The Kodak EasyShare M550 is a point-and-shoot camera in the Kodak family of M models. Unlike other M models, the M550 looks masculine and has a 5x optical zoom.
The right side of the machine is a USB connector with a shield. However, this cover is slightly difficult to manipulate.
The EasyShare M550 has a metal frame that looks very sturdy. The rounded edges are soft rounded. Thanks to the brown paint, the M550 is very masculine, suitable for men.
The complete set includes: chargers, lithium batteries, cables, manuals and straps.
The 5x optical zoom can be viewed as a strength with other point-and-shoot cameras (usually with 3x optical zoom) with body lenses. EasyShare M550 still stands out with the ability to share photos directly to Kodak’s unique social networks.
The face on the machine looks very elegant. The buttons are designed in black and easy to press.
The machine uses built-in Li-ion batteries and SD cards are popular today.
The 2.7″ LCD screen of the machine is bright, with 270,000 colors, the right side of the screen is easy to operate, and the Share button allows you to share live pictures with the very stylish design below.
The USB cable connects to the EasyShare M550 computer with a standard size USB connector, and the other end is compatible with all Kodak models.
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Dark Grey): Buy it now
Kodak 8610537 – EasyShare M550 Digital Camera, 12MP, 5X Optical Zoom, Silver: Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Tan): Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue): Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Purple): Buy it now
Overview
Point-and-shoot, in the literal sense. You point it, you shoot, that’s the whole pitch.
Design and build
Fits in a pocket without you noticing it’s there. Controls are down to shutter, zoom rocker, mode dial — nothing else to learn. Plastic, light, not going to survive a tumble down the stairs but that’s not the job it’s built for. Turn it on and the lens cover slides open by itself, which is really just there to stop the glass from getting scratched up while it’s rattling around loose in a bag.
Screen
The 2.7-inch screen is fine indoors, clear enough for framing and checking shots. Take it outside on a bright day and you’ll be shading it with your hand — a problem most cameras this size share.
Sensor and lens
12.2 megapixels covers web sharing and standard prints without issue. It’s an older CCD sensor, but it still turns out sharp images for casual shooting. The processor handles what an entry-level camera needs and nothing beyond that. 35-175mm on the 5x zoom wide enough to fit the whole group in, long enough to zoom in on someone across the room without walking over there. It stays sharp for most of that range. Push it all the way out, though, and you’ll notice it.
Stabilization and ISO
Digital stabilization helps a little, but it’s not optical, so at longer zoom you’re still the one keeping the shot steady. ISO covers 64 to 3200 — clean at the bottom, grainy at the top. Fine for snapshots, not built for anything serious after dark.
Video
VGA, 30fps. It was basic when this camera came out and it’s basic now. Good for a quick clip, nothing you’d want on a bigger screen.
Usability
Menus and controls are built for someone who’s never used a camera like this before. The mode dial handles Auto, scene presets for portrait, landscape, macro, and night, plus video — each one adjusts itself so you don’t have to. A few basic settings (image quality, white balance, color effects) are yours to tweak, but don’t expect deep manual control. USB and an SD/SDHC slot cover transfers and storage; there’s no wireless at all. Battery life covers a few hundred shots, enough to get through a full day without worrying about it.
Against the competition
Canon’s PowerShot A3100 IS matches the resolution and beats it on stabilization with an optical system, plus a sharper screen. Panasonic’s Lumix FH20 goes further: more megapixels, an 8x zoom instead of 5x, optical stabilization again. Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-W310 has a shorter zoom but the same story on stabilization and screen quality. The pattern’s clear — digital stabilization is what keeps the M550 a step behind everything else in this price range.
Bottom line
No surprises here — simple, portable, good for travel and casual shooting, with a zoom that covers enough ground and a battery that doesn’t quit on you early. Screen’s mediocre, stabilization is digital-only, and video is stuck at VGA. But if the goal is just pointing a camera at something and getting a decent shot back, that’s exactly what you get.
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Tech Reviewer & Product Analyst
Định Bia has spent over 10 years testing consumer electronics with a focus on smart technology. He work as a product advisor at Biareview where he helped customers find the right devices for their needs. He personally tests every product featured on this site using a consistent evaluation framework covering quality, durability, and value. All reviews are based on experience, not influenced by the manufacturer.