550D

The Canon EOS 550D, also known as the Canon Rebel T2i in North America, is a digital single-lens reflex camera released by Canon in February 2010. It is part of the EOS Rebel/Kiss lineup aimed at enthusiasts, and it succeeds the EOS 500D in Canon’s entry-level line. The camera is designed to provide a balance of high-resolution stills and video capabilities in a compact body.

Key features include an 18.0-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor, delivering detailed images and improved color processing. The 550D offers an ISO range of 100–3200 for everyday photography, with better performance in low light than its predecessor. It records RAW (CR2) and JPEG files and uses SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards. The camera is compatible with Canon EF-S lenses as well as a broad selection of EF lenses, expanding its versatility for different shooting styles.

In terms of viewing and control, the 550D provides a 3.0-inch LCD screen with about 1.04 million dots for live view and playback. It includes a range of exposure modes, metering options, and scene presets, with Live View that uses contrast-detect autofocus. The physical design mirrors other Rebels of its era, emphasizing a compact, user-friendly form factor suitable for beginner to intermediate photographers expanding into more advanced techniques.

Video functionality is a notable aspect, with Full HD 1080p recording and 720p options at higher frame rates, making the 550D one of the earlier Canon models to blend strong still photography with credible high-definition video capabilities. The 550D was later succeeded by the EOS 600D (Rebel T3i) in 2011, continuing Canon’s line of entry-level DSLR offerings.