Editorial Review :

HP Photosmart 318xi is a real deal: at the same price as many 1.3-megapixel cameras with fixed focus, it comes with a real 2.3-megapixel CCD (highest working resolution 1,800 x 1,200 pixels) and autofocus. Featuring 2-times digital zoom and selectable white-balance settings, Photosmart 318xi delivers excellent photo-quality results.

Customer Review :

Cheap Piece Of Garbage--Not worth $1 never mind $100.

I HATE this camera with a passion. If you want to know what it was like to take a picture in 1906 instead of 2006, buy this camera.

What it does do:

1. It takes pictures (sometimes...when it feels like it.)
2. It turns on and off (again, sometimes...when it feels like it.)
3. You can look at the pictures after you take them (well, you get a rough idea what they look like, because the screen isn't very clear.)
4. Use up batteries like you wouldn't believe (the other reviewer was doing good with 24 pictures--I'm lucky I can take 5 pictures without it dying on me.
6. You can download them to a computer and look at them (this is the best functioning part of the camera.)

What it doesn't do:

1. Take pictures of anything in motion--and when I mean motion, I'm talking about the slightest of twinges. If your subject or the person taking the picture aren't perfectly still, the picture will turn out blurry. Whatever you do, don't drink anything containing caffeine for 24 hours before using this camera.

2. Your subject has to stay perfectly still for about 3 seconds because that's how long it takes for the stupid camera to take a picture. Now, you may be thinking...3 seconds, that's nothing. Well, if you have children, 3 seconds is an eternity. The last time I've used the camera was when I wanted to take a picture of my two little girls. Fifteen tries later (along with 2 battery changes) I finally got a half decent picture. So obviously, if you have children or pets, this camera is an exercise in futility & frustration.

3. It doesn't go off every time you press the button. You have to press the button extremely hard and then wonder for the requisite 3 seconds if it's going to work this time.

4. It doesn't turn on every time you flip the on/off switch. If you flip the switch a little too hard, the camera will shut itself off again. If the camera turns on after 3 tries, then it's doing good.

5. If your background doesn't have megawatts of light, or is lit from the wrong area, your picture will turn out dark. Look forward to several minutes of playing 'musical lights' before you can get your picture to be clear enough.

I know $100 is very inexpensive for a digital camera, but this thing is so bad that I can't imagine paying that much for it. (My camera was a gift from my in-laws. They got it free after buying their HP computer.) Let's just say I'm glad neither I or they paid for it and I feel sorry for anyone who did. If you're in the market for a cheap digital camera, avoid this one like it has the bird flu. You'll save yourself a ton of frustration.

Rating :

HP Kills Batteries, Dead.

Not only does this cammera suck a pair of AA's dead in 24 photos (or about 15 minutes of video screen) but the cheep plastic hinge breaks easy under the spring pressure. The photos are okay but not great. The flash is nearly useless unless in pitch dark and the zoom only works with the video screen wich eats battery power fast.

Stay away, I have a new cannon and it's great.

Rating :

Battery Guzzler

This thing went after batteries with a vengence! I even went out and purchased those super-juiced 'digital' batteries and was able to take about 5 pictures before it finished off the brand-new batteries. It does take pictures (for the most part...sometimes for no reason at all, it doesn't take pictures) but they are not clear on the viewing screen and the zoom makes for grainy pictures. It was terrible taking outdoor pictures if the sun shined at all... It washed out every image. This camera caused me no end of misery and I really wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

Rating :

Chancy camera

I've had to stick with this camera for a LONG TIME. A couple years ago when it first came out my dad bought this as a gift for my mom, and she loved it. About a year later is just sat there collecting dust so I practically took it. What I found, like mentioned, is EVERYTHING on the camera is chancy. Sometimes it won't turn on, sometimes it freezes up, and heck..sometimes it'll turn on and take pictures on it's own! Also was only able to take about 3 pictures after FOUR BRAND NEW SPANKING batteries were placed in it. Sorry, but if any camera needs FOUR batteries it must be good, but this thing basically wastes the 5 bucks on batteries and gives you 3 worthless shots. ABSOLUTELY NOT A CAMERA FOR BEGINNERS. When anyone gets a new camera they want to test it out in different lightings, setting, etc., this one doesn't really have any settings and when you only get a few minutes you'd better shoot now and hope it comes out right! I had to take this on my trip to Florida, and I ended up spending about 40 bucks for a memory card for the sucker and super juiced up rechargeable camera batteries. This thing is so big and lunky, and crappy, that I could barely get any pictures! Taking it to the beach? Ha yeah right, probably wouldn't even last two seconds before my arm would hurt and i'd throw it in the ocean. I have to admit though, at times you CAN get excellent professional photos out of this thing, but i've only had it happen about 3 times, don't even ask me how I did it because all I did was point and shoot and it came out looking great. One last thing..it also breaks EASILY. All other cameras, and even flimsy phones etc. for that matter, can be dropped a hundred times and never break. This thing dropped ONCE and split in half, shooting my batteries to who knows where and almost breaking the week old memory card I just bought. My cousin had dropped it, felt so bad he gave me his canon power shot a410 I think it's called. It's about half of what the hp photosmart cost, but about 100 times better in every aspect. Overall..don't buy this camera. It's just too outdated and odd to really find any use of it.

Rating :

la razón del tiempo

compré esta HP hace más o menos 4 años. En ese tiempo costaba la cuarta parte que la Nikon top de su tiempo (4 megapixeles).
Todos los comentarios que indican hoy son ciertos, pero desde las exigencias de hoy. Creo que debe evaluarse y exigirsele a está camara en función de la tecnología de su tiempo.
Actualmente, está camara la usa mi hija de 6 años.
Para incrementar su desempeño recomiendo:
1. utilizar baterias E3 de Energizer (titanium)esto permite según mi experiencia un incremento en 6 veces aprox la durabilidad de la carga.
2. Comprar soporte y lentes de dc pro para ampliar el rango de imagen, filtrar la luz y tener un mejor zoom optico.
3. Comprar una memory stick de 256mb esto permitirá ampliar el número de fotos de mejor resolución de 12 a 350 aprox.)
4. utilizar un editor de imagenes que permita mejorar la resolución de las fotos, colores, contraste y brillo, actualmente la mayoría tiene esta funcionalidad.
5. evitar el uso de flash que es muy pobre y consume mucha energia.
6. definitvamente, como muchas camaras digitales de su tiempo esta diseñada para:
- fotos fijas (sin movimiento)
- a dos metros de distancia
- de día pero no muy soleado.
ventajas del producto:
- un muy amigable menú para el manejo de la camara, para niños.
- precio
- resistencia al golpe.
- ideal para niños que recien empiezan.



Rating :

1. 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
2. 3x optical and 5x digital (15x total) zoom lens with autofocus
3. HP's Instant Share features lets you designate image destination (e-mail or printer)
4. 16 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital and MMC memory cards
5. Powered by 2 AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Customer Review :

This camera sucks

I am totally dissatisfied with this camera.. I bought with lotz of expectations and found it a junk piece.

For new buyer dont mind spending a few more dollors , go to Canon or Sony.. They are good.

this camera as mentioned eats battries like anything.. not able to take > than 10 pic and has poor flash. .all photos are coming dark

Rating :

horrible waste of money

You can literally take 8 shots and the camera is dead. I've missed so many photo opps. Definitely NOT worth buying.

Rating :

A Decent Snapshot Camera, but Buy a Newer One

I have owned this camera for almost 3 years now, and it is the sturdiest and most reliable one that I have had. Once, I dropped it from 5 feet onto a sidewalk and it didn't even get a scratch. The outdoor picture quality is excellent, as well as the macro mode, but if you have shaky hands (like me), you will have a ton of blurry pics. The screen just can't compete with new cameras, being too small and dim to see outdoors. The flash is weak, but if you know how to use aperture and ISO settings, indoor shots will turn out pretty good. Personally, I think buyers would be better off buying one of HP's new R-series cameras (R717, R817, etc). While this camera is cheap and pretty reliable, the newer models have much more features and are still around $200-$300.

Rating :

okay

this cam was great when untill the flash didnt work! i went online for support but after talking to them, they said it was a internal malfunction or something like that but by then the warrantee already expired so im stuck with a flashless camera. Ive miss many special moments due to no flash. and its really hard taking pictures with no flash and no tripod.

But overall good camera! batteries seems as though they die quick but like i turn it off for like a few hours then the batteries came back to full power again. The video mode is pretty good....i also recommend using the power adapter when possible! that way you can turn the camera on as long as you want without worrying about the batteries dieing out!The printer is a really great printer as well!...but sadly i cant live any longer with a flashless camera so im going to sell this up or just give it to my brother or something and saving up for a Fuji Finepix s5100...Good luck!

Rating :

use it right, it does the job

This was my first digital camera and it's because of this camera that I stuck with HP when upgrading. It's a very good point and shoot camera with enough modes and settings to satisfy those who like fiddling with such things.

Many of the reviews here complain about battery life. Turn off the live display, you don't need it anyway since the viewfinder is accurate. I never got *fewer* than 60 pictures (sometimes more) in two star mode with the live display off, on a pair of 1800 mAh rechargeables. I also had a big difference when I changed the auto shutoff to a shorter time period.

Also, yes, you need a memory card -- but what digital camera doesn't? I had a 64 MB card with mine and only once completely used the card up.

Shutter speed is a little slower than average for the class but fine for everything except action shots. Lens glass is by Pentax and is good quality. No, you won't get digital SLR quality from this camera, but at <$140 it's a great deal.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. Box Content - HP Photosmart R847 Digital Camera, HP Photosmart R07 Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery, USB cable, Quick Start Guide, warranty/regulatory brochure, CD with HP Photosmart software for Microsoft Windows and Macintosh, wrist strap, AC adapter and Accessory Guide
2. 8 Megapixel stills, up to 3298 x 2472 resolution, 640x480 VGA at 24 fps
3. 32 MB internal memory - We recommend purchasing a 1 GB SD Memory Card for practical usage
4. 3.0 (diagonal), 7.62 cm Auto bright indoor/outdoor viewable color display
5. Fujinon Lens System - 24x total zoom (3x optical, 8x digital), 6.5 to 19.6 mm focal length, 39 to 118 mm (35 mm equivalent), f3.5 to f7.4 (wide) and f4.2 to f8.8 (telephoto)

Editorial Review :

Looking for the Rolls Royce of digital cameras? The Photosmart R847 has all the makings, including stunning 8-megapixel resolution, 24x total zoom, a gigantic, 3", auto-bright display with wide viewing angle, and even a way to get rid of annoying "pet eye".

Customer Review :

Can't import pictures to its slideshow

So far, so good. I'm very happy with it esp. the video. Just press the button once to start and then once to stop. Sit the camera down and it keeps on recording. What I don't like is the fact that it will not import other photos from my computer to add to its slideshow. My Kodak can do that.

Rating :

R847 HP DIGITAL CAMERA

MY CAMERA WAS STOLEN AND I WANTED TO REPLACE IT WITH THE SAME CAMERA.

YOUR SERVICE MADE IT AVAILABLE TO FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR IT AND I,M BACK UP AND GOING AGAIN.

THE CAMERA WORKS PERFECTLY AND THE SERVICE WAS UNBEATABLE.

REGARDS
JOHN RUSSELL
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE


Rating :

I LOVE THIS CAMERA!

i LOVE THIS CAMERA. I have had several digital cameras, and this one is the ultimate in my thinking. For anyone who wants to snap good pictures with high quality results, this camera is the one. It's the right size, holds a charge for a long, long time, and with a sans disk, pictures are quickly downloaded to your computer. I say don't wait, buy one now.

Rating :

An EXCELLENT Camera

This Camera is Excellent, Self explanatory in each mode you choose. So many built in options that you would mostly find in the software CD, I love the huge 3" screen and the built in zoom is very nice. My photo's look like professional takes. Best camera I've ever owned...Hint...A camera is only as good as you take care of it.

Rating :

Praise plus disappointment

I received my HP Photosmart R847 8MP digital camera for my birthday in May 2008. First the praise: R847 is indeed simple to use, and it's light, small and slim - a good pocket size, BUT...(see Disappointments). If you manage to find perfect focus on its "best" setting, this camera produces absolutely gorgeous images - you can zoom in and in and in (during edit, that is) and the details just get richer and yummier (in the blow-up in front of me I can count my kitten's eyelashes - beautiful!). Now the disappointment: this camera has ZERO battery life, since its first full charge and use - I am able to take and review 40 photos MAX on a full charge before it is depleted. I called HP about this the first week after I received the camera, and I was basically told "gee, tough luck" - but that they'd be delighted to sell me another battery, 50 dollars please. (VERY poor customer service experience.) R847 doesn't like to find focus on small objects. I particularly like spiders and bumblebees, but focus is very hit and miss, and usually several inches behind the object you want to capture. I just can't figure out the "sweet spot" - it seems pretty random. A tiny change in angle, lighting, etc and you lose focus again. Although, as I mentioned, this camera is a great pocket size, you can't carry it there because the stupid slide-down lens cover is SO easily flipped open. And then it sits in your pocket and GOES DEAD. Actually, that even happens in the carrying case occasionally, if you knock or bump it. This is a MAJOR design flaw. It needs a catch on the cover to prevent the accidental nudge-open. I love the image quality, but half the time I can't even take photos because R847 is stone dead. I would not buy another camera of this design, and I would not recommend it for others to purchase.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 3.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
2. 5x continuous digital zoom
3. Snap a photo and select your preferred destination--e-mail addresses, printers, and more
4. 16 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital and MMC memory cards
5. Powered by 2 AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeables recommended); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 1.1

Customer Review :

Got is used for $1 and I love it very much!

I like it because it has a timer and takes video and good pictures. The battery does wear out quickly so turn off the flash. But other than that it's great!

Rating :

Okay for a cheap older camera

Good for quick and easy shots at parties and such. It's not a tiny little camera and obviously not pro material, but the quality is reasonable considering the cost and age. At 3MP, it is a good choice for someone who wants snapshots to post online or wants only smaller-size prints. I'm the world's worst about fuzzy pictures and this camera is fast enough to offset my shaky hands.

The only real drawback - and it's significant - is that the lens cover slides open too easily. Mine opens inside the camera case. Considering that opening the cover also turns on the camera, that means battery drain as a side effect. Presumably everyone uses rechargeable batteries these days. Even so, I'd recommend keeping the batteries out of the camera until you're ready to use it, or you'll find that you don't have enough power to snap anything.

Rating :

Do not waste your time and money on this product.

This camera was a gift. After using it for three months, the LCD screen became unreadable and the pictures stored in the memory disk were pixelated to the point of abstract art. I do not recommend buying this camera for personal use or anyone else for that matter. Another alternative would be Nikon or Canon brand point and shoot digital cameras. (Not endorsing other products but HP are not known for digital photography, though a admirable attempt at it).



Rating :

My first digital camera!!! :D :D :D

This was my first digital camera. In fact, I still keep it around. In think is a pretty good and decent camera. It is easy to use and it is not heavy. Is perfect for vacations, party's, and other activities.

Ok, so the flash it is not so great. And it really uses up batteries rather fast.

Anyway, I would buy it again if i could :D :D!!



Rating :

I've had better.

The pros about this cam is that the pictures.. were decent. And the software was pretty cool.

But the cons? You could not keep enough batteries around to keep it goin.. and the flash is way too bright.. it even actually effected the pictures.

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 2 megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
2. Autofocus lens with 2x digital zoom
3. 8 MB internal memory holds 20 pictures at default resolution; CompactFlash slot for additional storage
4. Connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
5. Uses 4 AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeables recommended)

Editorial Review :

The HP Photosmart 318 digital camera provides great results and point-and-shoot ease with 2.31 MP resolution and a 2x digital zoom. Easily preview your photos with the 1.75-inch color view screen with magnification. With 8 MB internal flash memory, quick photo transfers, easy USB connection to PC and Mac, you're ready to capture all the action.

Customer Review :

It was good to me

I got this camera about 4 years ago from Sears as a replacement to a previous model that went out on me. My 318 gave up the ghost a few months ago (LCD wiring shorted out...$195 to replace). I'm someone who loves taking pictures but isn't familiar with any of the photographer's vocabulary. I need a simple camera that will take good, and sometimes great, pictures. That's what this camera will give you. It takes about 5 seconds to write and the digital zoom is a joke of course. I have the fuji f10 6.3 megapixel and there are some pics from the 318 that look better than the Fuji pics. It's certainly a good starter camera.

Rating :

Hp photosmart 318

I got this camera for my birthday, first i couldnt get the softwear on the computer and then after i deleted a bunch of my programs and got the softwear i tried for 3 hours and couldnt get the pictures of the camera. it might be easy to take/view pictures with but getting those pictures to the computer is more than i could handle. If you are going to buy this camera you might aswell save your money and go buy a digital camera because the resolution is better, there cheaper, and you can get a digital picture cd that gets the pictures from your camera to your computer as easy as pie.-

Rating :

More than 2 Years Later And...

...I'm still using this camera with no plans to upgrade.

It's a great buy and a great camera. If you're new to digital photography, you won't find this camera difficult to use and will be amazed with its clarity and easy-to-use advanced features. I have had no problem with back-lighting or finding the pictures too dark in quality, as some people have commented upon.

Also pleasantly surprising is the sturdiness of the unit. I've been using it since January 2002 and have used it more times than I can count. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, I've packed it into saddle bags, which subjects it to considerable vibration, and it still performs flawlessly; have had amateurs borrow it (sometimes without me even knowing it); let it (unknowingly) sit outside on our patio table one damp night in August; and have packed it in luggage bumping across some of the worst roads in Pennsylvania only to use it and have no problems at all.

Like most digital cameras, this one is not easy on batteries-- which is why I purchased two rechargeable sets and take the charger with me when I travel. But I also figure that the cost of AA batteries is considerably easier on the wallet than say a gallon of gasoline or paying to have traditional film developed these days, and continue to use my sweet little HP 318 non-stop. As of now, I have hundreds of photographs permanently recorded, and those memories of family are precious.

As an information technology professional, I would not hesitate to recommend this to even the most technologically-challenged person. Hey, even my mom, who is in her 70s, has used it successfully, and to this day, she still can't operate her VCR or upgrade her anti-virus program without help. I think that's 'nuff said about this camera.

Rating :

Not for the impatient photographer

Cons:
1. Incorrect focus at times.
2. Flash doesn't go off causing you to lose a good picture moment.
3. Battery drain is fast.
4. Takes a long time to "actually take a picture" once you press the button. Reason is the auto focus takes a few seconds to work, then you have to press button another step down for the process to complete. Slow and awkward. I don't know if this is a standard for all digital cameras but not a good thing.
5. Subject needs to be still, or a blurry picture will result.
Reason number 4 above is why I am currently looking for a new camera.
Pros:
1. More times than not, takes acceptable picture (the subject needs to be still due to the autofocus problem).
2. Durable construction.
Great for the beginner or first digital camera, but there are cheaper ones at Walgreens and Eckards that will serve the same purpose.
Avoid if possible.

I bought the camera a few years ago based on price. Make sure you do the research before you make a blunder like mine.

Rating :

Watch Out for Ritz Camera

Ritz Camera ripped me off advertising this as a new camera for $99. I ordered 2 because the camera is good (Used one hard for 2 years). Ritz Camera sent me 2 used cameras. Not reconditioned, but used and after the 3rd e-mail admitted, "We would like to bring to your notice that HP - Photosmart 318 Digital Still Camera is a clearance item.

Our Clearance merchandise consists of both new and open-box items. Some items may have minor cosmetic blemishes. We will not be able to guarantee you whether the replacement cameras that we will ship out will be new. The cameras could be new or open box items."

They will not send new cameras nor will the even guarantee new cameras until they get the used ones back. Process could take over a month. I suggest using extreme caution in doing business with Ritz Camera or any of their affilliated companies that include:
www.photography.com www.boatersworld.com www.ritzcameraauctions.com www.outerbanksoutfitters.com www.ritzpix.com www.shopatshark.com www.fishingonly.com www.insidesportfishing.com


Rating :

More reviews...