Reviews for Canon PowerShot A550 Compact Camera

7.1 Megapixel - 16:9 - 4x Optical Zoom - 2" LCD - 3072 x 2304 Image - 640 x 480 Video - PictBridge: Yes - MPN: 1775B001

  • 5
  By member: e129822 - Apr 3, 2007

canon a550 review

Strengths: 1. Very small and lightweight. 2. Focuses very fast. 3. Refresh time between photos is very fast. 4. Batteries last forever. 5. Simple to use. 6. Zero shutter lag.

Weakness: 1. Redeye. 2. Optics could be better.

We use this camera at work and it seemed pretty nice, so I bought one for personal use. Outdoor photos are always perfect. Flash photos indoor are pretty good, but redeye is common.

It's awfully fast and shutter lag is non-existent, very nice for a lower end 7mp camera.

I'd consider stepping up to a model with pop-up flash if most of your photos will be of people (to minimize red eye), otherwise, it's a great unit especially given the entry price.

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  • 4
  By member: aramidus44 - Sep 20, 2007

Canon PowerShot A550

Strengths: Picture quality, ergonomics, easy to use, 4X optical zoom, takes AA batteries

Weakness: No image stabilization, low-resolution screen, flimsy door

I bought the Canon PowerShot A550 to replace my old HP digital camera that was lost after too many drops. Overall it is a significant improvement. Pictures are typical of Canon quality, which is excellent. The design is well thought out as almost all functions can be reached with one hand, although one hand shooting can result in blurry pictures because of the lack of image stabilization. The buttons are nicely labelled and the camera is simply very easy to use, as any point-and-shoot camera should be. The 4X optical zoom gives a little better range than others in the same price range, and is relatively quick. Under brightly lit conditions, autofocus is speedy and shutter lag is minimal. It takes a little long for the flash to charge though. The fact that the camera takes two AA batteries may have something to do with the flash charge time, but it is also more convenient as one can just grab cheap alkaline AA on the go. The camera is well constructed except for the door of the battery/memory card compartment. The screen is on the small end and has only 86,000 pixels, but the image shown is not bad at all. The refresh rate is good too. The viewfinder is useful when the intensity of the sun overwhelms the screen.

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  • 4
  By member: nkgarg02 - Sep 4, 2007

A550 camera

Strengths: Great picture, highly recommended

Weakness: None

This is excellent camera specially with the recent price drop. Although it is bulkier than the new SD line of camera from Canon. This does not have optical image stablization, so keep your hands steady when taking pictures.

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  • 4
  By member: bjkrautk - Jun 30, 2007

Better features than comparably priced cameras

Strengths: A 4x zoom, 7.1 megapixel camera that can take 16:9 pictures...all for under $200. And it's from Canon. The pictures themselves do not disappoint.

Weakness: Batteries drain a bit fast (AA, but that's typical of most digital cameras). In order to shoot photos in burst mode, you have to use Canon's branded SD cards (which raises the price point).

It takes nice pictures, is relatively quick, and is inexpensive.

If you want to show off your photos on an HDTV, the 16:9 aspect ratio means you won't have to deal with black bars down the left and right-hand sides of the screen.

It's been a few months since I did my research...but I would still recommend the Canon A550.

http://ai.pricegrabber.com/uploaded_images/013000-013999/013583.jpg  

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  • 4
  By member: rpppp1 - May 19, 2007

Canon Powershot A550

Strengths: Great pictures, fast lens, not a bulky camera, takes AA batteies, a quailty product all around.

Weakness: Might take getting used to if you have large hands.

I was able to get this camera to replace an older canon camera I had, and couldn't have been happier. It has a quick lens, takes clear and sharp pictures, and offers plenty of different controls and seetings. My only warning is for those of you with large hands, I lent it to friend and he stated that it took some getting used to since it is a relatively small camera. All things considered I couldn't have made a better choice.

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  • 4
  By member: atdiekmann - Mar 9, 2007

Simple, but practical digital camera

Strengths: Reasonable price, simple to use, decent images, not too big

Weakness: all plastic construction, few features, only 4x zoom, smallish LCD screen compared to most digital cameras

I find Canon makes the best digital cameras. We own a G5 and have been very happy with it. But I wanted a simple but good camera to use at work, and the A550 fits the bill. I would recommend this camera to anyone who doesn't need a lot of fancy features that they don't understand and/or will probably never use, but want something that is a solid point-and-shoot camera. For these types of consumers, the A550 fits the bill without breaking the bank.

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Reply by member: lorriman
Mar 21, 2007

Not so simple. While skipping on manual exposure modes it does have manual focus, strangely. Also that f2.6 lense gives almost a stop up for low-lighters. Compared to most camera's, that have f2.8 lenses, you can almost double the shutter speed all the way along the zoom. I'm not kidding. So if the noise at ISO800 is acceptable, and for snaps it probably will be, then it's like getting an ISO1600 camera.

Personally I need my exposure modes, because otherwise the camera is just a dumb tool and you can't really get the enjoyment of play, nor the flexibility when you need it. This camera has bigger brothers in the same range that give you everything, also real ISO1600 (effective, with f2.6, 3200) and image stabilisation.

  • 4
  By member: djeremias - May 17, 2007

Canon Delivers

Strengths: Size, speed, ergonomics.

Weakness: Only 4x optical zoom.

The A550 replaces a 5 year old Fuji Finepix that uses 4AA batteries and is the size of a 35mm SLR. I need something light and fast and an optical viewfinder for pleasure trips. A550 fits the bill nicely. It's not perfect but it certainly scores 9/10 overall. The deal was sweet at 150 including a PNY 512mb SD card.

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  • 4
  By member: xujacob - Apr 18, 2007

Nice Camera

Strengths: Easy to use, 7.1 MP, good picture, resonable price

Weakness: does not have the image stabilizer

I love this camera. It is very easy to use. In addition, it also gives some manual control options like white balance, etc. The 7.1mp gives you excellent detail in your pictures. Of couse, you need to buy addition SD card, which is very cheap now. It would be fantastic if It had the image stabilizer.

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  • 2
  By member: marinera - Jul 22, 2007

I did not like it

Strengths: Not like canon A series (disapointing)

Weakness: weak flash

I got this camera after returning fuji A900 and i did not like this one either.
I had once the canon A10 1 megapixels and did a better job then this 7 mp
The pics are not sharp enougth and it turns out like a bluish color indoor
i just return this camera
and got the panasonic LZ6 AND WOW WHAT A CAMERA THE PICS LOOK LIKE MY SLR
IM VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE PANASONIC
RECOMMEND
NOT THIS CANON

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  • 5
  By member: geoffreyz2000 - Apr 16, 2007

Canon PowerShot A550 Digital Camera

Strengths: price is very reasonable. Very easy to operate

Weakness: None

The price of digital camera is getting lower and lower. This item is light in weight and easy to operate. The quality of the picture is awesome. Canon is really a trustable brand!

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  • 4
  By member: wiley_hacker - Apr 5, 2007

Neat little camera

Strengths: Cheap, decent controls, decent zoom, AA batteries, SD card, good picture.

Weakness: Small LCD, bigger than most compacts.

I bought this camera for my wife to put in her purse, and to use with one hand. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised to see the wide array of controls it has. Lots of picture modes, and multi-point focusing and auto-focus assist light are good features to have.

On the down side, it is a bit bulky and doesn't look as sleek as its competition. The LCD is small too.

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  • 4
  By member: h_c_i_a - Aug 23, 2007

Canon is the Best

Strengths: Good picture quality

Weakness: Small screen

I got this inexpensive camera to keep in my car for an emergency but i find myself using it for many other occasions. The picture comes out great. I also keep a pair of spare AA batteries.

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  • 5
  By member: yewm2004 - Jul 24, 2007

Decent easy use camera

Strengths: Nice picture, easy use

Weakness: no IS

I have a Canon A520 camera before and I love the use of rechargeable AA batteries, the easy to shot and the nice picture quality. This A550 is a big advance from A520. The CPU process is improved and the menu is modified for easier application. The motion manu makes use even fancy. The movie taken from this camera is also very nice and I could also use the digital zoom when taking the video. Overall, I love this camera and would like to recommend this.

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  • 5
  By member: wldjr1 - Sep 6, 2007

A550 a wonderful Camera

Strengths: Simple and Takes Beutiful Pictures

Weakness: Small view screen but you can zoom into the picture to see detail which is wonderful

I didn't know much about cameras but after my research I picked the Cannon A550. It takes Magnificent Pictures. (We went to the Grand Canyon). Easy to use and has enough features to remain you favored camera as you become a more sophisticated Photographer.

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  • 5
  By member: alex1432 - Aug 26, 2007

Great camera

Strengths: Easy to use

Weakness: None

This is a great camera for beginners to maybe intermediate users. It takes great pictures outside and inside. There are really not to many advanced features so if you know you need them this camera is not for you but if you just want to turn it on and take a picture this camera works great.

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  • 5
  By member: min1meng - Aug 20, 2007

Good Camera for the price

Strengths: Great picture quality and 4x optical zoom

Weakness: only 2" screen and uses AA batteries

Overall this best camera I found for only about $100. The picture quality is better than most cameras I seem that is twice the price. You cannot go wrong with a canon.

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  • 4
  By member: dreamreamer - Aug 3, 2007

Great small camera

Strengths: Clear pictures, great brand, quality

Weakness: LCD screen size memory card

The pictures on theis camera come out great. There are a bunch of setting and adjustments you can make to take fancy pictures and small film clips, or you can take great quick photos from the box.

No real weakness found yet.

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  • 4
  By anonymous - Jul 23, 2007

great camera

Strengths: this camera is lightweight and easy to use

Weakness: a little bulky

I use this camera to take pictures of my family and friends. In my opinion I think this is a great camera inside and outside of the house. For the low price that I paid, I recomend this to everyone.

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  • 5
  By member: xiaer928 - Jul 17, 2007

PowerShot A550 Digital Camera

Strengths: simple, functional,big screen

Weakness: Canon A series camera are sensitive for the movement

Traditional, high resolution, big screen,use aa batteries and covenient for changing of batteries. Everything looks good except that you have to be quiet when taking pictures. It doesnot allow you to move. Otherwise, it will be unclear.

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  • 4
  By member: servegod - Jul 16, 2007

Great first buy

Strengths: easy to use right out of the box

Weakness: odd shape

Based on the advice of a newspaper photographer friend, who recommended this as a good camera for a beginner, I bought this camera for my wife. Easy to use and we found the basic manual an easy read. Because of its odd-shape it can't easily fit in your pocket.

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  • 4
  By member: nitagro - Jun 13, 2007

Decent camera...getting cheaper day by day

Strengths: Great video quality, sharp images, uses 2 AA batteries

Weakness: Small LCD, slightly thicker than other compact cameras

This is a decent camera. And its canon..that can be trusted. Thats the reason i bought it because my experience with canon cams was really good. I took several video shots during a wedding with this camera and the video quality was superb. I have taken 100's of pictures so far and most of them came out to be good. I am over all happy with it.

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  • 5
  By member: icandoit - May 29, 2007

One of the best compact point-and-shoot camera

Strengths: Solid machine. Pleasing picture quality. Low price.

Weakness: LCD is a bit small. Shutter lag is kinda slow.

What I liked about this camera included a glass viewfinder which is very helpful when the sun is really shining and the LCD gets washed out. Other good thing is that the camera has a 4X optical zoom lens which help producing good images with vibrant color. For the price I paid for this camera, to me it really was an inexpensive digital camera. This camera is a solid choice for those who are on the budget.

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  • 4
  By member: MrSlacker - May 18, 2007

good compact camera

Strengths: very small, uses AA batteries, good quality, cheap

Weakness: slow

This is a great cheap digital camera. This is something you could give to your kids without worrying about it. Image quality is typical Canon which means its great. It uses SD cards which are very cheap nowadays.

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  • 4
  By member: szlz1 - May 11, 2007

Nice little camera

Strengths: 4 times optical zoom instead of 3 times, compact, good image quality

Weakness: red eye in weak light

I get this camera on a deal for less than 150. I like this little camera for its high mega pixels, larger optical zoom and compact size (although a little thick). the LCD is not very big but it is fine. the largest weakness is red eye in doors.

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  • 5
  By member: shazakh - Apr 23, 2007

Good Quality Camera with Big Size

Strengths: Sharp picture quality. Extensive features, especially video recording. Very light in weight although not the best shape in the world. Not a big battery eater. Easy to use.

Weakness: The thing i don't like about this camera is its shape and size. Big body, cannot fit in your pocket.

Although this camera is best when it comes to picture quality and easy to learn all the features quickly, i don't like the shape and size of the camera. I would still recommend this great camera if you can live with shape and size. Quality of the picture is THE BEST.

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  • 3.5
  cnet.com - Feb 12, 2007

Canon PowerShot A550

THE GOOD: Responsive performance; slightly above-average lens. THE BAD: Images plagued with artifacts and fringing; small LCD. THE BOTTOM LINE: This cameras low price tag and solid performance can help you forget that it doesnt have many bells or whistles.

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  • 3.2
  TopTenREVIEWS.com - Jul 16, 2008

Canon PowerShot A550

Canon PowerShot A550 receives an overall TopTenREVIEWS score of 2.58 out of 4.00. It is ranked the #158 standard digital camera of all time. The overall rating represents an intelligent balance of features, value as a function of price to features, and a summary of reviews from a variety of sources. The TopTen REVIEWS' formula gives a picture of important consumer features, market value, and a...

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  • 4.5
  Imaging Resource - Apr 17, 2007

Canon PowerShot A550

As we've come to expect from Canon's A-series, the PowerShot A550 is a great little digicam. Fairly frill-free, the Canon A550 still takes great shots with its 7-megapixel sensor. It has a satisfying 4x zoom, and is quite easy to use. The A550's no-nonsense mode dial is backed up by a simple Function menu; and though you can dig deeper with the main menu, you'll find fewer settings there than on...

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  • 4.0
  DCResource - Mar 25, 2007

DCRP Review: Canon PowerShot A550

The Canon PowerShot A550 is a very good entry-level digital camera, and one that I can recommend easily. You'll get a well designed body, good photo quality, and plenty of point-and-shoot features (with a few manual controls thrown in for good measure). <p> <p>

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