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Imaging Resource Full Review posted for Cano...DCResource Review: Canon PowerShot A550Steve's Digicams Canon PowerShot A550CNET - Cameras Canon PowerShot A550Cameras.co.uk Canon Powershot A550 Review |
Introduced in January 2007 and released the following month, the Canon PowerShot A550 has design features reminiscent of past models but promises to be even easier to use. It has automatic modes and basic features meant to attract first-timers and shooters moving up from the most primitive of entry-level models. The 7.1-megapixel digital camera has a 2-inch LCD screen and 4x optical zoom lens. It retails for $199.
Physical Tour
Front (7.5)
The Canon PowerShot A550 looks similar to other A-series cameras from the front. It has a chunky hand grip on the left that has a chrome band down the apex surrounded by the Canon and PowerShot logos.. The band is more decorative than functional. On the right side of the camera body is the 4x optical zoom lens with its specs printed across the bottom of the circular rim: “5.8-23.2mm 1:2.6-5.5.” The glass is covered by two plastic petals when the camera is turned off. When turned on, the covers open and the lens extends in two segments about an inch and a half from the body. The front surface is a matte silver that has contours for handling . The lens sticks out about a quarter-inch from the camera body. To the top left of the lens are three holes that make up the built-in microphone. Above the lens is the optical viewfinder, with an auto focus assist lamp to its left. To the top right of the lens is a rectangular flash that is about half the size of an SD card – still quite large for a built-in flash. Below the flash is a printed label, “4x Optical Zoom,” and to the bottom right of the lens is another label: “7.1 Mega Pixels.” Overall, the front isn’t incredibly attractive. It looks like a standard digital camera.
Back (7.0)
The back of the A550 looks almost identical to the A530. It has the exact same layout but with a slightly larger display screen. The 2-inch LCD is on the left and is only 0.2 inches larger than its predecessor's. It has a black frame around it and is raised above the rest of the camera body. Just above the LCD is a circular optical viewfinder with two LED indicator lights and a Canon logo to the left. On the right side of the screen is a series of buttons that is found on other PowerShot A-series models. The central element is the Func./Set button that has a navigational ring around it. That ring has raised lines between the cardinal directions to help guide the fingers. The top portion of the selector accesses the ISO range; the right side has a flash icon on it; the bottom has burst and self-timer icons; and the left side has a flower graphic that represents the macro mode. Directly above the multiselector is a “jump” icon and below it is a trash icon. There are two buttons above the multiselector and two buttons below it. The two on top are for playback/recording and printing/transferring. The two on the bottom change the display and show the menu system. All of the buttons have the same circular shape, although the print button has an LED in its middle. In the top right corner of the back is a pattern of holes that looks almost like a snowflake which is the built-in speaker.
Left Side (7.25)
The left side of the A550 is thick, and the only feature on this side is the port cover. The rubber cover is an elongated vertical oval with a tiny space at the bottom for fingers to pry it open. It is labeled “DC in Digital A/V/ Out.” There are three separate jacks on the inside.
The right side is 1.7 inches thick and serves as a fat grip for the right hand. The front of the right side has a printed Canon label and a slightly darker metallic color. The back of the right side has two screws in it and an eyelet hole at the top that curves toward the top.
The top of the camera shows all the contours in the design. The right side slopes upward into a hand grip with the shutter release button at the tip. The domed chrome shutter release button is surrounded by a thick zoom ring. In the back right corner of the top is the wrist strap eyelet that continues on to the right side. To its left is the mode dial, which is nickel-sized and has a bottle-cap-like appearance with its serrated edge. This edge hangs off the back side of the camera, making it easier to rotate. There is a power button to the left of the mode dial. It has a circular shape that looks squashed on top. On the left side of the top is another “PowerShot A550” label and an “AiAF” logo.
The left side of the bottom is thicker because of the hand grip, so there is plenty of room for the battery and memory card compartment. The compartment’s door is large and takes up the entire left side from edge to edge. The door has a plastic lock on it that must be pushed forward. Once this is done, users can slide the big panel to the left. The AA batteries are tightly packed in the compartment, so once the door is open the two batteries sometimes pop out. On the far right side of the camera is the poorly- placed plastic tripod socket.
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