Canon PowerShot A550

Connectivity
Software (6.5)
The Canon A550 comes with the Canon Solution Disk version 30.0 that includes software compatible with both Windows and Macintosh systems. For Macs, the following programs are included: ImageBrowser 5.8, PhotoStitch 3.1, and EOS Utility 1.1. For Windows: ZoomBrowser EX 5.8, PhotoStitch 3.1, Camera TWAIN Driver 6.6, and EOS Utility 1.1. QuickTime 7 can also be installed from the disk.

I checked out the Windows-compatible programs. ZoomBrowser EX has three viewing modes – zoom, scroll, and preview – that allow users to look, select, comment, and rate images. Once users select an image file, another window appears with printing and editing choices along with a larger view.

File info can be shown or hidden, and pictures can be rated just like on the previous window. The following editing options are available: red-eye correction, auto adjustment, color/brightness adjustment (contrast, saturation, brightness), sharpness, trim, and insert text. Movies can be played back but not edited in the ZoomBrowser EX software.

There is a quick link to home printing devices but no connection to an online printing web site. Some software programs, such as those released with Kodak and HP digital cameras, sync with web sites and allow users to more easily upload to online galleries. Canon doesn’t offer that, but it does have an Internet tab in its menu that lets users email JPEG files (not movies), using a quick step-by-step process that sizes and sends.

Photostitch 3.1 opens, but it doesn’t automatically sync with computer files. Users must manually open the pictures they want stitched together, then line them up in order. The program has trouble with pictures taken with different focal lengths, but it can still merge files – although they may not look great. The results don’t look very professional, but most users probably won’t ever open this program.

Overall, the software package is decent; the ZoomBrowser EX software is all users will need to view, organize, and edit.

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.25)
A cover on the left side of the camera body opens to reveal three separate ports. The top port is for the A/V cable; this function can be set to NTSC or PAL standards in the setup menu. The central port is a USB 2.0 hi-speed mini-B jack. The bottom port connects with the 3.15v optional power adaptor. The cover seems to snap in quite well, especially for being made of rubber material. I wouldn’t dip the camera in water or anything, but it seems effective at keeping dirt out.

Direct Print Options (7.0)
In the playback mode, there is a sub-menu that leads to the printing options. An entire print order can be made in the A550, and it can be transferred to a PictBridge printer via a USB cable. There is a menu that can send the pictures to a printer, or users can push the designated button with an LED in its center.


Like other PowerShot digital cameras, the Canon A550 can sync with Canon CP and Selphy photo printers and create passport-sized pictures and even index prints from movies. Still, the camera can transfer photos to any other PictBridge printer just as easily.

Battery (6.25)
The space below the hand grip is reserved for the battery and memory card compartment. It has a lock that must be slid one direction while sliding the entire panel another direction. This is somewhat complicated, but that’s only because Canon doesn’t want to make it too easy for the batteries to pop out while snapping pictures. Putting batteries into the camera can be complicated too; there is no label to show which direction to load the batteries, so users have to pay attention to the leads. The A550 runs on two AA batteries and comes with an alkaline set. This will get users about 140 pictures. For better battery life, rechargeable NiMH AAs can be used; they will get 500 shots per charge. The rechargeable batteries will be well worth the price; otherwise, users will be purchasing AAs very frequently.

Memory (3.25)
The Canon PowerShot A550 does not have built-in memory, but it comes with a 16 MB MMC card in the package. This card can fit only four full-resolution pictures on it, so users will want to purchase more memory. The A550 accepts SD, SDHC, and MMC cards.

Other features (2.0) 
Sound Memo – This is available from the playback menu. It allows users to attach up to 60 seconds of monaural audio to each image file.