Monday, November 1, 2010
Sony introduces VAT back scheme
Sony UK will offer customers ‘VAT Back’ across its product range in a move to help the nation save money on Christmas presents such as compact cameras, e-Readers and Blu-ray players, as well as larger purchases ahead of the forthcoming UK VAT rise in January.
Sony developed the initiative through extensive consumer testing which revealed that the VAT rise is a major concern for consumers, especially in the run up to Christmas.
The campaign – a first for a consumer electronics company in the UK – will run until Christmas Eve and feature a wide range of high street retailers such as John Lewis, Tesco Extra, M&S Home, Jessops, PC World, Amazon, Comet, Currys and Argos, as well as independent outlets and Sony Centres.
Andy Benson, Commercial Director, Sony UK said: “Next year is likely to be a tough time for everyone, and with Christmas around the corner, getting the ‘VAT Back’ will hopefully make the difference for anyone in two minds about whether to make that extra special purchase for the family or as a Christmas gift ”
For consumers to benefit from the offer the full price of the item is payable in-store then shoppers have until 31 January 2011 to claim the VAT cash back from Sony on purchases made between 28 October and 24 December. The scheme includes all 3D televisions and Blu-ray products, full high-definition AVC Handycams and selected digital cameras, Readers, VAIO netbooks and iPod docks.
The new initiative is supported by a national advertising campaign, staring Sir Derek Jacobi as Scrooge in a modern-day version of A Christmas Carol. The ad opens with a bedraggled Scrooge alone in a gloomy London flat on Christmas Eve. He reads a newspaper headline and voices the message aloud ‘V.A.T back ….. Sony….ends Christmas Eve’ which inspires him to purchase a wealth of Sony gifts for his nephew’s family.
A dedicated online hub for the initiative - www.sony.co.uk/vatback - will launch on 28 October to inform consumers which products are included in the promotion, where to find their nearest store and how to claim their VAT back. The official launch slot for the ad will be during the ad break of X Factor on 30 October, and will be an extended two minute version of the ad.
For more information please visit www.sony.co.uk
Canon EOS 550D Review
Canon EOS 550D Review
Entry-level APS-C digital SLR with HD video
Canon completely changed the photographic landscape in 2003 with the launch of the EOS 300D. It was the first sub-£1,000 digital SLR and pathed the way for the DSLRs we use today. Fast-forward seven years and Canon has achieved another major feat by announcing an 18-megapixel DSLR boasting HD video along with various other cutting-edge features. It's potentially set to shake-up the competitive entry-level sector if its performance can match its features-list. We find out if the EOS 550D is as good as it sounds or whether the low price has led to one too many corners being cut.
Handling & ease of use
The small size and the curved shape of the EOS 550D is sure to be an instant hit with would-be purchasers. Not only is the camera small, it's very light too and the pronounced handgrip provides a very secure hold. Used with smaller zooms like the 18-55mm kit lens or 50-200mm, it provides a very good balance and is small and lightweight enough not to prove obstructive to everyday use. The body may feel slightly plasticky to some and is very similar (although not identical) to the EOS 500D.
Despite the very high specification, the EOS 550D has a very clean control layout that should not prove intimidating, even to DSLR newcomers. The top-plate is particularly clutter-free, with the left side devoid of controls and the right side sporting the main exposure mode dial, an on/off switch and ISO button, with the shutter release button and input dial placed on the top of the handgrip.
The majority of buttons is located on the rear of the camera and is very neatly arranged, with most positioned on the right of the large LCD monitor. A four-way control allows access to key functions such as autofocus and White Balance, with a number of other buttons allowing access to functions such as exposure compensation and Live View. Above the LCD are the two main display buttons that activate the menu and change how information is displayed on the screen.
The LCD itself is superb, with the 3in screen (3:2) ratio providing a bright and colourful display that is super-sharp thanks to the very high resolution. The on-screen menu is very comprehensive and easy to navigate, while the display can be adjusted to suit your preference. The addition of the Q (Quick Control) button is very useful too, as it allows you to scroll through the various functions on the screen to make fast changes using either the front input dial or the SET button and four-way control.
The viewfinder is pretty good, with a comfy hood to protect from glare and a dioptric correction facility, as well as a sensor that conserves battery power by switching off the LCD when you look through the viewfinder.
There are very few grumbles that can be levelled at the EOS 550D. It feels a little more plastic than similarly-priced Nikons (but is tough nonetheless), but other than that, the EOS 550D handles well and is very easy to use. 23/25
Features
In terms of resolution, nothing below £1,500 comes close to matching the 18-megapixels on offer from the EOS 550D, which delivers a maximum image size of 5184x3456 pixels. This factor alone makes the EOS 550D a very tempting proposition, but the inclusion of a fully-featured HD video facility raises its appeal further. While the debate continues on just how useful a movie mode is to DSLR photographers, the fact is that it's certainly proving to be a strong selling point and it's a feature that an increasing number of snappers are finding uses for.
Obviously, HD video is still a peripheral feature for many, but even if you don't plan to use it, the extensive range of core features on offer still make the EOS 550D very good value for money.
There is a full range of exposure modes from subject-biased programs through to semi-auto and manual modes. It's backed up by a choice of four metering patterns: 63-zone Evaluative, spot, partial and centre-weighted average. There is also a number of exposure overrides, including exposure compensation of +/-5 stops, bracketing (+/-2 stops) and AE Lock. It's worth noting that the Evaluative pattern uses the iFCL system found on the EOS 7D, which analyses focus, colour and luminance information when calculating exposure. Under the second tab of the menu system, you'll also find an Auto Lighting Optimizer, which offers a boost to the tonal range covered with three settings available: low, medium and strong.
The AF system uses nine points arranged in a diamond array that covers a wide area of the frame, with the central point using the more sensitive cross-type sensor. You can have them all active or select them individually, with a pick of three modes: One-Shot, AI Servo (continuous AF) or AI Focus, which combines the two. Among the 12 Custom Functions is one (CF7), which enables an AF-assist beam when shooting in low light.
The EOS 550D's integral flash covers lenses as wide as 17mm and offers a range of modes, including flash compensation, red-eye reduction, second-curtain sync and flash exposure lock (similar to spot metering for flash).
Picture Styles are accessed via the four-way control or menu and offer a good choice of parameters, including portrait, landscape and faithful. Each can be manipulated to adjust the sharpness, contrast, saturation and colour tone, with three user-defined settings to save your preferences to. Select Monochrome and as well as sharpness and contrast, you can set a filter (yellow, orange, red, green) and toning effect (sepia, blue, purple and green).
The APS-C sensor lacks a shake reduction facility, as these are built into the lenses, but offers dust reduction in the form of a high-vibration system and software. The EOS 550D's pixels use the gapless micro-lens system found on the EOS 50D that increases the efficiency of each pixel.
The EOS 550D sports 14-bit image processing, handled by its DIGIC 4 processor, which promises smoother tonal gradation and more natural colours. It also offers advanced noise reduction, which may prove useful if you shoot at higher ISO ratings (the Canon has an ISO range of 100-6400, with a High setting of 12,800) and allows for continuous shooting at up to 3.7 frames-per-second. While Custom Functions are rarely mentioned, it's worth pointing out CF6, which activates Highlight tone priority to boost highlight detail, mirror lock-up (CF8) and CF12, which adds image verification data to your shots. Finally, the EOS 550D boasts a depth-of-field preview facility, which while not popular with DSLR newcomers, will find favour with traditionalist photographers. Overall, the Canon has more than enough features for beginners right through to enthusiasts. 24/25
Performance
The EOS 550D is designed to take good pictures easily and that is exactly what it does. It's very fast to power up, responsive to use and logical to control. The result is a DSLR that's fast and easy to use. Whether left to operate fully automatically or with user-intervention, the EOS 550D delivers images that are consistently well exposed and sharp. The 63-zone Evaluative meter works and rarely falters, with the exception of backlighting and the occasional high-contrast scene. The autofocus is very fast and responsive, coping well with tricky conditions such as when shooting close-ups and focusing in low light. Images display excellent colour reproduction with good saturation and sharpness is from in-camera JPEGs is very good, although JPEGs from converted Raw files are slightly better. Noise is very well controlled at lower ISO ratings and images at up to ISO 1600, while soft and with slight noise, were still usable, with decent colour reproduction. The HD video function works well but in truth wasn't tested in any great depth as due to time constraints, we tested our sample for stills photography. No model-specific problems were noted and apart from the White Balance struggling with tungsten, the EOS 550D performed well in all areas. 23/25
Verdict
Canon needs the EOS 550D to be the complete all-rounder to dominate this area of the market and judging from the two weeks I've had with the camera, I have to say I think it is. In terms of what a would-be user expects, it ticks all the boxes. It's small, lightweight and easy to use and its range of features are more than enough for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. Its performance doesn't disappoint either, delivering high-quality images at an exceptional resolution for the price. There are several very good models at this price but none have the all-round appeal of the EOS 550D. Regardless of whether or not you plan to use the HD video, in terms of value-for-money, there is nothing in its class to match it and I can see it being a runaway success and one of the year's best-sellers.
Handling & ease of use 23/25
Features 24/25
Performance 23/25
Value for Money 24/25
Overall 94/100
HD movie modes
Not all HD video modes are the same and the EOS 550D boasts an impressive set-up passed down from more expensive models. It offers true HD recordings (1080P) at 30 frames-per-second and offers both auto and manual control of apertures and shutter speeds.
Supplied software
As with all Canon DSLRs, the EOS 550D is supplied with a comprehensive range of software packages. These include Digital Photo Professional for editing and converting Raw files, Image Browser for reviewing shots, Stitch for creating panoramics and Picture Style Editor for adding your own creations to the camera's range of Picture Style settings.
Supplied accessories
The Canon EOS 550D kit is supplied with the following accessories: battery charger (LC-E8), Li-ion battery (LP-E8), wide strap, USB cable, body cap, software CD and instruction manual.
Entry-level APS-C digital SLR with HD video
Canon completely changed the photographic landscape in 2003 with the launch of the EOS 300D. It was the first sub-£1,000 digital SLR and pathed the way for the DSLRs we use today. Fast-forward seven years and Canon has achieved another major feat by announcing an 18-megapixel DSLR boasting HD video along with various other cutting-edge features. It's potentially set to shake-up the competitive entry-level sector if its performance can match its features-list. We find out if the EOS 550D is as good as it sounds or whether the low price has led to one too many corners being cut.
Handling & ease of use
The small size and the curved shape of the EOS 550D is sure to be an instant hit with would-be purchasers. Not only is the camera small, it's very light too and the pronounced handgrip provides a very secure hold. Used with smaller zooms like the 18-55mm kit lens or 50-200mm, it provides a very good balance and is small and lightweight enough not to prove obstructive to everyday use. The body may feel slightly plasticky to some and is very similar (although not identical) to the EOS 500D.
Despite the very high specification, the EOS 550D has a very clean control layout that should not prove intimidating, even to DSLR newcomers. The top-plate is particularly clutter-free, with the left side devoid of controls and the right side sporting the main exposure mode dial, an on/off switch and ISO button, with the shutter release button and input dial placed on the top of the handgrip.
The majority of buttons is located on the rear of the camera and is very neatly arranged, with most positioned on the right of the large LCD monitor. A four-way control allows access to key functions such as autofocus and White Balance, with a number of other buttons allowing access to functions such as exposure compensation and Live View. Above the LCD are the two main display buttons that activate the menu and change how information is displayed on the screen.
The LCD itself is superb, with the 3in screen (3:2) ratio providing a bright and colourful display that is super-sharp thanks to the very high resolution. The on-screen menu is very comprehensive and easy to navigate, while the display can be adjusted to suit your preference. The addition of the Q (Quick Control) button is very useful too, as it allows you to scroll through the various functions on the screen to make fast changes using either the front input dial or the SET button and four-way control.
The viewfinder is pretty good, with a comfy hood to protect from glare and a dioptric correction facility, as well as a sensor that conserves battery power by switching off the LCD when you look through the viewfinder.
There are very few grumbles that can be levelled at the EOS 550D. It feels a little more plastic than similarly-priced Nikons (but is tough nonetheless), but other than that, the EOS 550D handles well and is very easy to use. 23/25
Features
In terms of resolution, nothing below £1,500 comes close to matching the 18-megapixels on offer from the EOS 550D, which delivers a maximum image size of 5184x3456 pixels. This factor alone makes the EOS 550D a very tempting proposition, but the inclusion of a fully-featured HD video facility raises its appeal further. While the debate continues on just how useful a movie mode is to DSLR photographers, the fact is that it's certainly proving to be a strong selling point and it's a feature that an increasing number of snappers are finding uses for.
Obviously, HD video is still a peripheral feature for many, but even if you don't plan to use it, the extensive range of core features on offer still make the EOS 550D very good value for money.
There is a full range of exposure modes from subject-biased programs through to semi-auto and manual modes. It's backed up by a choice of four metering patterns: 63-zone Evaluative, spot, partial and centre-weighted average. There is also a number of exposure overrides, including exposure compensation of +/-5 stops, bracketing (+/-2 stops) and AE Lock. It's worth noting that the Evaluative pattern uses the iFCL system found on the EOS 7D, which analyses focus, colour and luminance information when calculating exposure. Under the second tab of the menu system, you'll also find an Auto Lighting Optimizer, which offers a boost to the tonal range covered with three settings available: low, medium and strong.
The AF system uses nine points arranged in a diamond array that covers a wide area of the frame, with the central point using the more sensitive cross-type sensor. You can have them all active or select them individually, with a pick of three modes: One-Shot, AI Servo (continuous AF) or AI Focus, which combines the two. Among the 12 Custom Functions is one (CF7), which enables an AF-assist beam when shooting in low light.
The EOS 550D's integral flash covers lenses as wide as 17mm and offers a range of modes, including flash compensation, red-eye reduction, second-curtain sync and flash exposure lock (similar to spot metering for flash).
Picture Styles are accessed via the four-way control or menu and offer a good choice of parameters, including portrait, landscape and faithful. Each can be manipulated to adjust the sharpness, contrast, saturation and colour tone, with three user-defined settings to save your preferences to. Select Monochrome and as well as sharpness and contrast, you can set a filter (yellow, orange, red, green) and toning effect (sepia, blue, purple and green).
The APS-C sensor lacks a shake reduction facility, as these are built into the lenses, but offers dust reduction in the form of a high-vibration system and software. The EOS 550D's pixels use the gapless micro-lens system found on the EOS 50D that increases the efficiency of each pixel.
The EOS 550D sports 14-bit image processing, handled by its DIGIC 4 processor, which promises smoother tonal gradation and more natural colours. It also offers advanced noise reduction, which may prove useful if you shoot at higher ISO ratings (the Canon has an ISO range of 100-6400, with a High setting of 12,800) and allows for continuous shooting at up to 3.7 frames-per-second. While Custom Functions are rarely mentioned, it's worth pointing out CF6, which activates Highlight tone priority to boost highlight detail, mirror lock-up (CF8) and CF12, which adds image verification data to your shots. Finally, the EOS 550D boasts a depth-of-field preview facility, which while not popular with DSLR newcomers, will find favour with traditionalist photographers. Overall, the Canon has more than enough features for beginners right through to enthusiasts. 24/25
Performance
The EOS 550D is designed to take good pictures easily and that is exactly what it does. It's very fast to power up, responsive to use and logical to control. The result is a DSLR that's fast and easy to use. Whether left to operate fully automatically or with user-intervention, the EOS 550D delivers images that are consistently well exposed and sharp. The 63-zone Evaluative meter works and rarely falters, with the exception of backlighting and the occasional high-contrast scene. The autofocus is very fast and responsive, coping well with tricky conditions such as when shooting close-ups and focusing in low light. Images display excellent colour reproduction with good saturation and sharpness is from in-camera JPEGs is very good, although JPEGs from converted Raw files are slightly better. Noise is very well controlled at lower ISO ratings and images at up to ISO 1600, while soft and with slight noise, were still usable, with decent colour reproduction. The HD video function works well but in truth wasn't tested in any great depth as due to time constraints, we tested our sample for stills photography. No model-specific problems were noted and apart from the White Balance struggling with tungsten, the EOS 550D performed well in all areas. 23/25
Verdict
Canon needs the EOS 550D to be the complete all-rounder to dominate this area of the market and judging from the two weeks I've had with the camera, I have to say I think it is. In terms of what a would-be user expects, it ticks all the boxes. It's small, lightweight and easy to use and its range of features are more than enough for beginners and advanced amateurs alike. Its performance doesn't disappoint either, delivering high-quality images at an exceptional resolution for the price. There are several very good models at this price but none have the all-round appeal of the EOS 550D. Regardless of whether or not you plan to use the HD video, in terms of value-for-money, there is nothing in its class to match it and I can see it being a runaway success and one of the year's best-sellers.
Handling & ease of use 23/25
Features 24/25
Performance 23/25
Value for Money 24/25
Overall 94/100
HD movie modes
Not all HD video modes are the same and the EOS 550D boasts an impressive set-up passed down from more expensive models. It offers true HD recordings (1080P) at 30 frames-per-second and offers both auto and manual control of apertures and shutter speeds.
Supplied software
As with all Canon DSLRs, the EOS 550D is supplied with a comprehensive range of software packages. These include Digital Photo Professional for editing and converting Raw files, Image Browser for reviewing shots, Stitch for creating panoramics and Picture Style Editor for adding your own creations to the camera's range of Picture Style settings.
Supplied accessories
The Canon EOS 550D kit is supplied with the following accessories: battery charger (LC-E8), Li-ion battery (LP-E8), wide strap, USB cable, body cap, software CD and instruction manual.
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