Canon EOS 550D

I bought this to replace an previous Canon DSLR aminly for stills but also for video. I was impressed by its HD recording capacibility and that you could plug in a external microphone to over-ride the small built-in mic. These always give tinny sound recordings.

The stills are great - no complaints.

However, when I tries an external mic, I got a terrible background buzz or loud hissing. By searching web forums I have found that this is a result of the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) on the 550D which can't be switched off unless I chnage the operating system to a non-approved one called 'Magic Lantern', which I am very loath to do.

So, good for still but pretty hopeless as a video camera.

Amazing Canon 550D & super purchase on www.gizmo.bz

I first used a SLR in high school. It was a very basic manual film camera. I enjoyed learning about why a SLR is superior to a PAS, and found out how much

I liked photography. I used some of my skills later in the fire service taking pictures at fire scenes. I used a SLR, but mostly on full auto. Recently, I got back in to photography due to a friend who is heavily in to it. He recommended the Canon 500D, as he owned one previously. I bought mine at www.gizmo.bz along with the Canon 18-55 kit lens. Right out of the box, I was taking excellent photos. I either forgot or never learned about things like DOF, white balance, filter use, and many other joys of SLR use. I was learning DOF and playing with my settings, and the very first portrait I took was outstanding. Since then, I learn, or re-learn new things daily. This camera has been excellent every step of the way. The camera is easy to use and has brought the joy and fun of photography back to me. I frequently play with my friend's 5D and 7D, and I can say that the 500D does every bit as well as the more "pro" cameras. This camera has features that are well up in to the "pro" arena as well. You simply can't go wrong with a Canon, and you can't go wrong with the 500D.

I have had the pleasure of using this camera for a while. It is actually really easy to use, and the images are very clear. Some people do think that the feel of the camera is slightly cheap, however this is just to make it lightweight and personally it is a lot more comfortable holding a lighter camera around all day.

This camera, although I mentioned earlier is great for beginners, it is also good for professionals to use, as it has all the functionally you need. The HD video is just an added bonus. If you have any concerns about this camera, I would really recommend you go into a shop and try it out for yourself.

I've always been a budding photographer but have never progressed much from small pentax digital cameras. Last year I made the investment and bought the 550d follow some research, conversations with camera salesmen and being impressed by a friend's 500D.

Since buying one, I've been amazed by the quality of photos that an inexperienced person can produce - I have many of my photos of my kids printed and in frames and proudly on display. I bought a bigger lense as well and this produces some fantastic results.

We went to Disneyland Paris earlier this year and captured some brilliant memories. I've been particularly pleased with the battery life as it just seems to go on and on despite constant variable use.

The full 1080p HD video is also brilliant - you can link it straight up via a mini HDMI connection to your HD TV and replay immediately.

Would recommend it to anyone.

This camera has transformed my photography from village idiot to idiot proof / semi professional in an instant.

The instructions are easy to follow and the auto features work very well.

I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to a budding photographer.

had the 400d and this is just a great upgrade the HD movie mode is beyond bril the pictures are great and as a pro im about £100 away from making my money back in less than 3 months. dont feel the need to upgrade at all if anthing im looking for lenses to buy to make this camera even better thanks canon.

I took delivery of my Canon EOS 550D via next day delivery from Procamerashop. It is a Great camera and my old EF lenses work perfectly despite not being IS spec. Very happy with my move from a Canon EOS 30V film camera to the Digital world... And got a great deal..