Designed to make 2-megapixel digital photography affordable, Hewlett-Packard's PhotoSmart 318 is a good choice for those seeking a simple, basic camera with the image quality to replace a film point-and-shoot.
Optics and Resolution
The 318 uses a 2-megapixel sensor that captures enough detail for crisp 8-by-10-inch prints. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you typically make poster-sized prints or crop the edges off your photos to improve the composition, you'll want a higher-resolution model, but if you simply point and shoot, 2 megapixels is ample.
While many cameras in this price range use a simple and inexpensive focus-free or fixed-focus lens, the 318 uses a true autofocus system, resulting in sharper photos under more shooting situations. Lens aperture ranges from f2.8 to f8, and the camera will focus on objects as close as 8 inches from the lens. A 2x digital telephoto zoom is among the camera's features, but remember that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.75-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
The PhotoSmart 318 is clearly designed for point-and-shooters who think simplicity is more important than having a huge assortment of advanced features. Photo quality is adjustable, there's a self-timer, and the flash can be switched on, off, or set to red-eye reduction, but otherwise, the camera automatically sets everything.
Power
Four AA batteries provide power, and a set of alkaline batteries is included. Like virtually all digital cameras, the 318 can exhaust a set of alkaline batteries in no time, which is why we recommend lithium or rechargeable batteries instead. If you use the camera once a month or less, lithium AA batteries are a logical idea, since they'll hold their charge for years when sitting in an unused camera. If you use the camera more often, then the lithium batteries don't make economic or environmental sense--we recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, keep one set in the camera and the other set in the charger. In a pinch, you can use alkaline batteries, but we recommend turning off the LCD display in this case to extend the battery life as much as possible.
Storage and Transfer
In an effort to keep costs down, HP ships the 612 with 8 MB of internal memory instead of a removable memory card. This solution has its pros and cons. It's less expensive, and you never have to worry about leaving the memory card at home (the digital equivalent of forgetting the film), but it also means you need to install HP's software and USB cable on your computer to transfer images because you can't use a dedicated card reader. The 8 MB of internal memory holds approximately 20 images at the camera's default settings.
Though the internal memory is reusable, it does limit the number of pictures you can take before you need to return to your computer to transfer your photos. For more capacity, you'll need to add more memory. Fortunately, the camera comes with a slot for standard CompactFlash memory cards.
Size
At 4.5 by 2.7 by 1.7 inches and 8 ounces, the 318 is relatively compact, making it easy to bring along in a purse or pocket.
Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, USB cable, CD with drivers and HP photo software, four AA alkaline batteries, wrist strap, and camera user guide.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity SmartMedia memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. --Shane Burnett
Pros:
- 2-megapixel picture quality at an affordable price
- Autofocus lens superior to the fixed-focus lens found in many competitors' cameras
Cons:
- Very limited set of features
- Internal memory and disposable batteries are fine for occasional users, but more frequent use will require upgrades to these accessories
1 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.
2 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.-
3 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
4 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.
5 No worth to buy
I have two of this camera because it is not expensive, but regret to buy them. Reasons:
1) images too dark to make it unusable in many cases.
2) one of my camera has auto focusing fail after half a year rare use!
3) use battery quick.
6 This is Great!
This is possibly one of the best digital cameras that I've used (and I've used quite a few). My cousin lent his to me when I went on a choir trip through Europe, and the quality of the pictures is remarkable. Also, this camera's sleek design made it comfortable to hold, and the viewing screen on the back was an added plus. I didn't bring the instruction manual with me on the trip, so I had to figure out how to use the camera myself - which took me about two minutes. Deleting photos was a cinch and the playback mode was excellent.
7 Annoying, but Useful
After having th HP 318 for a couple of months, I feel upset to have wasted my money. AFter two days in use, the camera ony worked on and off. WIth little features, and a horrible zoom, I suggest you buy a better camera.
8 needs more memory1
very easy to use - but you need to purchase extra memory- otherwise 8 pictures is the MAX on the best setting. The maximum is 256 on the CF card (memory)that the camera can use. Works great now!
9 Only if it's a good sale
I would only buy this camera if it's on sale for well below the suggested price and if it is significantly cheaper than other 2.x megapixel cameras. I picked this camera up for a very good price at an early morning post Thanksgiving sale, yet I barely got what I payed for. Had I paid full price I would have taken it back that day.
The main problem with this camera is that it only delivers quality images if you have lots of light (but no backlighting). Otherwise those 2.3 megapixels yield 1792x1200 images that are very graining and/or blurry. There also seems to be slight to moderate color distortion on many images, though this can be adjusted using the bundled software.
Like most digital cameras, it eats batteries. If you turn off the LCD while taking pictures and just use the viewfinder, that goes a long way to stretching battery life. However, after taking a picture, the LCD will sometimes stay on instead of showing the picture and then turning off.
Another concern I have about this camera is the durability. The camera feels very cheap. It has no lens cover and the battery door is very flimsy. Also, about a week after I purchased this camera, the LCD stopped working. I turned it on and off several times and also tried fresh batteries with no luck. Finally, I gave it a gentle smack on the side and the LCD immediately turned on. I haven't had this problem since, but history tends to repeat itself, especially with electronics.
If you're thinking of purchasing this camera, I would suggest going to an electronics store and compare this camera to others. I think you will find the others produce better images.
10 Best Digital Camera for under $200.00
I've been doing my homework on all Digital Cameras and I've concluded that this one had the most features and specs. for the money.
The camera is very easy to use, it's actually the 2nd digital camera I've ever owned. I've been using rechargeable batteries in it and it's been working just fine. The camera automatic shuts itself off if there is no activity after a few minutes. This really helps in conserving your battery life. The other feature that I like is the "self timer", this worked out great for trips where it was only my wife and I.
I also purchased a 32MB memory card to increase the amount of pictures allotted in the camera. Overall, this has been a great investment.
There are 3 different qualities of photos you can take with this camera, and you can change the quality per picture you take. You don't have to choose ahead of time what quality all your pictures will be, but you can select the photo quality right before you click. The only downfall to this is when the higest quality is selected the preview screen tends to take a while to display the photo. I don't know if more expensive cameras have this problem too.
The other issue with this camera is that it doesn't snap the picture as soon as you click the button. There is about a 1-2 second delay between the time you click the button and when the shutters actually snap the photo. This only becomes an issue when you're in a car driving by something that you want to snap, the timing is really hard to determine. But if most of your picture are going to be portraits and still shots this camera is perfect for you.
The easiest and best part of this camera is downloading the pictures to your computer. You don't have to install any software onto your computer in order to download the photos from your camera. All you need is the USB cable that comes with the camera and "Explore" your computer's drives/folders and simply drag and drop the photos from the camera to a designated folder.
11 Great camera
This is my first digital camera and comparing it to my daughter's 900.00 digital, I am extremely happy with the quality of pictures. Printing on a HP 952C and get great pics. Easy to use. Will buy adaptor if batteries don't last.
12 Better Cameras Out There
Was very disappointed with this camera, picture quality very bad, I have a HP C200, and it beats the 318 hands down. It also drains the batterys very quickly. Would not recommend, espically for thoses gotta have grandbaby shots. Takes bad low light shots and blurry daylight shots.
13 Not the sharpest pics, but 2M pixel size for a cheap price.
Maybe it's got a cheap lense, but the pictures usually have uneven focus. Parts are sharp, but get a little blurry in spots toward the outside. There is no lense cover, so you need to keep it clean. The internal memory is nice if you don't want to spend the money on a compact flash card and only want to take about 15 snapshots before uploading. The USB connection and software works flawlessly with my Windows XP system. As soon as the camera is connected, it prompts to upload whatever is stored on the camera.
14 Excellent value, great quality
After much comparison shopping, my wife and I bought this camera just before the birth of our baby. It was in the delivery room, capturing those first special moments. I've been using the camera for almost four months now and I'm very satisfied with it. Friends and family constantly comment about the good quality of the pictures we email them. Also, the resolution of the camera produces beautiful prints. (We use Shutterfly to print our digital pics.) I would recommend rechargeable batteries and a flash memory card to get full enjoyment of your camera. A good buy!
15 Excellent DCamera...but
batteries die to fast (specially when connecting it to a PC) and AC Adaptor is to expensive...Do all DCamaras have this issue?
On the other hand, software is user friendly with links to online web sharing, plus camara usage is very simple without the bulkiness (compare the price to other DCamaras and this is an great choice for the avarage family picture taker)
16 Batteries
This is a great camera except the batteries don't last long at all. I would reccomend a AC adapter
17 Hewlett Packard 318 Digital Camera
Great camera, very easy to use and comes with software that is simple and works well. I will never go back to film again. I would highly recomend this camera for average person for non professional use. For the price I do not think you will find a camera that will beat it.
18 Beginners only!
Very simple camera, easy to use controls. Housing is cheaply made and digital zoom blurrs many pictures, even if used correct. After using it for 6 months, I can honestly say I would only recommend this camer for beginners to explore the digital world.
19 HP finally got it right
After a few bonehead moves like the fatal delete flaw with the HP 215 software (the cam was great, but deleting photos within the software rendered some 215's useless afterwards, HP has settled in to making a great camera.
The 318 model is about 30% smaller than the 215. It is lightweight and ergonomically superior to most other cameras out there. I equipped mine with a 64mb card and rechargeable batteries. It is now my primary camera and it is wonderful.
I bought an HP Photosmart 100 printer to go with it and together they make tremendous and beautiful photos.
20 Big Disappointment from HP
This is absolutely the worst HP camera I have owned. It is lightweight and cheaply made, takes blurry photos and the color is so bad that adjustment is needed for every picture. I loved my HP315 and thought this would make a good replacement, it went back and I got another 315. Don't waste your time or money on this one...
21 Poor picture quality
My experience with this camera is similar to the professional review at...
This camera was the cheapest 2 Mega Pixel at the time. [$$$] I was disappointed that it did not come with a power adapter like the previous model HP 210.
I must say I think the picture quality was better on my 210. Also, the 318 has some serious focusing problems. I read about them at other review sites, but ordered the camera anyway. I took a trip to the Caribbean and brought the camera with me. On two 128MB CF cards, I could take 554 pictures. With the rechargeable batteries, I never once ran out of juice while shooting. In all, I took 480 pictures, 250 of which were blurry or out of focus and did NOT appear that way on the preview screen.
Of couse, that still left me with over 200 clear and focused pictures, but I think that ratio is unacceptable.
I cannot recommend this camera. Low light shots are horrible. The more light you have, the better your picture will be. This camera does not compensate as good as other digital cameras in low light situations, including the older and cheaper 210/215 model.
22 Really dissapointed
I am really dissapointed about this camera. This is my first digital camera, and even though I am really excited about the digital photography concept, I won't say the same about this camera.
1) Batteries won't last
2) This camera is really bad for outdoor pictures. On sunny days, no matter what you do, all pictures will get overexposed.
3) When you take a picture, it will take too much time to be able to take another picture
4) Customer service does not help at all! You won't get advice further from what is printed on the user's manual!
23 Whoa! BATTERIES!
And by BATTERIES I mean BATTERIES! Make sure you have a bundle, because I didn't know I'd need them until I used my HP 318 for about 30 minutes! Dead batteries. So this is my first Digital Camera. They (store's name not to be mentioned) kept trying to sell me those cheapo web cams that also serve the purpose of digital cameras. That's not what I wanted, I wanted the little LCD on the back so that I could easily see what I pointing and shooting at. There is a 2X digital zoom and timer feature on the camera. As far as photos go, I believe you start out with around 60 at the 1 star level (worst) and 12 at the 3 star level (best). That's not enough pictures, so I bought a 64MB Flash Card and I can get easily 1000 1 star level photos and 60+ 3 star level photos. There is nothing that comes with the camera to protect it, so I strongly urge you to buy something to cover up the lense and the LCD. It's also quite easy to turn on by just barely moving it. Another down side is the warm up time. If you need your camera "RIGHT NOW!" then this one is definitely not the way to go. It takes this baby about 15 seconds to warm up after hitting the on switch to being able to take a picture. If you're sitting there thinking that you'll just leave it on with the LCD display off, think again. I haven't timed it, but somewhere between 3 and 6 minutes the camera will shut itself off after being idle. Software comes with the camera for automatic unload once you plug it in via USB port.
Like I said in the beginning... Batteries! It takes AA's. Pick up some rechargables and a charger to save you some extra cash!!
24 BCL
This camera takes pictures okly... The bad things about this camera is that one; the cover or surface feels like those cheap cameras. Two: their is no personal Zoom on it. It has the 2X, but it is not that good. This is like the disposible type of camera for a digital camera. But if you are into the simple things, then this camera is ok for it's price. I think HP could have done better with this product, because my laptop, printer, desktop is a HP and those are great. I was expecting this camera to be great, but it is not. So hope this helps...
25 Excellent Camera for the PRICE
I bought this..., also with charger that comes with four of rechargeable battery and 2 32 mb compact flash card. I really like the small size that you can stash it in your jacket pocket, I only wish they put a lens cover to protect the lens. The Software that comes with the camera is Excellent, downloading is quick. You can save battery by avoiding the use of LCD. I love the fact that it has a built in 8 mb of memory in the camera in case you forget to bring the flash card with you. I normally erased the compact flash card once Download all the image. I also has a HP 5425 Notebook that use in the road to download my pix. I think for the price you can't go wrong. I won't go back to film camera again ( Even though I still own one, I rarelly use it now) I love the fact that you can make all the mistake you want and it won't cost you anything. My photography skill improve now knowing I can experiment a lot.I also print my Pix to HP 1000 photo printer the print is really look good. ... What a deal HP. Love all your products....
26 A great deal!!
I spent much time on the Internet researching digital cameras because I was planning on buying them. After much searching, I narrowed it down to the HP 318 or the HP 315, but I decided to go with the more expensive one and get the 318. I'm glad I did. This is my first digital camera and is great. If you are looking for an easy to use point and shoot camera, this is wonderful. The 2.3 Mega pixels make for great crisp, clean pictures. The battery life is pretty good for a digital camera, which are known for devouring batteries. The software that comes with the camera is user friendly and the uploads are extremely quick. Recommended to buy a new memory card of 32MB or more. Also, a battery recharger will save you loads of money in the long run.
27 Pass on this one.
The HP 318 was my first digital camera purchase and it was an absolute failure. Despite using Kodaks at work, I was lured by the lower price on the HP unit. That was a mistake because as a professional photographer pointed out to me afterwards, computer companies generally don't make good cameras. Right away, my HP 318 went through batteries like there was no tomorrow. At first, I thought it was just a power-hungry unit (it does take 4 AA batteries, after all). One evening, I took out the camera and got some photos of a nice sunset and then came back indoors. Instead of putting the camera away, I set it on my desk and noticed that the flash was firing intermittently. I checked and yes, the camera was turned off yet the red-eye reduction flash was firing. That explained the multitude of dead batteries. I removed the batteries and the flash kept going off for at least fifteen more minutes, possibly longer as the capacitors bled off their charge. I placed the unit back in the box and returned it the next day. I got a Kodak DX-3500 and have been very satisfied with it.
Okay, anybody could get a defective camera. This is what else I found wrong with the HP 318:
* Focus - This camera has a weird focus. Even though the manual says it will focus on the center object in the viewfinder, if there is anything else in the frame with greater contrast, the camera focuses on it instead of your intended subject.
* Flimsy - The camera is made primarily of lightweight plastic and it feels like cheap lightweight plastic. The wrist strap partially obstructs the compact flash door on the side. The battery compartment lid works itself loose with normal camera use. The camera is too small for adult hands. There is no lens cap. There are no indicator lines in the viewfinder to tell you where the edges of your photograph lie.
* Picture quality - all pictures from this camera seemed overexposed. To get proper color balance, I had to use a graphics program to adjust color levels and HSB.
For a few more dollars, you can get a much better camera.
28 Excellent quality, easy to use
This camera is so flexible that my 10-year-old can easily use it and yet I appreciate the high quality of the photos. We always take pictures with it at the highest quality level, and I have yet to take a picture that wasn't crystal clear when I printed it. The software setup worked perfectly with XP, and is also easy to use. I highly recommend this.
29 1st time user
ive never owned a digital camera before. I found this one to be very easy to use. I was taking pictures within 2 mins of opening the box. Yhe instruction booklet is great. Software takes a minute to learn but also excellent as well.
30 EXCELLENT BUY
I spent months researching digital cameras before deciding on the HP 318, and the time spent was well worth it. The camera itself is little, but is big on quality and features. I love the 2X zoom, and the full-color preview screen provides good display clarity, plus the ability to magnify the displayed image. Using the features built into the camera is incredibly user-friendly, too. Even if you've never used a digital camera before, you won't find this one difficult to use, but that's not to imply that this camera is in any way 'simplistic' when it comes to quality. You'll also have a hard time finding another camera that provides 2.31 MP for the same price. I recommend buying a 64MB flash card to go with it. At the lowest quality setting, you'll be able to store nearly 1,000 pics on it (another great feature about this camera- you have 3 quality settings to choose from). All in all, one of the best investments I've ever made.
31 The best camera i've seen for this price!
OK, this camera might cost less and not be a cam loaded with buttons, and video capture. But the camera is light, has a slim design, and the quality of the pictures is nice. I do recommend for the user to get a 16mb or higher compact flash memory card, because the internal memory is not quite enough. It would also be better to get a rechargeable battery pack and recharger, because like all other digital cams, the hp 318 does eat batteries! Try to hang on to lithium batteries (they last much longer!). I looked at a sony cam for 200-what a rip off! It had a small display, a bad zoom, and only 1.3 megapixel! The kodaks have a better design, but the megapixel for the price is still not good. So do buy this great cam!
32 Ease of Use
This was an unsolicited Christmas gift. I have used a Canon PowerShot S10 at work for the last 10 months. While the 318 is a bit larger, its ease of use was much greater than the S10. The instruction booklet was concise, easy to move through, and I had photos of the Christmas unwrapping event within 10 minutes. A couple of points the new user may find helpful: I have reservations about the photo review dial, as it feels weak. The dial performs well now, but it requires a fairly light touch. There is also some delay time between photos. Allow the camera time to record the photo (about 30 seconds) before clicking off the next frame. Other than that, the photo density is fine in its least dense pixel configuration. It downloads directly and easily to a Windows 98 computer. I will purchase a compact disk to take/store more photos.
33 HP 318 Thumbs up!
The HP 318 is a easy to use digital camera. Don't buy anything less than a 2.0 MP camera. The Hp 318 uses various battery types including rechargeable NiMh. Slap in an optional 128 mb CompactFlash card... and you can take over 160 pictures at 2.31 MP resolution. With a HP Photosmart printer, you can print directly through the printer, or buy a CompactFlash Reader and load your pictures quick and easy. Loading 160 pictures through the cameras USB cable would take a long time. The picture editing software that comes with it is so-so. It doesn't allow for extensive editing. I wish the camera had a lens cover.
34 Super Deal for Beginners, Needs Some Tweaking for the Expert
I like the small size and light weight of this digital camera. True, it can eat your batteries, so I do recommend buying rechargeable ones. I highly recommend reading the manual that comes with the camera, as following their suggestions will help ameilorate many of the problems I've read about in the other reviews listed here. Before jumping into the catalog to order the accessories, do check out some of your local camera and electronics stores. I found some of the stuff about $10 or so cheaper at one of those chain stores. Overall, the pics are great, but don't expect digital zoom to look like optical zoom.(You can buy a separate lens attachment for this.)
35 Nice For Taking Snapshots
I bought this camera at Target about 3 months ago and am really impressed with the picture quality. The resolution is 1792 by 1200 pixels and looks great. The only thing i don't like about it is that it takes about 5 seconds to process the photo before you can take another one. The small screen is also terrible to see in the sun so you have to use the regular viewer. But overall, for a nice camera to take ordinary photos, its a winner.
36 Bang for the bucks
The HP 318 is really easy to use. This is my first digital cam so I wanted something simple. It seems like a very good camera. 2 things though:
1. Get a rechrgeable battery pack.
2. Get the memory card
I also love the fact that you can use the zoom lenses (Seperate purchase) with the adapter. Very Cool. The only thing missing is: movie capture (AVI,MPEG)
37 Worth It
After a few weeks, I like the 318 just fine. It is, however, a tremendous battery pig, as all the digital cameras are, and you'll need to pick up the 8 rechargeable batteries and a charger. This'll run you 40 simolians. Litium AA batteries are about 10 bucks a quartet, so you'll be ahead of the game by Xmas if you get the rechargeables. You might also want to get a 32 or 64 meg flashcard. I want one, but I haven't got it yet--I'm still playing around and getting used to digital photography.
One thing that astonishes me is the tremendous light sensitivity of this system; if you play around with the autofocus (that is, if you learn how to manipulate what the camera thinks it wants to do), you can literally, faithfully, and often very dramtically, shoot the light you see. This is probably characteristic of all digital cameras, but I LOVE the chiaroscuro effects this one captures.
Mild gripes: at the lowest resolution (there are 3 settings options), the 2x "zoom" (which doesn't scale out, it just pops out to 2x--hence "zoom" is a misnomer) is useless and pixilates ridiculously. And it takes some time to get used to the fact that the camera will take a second or two--literally--to focus, and it won't let you snap off a shot in virtually real time unless you're already depressing the button for focus. And it's clear that HP low-balled the market with this system because they plan on selling you a big box of exorbitantly (yes, exorbitantly) priced accessories--wait until you get a load of the catalogue HP includes in the packaging.
But the camera is nice, the softward and cable are useful, and the price is spot on. Recommended.
38 First digital camera experience
I'm a Leica and Nikon user, so I approached digital with great skepticism. However, I needed a simple camera for online imaging and this unit seemed to provide the needed features at the right price. After a week's use, I can report that this little camera is a gem. The controls are intuitive and the pictures stunning. For eBay users, the camera focuses down to a few inches and the images are pinpoint sharp. Lack of optical zoom doesn't seem to be a great disadvantage; the 2x digital zoom is adequate for most purposes and consumes less battery power. Two recommended peripherals that I purchased were a memory card and a battery recharger.
39 Not too bad for the buck
Well I got one a week before and I am a bit disappointed. There are a few catches
1. Though the camera takes excellent pics during daylight, at night the quality really sucks.
2. The delay time b/w 2 snaps, its way too long.
3. One needs to press the button twice to take the pic, first for focusing and then to actually take the snap and this makes it a bit confusing. I had a tough time explaining my friends.
To this add the fact that it eats batteries like anything. Mine lasted just a day so better go for a rechargeable option.
...should have gone for a Canon S100.
40 Excellent entry level digital camera
Great for the beginner. Clarity of prints is excellent at 4x6 and even 5x7. Very user friendly. The software is excellent and is my preference to make quick adjustments, crop, and print into album pages and varied size prints. The only down side is the lag between shots but this is a small inconvenience considering the quality and price. The best pics come from inside day shots. Outside, the camera has some difficulty deciding on exposure given varied light intensity. Inside night shots have somewhat the same problem but they are still quite acceptable though one needs to almost use the LCD to get a clearer perspective of what you will get. This camera is actually fairly easy on batteries. I can get 500+ shots per set of batteries.
I did upgrade to a Nikon Coolpix 880 within a few months of buying the camera so if you are an intermediate photographer you'll probably not want to start here. Still I won't sell mine as it is a great backup camera. For most novice's I'd recommend it.
41 Cool Camera
This camera is light and compact but the pictures are blurry. I recommend it for windows Me owners.
42 Great buy!!
This camera is a wonderful buy. The ease of use and quality of photographs are unbelievable (2.3 megapixels). The only downfall is the internal memory only has 8mb, but it has a compact flash memory card slot, which makes for nearly endless picture taking. I would recomend this camera to anyone looking for a quality camera at an affordable price.
