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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

More reviews...

1. 3.2-megapixel sensor creates 2,080 x 1,544-pixel images for 4 x 6-inch prints and enlargements up to 8 x 10-inches
2. 3x optical plus 5x digital zoom (for 15x total)
3. 1.8-inch diagonal LCD; records MPEG-1, QVGA video; 7 shooting and 4 capture modes
4. Compatible with Secure Digital/MultiMedia Card (SD/MMC); includes 16 MB internal memory
5. Powered by 2 AA photo Lithium batteries; connects to PCs and Macs via USB

Customer Review :

WHAT EVER YOU DO, DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA!!!!!!

I didn't get the camera from amazon. Mine came with a pinter. JUNK, JUNK, JUNK! Batteries never lasted more than a day wether the we rechargeables or not. That's even if i could get the stupid thing to stay on or turn on at all. I even sent it back and got a new one from the company and that one was worse than the first one!!!!!!!!!!! Buyer beware: Cheap and not worth the headache.

Rating :

Descent camera for the price!

As some already mentioned, battery life is not long, but with a couple of rechargeable batteries, you should be fine. After all, you will have a descent camera at a low price!

Rating :

Don't Buy Reconditioned

Purchased two cameras. Scratches on both, one doesn't work at all. Never buy reconditioned products.

Rating :

Great Camera if you set it up right

I agree with the positive reviews already here. A previous review said the battieries died rapidly. HP has a firmware upgrade on it's website. You've absolutely have to download and install it - makes it like a brand-new camera. And you'll be able to use whatever batteries you like after the upgrade is installed.

Rating :

TERRIBLE camera!

I wish I could give this camera NEGATIVE 10 stars!!!

The screen died on me after a few months of use. I did not drop it or anything--it just froze up and went black. It acted like it was taking a picture, but there was no picture. HP said it was a 'hardware' issue, so they sent me another one. A month after my year warranty was up (keep in mind that this replacement camera was NOT a year old, but my year warranty from my original purchase date was up), it happened again. Basically, both of these cameras did not last a year.

Plus, the camera EATS batteries, and the connection to the computer via USB sometimes wouldn't work, which I've read elsewhere this is a common problem with this camera.

DON'T BUY IT! Try a Canon instead. My sister swears by Canon and has not been disappointed. I should have listened to her, but I thought HP would be more compatible with my computer. Boy, I was WRONG!!!

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

More reviews...

1. 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
2. 2.0-inch LCD; 3x optical zoom
3. 32MB of internal memory
4. Edit on a PC using included HP Image Zone software; e-mail photos (without attachments) using HP Instant Share
5. Stores images on SD memory cards; powered by AA-size batteries (rechargeable NiMH batteries included)

Editorial Review :

Building on the success of the award-winning HP Photosmart R-series cameras, this easy-to-use 5 MP camera uses the latest technology to help you take better photos. Key features include 24x total zoom, 5.0 cm LCD plus 2 NiMH batteries and charger.

Customer Review :

A lightweight piece of JUNK

I could not believe the glowing reviews that I found about this camera. I am not a professional photographer but have been an avid photographer as a hobby since I was a kid. I own another digital camera and received this one as a gift. Thank GOODNESS I did not waste my own money on this piece of junk.

Here are my main issues with the HP:

1. The LCD screen sometimes goes black after taking a picture. Nothing will bring it back without powering it down and bringing it back up.

2. The pictures are NOT crystal clear. They are clear enough, but they lack that sharp, focused look of my other digital camera.

3. There is a TREMENDOUS lag time between when you "take" the picture and when the camera actually flashes and takes the picture. I suppose if you're photographing a lot of adults or still objects, this is not a big issue. I, however, spend most of my time these days photographing my kids. I have missed MANY great shots because the picture you take and the picture the camera catches is NOT the same picture! I know that some will argue that this is true of all digital cameras, and let me assure you that it is NOT. My other camera has some lag, but I get reasonably close to the picture I wanted...if not the exact one. This is my biggest complaint with this camera.

4. My camera drains the batteries so quickly! Friends of mine have this camera also (they also complain about #3), and theirs don't seem to do this. I have tried various batteries without different results. I can sometimes only take 6 or so pics before needing new batteries. And this IS with the Ni rechargeables.

I called HP to see what could be done about the tech issues, and ~SURPRISE~ my warranty expired a couple of weeks ago. I will not spend my money on an HP camera EVER and would highly recommend that you put your own money into another camera, too. There are more reliable cameras of better quality (and some for less money!) out there. BUY SOMETHING ELSE!

Rating :

A fairly decent bundle for a beginner.

About a year ago I was looking for a camera/printer bundle because I was interested in taking/printing pictures to make scrapbooks. I had owned a couple digital cameras before this one but figured I might as well buy a new one since printers alone are so much money. If I was spending money on a printer, I might as well get a new camera to go with it. ESPECIALLY if it would cost me next to nothing to get the camera. So I found this bundle on Amazon. I noted that it had 5 megapixels and 3x optical zoom which is pretty darn good. And HP is a decent brand. So I went ahead and bought it.

Now for my review of the camera. Let me first start off by saying that I'm not a camera expert by any means. However, I do know what I want my pictures to look like and I do know that there ARE cameras out there that can take really good pictures (I know this because the camera that I'm currently using is one of those cameras). One thing that I didn't want is a camera that takes a while to process after taking a picture. Not only does this camera take a while to process pictures, but if you move even slightly within 5 seconds after taking a picture, the picture comes out blurry. This is extremely inconvenient if you need to take several pictures in a row very quickly or if you want to take a picture of someone in movement or if your subject is jumpy (I know this because my cousin owns this camera as well and has trouble taking pictures of her 8 month old daughter). Also, the brightness doesn't always show what the true brightness is. I know how to use the flash and I understand what ISO settings are so I don't think that I'm the problem. I've taken plenty of pictures using other cameras and haven't had this problem. As far as the options on the camera, they are decent. You can play around with different settings to alter your photos (like changing the picture to black and white or sepia). These options are a little bonus.

The screen is a good size. No problems there whatsoever. The internal memory is typical. Most cameras can only hold a handful of pictures so an SD card is a necessary purchase.

As for the printer, I don't have any real problems with it. I'll admit that I've only used it with the few photo papers that came with the printer. The pictures that I DID print came out looking like pictures that you get developed. So if it's easier for you to use this printer instead of going to a drugstore to get them developed, this printer is a great option. The picture looks exactly like how it was taken. Nothing was cropped out of the original picture. The printing time isn't too long so if you want to print multiple pictures at once, time is not a huge problem. One thing that I did like about the printer is that you can dock the camera on it. Not only does docking charge the camera (let's face it, camera batteries die pretty often), but it also lets you review the pictures you took. This is pretty handy if you don't have a computer around.

So would I recommend this bundle? If this is your first digital camera and you're ok with a) having pictures with incorrect brightness and b) having to play with the camera a bit to get a good picture, go for it. I think it's a great bundle if you're scrapbooking and don't necessarily need to get "the perfect shot". Or if you're purchasing this just for the printer, that's a great idea too. However, if you've owned a digital camera before and want accurate pictures, I'd skip on this bundle. I have a Sony DSC-H2 and it works wonderfully (no playing around with the camera to get a good shot... just press the shutter and you've got a good picture). You truly get what you pay for. I'd suggest testing out cameras at a store before buying one.. If I had tested this one at a store, I would have passed on it hands down.

Rating :

Camera broke only 3 uses!!

Purchased this camera Nov 2006 but never took it out of the box to use until Aug 2007. Used it 3 times and the camera BROKE! HP wants $70 for customer support to talk to me since it has been over a year. What kind of camera breaks after 3 uses?? HP has very poor quality products.

Rating :

Poor

I purchased the HP Photosmart camera/printer bundle for 99$ on Black Friday 2007. Coming from a 450$ Olympus 1.3Mp camera, I had high expections of image quality since the M517 is 5.2Mp.

The M517 is really slow at taking pictures. I've missed dozens of picture opts waiting for the 'charging flash' indicator to finish flashing. When it does finish, the bracketed focus indicator is red, (meaning out of focus) It takes 3 to 4 depresses/releases of the button to finally get an infocus picture. After months of use, and hundreds of blurry useless pictures, I've finally mastered (tolerated) the photo taking procedure required for this model.

The pictures, even when focused still seem blurry. I expected to be able to crop a 5Mp picture to my old 1.3Mp size. However when you digitally zoom in on the pc, the pictures simply lack the clairity needed for editing. Macro mode has its own list of problems.

The batteries included (NiMH 1800ma) die within hours. The screen turns off at around 30 seconds, considering 25 of those are charging flash and focusing...... The video mode is very grainy and always dark, much worse than a standard webcam. The top buttons started to stick after 6 months of use. The printer now sucks the paper crooked, leaving 4 white triangles on my 'borderless' prints.

There is more, but all in all, I'm unhappy.


Rating :

research before you buy

I have this camera and the shutter speed is way too slow for me. The flash takes forever to charge, especially between shots. It also eats the AA batteries, especially rechargables. My next camera will definately be better than this!

Rating :

More reviews...

1. 2 megapixel sensor captures 1636 x 1236 images for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
2. 3x optical plus 4x digital zoom lens (for 12x total) with autofocus
3. 1.6-inch LCD; capture video with sound that's limited only by amount of memory
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

Editorial Review :

The HP Photosmart 635 digital camera with HP Instant Share delivers photo-quality pictures easily! You will get sharp, clear snapshots with 2.1 MP total resolution and 12x total zoom (3x optical, 4x digital). HP Instant Share is the easy and fast way to send photos to email addresses and printers. You can even record life's moving memories using the video-clip capture with audio feature and use the automatic or manual controls to create the results you want. Plus, check out the convenient HP Photosmart 8886 optional camera dock--it connects easily to your PC or TV, includes a remote control for viewing photos, and recharges your camera batteries. Printing your photos is easy and fun--just print directly from your camera to an HP Photosmart printer or select HP all-in-one--no computer is required!

Customer Review :

Good for the price/bad warrenty service/eats batteries quick

I got this camera about half a year ago, and it worked quite well. However, unless you use full optical zoom, the edges of the photos are bent outwards. This camera also eats batteries much faster than my Kodak DX6340 did. I had a problem with the software that came with my camera so I have to use the Kodak Easyshera software instead. Also, this camera records audio videos, but you can only hear the audio on the computer.
Through all this, this camera is still good if you can get a good price.
BUT MY MAIN PROBLEM IS THIS: HP doesn't offer good warrenty service. When after I had this camera for about half a year, it stopped working, still in warrenty. I went onto HP LiveChat support online and since the people there are from India, it was hard to communicate with them, even online. After confusion and a long wait (about two weeks), they finally sent me a camera that was broken which they "fixed into perfect working condition" after saying that they would send me a new one. This camera was still broken when I got it, and they later told me that they only send refurbished ones. I told them this camera was also broken, but they couldn't send me another replacement until they recieved the first broken camera. Even after that and my continued contacting them, they kept on saying "I am sorry. You will get the confermation e-mail shortly." They never sent it and I waited two months without a working camera. Finally, the camera they sent me started working, even though it still doesn't look as good as new.
HP couldn't help but leave me without a working camera for so long even though I was under warrenty.
One last complaint: When I first got the camera, it was missing the lens cap.
IN CONCLUSION:
If you want a decient camera for cheep and don't care if you may not have a working camera for a while, this camera is a good buy (if you don't mind the other things I mentioned above also).

Rating :

You get what you pay for

This an acceptable digital camera, not much more. It's a solid value if you find it for less than $75 or so, but I personally would pay more for a Kodak or Olympus with similar specs next time around.

Pros:
-Low price
-Reliable 3X zoom
-Good outdoor capabilities
-Reasonably logical navigation menus
-Excellent USB connection and PC photo download/edit software

Cons:
-One of the worst battery-eaters I've ever used
-Poor color saturation: certains blues and greens are way off and can't be corrected
-Dumb firmware programming: Forgets all settings when switched off (even with batteries installed) and occasionally bugs out. There is also an error in the brightness modulation.
-Pretty poor for closeup work: misinterprets light levels and more often than not can't capitalize on its 2 MP power.

Overall, it's a good value if you pick it up cheap enough, but next time I won't look for an HP camera any more than I would a Kodak printer.

Rating :

Garbage

I bought this camera in September and it managed to last a whole 3 months before it broke. I didn't even drop it or anything. The batteries fell out of it while I had it turned on. The lens is stuck out, and now the camera won't turn on or do anything. I've tried numerous different batteries, and tried troubleshooting, nothing works. I contacted HP customer service but they were not much help. Essentially they told me that all they could offer me was to trade it in and pay around $200 for an upgraded camera. No thanks, HP. I think I will try purchasing a camera from a company that doesn't sell junk next time. Also, even when this garbage was working, it zapped battery life like nothing I have ever seen before. Avoid this garbage.

Rating :

BEGINNERS PERFECT CAMERA

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA FOR "ANYONE" ANY AGE AS A STARTER CAMERA FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. I WAS GIVEN A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE CAMERA (DIGITAL) FOR A GIFT. MY FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA. IT WAS A DISASTER. I COULDN'T EVEN READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IT WAS SO CONFUSING. I BOUGHT THIS CAMERA AS A TEACHING TOOL FOR MYSELF. IT WAS PEERFECT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. I HARDLY EVER USE THE "OTHER" CAMERA(IT COST $400).THAT ONE IS LEFT TO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.

SO FAR NO PROBLEMS. BATTERY SEEMS TO GO ON FOR EVER. I PAY ATTENTION TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON ENERGY SAVING. WORKS PERFECT WITH OR WITHOUT THE DOCK FOR TRANSFERING THE PICTURES. NO END TO RECHARBLE BATTERIES. THE SAME PAIR HAS LASTED FOREVER. THANK YOU......JT

Rating :

Battery problem a big downer

If you're having a problem with the battery life, judging on other reviews, you aren't the only one. This camera does work decently when the batteries are working. It takes video with sound in addition to the pics. If you have a HP computer and printer like me, the software loading pics/video is even easier.

Here's what I have found is a way around the battery problem:
Keep 3 sets of rechargable batteries. (I use rayovac IC3 6 total)
The moment you put the batteries in the camera, it starts sucking power whether it is on or not! IF I limit my viewing of pics already taken and take pics without the screen on, the batteries will last about a day (40 pics).

Leave the batteries in the camera overnight. By the next morning, the batteries will be dead or close to it. Take the old batteries out, and put new charged ones in while the others charge. The reason why I keep 3 sets is in case I use one up too fast.

Hope that works!

Rating :

More reviews...