Front (7.5) The front of the Fujifilm FinePix E550 is mostly comprised of the 4x optical zoom lens in polished silver, which appears on the right half of the camera body. The left half features a grip pad, which extends from the rest of the camera body to allow for easier handling during shooting. In the upper right corner of the camera face are the Flash control sensor and Viewfinder window, each in a position that allows the fingers of the left hand to cover it and compromise the image quality. Underneath the Flash sensor, and also placed for optimum masking-by-fingers, is the microphone. Running along the base of the camera body, to the right of the lens ring, is the Adapter ring release button, which allows the user to remove the lens ring and use a different lens. The Self Timer lamp is on the left side of the camera body, on the extension of the right-hand grip.

Back (8.0)
On the back of the Fujifilm FinePix E550, the most noticeable feature is the attractive 2-inch LCD screen, framed in a black square. The left side of the camera has a series of facets that allow for the screen to stand out from the camera body on a different plane than either the EV level button to the left of it or the viewfinder and viewfinder lamp located above and in the upper left corner. The series of slanted surfaces presents a somewhat cluttered and conflicting appearance.

To the right of the LCD screen is a Mode Switch that allows the user to switch quickly between Photography and Playback modes. Beneath that is the “F” button which, when in Photo mode, allows the user to select the quality level, sensitivity, and FinePix Color settings. In playback mode, that switch specifies the print order settings. To the right of the LCD is the four-way controller. The left-arrow button allows the user to turn the Macro on and off, and the right-arrow button engages and sets the flash setting. When these controls are used during Playback, the user can scan between frames or, if viewing movies, activate the movie frame advance feature. At the center of the four-way controller is the "Menu / OK" button, which brings the user into the menu and selects features. The "Back/Disp" button beneath the four-way controller stops a procedure partway through, or engages and disengages the LCD display. In the upper right corner of the camera body are the wide angle and telephoto zoom controls.

Left Side (5.5)
The port cover on the left side of the Fujifilm FinePix E550 is removed by pulling the tab away from the camera body. The cover is not attached to the body of the camera, making it a good candidate for getting lost. This is a design drawback, which is completely without merit. There is no logical explanation for a completely detachable port cover. Underneath the port cover, the user will find the A/V out, USB, and DC in ports for the camera. The left side also has a speaker for playback of captured audio.

Right Side (8.0)
There is not much here but a portion of the right hand grip pad and an embedded eyelet for the optional wrist strap.

Top (7.5)
Most of the controls available on the top of the camera body are on the right side. At the front, positioned over the extended right hand grip, is the shutter button for the Fujifilm FinePix E550. Behind, and slightly to the right of the shutter button is the mode dial for the camera, which allows the user to select from Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night Scene, Programmed Auto, Shutter Priority Auto, Aperture Priority Auto, Manual, and Movie modes. The power button for the camera is to the left and slightly forward. In the center, on the slanted surface between the top and the back of the camera body, is the button that causes the flash to emerge from its recessed position. Pressing the flash back into the camera body is a delicate and worrisome process, with the potential for breakage always present.