Switching from the 450D to the 550D - a clear recommendation!

For me, the following points were crucial:
- Crisp Monitor for better image control
- New, revised image sensor (the 7D)
- New iFCL measuring system
- Improved operation by enlarged keys
- High ISO sensitivity (ISO 6400 is expandable to ISO 12800)
- Determining the maximum ISO sensitivity for automatic ISO setting
- Automatic peripheral illumination correction for Canon Lenses
- Auto Lighting Optimizer (Auto Lighting Optimizer)

The video feature is not really important to me, but certainly is now and again give a chance also to use this feature. Basically, however, I think those who want to make films, to a corresponding video camera should increase. DSLRs are now even thought of me as an ambitious amateur photographer to take pictures, but obviously the market calls for DSLRs with video capability. I tried this function therefore only briefly and can therefore say currently little to find you but because of the short tests for my needs (if you want because once briefly make a video) is more than sufficient. The live image mode has been used by me in the 450d only a few cases. Nevertheless, there are situations where it makes sense, eg overhead photograph or pretty close to the ground. Although I can understand that some have hoped the current successor to a mobile monitor, but Canon has opted in this case for a 3 inch screen with 1.04 million dot resolution. A movable monitor would certainly have been much smaller. For this, the display is crisp and large enough that even without magnification function immediately an evaluation of the image is possible, so I can get over this point.

I currently use the Canon 18-135 IS 550d with and I must say I'm really excited! The case fits comfortably in your hand, all controls are easily accessible and the keys have a good pressure point. You can tell really that we have here, made in comparison to 450d thoughts. With the Q button all the important settings are visible on the screen and can be changed quickly. Thanks to the new iFCL measuring system with 63 focus points and the tone priority (already from the 450d known) or the new Auto Lighting Optimizer (which can be regulated in 3 stages or can be disabled) is the camera far better with difficult lighting conditions clear as was the case even with the 450D. For amateur photographers who can not take care in every situation in every detail about each camera setting or want is really (just in snapshots or vacation) a help. With my 450D I came up with a maximum of ISO 1600 but in many situations, limits, it now belongs to - in conjunction with the Image Stabilizer of the 18-135 IS - luckily the past. By default, can be set as a maximum limit of 6400 Auto ISO sensitivity up to ISO. Alone the possibility thereby to decide whether to take if necessary noise in purchase, or no longer correctable blur caused by a too low ISO limit is just great and long overdue! In addition, can be increased to ISO 12800 in the Custom Settings of the maximum value. Prima thing I find also the automatic lens peripheral illumination correction, which was acquired by the 50d. Here you can find a clue about this feature hardly anywhere, but I was even happier that the feature is available. The camera has the Canon 18-135 IS immediately recognized and it works perfectly. Thus, one has, thanks to this function on the PC a little later reworked less. This should be - if, like me sometimes loosely with 1,200 images coming back from a holiday - do not underestimate! ; O)

Of course, this camera has its limitations and you should always keep the price in mind when assessing the performance. One can not expect professional functions of the 7D or the housing of the 50D for currently more than 700 EUR. For me Here the price-performance ratio and is even exceeded. However, it should also be noted that I do not belong to the photographers who browse each image with a magnification of 200 to aberrations, because for me counts above all the fun of taking pictures and the joy of the good shots.

Each of considering switch to a DSLR but is advised in all cases to take the camera views into their own hands in order to check whether the camera is pleasant to hold and easy to handle. Not every great man's hand in harmony with the small Canon.

For me, a strong buy recommendation and a 5-star product !! The move has paid off for me in any case.
I take the rest of the camera with the Canon EF-S 18-135 IS as Always plan and am really pleasantly surprised!
Canon EF-S 18-135mm 1: 3.5-5.6 IS (image stabilization) Lens
Canon EOS 550D Digital SLR Camera (18 megapixels, Live View) Kit includes the EF-S 18-135mm 1:. 3.5-5.6 IS Lens (image stabilized)