Value (7.0)
The Canon PowerShot A550 is a basic digital camera with few fabulous features, but its price tag remains very reasonable at $199. This is fairly priced, judging from the prices of similar models. There is heated competition in the budget digital camera market as decent technology that was once available on expensive cameras depreciates in value and is included on cheaper models. The A550 is a decent camera, but there are still other models that have better combinations of features.
Comparisons
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Canon PowerShot A530 – The A530 and A550’s bodies are very similar, with the A530 measuring only a tenth of an inch taller. The edges on this model aren’t as sharp either. The Canon A530 has the same 4x optical zoom lens and a smaller 1.8-inch, 77,000-pixel LCD screen. The 5-megapixel model has similar automated modes but includes panorama stitch, color accent, and color swap modes that were omitted on the newer camera. Both models have Digic II image processors and the same few manual controls. The A530’s movie mode isn’t very impressive. It records 640 x 480-pixel video at 10 fps, and 320 x 240-pixel video at 20 fps. This entry-level model sells for about $50 less than the A550.
Fujifilm FinePix A800 – This digital camera isn’t very attractive, but it fits into the same budget category with its $179 retail price. The A800 has an 8.3-megapixel Super CCD and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with better resolution of 115,000 pixels. The 3x optical zoom lens isn’t as nice as the one on the Canon, but it's still functional nonetheless. The body has a mode dial like the Canon, and it also uses a menu interface that incorporates icons and text. The Fuji A800 has 19 recording modes and a movie mode that isn’t as impressive. It records 320 x 240-pixel video at 30 fps. It doesn’t have an optical viewfinder and runs on AA batteries. It accepts both SD and xD-Picture memory cards.
Nikon Coolpix L5 – Coming with the same 7.2-megapixel resolution, the Nikon L5 has a similar chunky shape but a longer 5x optical zoom lens. The lens has a vibration reduction system, which shifts the lens elements to keep blur to a minimum. The L5’s LCD screen is larger at 2.5 inches, but its resolution isn’t much better at 115,000 pixels. It has 15 scene modes, including four on the mode dial that have framing assists. It produces similarly sized movies to the Canon A550, but it doesn’t give users the option to change the white balance or have something similar to the PowerShot’s color modes. The Nikon Coolpix L5 packs in technology that automatically fixes red-eye, improves harsh lighting, and attempts to focus on faces. Its flash reaches farther at 18 feet, but its burst mode stumbles along at 0.7 fps. Both digital cameras run on AA batteries, with the Nikon L5 getting 150 shots per charge on alkaline batteries and 250 shots with a rechargeable EN-MH1 pack. The 3.8 x 2.4 x 1.8-inch Nikon Coolpix L5 retails for $249, but can be found for around $50 less online.
Pentax Optio E30 – With the same resolution and similar features, the E30 costs $149, which is $50 than the A550.The 7.1-megapixel digital camera has a similar plain appearance, but it is skinnier. This makes it easier to stash in a coat pocket – although it’s not very skinny at 1.4 inches – but this also makes it look way too much like a bar of soap. The camera has a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.4-inch LCD screen with 110,000 pixels. It has 15 scene modes that can be found in a colorful graphic menu, and there is no mode dial or optical viewfinder. The Pentax E30 comes with a Green Mode that automates everything and provides an excessively simple menu to change items such as image size. A movie mode is also available that can shoot 640 x 480 pixels at 28 fps. There are some effects like resizing, trimming, and borders available for still images. The Pentax Optio E30 runs on AA batteries, is compatible with SD cards, and can sync with ImageLink printers as well as PictBridge.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 – With 7.2 megapixels and a $199 price tag, this camera has some major similarities. It aims to be trendier than the average budget model though. Its body measures less than an inch thick, and it comes in four colors including pink and blue. Its lens is shorter with only 3x power, but it has a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115,000 pixels. There are only 7 scene modes and shutter speeds that don’t slow much more than a second, but the Sony W55 offers a few more manual controls like auto focus modes and an ISO range that extends to 1000. This Cyber-shot has an optical viewfinder, much like the one on the Canon A550. The Sony model runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that gets 380 shots per charge. This is impressive, as is the 56 MB of built-in memory. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 is compatible with Memory Stick Duo and Duo Pro cards and can only record decent 30 fps videos when the Pro card is used.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This digital camera is built for beginners who are either buying for the first time or moving up from an earlier entry-level. Ease of use is key on the A550.
Budget Consumers – At $199, the Canon A550 attracts photographers who want to take pictures but don’t want to break the bank and don’t care much for manual controls.
Gadget Freaks – There isn’t a single feature on the A550 that is unique or even mildly interesting to this audience.
Manual Control Freaks – This PowerShot doesn’t have many manual controls. These freaks will have to move up in the A-series to get a camera equipped with all the right stuff.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – The Canon PowerShot A550 won’t be considered by these photographers.
