Value (6.5)
In the crowded field of compact, automated snapshot cameras, the Optio S55 is unusual because it includes a 2.5-inch display and sells for less than $300. A 5 megapixel camera with a 2.5-inch LCD and a 3x zoom is a good tool for making snapshots, and many of the Optio S55's competitors sell for somewhere in the low $300's. However, the S55 does have a number of flaws that will impair quality and ease of use. The lack of grip and substandard quality of the LCD screen will make utilizing the camera with one hand no small task. The lack of battery endurance will also increase the cost of the camera substantially, whether users purchase a charger or many, many pairs of AAs; users should expect to pay more than just the initial price of the camera.
Comparisons
Kodak EasyShare C360 - The Kodak beats everything else, including the Optio S55, in ease of use. At $279 alone, or $379 with an ImageLink compliant EasyShare Series 3 printer dock, the C360 should be attractive to users looking for the simplest possible system for making snapshots. Both cameras offer 5 megapixel CCD imaging sensors with 3x optical zoom lenses. However, the C360's smaller 2-inch LCD could be harder to use than the Optio S55's 2.5-inch screen, though the additional space granted to handling on the camera may be a worthy tradeoff for some. The C360 is more ergonomically designed, making it easier to handle and transport. While the Optio S55 includes more flashy preset options, and while both include a help feature, the EasyShare C360 also includes a large, easily discernible menu font and its help feature is more easily accessible. For consumers looking solely to capture automatic snapshots, the EasyShare C360 is the more suitable option.
Canon PowerShot A520 - The PowerShot A520 has vastly superior manual controls to the S55 -- it has essentially all the manual settings that many higher-end cameras offer, exceeding almost anything else in its class. With only a 4 megapixel imaging chip, its resolution is inferior to the S55, and its construction feels less durable than the S55. Its LCD display is only 1.8 inches, but boasts the same 115,000 pixel resolution. The A520 does contain a specified print/share button which helps to simplify and expedite the printing process. It is compatible with additional lens and flash options. Available online for nearly identical prices, both cameras are powered by two AA or NiMH batteries; however, if using both cameras solely with AAs, the A520 could save you $100 the first month.
Casio Exilim EX-Z55 - The EX-Z55 costs about $50 more than the S55, but otherwise seems very similar. It offers an optical viewfinder which the S55 lacks, but the optical viewfinder is tiny and fairly inaccurate. The EX-Z55 comes with 9.3MB of internal memory, considerably less than the S55's 11MB. The EZ-Z55 is powered by a Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery, which is a significant advantage. The Casio's battery will last longer between charges, and be cheaper to run than the Optio on disposable batteries. A set of rechargeable batteries and a charger for the Optio S55 would cost in the neighborhood of $30, and would be a bit less convenient to use than the Casio's Lithium-Ion battery.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - The Optio S55 is absolutely a point-and-shoot camera. It stresses automation and convenience, and the lack of manual options may well be an advantage to users who don’t want to be confused by extra, seemingly extraneous settings. Its build quality suggests that it will be durable, an advantage for casual users who might occasionally bump or jostle it.
Budget Consumers - In terms of specs, the Optio S55 is an ideal choice for budget consumers - a 2.5-inch LCD screen, 5 megapixel CCD, and 11MB of internal memory for under $250 - should be ideal; however, with its exasperating appetite for batteries, the Optio S55 will cost a lot more than its initial purchase price, turning the once economic alternative into an endless financial drain.
Gadget Freaks - Gadget freaks might simply like the looks of the S55, but that’s probably not enough to prompt a purchase. There are some intriguing digital effects included, but what true gadget freak could look at their reflection and retain any sense of dignity following a night of cheap amusement over a handful of superficial digital camera effects?
Manual Control Freaks - The S55 does not offer enough manual control to catch the eye of the elusive manual control freak.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists - Again, this is a point-and-shoot camera. There are cameras of roughly this size and price that offer better image quality and more manual controls to be a serious user’s “fun camera.”
