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Canon PowerShot SD550 Point & Shoot Camera

The Canon PowerShot SD550 is a 7MP 1/1.8 inch compact camera — with 480p video. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.

Canon PowerShot SD550 Point & Shoot Camera

Canon PowerShot SD550 Point & Shoot Camera

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Camera Overview — Canon PowerShot SD550

The Canon PowerShot SD550 is a 7-megapixel point-and-shoot compact camera built around a 1/1.8-inch sensor and powered by Canon's DIGIC II image processor. Designed for everyday and travel photography, it strikes a balance between portability and image quality in a metal body that measures just 3.52 x 2.24 x 1.08 inches and weighs 6.8 oz. The camera features a 2.5-inch TFT LCD display, giving shooters a generous screen for framing and reviewing images at a time when large displays were not the norm in compact cameras.

Image capture tops out at a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 pixels, with a burst mode capable of 2 frames per second for capturing moving subjects. The autofocus system uses contrast detection, a reliable method well-suited to a camera of this class. ISO sensitivity runs from 50 to 400, providing a workable range for outdoor and well-lit indoor shooting.

For storage, the SD550 uses SD memory cards, a widely supported format. Video recording is available at up to 480p at 30fps. The camera connects via USB and is powered by a NB-3L Lithium-ion battery rated for 140 to 200 shots per charge.

An optical viewfinder is also included as an alternative to the LCD for composing shots.

Key Features — Canon PowerShot SD550

7MP 1/1.8-Inch Sensor: Captures images at up to 3072x2304 pixels, delivering solid detail for prints and everyday photography.

DIGIC II Image Processor: Canon's DIGIC II engine handles in-camera processing for consistent color reproduction and reduced noise.

2.5-Inch TFT LCD: A larger-than-typical display for its era, making it easier to frame shots and review images in the field.

Optical Viewfinder: Provides an alternative to the LCD for composing shots, useful in bright sunlight or to conserve battery.

Compact Metal Body: Measuring 89.4 x 57.2 x 27.4 mm and weighing approximately 193g, the all-metal construction offers durability in a pocketable form.

SD Card Storage: Uses widely available SD memory cards, making it easy to find compatible storage and transfer files.

Camera Specifications — Canon PowerShot SD550

Canon PowerShot SD550 full specifications
SpecDetail
Use CasesTravel
TypePoint and Shoot
Sensor1/1.8 inch
Resolution7MP
ProcessorDIGIC II
ISO Range50 – 400
AF SystemContrast Detection
Max Photo Resolution3072x2304
Burst Rate2 fps
Max Video Resolution480p
Max Frame Rate30fps
Image StabilizationNone

Description — Canon PowerShot SD550

The Canon PowerShot SD550 is a compact point-and-shoot camera built around a 7MP, 1/1.8-inch sensor and Canon's DIGIC II image processor. Its metal body measures 3.52 x 2.24 x 1.08 inches and weighs just 6.8 oz, making it easy to carry on the go. The 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen offers comfortable image review and framing, while an optical viewfinder provides an alternative for composing shots.

ISO sensitivity spans 50 to 400, and the camera supports burst shooting at 2 frames per second. Maximum still image resolution reaches 3072x2304 pixels, and video can be recorded at up to 480p at 30fps. Storage relies on SD memory cards, and the camera connects to a computer via USB.

The NB-3L Lithium-ion battery is rated for 140–200 shots per charge. The autofocus system uses contrast detection, and there is no image stabilization present in this model.

Pros — Canon PowerShot SD550

  • ✓Compact metal body at just 6.8 oz and 3.52 x 2.24 x 1.08 inches makes it highly portable
  • ✓7MP sensor on a 1/1.8-inch sensor delivers solid resolution for a camera of its class
  • ✓DIGIC II image processor for reliable in-camera processing

Cons — Canon PowerShot SD550

  • ✗ISO range tops out at 400, limiting performance in low-light situations
  • ✗No image stabilization of any kind — neither in-body nor digital
  • ✗Video recording limited to 480p at 30fps, well below modern standards

Videos — Canon PowerShot SD550

My favourite digital camera (it's cheap!) — Teo Crawford

Resources & Downloads — Canon PowerShot SD550

Manuals & Guides

Frequently Asked Questions — Canon PowerShot SD550

What memory cards does the Canon PowerShot SD550 use?+
The SD550 uses SD memory cards for storage, a widely available and affordable format. This makes it straightforward to find compatible cards for use with the camera.
Does the SD550 have image stabilization?+
No. The specifications confirm that the SD550 has no image stabilization — neither in-body nor digital IS. Shooters should keep this in mind in lower-light or telephoto situations.
What is the maximum photo resolution the SD550 can capture?+
The SD550 captures images at a maximum resolution of 3072x2304 pixels using its 7MP, 1/1.8-inch sensor. This is suitable for standard prints and screen use.
Can the SD550 record video?+
Yes, the SD550 supports video recording at up to 480p resolution at 30fps. This is standard definition footage, which reflects the camera's era of production.
What battery does the SD550 use, and how long does it last?+
The camera uses a NB-3L Lithium-ion battery, rated for approximately 140 to 200 shots per charge. It is worth keeping a spare battery on hand for extended shooting sessions.
Does the SD550 support wireless connectivity?+
No. The SD550 does not include Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. It connects to a computer via USB for transferring images and video files.

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