JPEG shooters who wants to get the image right the first time around as for RAW shooters; its a different story :)
All Im hoping that is the 7D will go down in price with this announcement and the future 60D announcement :)
I concur. However, depends on your needs though, for stills I dont think there will be much different and the 500D will produce fine images just fine, it is after all the person behind the camera that matters. However if you want to use the video feature as well, the video in 500D is terrible! I was baffled that manual exposure was absent, the external mic jack was absent and the built in mic is not great.
So yea, depending on your intended usage, both camera will do fine; but the 550D may do better at some areas that the 500D could not fare.
I personally don’t like the 18MP because of the filesize and the time my PC will need to convert these. Already the workflow with my 400D’s 10MP RAWs is really slow. In addition, the 550D doesn’t offe sRAW or mRAW… so I would haven 20MB/picture. Probably without any advantage over the 10MB/picture I have now…
I can see that the introduction of the 60D would steal the spotlight from the 7D. So Canon do just that, defer the 60D until the time is right (ie. Nikon announces something) and then BANG! 60D comes out with all the features of the 7D minus AF.
I call this “features war”… while the camera with all the features might not necessarily be the better camera… only satisfying the needs of customer and creating new different selling points for making sales and that is what canon is doing IMO.
Yap. The 3.7fps is an amazing improvement over the 3.4fps of the T1i/500D.
Well, the harsh reality is canon look at sales, and the 5dII outsells the d700 in the 2 markets I’m in a position to check.
I’m not saying there isn’t room for a lower rez ff camera by canon, but chances are it wouldn’t win them many more sales then they already have but rather make them split sales between the 5dII and the lower rez sibling. Which would mean higher production costs between the two bodies… potentially raise the price of both and net them fairly few additional sales.
I’m inclined to think canon will at the least match the build quality and AF to some extent of the 7D in it’s next prosumer FF body. But don’t hold your breath for it being a blazing fast sports camera, a slight frame rate booste, and if you’re really lucky they might not increase the mp, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did.
Personally I think the 5dII is a very solid camera, it’s af is a short coming, but it’s IQ is imo the best over all of anything in the 35mm market atm and even it’s DR is pretty respectable I pull 8-9 stops out of mine comfortably and that’s better then mostly any color film ever does.
The camera isn’t perfect, but if you can’t get a great image on a 5d II your just not trying hard enough. Here’s hoping the 5d III has a better af though :)
the 550d is nowhere near a 350d!
the 550d is everything a 60d would have, except for the build…
I wonder… is it possible to remove the T2i badge from a T2i and replace it with a 550D badge? I preordered a T2i and I have absolutely no liking for the name at all (although it’s not as silly as what the Japanese will be getting, which is Kiss Digital X4 I think).
Sydlaexi
Well as I read pretty recently there are issues getting the electronic charge to dissipate from larger and higher resolution sensors, which would probably make 21.1 mp at 10 fps less possibly at present (or at least not without some negative side effects). I don’t think it’s an entirely bad idea to have a built in (dynamic crop) although I would argue “extra reach” is a bit redundant as you could just crop in post and it would have the exact same effect. How ever, if it could get the frame rates up or flash sync up I’m sure some people would appreciate it.
I was actually really glad to see the 1d IV having a flash sync of 300th of a sec rather then 250th because I always assumed it would be logically possible considering they share the shutter tech between the two 1 series bodies and if the ff can do it in 250th the aps-h should be able to do it in less with the smaller plane to travel across.
Beware of what? The new Nikon Coolpix P100 does ~10fps at 10Mpix and HD Video of 1080p at 30fps. Not bad for US$400. A sign of thinks to come?
You are right concerning the issues on sensors charge dissipation problems, this is an issue. Large sensors are not in question from my perspective, but i may be wrong. There are also differences between CCD sensors and CMOS on that…
My two cents are that this issue is more related to pixel density and internal design of electronic function like peak detection and signal noise reduction. At high speed it’s difficult to clear the sensors of the previous electrical charges. Hence the problems that are arising on remanent image, or remains of previous shots on a picture (somewhat seen of the 7D). I am pretty sure that CCD, more expensive, prone to heating, requiring to be charged to function (not passive capture), are relatively shielded from that problem…
The highest speed of D3s is achieved with DX format…but given the super coverage that a FF taylored AF would have on APS-H or APS-C coverage, and the enhanced tracking performances (pure speculation and whishful thinking here but…) it would have. I am pretty sure it will find great interest among photographers.
I am not sure on the Higher X-Synch, but yeah…at this price point, 300th should really be the minimum
god dam, i just saved up for 5 months to get my 500D for christmas, oh well i guess thats how technology goes, i just thought the 500D would be replaced after the 1000D.
i want refund on 500D now so i can get 550D :) anyone know if that actully could be possible
Well, I’ve since lost the link but someone on here had a link to a reviewer on DPR quoting a canon engineer regarding one of the reasons they opted against making the 1d IV FF as apposed to 1.3 and apparently this notion of image ghosting came up in some FF tests as a result of not being able to dissipate the charge, as I understood it both pixel density (as affecting resolution) and sensor size (whether this is again purely relating to pixel density or something more wasn’t clear) have an effect on this undersized phenomenon.
The thing to be aware of with CCD, is that when doing the read out of a sensor after capture, it has in the past always been limited to row by row, so you can imagine you have to clear one row at a time, it’s actually very slow. CMOS on the other hand allows for all rows to be read out at the same time which as a rule means you can get the image off the sensor and ready for the next frame a lot faster.
CCD is probably the better technology in a lot of ways, but due to production costs very little R&D is done on it when compared to CMOS, ironically CCD was originally the technology associated with less noise and better IQ for the longest time until canon started producing their own CMOS sensors and winning the IQ/low noise game for a few years, at which point nikon started to look at alternatives to CCD as well.
It still makes me laugh a little that the SLR market is dominated by CMOS, but the med format market is still using CCD for it’s once upon a time better DR and lower noise in shadows, but then if you go down to the compact market… we see a lot of CCD’s again which I think come mostly from sony still? although I’m not 100% on that.