HP Photosmart R817 Reviews

Summary of review published by Digital Camera Magazine — April, 2006 (page 58)



HP claims that this camera is the best of their long-zoom units and their compact camera units. This particular camera isn’t as compact as the rest in a lineup of compact cameras, in fact, it was the bulkiest. At 6.7 ounces, it was also the heaviest. Despite this, it was the only camera in that lineup to provide a 5x optical zoom, unlike the 3x zoom that is commonly offered. There’s also a 40x digital zoom, but the reviewer recommends against using it. Although the LCD screen is only 2 inches, it has the largest resolution and pixel count in that lineup, making the display extra crisp and clear. The controls are minimalist, giving the camera a neat appearance, but controlling the zoom takes a bit of practice. The reviewer was impressed with the cameras speed, whether it was starting up, focusing, or performing other features. However, the dock is required for both syncing and charging - and HP is notorious for installing a lot of unnecessary software with their devices. Overall, this camera does well as a long-zoom camera, but others surpass it as a compact camera.
Pros:
-Menus are easy-to-read and intuitive
-Fast startup and focusing, good manual modes
-LCD screen has impressive resolution
Cons:
-Design isn’t fashionable
-A bit too bulky for a compact camera
-Bundled with useful software, although some of it was unnecessary
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