A line of multimedia-oriented handsets has secured LG a strong foothold in the cameraphone kingdom. LG KC550 is probably the first to join the club with only imaging in mind. A mid-range handset with top-of-the-shelf photo and video capabilities is probably what describes best the compact slider.

The LG KC550 sure lacks the Viewty power and Secret's Black Label charisma. OK, it's unassuming, but not without a talent of its own. The 5 megapixel slider strives to be the most affordable cameraphone out there with a Wide VGA@30fps video recording topping.

Those qualities have set many shutterbugs a foot with excitement as they are finally promised uncompromising cameraphone capabilities at an afordable price tag that's fit for the masses. But please, don't go throwing your digital camera just yet - let's first see what LG have for us this time.

Key features:

• 2.4" 262K-color display of QVGA resolution
• Auto screen rotation in image gallery and video player (built-in accelerometer)
• 5 megapixel autofocus camera with active lens cover and Power LED flash
• 720x480pixel@30fps video recording (VGA@15fps is also an option)
• USB and stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) connectivity
• Hot-swappable microSD card slot (capacities up to 4GB)
• Office document viewer
• FM radio
• TV-out port
• Six games, which make use of the accelerometer and vibration feedback
• Google Search and Mail come pre-installed

Main disadvantages:

• Video recording is a great disappointment
• Only 12MB of internal memory
• Poor sunlight legibility
• Really awkward file manager
• No UMTS support
• Only tri-band GSM support
• Glossy front panel is a fingerprint magnet
• No SSL support in the native email client
• FM radio lacks RDS and cannot run in the background