Product Description

The FX550 features an intuitive hybrid interface using both the cursor keys and touchscreen for full manual controls and Touch AF/AE. While shooting AF/AE can be set by simply touching the subject on screen. The camera will then automatically track the subject as it moves. In manual operation aperture and shutter speed can be set to the desired value by moving the slider. While playing back an Easy Organisation menu is provided to simplify image organising.------The DMC-FX550s touchscreen LCD features a large 3.0-inch 230000-dot resolution and a wide-viewing angle that lets you frame your shot in a variety of ways for both shooting and viewing. LUMIXs acclaimed Intelligent LCD function also automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. This LCD provides sharp clear images in virtually all shooting situations ranging from nighttime to bright daylight scenes and from low-angle to high-angle shooting.------In iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode 6 detection functions work automatically and simultaneously to optimise your settings. The Touch AF/AE is integrated with iA Mode to make it even easier to use. iA Mode includes MEGA O.I.S. Intelligent ISO Control Intelligent Scene Selector Face Recognition Intelligent Exposure and AF Tracking. The new Face Recognition function memorises faces automatically and works to optimise both focus and exposure settings by prioritising on the registered persons faces.------The 12.1-megapixel high-resolution DMC-FX550 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle 5x optical zoom f/2.8-5.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (35mm film camera equivalent: 25-125mm). The 25mm wide-angle lens has about twice the shooting area of the standard 35mm lens allowing you to capture breathtaking landscapes. Despite the ultra wide angle DMC-FX550 features a 5x optical zoom letting you capture distant subjects without degrading imaging quality.------The DMC-FX550 can record motion picture in high-definition (1280 x 720 pixel . . . .

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3766 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: FX550 Black
• Released on: 2009-02-12
• Dimensions: .74 pounds

Features

• Touch-Screen Operation
• Large 3.0" High-Resolution LCD
• 5x Optical Zoom
• HD Motion Picture Recording
• Megapixels: 12.1

Manufacturer's Description
Hybrid Touch-Screen Interface with 3.0-inch Large LCD, 25mm Wide-Angle LEICA DC Lens and iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode. The FX550 features an intuitive hybrid interface using both the cursor keys and touchscreen for full manual controls and Touch AF/AE. While shooting, AF/AE can be set by simply touching the subject on screen. The camera will then automatically track the subject as it moves. In manual operation, aperture and shutter speed can be set to the desired value by moving the slider. While playing back, an Easy Organisation menu is provided to simplify image organising.

The DMC-FX550's touchscreen LCD features a large 3.0-inch, 230,000-dot resolution, and a wide-viewing angle that lets you frame your shot in a variety of ways for both shooting and viewing. LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function also automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, ranging from nighttime to bright daylight scenes and from low-angle to high-angle shooting.

In iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, 6 detection functions work automatically and simultaneously to optimise your settings. The Touch AF/AE is integrated with iA Mode to make it even easier to use. iA Mode includes MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent Exposure and AF Tracking. The new Face Recognition function memorises faces automatically and works to optimise both focus and exposure settings by prioritising on the registered person’s faces.

The 12.1-megapixel high-resolution DMC-FX550 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle 5x optical zoom f/2.8-5.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (35mm film camera equivalent: 25-125mm). The 25mm wide-angle lens has about twice the shooting area of the standard 35mm lens allowing you to capture breathtaking landscapes. Despite the ultra wide angle, DMC-FX550 features a 5x optical zoom, letting you capture distant subjects without degrading imaging quality.

The DMC-FX550 can record motion picture in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps) in Motion JPEG format. The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-picture recording even in low-light settings. When viewing, these high-resolution 16:9 motion pictures will provide a remarkable effect on large-screen HDTV. With HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your DMC-FX550 by simply connecting the camera to an HDTV via an optional component cable DMW-HDC2.

The advanced image-processing engine, Venus Engine V with its dual CPU processors, enables the camera to identify and recognise faces in your scenes with high accuracy and speed. Its advanced signal processing gives beautiful images even at high ISO sensitivities. Venus Engine V has low power consumption, being 15% more efficient than its predecessor.

Box Contains

Customer Reviews

A good "slightly above entry level" digital compact
This is a good compact that is slightly above the standard entry level product (and hence a slightly heavier price tag). It allows you to snap away in a solid automatic mode, but also, importantly allows the user to exercise more control - less than for a full DSLR of course - but certainly allows more creativity.

The drive towards greater megapixels is not straightforward. The problems arise when the lens (here a good Leica one, but also still a compact lens) cannot cope with the light intake required for clarity at high resolution. I tend to keep mine at less than the full 12MP - partly for storage purposes and partly because the higher resolution is only an issue if you want to blow up your pictures.

The battery life is not great - but that reflects the capabilities of the unit (eg limited movie mode). You might want to consider a separate spare battery if you are going on a long trip.

And I do think it daft that they don't include a memory card (there is very limited in-built memory) in the package.

The market is very crowded and this is a solid contender. I like the touch screen (although beware small children's messy fingers!). I'm pleased with it, without perhaps being quite as wowed as I would like - but it's a stylish, small, light and powerful unit that genuinely will fit into a pocket or small bag. Recommended.

Great Compact Camera
I am a serious amateur photographer owning a DSLR and a selection of lenses, filters , tripods, etc. As you can imagine this kit is quite bulky to carry around so I wanted a compact camera that I could carry with me at all times to enable me to take quick snaps of things that take my fancy review them on the PC and if they look good go back with the serious kit and re-take them.
I looked at many compact camera's from different manufactures and decided on the Panasonic Lumix FX550. At 12.1mp with an f2.8 Leica lens and with the ability to use full auto, aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual control it has proved to be ideal for the purpose. With a touch screen it's extremely easy to use and as a bonus I can take HD movies, recording my grandaughter growing up, and view them in HD by connecting the camera to my Panasonic Viera TV.
All in all I am extremely pleased with my purchase, the image quality is good enough to let me enter prints in local competitions, so it would also be a great camera for any one wanting to get into photography for the first time and not wanting to go to the expense of a DSLR and all the lenses.

Good camera, HD video not so hot
I bought this to replace my older Casion Exilim 7 mega pixels. The features on the Panasonic are great, e.g. auto-focus by using the touch screen. However the HD video isn't brilliant. It is quite juddery when panning and the colours are a little washed out. Also couldn't see any mention on any web sites that it restricts you to 8 minutes per 'shoot' even if you have a high capacity SD card.

Good camera but slightly over priced at £260.