The FX550 features an intuitive hybrid interface using both the cursor keys and touchscreen for full manual controls and Touch AF/AE. While shooting, AF/AE can be set by simply touching the subject on screen. The camera will then automatically track the subject as it moves. In manual operation, aperture and shutter speed can be set to the desired value by moving the slider. While playing back, an Easy Organisation menu is provided to simplify image organising.

The DMC-FX550's touchscreen LCD features a large 3.0-inch, 230,000-dot resolution, and a wide-viewing angle that lets you frame your shot in a variety of ways for both shooting and viewing. LUMIX's acclaimed Intelligent LCD function also automatically adjusts the brightness in 11 steps according to shooting conditions. This LCD provides sharp, clear images in virtually all shooting situations, ranging from nighttime to bright daylight scenes and from low-angle to high-angle shooting.

In iA (Intelligent Auto) Mode, 6 detection functions work automatically and simultaneously to optimise your settings. The Touch AF/AE is integrated with iA Mode to make it even easier to use. iA Mode includes MEGA O.I.S., Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent Exposure and AF Tracking. The new Face Recognition function memorises faces automatically and works to optimise both focus and exposure settings by prioritising on the registered person’s faces.

The 12.1-megapixel high-resolution DMC-FX550 features a 25mm ultra wide-angle 5x optical zoom f/2.8-5.9 LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT lens (35mm film camera equivalent: 25-125mm). The 25mm wide-angle lens has about twice the shooting area of the standard 35mm lens allowing you to capture breathtaking landscapes. Despite the ultra wide angle, DMC-FX550 features a 5x optical zoom, letting you capture distant subjects without degrading imaging quality.

The DMC-FX550 can record motion picture in high-definition (1,280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps) in Motion JPEG format. The pixel mixed readout method enables bright motion-picture recording even in low-light settings. When viewing, these high-resolution 16:9 motion pictures will provide a remarkable effect on large-screen HDTV. With HD component output capability, you can enjoy watching still and motion pictures in stunning HD quality taken by your DMC-FX550 by simply connecting the camera to an HDTV via an optional component cable DMW-HDC2.

The advanced image-processing engine, Venus Engine V with its dual CPU processors, enables the camera to identify and recognise faces in your scenes with high accuracy and speed. Its advanced signal processing gives beautiful images even at high ISO sensitivities. Venus Engine V has low power consumption, being 15% more efficient than its predecessor.