1. Digital Camera
2. HP
3. Hewlett Packard
4. Cameras
5. Video

Editorial Review :

Key Features ? LCD Size 1.5 in. ? Optical Zoom 3x ? Resolution 3.2 Megapixel ? Self Timer 10 Sec. Exposure Control ? Aperture Range f2.6 (w) - f4.9 (w) ? ISO Speeds 100, 200, 400 ? Shutter Speed 1/2000 - 2 sec ? White Balance Auto, Manual Flash ? Flash Functions Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction Flash Image Quality ? Resolution 3.2 Megapixel ? Resolutions 2080 x 1542 Lens ? Digital Zoom 3x ? Focus Range .23 - .69 in. (w) ? Optical Zoom 3x Storage ? Built-in Memory Size 16 MB ? Memory Type Built-in, MMC Card, SD Card Video ? Video Format AVI ? Video Quality 160 x 120 System Requirement ? Operating System Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows ME, Microsoft Windows XP Viewfinder / Display ? LCD Panel Size 1.5 in View Details ? Focus Type Autofocus ? Image Sensor Type CCD ? Interchangeable Lens Without Interchangeable Lens ? LCD Protected Position Without LCD Protected Position Power Supply ? Battery Type 2 x AA Batteries (not included) Interfaces ? Interface USB

Customer Review :

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1. 6.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x optical zoom; 1.8-inch LCD display
3. R Series Dock allows you to transfer, print, or e-mail photos while charging two camera batteries
4. Shoot video clips with sound; capture multiple images in Burst mode; choose from 12 shooting modes, including Action and Sunset
5. Powered by Lithium-ion rechargeable battery; stores images on SD or MMC cards (not included; camera features 32MB of internal memory)

Editorial Review :

Hewlett-Packard (L2040A#A2L) HP Photosmart R717 Digital Camera with HP Instant Share, HP Photosmart

Customer Review :

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1. 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches
2. Autofocus lens with 3x optical/7x digital (21x total) zoom
3. Included 16 MB SD card stores 15 images at default settings
4. Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
5. Uses 2 AA batteries (disposable batteries included)

Editorial Review :

The HP PhotoSmart 812 is a well-specified 4-megapixel digital camera with a Pentax 3x optical zoom lens. It's designed as a simple-to-use point-and-shoot replacement, and comes in a compact case with silver finish. While lacking any dramatic aesthetic impact, it does possess neat lines and has an overall feel of a well-constructed camera.

The controls on the HP 812 are straightforward. A power button is accompanied by a shutter button on the top of the camera, the latter surrounded by a mode-select wheel. This enables you to choose between video mode with audio, a time-lapse mode, or straight camera mode. On the back you find zoom controls, located where your right thumb naturally sits. The 3x optical zoom is complemented by a digital zoom to provide 21x total magnification. However, quality suffers when moving to the digital zoom, as with any digital camera.

The menus found via the LCD are straightforward to navigate. You can amend the quality of pictures taken, from one to four stars, with the latter providing 4-megapixel images suitable for print enlargements.

The image quality produced by the PhotoSmart 812 is impressive by typical digital camera standards. However, when stacked against competing 4-megapixel models it doesn't compare favorably. The depth of field is quite shallow, with only small areas of the picture in focus. The autofocus also struggles in low light. This said, it is worth remembering that other 4-megapixel cameras are often considerably more expensive than the 812.

The HP 812 is designed purely for ease of use and you can configure your images while on the camera to print or e-mail, thanks to the Instant Share technology. This is best served when used in conjunction with the HP camera dock, which is not supplied. This separately available dock enables you to easily share pictures and charges your camera batteries at the same time.

The batteries supplied with the camera are nonrechargeable lithium-ion, which have a decent lifespan. The camera will also take standard AAs in an emergency, but you'll only get limited life out of these--around five minutes before the LCD powers down. We recommend getting a set of rechargeables, like those supplied with the camera dock.

The HP 812 uses a Secure Digital (SD) card memory for image storage and is supplied with a 16 MB card. More memory will be needed, as the supplied card will only store five pictures at the highest quality. The camera will also take MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory, which is cheaper than SD.

The HP PhotoSmart 812 delivers what it promises, and provides an affordable compact point-and-shoot that anyone can use and take decent pictures with, which, thanks to the resolution, can be printed at large sizes. It will however, struggle to win over any photography enthusiasts with its dearth of manual controls. --Nick Baxter

Pros:

• Affordable point-and-shoot 4-megapixel camera
• Very easy to use and download to your computer
• Good choice for beginners who desire 11-by-14-inch photo prints

Cons:

• Dearth of manual controls
• HP camera dock not included, but recommended for easy photo transfer

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 2.1-megapixel sensor for prints up to 8 by 10 inches
2. 3x optical plus 2x digital zoom Pentax autofocus lens
3. Included 16 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 28 images at default resolution
4. Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
5. Uses 4 AA batteries (disposable lithium batteries included); jointly designed with Pentax; uses Digita operating system

Editorial Review :

Despite the fact that Hewlett-Packard has produced a number of successful digital cameras in the past and is one of the biggest manufacturers of photo-quality printers, the company's lack of experience in film cameras has made it difficult for the public to take them seriously in this field. To help change this perception, Hewlett-Packard has paired up with Pentax for its latest product, and each company has contributed its expertise. The result is a pair of identical cameras: the HP 618 and the Pentax EI 200. With the exception of labels, packaging, and included accessories, the two cameras are the same.

The camera's basic specifications are pretty standard: 2-megapixel CCD, 3x Pentax optical zoom, CompactFlash storage (Type I or II, but no Microdrive support), and a 2-inch display. For advanced users, there are aperture and shutter priority modes, adjustable white balance, exposure metering, and adjustable ISO (100 and 200).

If you like the look and feel of Pentax cameras, you'll appreciate the HP's styling. It's curvy, swoopy, classically designed, and feels very solid. Most people who saw the camera were impressed with its overall quality and were surprised to learn it was a digital.

One of the camera's most intriguing (and underdocumented) features is its use of Digita. Digita is an operating system created specifically for digital cameras, allowing software developers to modify and improve the camera's functions. Past Digita cameras have suffered from slow performance, but the 618 seems as quick as most other digital cameras on the market. HP's engineers did a great job of shipping the camera with a wide variety of menus and functions preinstalled, but Digita allows for even more flexibility. Potential applications of this technology range from task-specific features (time-lapse photography, preset exposure modes, and digital special effects, for example) as well as the ability to add new applications--there are even Digita video games available for download. Unfortunately, the manual includes no information about Digita, and we were unable to determine how to transfer Digita files to the camera. This is extremely powerful technology, but perhaps HP buried this ability because they felt that it was too complex for the average user.

The camera makes extensive use of Hewlett-Packard's infrared technology. A remote control is included (handy for self-portraits, keeping the camera steady in low-light shots, and to play back "slide shows" on your TV), and the camera can wirelessly transfer images to select HP printers.

If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice.

Pros:

• Clean, classic, reassuringly solid design
• Remote control included
• Pentax lens
• Infrared transfer to select HP printers
• Integrated lens cover

Cons:

• Digita abilities not documented
• CompactFlash slot supports Type I and Type II cards, but doesn't recognize Microdrive
• Larger and heavier than some point-and-shoot digital cameras

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 4.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 12-by-15-inch enlargements
2. 3x optical Pentax lens combines with 7x digital zoom for 21x total zoom; includes R-series camera dock
3. In-camera red-eye removal; in-camera HP image advice; Instant Share lets you route images to e-mail addresses; PictBridge compatible
4. Store images in 32 MB internal memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (SD card not included)
5. Powered by rechargeable lithium ion battery (included with charger)

Customer Review :

No review yet