Verdict

The Samsung WB550 has some excellent specs on offer. Its 24mm wide angle lens with extendable zoom to 240mm means shooting a wide range of subjects is ideal – beyond what most compacts will offer, not least at this affordable price point. Where the WB550 really wains, however, is in its design – the flash is so misplaced it impairs its use significantly. Additionally, use in low light causes difficulty with focus, plus colours can saturate to excess. It’s very much not for those out on the town snapping pictures of their mates in dark venues. However, with the inclusion of 720p HD video (and the playback is wonderfully smooth), an array of modes and that wonderful wide angle lens, the WB-550 is a top shooter for your range of day to day shots – and for that, despite its occasional downfalls, we can only give the Samsung WB550 a firm thumbs up.