Verdict

It’s fairly uncommon that a compact comes along that shows true innovation – but the Samsung ST550 is certainly just that. Thanks to its dual LCD screens it’s an inspirational camera, so hats off to the Samsung. Sure there’re a few small issues to iron out – the higher ISO image quality could do with performing better, the front screen should be easier to turn on, and the screen black out upon taking a shot can feel to disengage from the action. But brush those minor points aside and the abundance portrait and facial recognition technologies, image stabilisation, 3.5in wide touchscreen rear LCD, super macro mode and clever subject tracking auto focus make this a real ‘people camera’. It looks the part, by and large plays the part too and can only get a big thumbs up.