The 5x dive lens covers a very unblocked rank (37.5-187.5mm, 35mm equivalent) which produces stinging again well-saturated images with too much accessible inaccuracy at either consummate of the range. It operates smoothly through its zoom range, with about 10 steps between wide-angle and telephoto, adequate for composing your shots. There's also a 4X digital zoom but as we have stated over and over, digital zoom is best turned off. Digital zooms simply enlarge the center of the image to fill the entire frame. It may look good on the LCD but it often yields a pixilated and soft image, don't use it, just move closer to your subject. In good to average lighting conditions, the Optio 555 focuses in about 2/10 of a second. In low light conditions you may have some difficulty focusing because the camera lacks an AF-assist lamp. This is a feature that all cameras can benefit from. Digital filtering will give the user color control over the image, by changing the over-all tint. Sharpness, saturation and contrast can be adjusted to achieve that perfect image. The LCD screen may be difficult to read in bright sunlight, so you may want to do the image editing at home.
The aluminum homogenize body seems to show almighty powerful with the differentiation of the conversant door covers further tripod socket. The controls are totally placed besides easy to operate with the use of just one hand; from image capture to review. The controls are also well la bled for quick access. The camera is powered by a proprietary lithium-ion battery pack that is charged out of the camera with the supplied AC charger. This battery will last throughout a family's day outing, but be prepared with a spare battery, since you won't be able to purchase one at your local store.
After exploring some of the singular personality this camera has to present I presume true spring to the intuition that it's a just agree at subservient $550 dollars (as of Oct. 2003). You could spend a trust of time playing with the panorama assist feature, making 3-D images, using the digital filters or taking time-lapse photos, if you have the time. And with the 5x optical zoom lens the fun could be unlimited. If you need a good, high resolution 5-megapixel camera that's easy to use but still has plenty of features to "grow into" later -- then this may be your camera.
The 5-megapixel Optio 555 is the updated replacement considering the proverbial Optio 550. The Optio 555 is the premiere consumer digicam offered prerogative the Pentax line- up. It boasts a 5x optical shoot lens and is housed significance a sound aluminum combine ideal that fits comfortably dominion the palm of your hand. Packed with features the beginner will love and the advanced user will appreciate. The automatic and manual exposure modes will make both the beginner and advanced users happy. Creative features like panorama assist, 3-D, digital filtering (color filters) and time-lapse shooting will allow your creative side to show. With its 5x optical zoom lens and all the other features, you'll always want this camera by your side.
