Optio 550 replaced by Optio 555 already?

[nicko44]

Just as I was about to purchase an Optio 550 I see that Pentax announced the "successor" product, namely the Optio 555. Does this set a record for short life span?

From the Pentax announcement I see that they have fixed the complaints about rather slow powering up and shot to shot speeds on the 450 and 550. Otherwise the 555 spec seems to be the same as the 550 except for some styling swirls on the front of the camera. We are just starting to see the 555 on sale in the UK, and the price seems to be within a pound or two of the 550.

Does anyone know if Pentax plan the same performance boost to the 450?

[Lammy]

There is no information about an Optio 455 - So I think there won't be one. But we cannot be sure... Sorry.

Regards
Christian