Good Design Award, 2006

The V-550 is designed for people who seek high style, compactness that combine phenomenal quality, performance, and simplicity. The black and silver metal camera body, paired with luminescent blue indicator lights is stunning. Its stylish brushed-metal panels and very thin size rank the V-550 among the more fashionable digital cameras in the marketplace.

Aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated, the design elements and function buttons are used sparingly and are placed thoughtfully. A thin silver center band wraps around the body of the camera and accentuates several function buttons for easy access. The telescoping lens takes up the right side of the camera's front panel, and withdraws completely flush with the front panel so that there are no protrusions to hang on pockets. A thin, horizontal ridge is the only finger grip provided, and isn't more than a design accent.

With a contemporary “ergo-precision” feel, the V-550 nestles comfortably in the hand. Sleek geometric forms flow into one another; the display looks like it is stretching across the camera body for a taut, wrapped, surface effect. Intelligently placed controls with upscale fit and chrome finish make it a smart, sophisticated and intuitive camera.

The flat mode buttons across and graphic icons are etched into one ultra thin stainless steel band encircling the middle of the camera. The top panel lets you change camera modes quickly and the plain-English descriptions flashed along the top of the LCD screen make operation straightforward for beginners.