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LG KC550 Review

Author Sandra Vogel
Published 14th Aug 2008
Manufacturer LG Electronics
Price From Free on Contract
Latest Price Click here
Design Score 7 for Design
Features Score 7 for Features
Usability Score 7 for Usability
Value Score 8 for Value
Overall Score 7 for Overall
LG KC550
Video Review click here
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On the left edge is LG's usual proprietary mains power connector which doubles for the headset and PC connectivity. Both headset and PC cable are provided. This connector also works with a TV out cable. It is nice to see this facility on a relatively low cost phone, but a shame that the cable isn't provided. A cost cutting measure.

Meanwhile on the right edge you'll find a microSD card slot, camera button and rocker which doubles for volume and camera zoom control.

So, without further ado let's get to that camera.

You can start it running by sliding the huge metal lens cover back. You don't need to look at the back of the phone to do this - it is easy to do by feel alone. The camera has a self-portrait mirror and a small LED flash. The autofocus allowed me to get in quite close on the tomatoes and I didn't even bother with the macro mode on this shot so it is good that definition and sharpness are both passable.


The chair doesn't quite show the level of detail that I'd like to see from a 5-megapixel camera. Indoors, without using the flash but with ordinary household lighting, the coloured dish isn't quite as vibrant as I'd like either. So while this camera may well carry 5-megapixels, it is not up there with the best in that category.

When you are using the camera the D-pad can be used to pop you into album view, set the flash (including turning it permanently on), use macro mode and set image stabilisation on and off. Video is shot at resolutions to 720 x 480 and 30fps, incidentally, which is a rather high-end capability.

When it comes to looking at photos on the handset the KC550's built in accelerometer has a role to play. Turn the handset on its side so that the screen is in wide format and photos are automatically adjusted. It is hardly a novel feature, but the accelerometer is responsive and however often I see it, I do think this is a neat little quirk for any phone.

 

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Latest 3 of 3 Comments

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comment TheEvilGenius said on 15th August 2008

It's a shame (but not surprising) that us Pay as you Go customers always have to settle for sloppy seconds when it comes to decent phones.

I like the look of L... more

comment Paul Kenny said on 22nd September 2008

I Like the phone and expected it to work as purchased but a WARNING on the picture and Video side of the phone.I have a 4gig SDHC card fitted because of its inability to film witho... more

comment Ardy said on 15th October 2008

The box clearly says 720x480 video at 30 fps, which is totally false. LG KC550 is not even able to do 320x240 --or any resolution for that matter-- at 30 fps. It is deplorable that... more

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