London, 8th February 2010 – Canon today announces a groundbreaking new addition to its expanding, world-famous EOS range of Digital SLR cameras – the EOS 550D.

The EOS 550D redefines the boundaries of Canon’s consumer DSLR range, incorporating technologies and features more commonly found in semi-professional DSLRs into the compact, lightweight body favoured by consumers. With a newly-developed 18 Megapixel (MP) APS-C CMOS sensor, coupled with Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and the ability to shoot Full HD movies, photography enthusiasts are empowered to explore new levels of creativity.

Creative control with no compromise on quality
The EOS 550D makes Canon’s powerful imaging technology more accessible to consumers. Canon’s advanced DIGIC 4 image processor and 18MP sensor support standard ISO settings of 100 – 6400 (expandable to 12800), while enhanced in-camera noise reduction technology boosts performance in low light conditions. The system’s 14-bit image processing also produces smoother tonal gradation and natural looking colours for high quality prints and on-screen display.

For swift and accurate focusing, the EOS 550D features a 9-point AF system with one extra-sensitive cross–type point at the centre for f/2.8 or faster lenses. The EOS 550D also supports high-speed, continuous shooting at 3.7 frames per second (fps). These features provide users with the opportunity to exert greater control over their images, allowing them to capture split-second moments with ease and accuracy.

Continuing Canon’s tradition of filtering new technology and features down from its advanced and professional DSLR ranges, the EOS 550D includes the iFCL metering system first launched in the EOS 7D. New for EOS is the ability to set the top limit for automatic ISO, allowing users to control the maximum amount of noise in their images. In a first for entry level EOS, exposure compensation and bracketing can be set up to plus or minus five and two stops respectively, allowing the photographer to take a number of differently exposed versions of the same shot to ensure they capture a well-exposed image, even in difficult lighting conditions.

“Digital SLR photography has captured the imagination of consumers globally,” said Kieran Magee, Director of Product Planning, Consumer Products, Canon Europe.  “Every year, more and more individuals are looking to record key life events with unrivalled quality or to test and explore their creativity. The EOS 550D redefines the entry level DSLR category, putting technologies and features previously the preserve of the professional into the hands of the consumer – allowing them to achieve outstanding results. With the EOS 550D, consumers are free to explore the limits of their own creative vision.”

EOS Movies: Full HD video with creative control
As the ability to record Full HD video becomes increasingly important, Canon continues to deliver DSLR technology that sets the industry benchmark for multimedia functionality. The EOS 550D records video in full 1920×1080p HD resolution, allowing photographers to select the frame rate preferred from 30, 25 and 24fps, as well as offering 720p video at 60 and 50fps. The EOS 550D also includes a 3.5mm stereo microphone socket, enabling the use of an external microphone when capturing video.

Photographers can also take manual control over exposure settings, changing the depth of field and degree of motion blur to shoot more creatively. To provide the best possible video quality, highlight tone priority (HTP) can be set independently for movie capture, without changing any still image capture settings. In situations where the subject is further away, the EOS 550D Movie Crop function records with the central 640×480 pixel area of the sensor, creating an effective magnification of approximately seven times. The EOS 550D is the first in the EOS range to feature Movie Crop and gives consumers more flexibility to capture important moments which would otherwise be too far away.

A clear view of your world
The EOS 550D also allows photographers to view their images and video in unhindered clarity. A 7.7cm (3.0”) 3:2 Clear View LCD screen with 1,040k dot resolution makes it possible to see 100% of captured images with no borders. The anti-reflective, water-repellent coating also makes it easier to see the screen in bright conditions and from a variety of angles.

EOS build – Canon quality
As consumers would expect from an EOS DSLR, the EOS 550D is built to a high quality specification. It features bigger, more intuitive buttons which have been redesigned following feedback from users. Based on this feedback, the EOS 550D also features an additional button on the new, battery grip, allowing aperture settings to be changed when shooting with the camera in a vertical position, without having to reorient the body.

Share the moment with friends and family
For EOS 550D photographers, shooting great pictures and video is just a first step.  Thanks to an integrated HDMI port compatible with High-Definition Multimedia Interface – Consumer Electronics Control (HDMI-CEC), video and images stored on the EOS 550D can be viewed on an HD-ready TV and controlled via the TV remote.

For users who want to transfer content wirelessly, the EOS 550D includes Eye-Fi* connected functions. The EOS 550D features a dedicated Eye-Fi section in the User Interface and it disables the automatic power-down function when an Eye-Fi card is transmitting – allowing users to transfer content easily and without interruption**.

Accessories
The EOS 550D is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX series Speedlite flash units, including the compact Speedlite 270EX. The EOS 550D is also compatible with the new RC-6 Remote Control, allowing photographers to capture high quality stills and Full HD video without touching the camera body. The slimline infrared controller can trigger the shutter release from up to five metres away, with users able to select either immediate release or a two second delay for greater flexibility when shooting. As well as supporting EOS 550D, the RC-6 is also compatible with the EOS 450D, 500D, 7D and 5D Mark II.

CANON iMAGE GATEWAY – share your stories
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 2GB of personal storage space, creating enough room for hundreds of high-quality images. Mobile browsing is also supported, making it easy for friends and family to view photos on the move.
Features at a glance:

• 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.
• Select maximum value for Auto ISO
• External Microphone socket
• Movie crop function
• Eye-Fi connected functions compatibility

*Eye-Fi may not be available in all regions
**This product is not guaranteed to support Eye-Fi card functions (including wireless transfer). In case of an issue with an Eye-Fi card, please check with the card manufacturer.
Also note that approval is required to use Eye-Fi cards in many countries or regions. Without approval, use of the card is not permitted. If it is unclear whether the card has been approved for use in the area, please check with the card manufacturer.

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Debenhams said its Divorce Gift List service was being launched amid a reported spike in couples deciding to divorce after the festive period.

The firm added it came at a time when “congratulations on your divorce” greetings cards had gathered in popularity alongside divorce celebration parties complete with divorce cake, famously held by celebrities such as Jordan, Gail Porter and Heather Mills.

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photo credit: Sukanto Debnath

Whether it’s taking pictures of our friends, kids, partners or even ourselves – people are what we’re looking at through the viewfinder (or on the LCD) when we line up a shot.

Yet so many of us struggle to take portraits with the ‘WOW Factor’.

We wanted to help you achieve your true potential as a portrait photographer, so we’ve released a comprehensive 78 page downloadable e-book (this is not a hard cover book – it is a PDF e-book) to teach you the secrets of stunning portraiture.

The Essential Guide to Portrait Photography is brimming with portrait photography advice, tips and imagery. It’s a collection of some of our best previously publish tutorials which have been updated for this edition – plus some new previously unpublished content.

photo credit: HAMED MASOUMI

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My sister was also starting to plan her wedding at the time, and she told me that they were doing lessons at home for their first dance. I went online and found First Dance Fabulous. I immediately downloaded the lessons. It was only $67, and it would mean so much to Jill. Before she got home, I took a look at the lessons. I didn’t want to look like a complete idiot, so I thought I’d practice a little.

Even though First Dance Fabulous claimed to be able to teach us how to do our wedding dance, I was still expecting fast-paced, complex moves. I was happy to see that the steps were broken down into easy-to-manage pieces. At first, all I had to do was breathe and stand. It couldn’t all be this easy, I thought. But it was. I went through a few lessons and was surprised when I could do the steps. I still needed to practice, but this was something I could do. And I wouldn’t look stupid on our wedding day. That’s definitely a bonus.
That afternoon, when Jill got home, I told her that I had a surprise for her. When I opened the First Dance Fabulous lessons for her, she was shocked. We spent the evening dancing and learning the steps. Jill wasn’t worrying about the wedding details; I saw a real, worry-free smile on her face for the first time in a long time. Soon, we could waltz. I wasn’t going to win any dancing competitions, but I’d make my girl proud.
On our wedding day, I was the one who was nervous. After all the practicing, I didn’t want to ruin our wedding dance. Jill said to relax – she was finally the one telling me relax. We knew what we were doing, and we’d help each other, she said. We were in it together.
It was true. I got nervous and forgot a step, and Jill helped me until I found my way back. No one noticed. It was actually fun. I’d been dreading getting up in front of everyone for our wedding dance, but I just looked at Jill and saw how happy she was. I’d do anything for Jill – even dance. Luckily, First Dance Fabulous made it easy.

If you want to make your bride proud of your dance steps, consider investing in First Dance Fabulous today.

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photo credit: stumayhew

The most notable wedding photographers are the ones who are most innovative in their portrait creations. So the question is, how do you become a trend setter with your wedding imagery? Start with these ideas and you’ll be on your way to becoming an edgy and creative wedding photographer that impresses.

1. Think with movement: Just because your wedding subjects are dressed in formal wear doesn’t mean your portraits need to be all formal also. Try to capitalize on every day motions and movements to add interest to your shots. Skipping. Laughing. Dancing. Karate moves. Leap Frog. The more movement you can incorporate, the more interesting your shots will be.

2. Use framing: Shoot “through” as many objects as you can. Car windows. Tire swings. Key holes. Rings. Positioned fingers. A type of “third party” element will give more depth and dimension to your imagery.

Read more

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But Marc and Sylvia Day would have settled for their snapper to get people’s heads in frame and perhaps not shoot the three-year-old bridesmaid without her clothes on.

The newlyweds were so distraught at the results that they sued Gareth Bowers of Fresh Images for breach of contract over the £1,450 photo and video package.

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photo credit: smcgee

Step 1

Get in touch with the happy couple to make sure you know exactly what they want from the day. They may want you to be around all day taking candid shots at the service and reception, or they may just require the formal family portraits. Try and agree on how formal they want the photos to be, whether it involves the whole party lining up outside the church or whether they’d prefer some more informal shots of just themselves at a chosen location.

If you are allowed, try to be there at every stage of the wedding, the bride getting ready and when the car arrives right up until they drive off into the distance. This will give you comprehensive coverage of all the events and a great selection of shots to choose from!

go to their site for the rest

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Chris Gammon, dressed in his wedding suit, was whisked across the water to St Andrew’s Church on the seafront at Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, to marry his partner Emmalene on Saturday.

Mr Gammon has manned the rescue vessel, known as the Light of Elizabeth, for the past five years and was keen to include it in his wedding ceremony.

The adventurous groom said: “BARB (Burnham-on-Sea area rescue boat) has been an important part of my life for several years, so both Emmalene and I were keen for the hovercraft to be a part of our celebrations.

“We were delighted to have the Light Of Elizabeth there to make the day even more memorable.”

As the craft arrived at the church, Mr Gammon’s fellow crew members gave a rousing cheer, drawing a crowd of passers-by.

After the ceremony the happy couple got back into the hovercraft to travel to the wedding reception at the Oak Tree Arena in nearby Edithmead.

The BARB team has helped rescue more than 200 people along Somerset’s coastline over the years and is run by volunteers.

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