In use, the image quality is really good (finesse and colors) - provided you have a goal to snuff. The dynamics in high and low light is excellent. Without software processing, the grain is not quite as announced by missing some magazines: although very discreet, it increases significantly in low light and high sensitivity (RAW, the supplied DPP software significantly improves the outcome of as well as some internal profiles of the unit). The swivel screen, allowing shooting at ground level or in any angle, macro is fabulous, and very useful also in video and digiscoping (where the magnifying function allows development with onions) . In the latter case, however, it is not uncommon that even with perfect image referred to the screen, the picture is overexposed about 2EV (easily compensatable in RAW with DPP). The viewfinder is nice, complete, and navigation in countless settings is well designed. The built-in flash is able to control other (which does not make the 550D). By cons, assistance for the development by pre-flash is anything but discreet (not recommended in wildlife photography). The sound of the video is arbitrary, but the image quality overrides any consumer HD camcorder. No tripod, stabilized lens is almost essential.
In terms of (big) regrets the absence of continuous autofocus in video is really a gap, especially when the competition begins to offer it. The possibility of requesting punctually gives unusable result: better to attempt a manual focus. The switch on the left is impractical to operate without leaving the viewfinder eye. Most also keys, slightly prominent and very low running, often give the impression of a little disconcerting not to sink. Above all, the tiny depth of field tester is placed at the worst possible place: the bottom right of the goal ... it is accessible with the tip of the nail of the ring (courage and perseverance !), or groping left hand underneath the device: incredible, and almost unusable. To comfort us (?), Just below the thumb, a button can only activate the AF ... exactly as the shutter button pressed halfway. He had to think.
In short, design misfires that tarnish a little stock of a very powerful device, which otherwise could have crushed the market "expert". Owners of an older Canon appreciate the swivel screen, the excellent sensor and built-in flash evolved; for others, the seduction may be less obvious.
