Most digital compact cameras have scene modes that allow the user to select a preset mode for anything taking photographs in snow or at night - the camera knows how to operate in these conditions to get the best results.

But usually getting to the mode means turning a special dial or delving into on-screen menus.

That's not the case with Panasonic’s latest metal-bodied Lumix camera, the FX55, which does away with the need to select modes, with its Intelligent Auto mode feature. In theory, point the camera at a flower and it’ll switch to macro/close-up mode all by itself.

In practice we found that it works well: you can leave the camera on this setting and snap away to your heart’s content, making the FX55 perfect for the beginner. There is also a very useful 28mm wide-angle, 3.6x magnification zoom lens for group portraits.

It may be simple to operate and reasonably responsive, but of course it is still necessary accurately compose your shots if they're to look good. This is where the FX55’s large and bright screen comes into play, hogging the lion’s share of the back of the camera (there is no optical viewfinder).

There are few other controls: an on/off slider and a large shutter release button - encircled by a zoom lever - sit atop the camera. Alongside the screen are a mode selection wheel, display button and the familiar four-way controller with a menu button in the centre, as well as a dedicated button for deleting images. We found that it’s possible to catch the raised menu button with your thumb when gripping the camera, knocking it onto a different setting.

But we forgave that flaw once we viewed the FX55’s images, which are colourful and rich in detail. Quality was generally good, although we found that at high sensitivity (above ISO800), there was noticeable noise.

Although the camera includes an image stabiliser, some image blurring is inevitable if you are prone to camera shake. That aside, the Panasonic FX55 is a competent camera for anyone who wants great looking pictures under most conditions.

Vista compatible: Yes