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The Canon EOS 550D is not quite Canon's highest-spec'd consumer digital SLR, but it still packs a mighty punch.

The EOS 550D sits just below the EOS 50D and the more professionally orientated EOS 7D in Canon's rather cluttered product line-up, but in some ways it trumps these higher-spec'd cameras.

For example, the EOS 550D packs in more megapixels than the EOS 50D (18Mp versus 15.1) and offers more sophisticated HD video features, with the ability to manually control exposure.

Of course, Canon is not Father Christmas, so you're not getting an EOS 7D on the cheap here.

The 550D lacks the 7D's bullet-proof alloy construction and lags behind in the speed stakes. While the EOS 550D can shoot at 3.7 frames per second in Continuous Shooting Mode, it's restricted to 34 JPEG images, or six RAW files – so sports and action photographers might want to look elsewhere.

But don't get us wrong; while the EOS 550D is not a professional-spec SLR, the keen photographer will still get a lot of bang for their buck.

Video Capture

Movie Mode:Yes

Movie Resolution:1920x1080, 1280x720, 640x480

Movie Frame Rate:30/25/24, 60/50, 60/50

Movie Audio:Yes

Movie File Format:.MOV (H.264)

Headline features

18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor

DIGIC 4 processor with ISO 100-6400 (Expansion to 12800)

Continuous shooting at 3.7fps

Full HD movie recording with manual control and selectable frame rates

7.7cm (3.0") 3:2 Clear View LCD with 1,040k dots

iFCL metering System with 63-zone Dual-layer Metering Sensor

Quick Control screen to change shooting settings

Exposure compensation +/-5 stops (although viewfinder scale is still +/-2 stops)

Select maximum value for Auto ISO

External Microphone socket

Movie crop function

Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

Helpful reading:

Mac HD Converter can convert regular videos such as AVI, ASF, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, MOV, FLV, 3GP, 3G2, DIVX, M4V etc. to different formats such as MKV, 3GP, 3G2, MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, FLV, SWF, DV, M4V and MOV and so on and players including iPod, iPhone, Apple TV, PSP, Creative Zen, cell phones, Zune, BlackBerry, Gphone, iRiver, Palm, Walkman, Gphone etc.

DVD Maker for Mac is the perfect DVD Creator specializes in burning all kinds of videos to DVD Disk. It supports importing dv, wmv,3gp, mov, vob, mpg, asf, flv, avi, rm, rmvb, mp4, mkv, mka, m4v, ac3, tod, mod movie formats to output DVD for DVD 5 and DVD 9 Disk.

"Sony Cybershot DSC WX7 Help with Video?

I got a new Sony today. problem is, I'm on mac and I noticed that the videos I record with it show up as "MTS" files on my computer. Mac by the way.

that would be fine If I could run them on anything.

even when I convert them to mp4 via a program I found online, it doesn't work.

well, it does.

but it butchers the hell out of the quality for one.

secondly its out of synch. *audio WAY ahead*

and it only records a little over a minute of footage in the new format.

I don't know what I can do to make this work, I spent alot of money on this camera, and want to be able to actually use it. for youtube and such.

and help with this would be much appreciated !"

The problem is, the AVCHD has no good compatibility with Mac program, though the latest iMovie'11 is claimed to have support hundreds of popular camcorder models. When you check out the iMovie'11 supported camcorder list, you will find that most of Sony HDR series camcorders are in the list. However, Sony Cyber-shot DCS series like Cybershot DSC-W530, DSC-WX9, DSC-HX9V, have no luck.

If so, Doremisoft Sony Cybershot Converter for Mac program comes to be necessary. It can help you to convert AVCHD clips to Mac formats like MOV, MPEG4, DV, etc within barely three steps. Moreover, it provides a series of practical presets like iMovie, iDVD, iTunes, iPad, etc. It saves your time to find out which output file format to be chosen for optimal playback on program and devices.

Easy Steps to convert Sony Cybershot AVCHD to Mac friendly formats:

Step One: Download and install Sony Cybershot Video Converter Mac.

Step Two: Import AVCHD Video to the program.

You need to copy your AVCHD video to Mac, then click "Add File" to upload your video from Sony Cycle-shot to Mac.

Step Three: Set output video format for Mac iMovie

If you want to edit your video in iMovie on Mac, you can click "Profile" to open the Profile drop-up list to select iMovie video>iMovie MOV

Step Four: Convert Sony CyberShot video on Mac. Click "Start" button to convert Sony Cybershot AVCHD files for Mac. After conversion finished, you can edit your converted Sony CyberShot video to iMovie.

Tripods can be super-useful tools when it comes to taking photos or shooting video, especially if you're trying to act as both photographer and subject in a group photo or video clip. Traditionally, a tripod has three legs that can be extended to varying heights, with a mount of some sort on top where you can attach your favorite camera or camcorder. While great to have around, a traditional tripod is often bulky, making it less than ideal to carry with you in many situations.

In recent years, quite a few unique tripods have hit the market that can do just as good a job as their larger counterparts (and sometimes better) without weighing you down. Here's a look at six tripod solutions that will stabilize your outlook on photography.

1. Joby GorillaPod

MORE: Five cameras for unique situations

Joby's GorillaPod is probably the most recognizable unique tripod out there. Designed in many ways like your traditional tripod, the GorillaPod departs from the norm with sturdy bendable legs that can be wrapped around tree limbs, light fixtures, or anywhere else you need to attach your camera in order to snap a few shots. The GorillaPod Original can hold most standard point-and-shoot cameras; Joby offers sturdier options for larger DSLRs and video cameras, as well as a magnetic version with feet that can be attached to any metal surface.

2. Bottle Cap Tripod

The Bottle Cap Tripod lets you turn virtually any bottle into a tripod. The tripod's stretchy rubber socket on one end wraps tightly around your bottle of choice, and a standard-issue tripod screw on the other end attaches to your camera. While you're not going to be able to get super creative with where you place the Bottle Cap Tripod, it can be great to have on hand for moments when you need a tripod in a snap. Throw this in your bag, and you'll never be caught without a tripod option … as long as you keep yourself hydrated.

3. The Monsterpod

The Monsterpod allows you to turn pretty much anything into a tripod. Made specifically for use with lightweight cameras, the base of the tripod is made of viscoelastic morphing polymer similar to the Silly Putty you may have played with as a child. This base can be stuck to anything, from your ceiling to a pole or a fence.

Just like Silly Putty, however, the Monsterpod can occasionally leave a residue on surfaces (or take things like paint with it), so while it's a great solution in a few situations, it can be an inappropriate tripod choice in others.

4. Gerber Steady

Not only is it a tripod, the Gerber Steady is also a multi-tool that comes sporting a fine-edged blade, a serrated blade, three screwdrivers, a bottle opener, pliers and wire cutters. This ultra-compact tripod is perfect for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who want a tripod for some shooting situations but don't want to be weighed down by some of the heavier or bulkier options out there. As the MacGyver of tripod tools, the Gerber Steady easily slips into your pocket; be sure to remove it before heading through airport security.

5. Pedco UltraClamp

If you're trying to take photos while biking around the city, trying to hold your camera can be not only difficult but dangerous. The Pedco UltraClamp is a tripod that can be mounted on things like a car window, your bicycle's handlebars, or a picnic table for snapping shots. It attaches via an adjustable clamp that can adapt to fit almost anywhere you may want to use it.

Both sturdy and small, the UltraClamp's maker claims it's strong enough to support any camera or camcorder, so you can use it with not only your pocket-sized point-and-shoot but also your favorite DSLR.

6. The Twig Pod

Is it a tent stake, or is it a tripod? The Twig Pod is an ultra-light monopod designed to be used by backpackers and out in the wilderness. The svelte aluminum monopod has a pointy foot for staking in the ground (much like you might stick in a golf tee), and a ball head mount on top allows you to shoot vertically, horizontally, or from any other angle you might like. Once you're done, the Twig Pod collapses into four 8-inch parts, allowing it to be easily stowed away while you continue your journey.

Source:http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/story/2012-03-11/versatile-camera-tripods/53470168/1

HD video VS SD shootings

High-definition video or HD video refers to any video system of higher resolution than standard-definition (SD) video, and most commonly involves display resolutions of 1,280*720 pixels (720p) or 1,920*1,080 pixels (1080i/1080p).

1080i: Except for AVCHD Lite models, all AVHD camcorders has the ability of capturing 1080! Interlaced video. Each frame of video is sent or displayed in alternative fields. The fields in 1080i are composed of 540 rows of pixels or lines of pixels running from the top to the bottom of the screen, with the odd fields displayed first and the even fields displayed second.

1080p: Compared with 1080i, it can record smoother looking image with less motion artifacts and jagged edges, thanks to its specification: each frame of video is sent or displayed progressively. This means that both the odd and even fields (all 1,080 pixel rows or pixel lines) that make up the full frame are displayed together. Those AVCHD camcorders such as the Panasonic AG-HMC150, Panasonic AG-HMC40, Sony HDR-AX2000 and Sony HXR-NX5U utilize the 1080p recording format.

High-definition video & HD AVCHD camcorder:

Nowadays, more and more consumers choose high definition camcorder for it is considered as shooting video in the highest quality available. So far, the Canon Vixia, Sony Handycam, Panasonic or JVC AVCHD camcorder are all capable of recording 1080i, 1080p or 720p video. And their convention shooting video output formats is MTS/M2TS.

However, most of AVCHD camera users would be frustrated when dealing with the tough HD video format like transfer the footage to Mac or edit the captured movies in iMovie, output the shot to portable devices, etc.

HD camcorder video editor for Mac is an impeccable video editor for HD AVCHD camcorder, specially designed for Mac users to edit M2TS/MTS HD video on Mac. You can learn how to use it quickly by the guide bellow:

To start with; Import AVCHD (or other HD) files

Click the "Add File" button to browse your hard drive and import flip videos to Mac HD camcorder video editor.

Then click on the Edit icon from at the top of the main interface to open the editing window.

1. Crop HD video

You will first see the Crop window, if you want to crop your HD video, just drag the crop frame to specify the area you want to crop. Or you can set the crop values on the lower part of the screen.

2.Edit HD video effects

Click on "Effect" tab on the lower left of the editing window, and you will see the options to let you edit video effects. You can set video brightness, contrast and saturation, and apply a special effect such as gray, old film or emboss.

3. Trim HD video length

If you want to trim the length of your HD video, click on Clip icon at the top of the main interface to open the Clip window. Then trim HD video length using one of the three methods as shown on the figure below:

Now, you are done editing HD video. Click the "Profile" drop-up list, and click on the profile you prefer to select it. Then, click on the Start button on the lower right corner of the main interface to convert your HD videos to the desired formats applied in iMovie and portable devices.

Cannot play video taken from Sony Cyble-shot on mac

I am facing a serious problem in watching video on mac, video was taken from Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. I bought my camera last week and it was working perfectly.I not much computer savvy.What is it all about and how to get rid of this problem? If any have any kind of suggest please let me know.

Based on the two problems above, people always meet the same issue on how to import Sony Cyber-shot videos to Mac,it means which is the best way to convert the sony cyber-shot AVCHD to Mac MOV, MP4, DV etc. For editing on FCP(X) and iMovie'11, iMovie'09, iMovie'08.

To convert these AVCHD models 1080p or 1080i recording to Mac MOV, MP4, DV, MPEG, we will use Mac Sony Cyber-shot DSC AVCHD Converter which is specially designed to transfer Cyber-shot DSC AVCHD to Mac compatible MOV, MP4, DV, MPEG etc. formats for editing on FCP(X) and iMovie. And the converting progress is easy and quick.

Tutorial of converting Sony Cyber-shot DSC AVCHD to Mac friendly formats (Lion included):

Step One: Import Sony Cyber-shot DSC Video to Mac AVCHD Converter

Firstly, you need to copy your Cyber-shot Cyber-shot DSC AVCHD to Mac and launch AVCHD Converter for Mac, then click "Add File" to upload your AVCHD MTS files to the program.

Step Two: Set Output Video Format for Mac

Click "Profile" to open the Profile drop-up list to select MOV, or MP4, DV, MPEG as output video format for Mac OS.

Step Three: Convert Sony Cyber-shot AVCHD to Mac

Click "Start" button to convert Canon AVCHD MTS files for Mac. After conversion finished, you can edit your converted MTS, M2TS files with iMovie(11), FCP(x), FCE, iDVD, etc as you like.