Why the Canon 550D (compared with 600D / 650D / 60D / 7D / 5D)

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If you’ve read my camera page, you know that I shoot primarily with a Canon EOS 550D / Rebel T2i DSLR Camera. Although the 550D is an older camera (released in early 2010), it remains one of the best value options in the consumer-grade entry-level DSLR market, particularly for those who focus more on still photography over video. And with the Magic Lantern firmware, it gains a range of incredible options for video (and photo) that allows it to match and even exceed many higher-end camera bodies that are not running ML.

The above prices are from major vendors, but you can likely find it for less if you shop around. I’ve seen it for as low as $400-500 new.

A comprehensive review of the Canon 550D is not my intention here, as there have already been plenty of fantastic in-depth reviews of this camera at places such as The Digital Picture and DPReview. Rather, with the recent release of the Canon 650D (Rebel T4i) and the 550D now becoming a discontinued product line, I wanted to write a comparison of the 550D with many of the top Canon DSLR models on the market to explore why this older camera is still an extremely competitive option while also considering the context of using the Magic Lantern firmware.

Keep in mind that I’ve always shot Canon and so naturally gravitate towards it. However, Nikon can be just as good (or better), and they have fantastic offerings in entry-level, enthusiast, and professional DSLR markets. There are also many excellent and competitive options from Fujifilm, Panasonic, Sony, Leica, and others. The quality of your photos is less about the equipment and more about the photographer; choosing your equipment is a matter of personal preference. I encourage you to experiment with different cameras and lenses until you find the ones that you like.

With regards to Magic Lantern, this is a third-party developed firmware designed to run alongside the Canon firmware (not to replace it). The risk of it damaging your camera is extremely small though not nonexistent. However, the software has been downloaded thousands of times and there have been no reports of permanent damage to cameras. You run the same risk running other third-party commercial applications such as USB remote control.

I’ve used the 550D for over a year now and as a hobbyist / enthusiast / occasional semi-pro, and I’ve never found a reason forcing me to buy a more expensive “better” camera body. I honestly believe that you can make great photos (and video) with most cameras available today. The most limiting factors are your ability as a photographer and your familiarity with the camera(s) you use. I’ve shot with many Canon cameras including the 60D, 7D, 5D Mark II & III. All of these cameras offer great features and advantages over the 550D. But the 550D is still a fantastic camera. You should never let anyone tell you that you need a specific camera in order to do “real photography.” Your choice of camera body should be decided by your budget, the specific needs of the type(s) of photography you do, and what allows you to most easily and efficiently take the pictures you want.

As mentioned, the Canon 650D has pushed the 550D into a discontinued status. The 650D is now the flagship model in Canon’s entry-level “Rebel” series, though the 600D (Rebel T3i) remains in production. Because of this fact, the 550D is available on the market for pretty much steal prices. (Check eBay, local buyers on Craigslist, etc.) As the cheapest DSLR option in this review, the 550D will already appeal to the budget-conscious buyer.

However, the 550D (especially when enhanced with Magic Lantern) compares competitively in many other ways to the other cameras discussed here:

• Canon 600D / Rebel T3i
• Canon 650D / Rebel T4i
• Canon 60D
• Canon 7D
• Canon 5D Mark II / III

Magic Lantern essentially unlocks the full power of the camera. Running on the 550D, it closes the feature gap between it and many of the higher end models. With ML, the 550D gains the ability to manually control audio levels (disabling Canon’s AGC), enable exposure tools such as zebras and spotmeter, manually set intermediate ISOs, manually set white balance (in Kelvin) as well as a wide range of other tools and applications including: HDR bracketing, bulb exposure, intervalometer, multiple enhanced focus options (peaking, trap, follow, rack), and much more.

For a comprehensive list of ML’s features visit the Magic Lantern Wikia.

Obviously, ML cannot not close gaps for things like the physical body & operation controls, sensor performance, and some other features such as FPS.

Comparing with 600D

The 600D is the 550D’s direct successor and the two cameras are very similar to one another. Both cameras support Magic Lantern (ML), though the 600D does not have full access to ML options since some of these are accessed via Canon’s default menus.

The four major new features of the 600D are:

1. An articulated screen (flips out and tilts)
2. 3-10x movie digital zoom with full HD
3. A built-in IR emitter to wirelessly control flash
4. In-camera manual audio level control for videos

The articulated screen is a nice feature for those who wish to shoot at difficult angles. However, the construction of an articulated screen is never quite as solid as a fixed frame-integrated one. You are more at risk of damaging the screen in its flipped out position. If you don’t need this feature, an integrated screen is probably a better choice. Ironically, for video, the benefits of an articulating screen are significantly reduced by poor autofocus performance on DSLRs. For most video shooting, you will still need use manual focus, which can become extremely difficult when you are trying to take advantage of the articulating screen and shoot at unusual angles.

The 3-10x digital zoom for video (a zoom crop video mode) and the IR-emitter that allows you to control flash wirelessly are both useful features.

Manual audio levels can be controlled on the 550D with ML.

Outside of these, and some beginner-focused options like creative filters, it’s the same camera as the 550D. The 550D also has several advantages. It is notably more compact (roughly 30% smaller, 20% thinner, and 10% lighter). There is less startup delay and shutter lag. The 600D also lacks the sensor that automatically turns the LCD screen off when shooting through the viewfinder, which is distracting. You have to manually turn the screen off. This also limits some of ML’s extended features such as using the LCD sensor for remote shooting.

Verdict: Although the 600D has dropped in price quite a bit since it was first released, it still can run a couple hundred higher than the 550D. I recommend fixed frame-integrated screens over articulated screens for a solid design choice. However, if you want an entry-level DSLR with an articulated screen I would skip the 600D and check out the 650D (see below). Otherwise, the 550D with ML is a better choice.

Purchase Canon 600D (body only) from:

Comparing with 650D

The new addition to the Digital Rebel line is currently several hundred dollars more expensive. But, if the video-oriented features of the 600D are important to you, I would highly recommend the 650D despite the price increase (save up for the difference).

One of the biggest advantages of 650D that no other Canon DSLR has is phase detection video autofocus which allows for automatic and continuous focusing during video shooting. Keep in mind that this continuous focus is still poorer than any actual camcorder, but with Canon’s STM lenses designed to autofocus silently, you probably will get more use out of the articulated screen for creative video shots without needing to manual focus.

Another major addition is its touch-screen LCD. Though this is somewhat of a marketing gimmick (photographers have no real need for this), there is some value in it for videography. It also makes playback of videos and photos much nicer. The touch screen is made much more useful with the articulated screen.

The 650D also boasts the new DIGIC5 processor, increasing continuous shooting up to 5 fps (vs. 3.7 on the 550D and 600D). This is a significant boost for an entry-level Canon DSLR.

But, as a new camera, the 650D does not yet support ML. I expect that we will see it in the future since it has been developed for all of the recent Digital Rebel models. However, there is no guarantee and no word on a timeframe for ML on the 650D.

Verdict: If you are okay shooting without ML, and the touch screen and video autofocusing are important to you, the Canon 650D is a solid choice. However, if you want to take advantage of the additional features for photo and video that ML provides now, you will need a different option. Obviously the 550D is the most budget-sensitive option, and without support for ML and the large set of capabilities that it enables the primary advantages of the 650D are somewhat lessened. Whether the advanced features only available on the 650D are worth the price increase and lack of ML (at least for now) is up to you.

Also, be aware that each of the Digital Rebels have dropped in price considerably from the time they were released. Both the 550D and 600D were about the same price as the 650D when they were first released. So, the 650D may become significantly more attractive in 1-2 years when it has a comparable price to the 600D of today and (hopefully) fully supports Magic Lantern.

Purchase Canon 650D (body only) from:

Comparing with 60D

If a DSLR with full ML support, an articulated screen, and a superior body and set of controls for not much more than the 650D sounds like a good idea to you, the 60D is your camera. The Canon 60D is a step up from the Digital Rebel series, landing in the advanced enthusiast class rather than the entry-level DSLR range. However, as an older model body (released in 2010, shortly after the 550D), it is quite affordable. You can actually get the body of the 60D for barely more than the 650D / T4i.

Since the 60D is in a higher class of DSLR than the 550D, it boasts several significant advantages, including:

• Larger pentaprism (brighter) viewfinder
• Roughly 2x+ battery life
• Faster frame rate (5.3 fps)
• Better autofocus system with nine cross-type AF points (vs. only 1 on the Rebels)
• Superior body & ergonomics with rear dial control and top LCD

The Canon 60D has the articulated screen and is an overall better performer than any of the Digital Rebel DSLRs (though the new 650D comes quite close in some respects while keeping a more compact and lighter body). It also fully supports ML making it the current powerhouse of the APS-C / 1.6x crop Canon bodies. However, it does lack touch screen and continuous video autofocusing that the new 650D Rebel has.

Verdict: If you are willing to pay for the price hike from the 550D, the Canon 60D with ML is the best choice for those who want to benefit from the maximum performance AND range of features that Canon’s 1.6x crop bodies are capable of. The body of the 60D offers a better set of controls that include the top LCD plate and a brighter optical viewfinder. However, you should understand that with ML, the gap between the 550D and 60D is narrowed. Some of the in-camera features that the 60D originally offered over the 550D are available via ML. Also, while the top LCD, back side controls, and ergonomics of the 60D are excellent, the 550D’s controls are also quite nice and easy to use. If it’s in your budget, I would choose the 60D over the 550D and 650D because of the operational handling of the body, the better viewfinder, faster frame rate, better battery life, and superior AF system. But if it’s not in your budget, you will find the 550D more than an adequate substitute, and you can use the $500-600 you save on some better glass.

Purchase Canon 60D (body only) from:

Comparing with 7D

This is an interesting one. Without ML, the 7D is the topline APS-C / 1.6x crop body. It has dual DIGIC 4 image processors. It has 19 cross-type focus points. It has a 100% coverage viewfinder. It has the fastest frame rate of all Canon bodies (at 8 fps) outside the 1D series. It has less shutter lag. And it is also weather sealed, putting it on par with professional full frame camera bodies.

The 7D is pretty much the be-all end-all for the APS-C sensor cameras… but unfortunately it doesn’t support ML, and it doesn’t look like it ever will..

MAJOR UPDATE (09/18/2012): It appears that the ML team has cracked the 7D Magic Lantern Puzzle and that the firmware will available for the 7D soon! That means I may be recommending the 7D much more strongly in the near future!

MAJOR UPDATE (10/15/2012): It’s confirmed that Magic Lantern has successfully tested on the Canon 7D! Though it’s still an early version, things are looking very good.

Verdict: If you can live without ML, then the 7D is the best option for DSLR users who want to be able to use the vast range of EF-S lenses available from Canon and have the most professional build and system available. However, if you need ML, the 550D or 60D are much better and cheaper choices.

Verdict: Now that the Canon 7D finally supports Magic Lantern, and prices have been dropping recently, the Canon 7D is my new top choice for Canon APS-C bodies… if you can afford the price difference over the Canon 550D.

Purchase Canon 7D (body only) from:

Comparing with 5D Mark II / III

The Canon 5D Mark II is often known as the first affordable full-frame camera. Many often compare it to the 7D because they fall into a very similar semi-professional to professional range. Check out Snapsort’s comparison of the 5D Mark II. As you can see there are some advantages to each (the 7D in particular has a newer AF system).

The primary reason to use full frame over a crop sensor is to get the maximum field of view possible with your lens. The 5D gives you that ability. At the same time, it also means that the large body of EF-S lenses from Canon is incompatible, since these are designed for crop sensors. As such, cameras like the 550D and 7D can use many more lenses.

The 5D Mark II supports ML, and it is reported that the 5D Mark III also supports it.

The Mark III is undoubtedly the most powerful of every camera listed in this review, and the fact that it seems to supports ML solidifies its position even more. However, the Mark III is also much more expensive than anything else here.

Verdict: Both the 5D Mark II and Mark III support ML, though they are significantly more expensive than the 550D. But as full frame cameras, they give you the ability to take advantage of a larger sensor which has major benefits: increased field of view, better bokeh (background blur) when using smaller depth of field, better low-light performance, etc. What you give up is access to the larger range of lenses (since EF-S lenses will not mount on full frame) and money (since full frame cameras and EF lenses are typically more expensive). If you want to shoot full frame with ML, these are your choices. However, if you are on a budget or want to use the EF-S series lenses while also having the full features of ML, the 550D or 60D are better and cheaper options.

Purchase Canon 5D Mark II (body only) from:

Purchase Canon 5D Mark III (body only) from:

Conclusions

Some general points:

1. The 550D is the cheapest option and supports the full features of ML
2. The 60D is the best APS-C / 1.6x crop DSLR with ML
3. The 7D is the best APS-C / 1.6x crop DSLR without ML (ML may be possible now as of September 2012; the ML team has cracked ML on the 7D)
4. The 5D is the go-to camera for both full frame and ML

When it comes to Magic Lantern, four DSLRs can take advantage of the features magic lantern enables: the 550D, the 600D, the 60D, and the 5D Mark II (Mark III seems to support the firmware though it is not confirmed if all features are available, and it looks like we may see ML on the 7D in the near future).

Most people who are amateur or hobby photographers will not have thousands of dollars laying around for camera bodies. For these people who want to have a quality but budget-sensitive piece of equipment, the Canon 550D with full features of ML is an excellent option, perhaps the best option. With ML, it offers a fantastic range of capabilities for both photo and video at the virtually the cheapest level available on the DSLR market. The money you save purchasing the 550D instead of one of the more expensive options can instead go towards purchasing a better lens and / or important accessories like dedicated flash, external mic, tripods, etc.

So, when would some of the other cameras be a better choice? Here is how I would rate the other options, taking into consideration the native performance of the hardware and ML compatibility.

1. Canon 7D – MAJOR UPDATE (10/15/2012): With Magic Lantern having been successfully tested on the Canon 7D, this now ranks higher than the others. As the current top APS-C body, you get all of the access to EF and EF-S lenses while having professional grade build and features, many of which exceed the Mark II but for cheaper. You also get the incredible features of ML.
2. Canon 60D – Because it fully supports ML, the Canon 60D is the best balanced option as long as you are willing to pay the premium over the 550D. It’s a class above the entry-level Rebel line but still affordable, with the body under $1,000.
3. Canon 5D Mark II / Mark III – If you want to shoot full frame, the 5D is your go-to camera. Fortunately, it appears both the older Mark II and the new Mark III support ML (though only the Mark II is confirmed to support the complete range of ML features). Obviously you have to be willing to pay the higher price and give up the EF-S series lenses. If the hardware performance of the Mark II is good enough for you and you want to shoot full frame go for this one since you will save a substantial amount of money. If money is no object, get the Mark III as it is undoubtedly the best performing camera of all in this review.
4. Canon 650D – If you can live without ML for now, but you want the latest technology from Canon at a good price, the 650D is the best option since it is the only DSLR with a touch screen, video autofocusing, and built-in stereo recording. Of course, this is under the assumption that ML will be coming to the 650D in the future, a reasonable but not certain expectation.
5. Canon 600D – Honestly I can’t think of any reason to really recommend this one. If you really want an articulated screen, you are better off saving for either the 650D or 60D.

So, what do / will you shoot with?

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