Canon is the bomb!

I had read an earlier review where someone stated the camera did not work with their Mac. I have a newer MacBook and my camera works very well with my Mac. In fact, it works better with my Mac than it did with my PC. The upload time is shorter and the pictures have a neat scrolling feature.

I own a Canon PowerShot SD 550 (digital elph). I like this camera better than my mother's $800 camera. It is easy to use and takes great pictures. I'll just highlight some of my favorite features. The first feature I love is the scene choice for kids and pets. This choice helps you take a little bit better pictures of things that are moving. I also love the scene choice for fireworks which helps you take great pictures of fireworks, the moon, and even lightning.

Another thing I like about this camera is that you can very easily turn the flash on and off or put it on auto. We still have not figured out how to do this on my mother's camera.

My favorite mode is the video mode. It usually takes better videos than my actual Sony video camera. The length of the video depends on if you have a memory card in there and the size of the memory card.

After you have set up the software, it is really easy to hook it up to your computer and upload your pictures or video. All you have to do is plug into a USB port and turn it on to play mode. Unfortunately I have never used this feature, but this camera also is capable of plugging directly into your printer and easily printing out the pictures you have taken.

The actual camera itself is pretty sturdy. It has a large viewing screen on the back which is great for taking pictures but you definitely have to be careful not to accidentally hit it or let something press on it too hard, etc. (I learned this the hard way). Of course, this is probably true with most digital cameras. The camera can also stand on its own on its side which allows you take better pictures that way as well.

Overall, I will say over and over again that my favorite part about the camera is that it is easy to use.

Specifications:
Lens and Image Quality
Megapixels 7.1 Megapixels
Optical Zoom 3 X
Digital Zoom 4 X
Image Sensor CCD
Max Aperture f/2.8
Min Aperture f/4.9
Max Focal Length 23.1 mm
Min Focal Length 7.7 mm
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000 sec
Minimum Shutter Speed 15 sec
Image Format JPEG

Focus Modes Automatic
Exposure Settings Program, Automatic, Manual
ISO Equivalencies 100, 400, 200, auto, 50
Metering Characteristics Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot
Macro Focusing Range 5-50 cm
Minimum Focusing Range 19.7 in
CCD Size 1/1.8"
Number Of CCD Pixels 7.4 Million

Features
LCD Screen Size 2.5 in
Viewfinder Real-image zoom
Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
Self Timer Yes
Self Timer Delay 10 sec, 2 sec
White Balance Custom, Automatic, Presets
Continuous Shooting Speed 2 fps

Memory
Flash Memory Type 32 MB flash - SD Memory Card
Recording Method Secure Digital (SD) Card

Connectors
Connectors 1 x USB, 1 x composite video/audio output
Included Cable Types A/V , USB

Miscellaneous
Included Components Wrist strap
Included Software Drivers & Utilities, Canon PhotoStitch, Canon ZoomBrowser EX, ArcSoft PhotoImpression, ArcSoft VideoImpression, Canon ImageBrowser
Product Line PowerShot
Max Operating Temperature 104 degrees F
Min Operating Temperature 32 degrees F
Camera Type Digital camera

General Product Info
Weight 0.4 lbs
Also known as , Canon 0635B001, Canon PowerShot SD550 Digital ELPH, Canon PowerShot, Canon SD550 Digital ELPH
Manufacturer Part No. 0635B001
Model PowerShot SD550
UPC 013803056051
Company Info Canon
Dimension 2.2 in x 3.5 in x 1.1 in (HxWxD)