I have owned one of these since they first came out and I have nothing to criticise that I did not know about. My late wife used the top jpeg setting I always shoot in tiff and we have been amazed at the quality. I use large memory cards (1GB)for my tiff shots and together with decent editing software (and knowing how to use it!) I have produced images that have had top range slr users gasping. As for longevity I cannot say because I have never had a moments trouble with mine. I keep it in a soft pouch which protects the admittedly flimsy-looking lens cover clean and other than that I just use what should be normat TLC.

Absolutely fabulous camera BUT mine is now trash. Some (not all) of these models have faulty CCDs which allow the ingress of moisture over time (depending on storage conditions) leading to the famous white lines, colour casts, "tearing", no picture at all. You can (or could) get free repair in the US. You cannot in the UK as far as I understand. They're not retailed any more now but don't be tempted by a second hand one - it's only a matter of time before that moisture creeps in. Shame!

The white lines referred to in other reviews occur because they have not set the camera to save at full quality (the optio allows 3 levels for every resolution). After changing from the default 2 to 3, my friends have never been failed to be stunned by the picture quality achieved by my optio. The number of features is impressive, although after experimentation it is appears that the default picture mode is surprisingly good at getting it right first time! My slight criticism is that the lens cover is indeed flimsy, but provided you keep the camera in a case I don't see much problem.

Liked the camera at first but just didn't get the quality of photo's I thought it should produce for the cost. After about 24 months the image became grained with lines and will no longer take pictures. Cost to repair estimated at $135+ so think I will change cameras.

After 20 months horizontal white lines , pink hues and white cloudiness ,unuseable.
As a person (now late 60's) brought up and owner of Asahi Pentax,. How dare this company produce trash like this in the Pentax name.
This camera cost �450 UK sterling, and I would have got better satisfaction from a �5 35mm disposal.

After 20 months horizontal white lines , pink hues and white cloudiness ,unuseable.
As a person (now late 60's) brought up and owner of Asahi Pentax,. How dare this company produce trash like this in the Pentax name.
This camera cost £450 UK sterling, and I would have got better satisfaction from a £5 35mm disposal.

Had the camera for a little over 18 months, was a great camera to start with, the only minor problems were the lens not always closing and a little slow in focusing at night. Over time more problems occurred including occasional white horizontal lines through the picture and as from Christmas day it no longer works at all, the lens has gone on it. Paying around $500 dollars I expected more for our money and would not go with Pentax ever again.

The penatx 550 is easy to use, takes excellent pictures, and the macro to zoom funtionality is superb. Unfortunately the lens cover is flimsy and sometimes stays openig allowing scratches on lens. And the zoom lens motor is making a horrible noise now and sometimes gets stuck preventing the camera from turning on. Overall, I have enjoyed my time with it.

i have had this camera for 1 1/2 years and it is trashed - although i took very good care. 2 months ago when i took pictures occassionally there were white lines horizonataly through the picture. now when i take pictures they are white blank. this is pretty shabby for $500 and only a year and a half's worth of use. needless to say- i will never buy pentax again.

excellent and powerfull with great pictures oh GOD !what a camera

I most admit took great shot. Three month out kids trashed wimpy lens cover. Year out lens motors failed.