UA elements and
megapixels for bigger prints
The Powershot SD550 operates with 7.1-megapixel resolution, which
can give photo-quality 15 x 20-inch prints. The Powershot SD550
lens is constructed with 7 elements in 5 groups and includes two
Ultra High Refractive Index Aspherical (UA) elements for
true-to-life colors and crisp, high-contrast images.
DIGIC II Processor
The SD550 features DIGIC II--Canon's renowned processor that
ensures images have superb resolution and color quality, as well
as giving improved camera performance overall. With 9-point AiAF,
the camera automatically focuses on the subject, even when it is
off-center. iSAPS intelligence ensures that the camera assesses
the scene and adjusts the settings to achieve the optimum results.
Three methods of exposure control can be selected, evaluative,
center-weighted, and spot, and the ISO can be set to Auto, 50,
100, 200, or 400. For rapid downloading of images, the Powershot
SD550 utilizes a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface.
Shooting modes and special effects
The Powershot SD550 covers a wide range of photographic situations
by providing users with 15 or 14 different shooting modes,
respectively. A selection can be made from Auto, Manual, Portrait,
Landscape, and Night Snapshot modes, or from the scene modes that
now include an underwater setting, allowing users to take full
advantage of the optional Waterproof Case WP-DC80 (not
included--must be purchased separately). Underwater mode adjusts
the white balance specifically for underwater shots, allowing
capture of the most authentic colors and minimizing any blue cast.
My Colors allows the expansion of creativity in digital photography. Special effects such as Color Swap or Custom Color, which allows users to select their preferred color balance for any given shot, can be performed in-camera and viewed on the LCD while shooting stills and movies. These effects could previously only be achieved using PC software after shooting.
Intelligent orientation sensor
The Powershot SD550's Intelligent Orientation Sensor recognizes
when the camera is rotated from horizontal to vertical,
automatically rotating stored images for correct playback.
To help keep the camera level with the horizon and to assist with image composition, users can also opt to display gridlines on their LCD.
Other user interface options have been enhanced or added, including the new world time zone display. This allows the user to set home and destination country time zones, as well as animated displays and improved warnings for camera shake. The camera menu can also be displayed in 22 different languages.
More than just photos
The Powershot SD550 records high quality VGA movies; users can
select between VGA and QVGA at 30 or 15 frames per second.
Continuous filming is available until the file size has reached 1
GB or 60 minutes--whichever is reached first. A fast frame rate of
60 frames per second is available, allowing for slow-motion
playback. Digital zoom can be employed whilst shooting, and for
added effect, My Colors may also be used. Compact Movie mode, or
QQVGA (160 x 120/15 frames per second), is designed to make
sharing movies via e-mail as simple as possible.
Printing images
When used in combination with Canon's new Compact Photo Printer
Selphy CP710 and Canon's Ink and Paper Set (KP-108IP), prints can
be produced for just 30 euro cents each. Printing via a Selphy CP
Compact Photo Printer also allows the user to print handy ID
prints and movie prints.
When connected to the latest range of PictBridge compatible PIXMA printers (also released today) image enhancement is possible with functions including Noise Reduction and Vivid Photo as well as the new Face Brightener feature.
Printing of images without having to connect to a PC is made simpler via the Print/Share button, which also acts as an easy upload button for Windows XP and Mac OS X.
Comprehensive software
The Powershot SD550 comes bundled with the following Canon
software:
- ZoomBrowser EX 5.5, PhotoRecord 2.2 (Windows), ImageBrowser 5.5 (Macintosh): For easy image download, storage and retrieval, as well as management of image layout and printing.
- PhotoStitch 3.1: Creates stunning panoramas and can be used with Windows and Macintosh.
- Movie Edit Task: For editing and enhancement of movie footage. Also included is PhotoStudio, the photo manipulation software by ArcSoft.
The bundled software supports Windows 98 (SE), ME, 2000 (SP4), XP (SP1/3) and Macintosh OS X v10.2-v10.3. The camera supports PTP for driverless transfer to supported Windows XP or Macintosh OS X.
What's in the box
PowerShot SD550 body, Lithium battery pack NB-3L, battery charger
CB-2LU, 32 MB SD memory card SDC-32M, wrist strap WS-700, Digital
Camera Solution CD-ROM, USB interface cable IFC-400PCU,
audio-video Cable AVC-DC300
Product Description
Styled to impress and powered to perform, this compact Canon
PowerShot SD550 digital camera is big on substance and style. The
camera’s huge 7.1 megapixel CCD, genuine Canon optical zoom and
advanced technology ensure superb images, and the large 2.5" LCD
screen makes shooting and playback both fun and convenient.
Features a 3x optical zoom lens and is packaged in a sleek,
stainless steel body. Shoot your own high quality movies with Fast
Frame Rate Movie Mode.
