The 550D uses a new, 18.7 (total) megapixel sensor that’s similar, but not exactly the same as the one featured in the EOS 7D. Also central to the impressive specification of the EOS 550D is a high-spec movie mode which offers full HD capture at up to 30 fps, manual control over exposure, and the option to use an external stereo microphone. The new camera also inherits the EOS 7D’s sophisticated metering system. Canon has pulled out all the stops with the EOS 550D and produced the most highly-specced Rebel we’ve ever seen.

All in all, the EOS 550D is the most compelling DSLR of its class that we’ve ever tested. It is hard to imagine how much more we might realistically expect from a product of this type, and although the improvements that Canon has made over the EOS 500D aren’t revolutionary, the 550D is a better camera than its predecessor. In terms of both still and video capture, the 550D is currently the best camera of its type on the market.