Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, has launched a new lightweight digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera that features multiple options in stills and full HD video.

The new EOS 550D enables printing of large images by an 18 megapixel resolution and a 9-point auto focus (AF) system, offering extraordinary detail in every shot, a statement said.

Powerful DIGIC 4 processing complements the optical excellence with both speed and intelligence, delivering vivid images with little noise, it added.

A range of pre-set shooting modes also makes the EOS 550D allows users to focus solely on the subjects they want to capture. Shooting in low light is also made easy with the advanced ISO range of up to 6400.

ISO can even be extended to 12800 in the darkest conditions, allowing users to shoot evening events or dimly-lit scenes.

The EOS 550D also shoots high definition videos in full 1080 pixel resolution. Full manual control allows users to creatively tune settings to suit the subject, providing the flexibility to capture all kinds of action, from family gatherings to fast-moving sports.

A sensor similar in size to those used in high end cinema cameras also enables users to utilise aperture to control how much of the image is in focus, providing the ability to create a wide range of impressive visual effects.

The SLR also features a new movie crop function, which magnifies focal length by seven times without the need to change the lens, making long-range video possible.

A new 7.7 cm (3.0-inch) 3:2 clear view high-resolution LCD screen provides a facility to share pictures as they are taken.

The 3:2 aspect ratio matches images captured by the camera, displaying shots without black borders, while wide viewing angles and an anti-reflective coating makes viewing images easy, even in bright sunlight.

For those who want to share their images on the big screen, HDMI connectivity provides the facility to hook-up to compatible HD-ready TVs for instant playback of stills and video.

Owners of the new Canon EOS 550D can join the Canon iMAGE Gateway, a free online facility for Canon users that makes it easy to share their photos and video. Users can take advantage of up to 2 GB of personal storage space, the statement added. – TradeArabia News Service