Digital Photography Blog: Digital Camera Reviews, Ratings, News, Tips and Tutorials.
February 2010
February 2009
January 2009
August 2008
July 2008
April 2008
March 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006
July 2006
June 2006
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
October 2005
September 2005
August 2005
July 2005
June 2005
May 2005
April 2005
March 2005
February 2005
January 2005
December 2004
November 2004
October 2004
September 2004
August 2004
July 2004
June 2004
May 2004
April 2004
March 2004
February 2004
January 2004
December 2003
November 2003
October 2003
September 2003
Digital Camera Reviews and Ratings By manufacturer:
Canon | Casio | Fuji | HP | Kodak | Minolta | Nikon | Olympus | Panasonic | Pentax | Samsung | Sony | Misc. | Accessories | Lenses
The HP Photosmart R817 digital camera has a 5.1 megapixel sensor with a Pentax 5x Optical Zoom lens. It features a 2 inch LCD, a new 'theatre mode' plus the normal variety of shooting modes (15 of them). The R817 is distinguished from its sibling the R818 by it's color - silver.
Expect to see the HP Photosmart R817 in stores in July for £349 with a docking station or for £299 alone. Read more about the HP Photosmart R817 from the following news release for it and the R818.
Get the Latest Price on the HP Photosmart R817
Pocket-lint reviews the HP R817 digital camera and writes - 'So should you be ditching the Canon compact and becoming a HP photographer? If you are new to digital photography it’s certainly worth a look as the consumer angle is very refreshing. The camera will happily give you image advice on the shots you’ve taken, plus includes a manual in the camera for any simply queries and the whole approach to the menu system is one of ease.
Combine this with the ability to print panoramic shots straight to a printer to re-live that APS experience, but with a better quality print, and HP is offering a really good package here.
However, for the more advanced photographers out there looking for a good field camera it’s probably best to stick with a model from the big boys.'
Byte Sector reviews the HP Photosmart M517 & R817 digital cameras and writes - 'Both cameras deliver average image quality, with the R817 having an advantage over the M517. This is because of its more diverse picture and exposure capabilities, extra built in imaging technologies, and better lens. However, both cameras share the same problem; they both lack a steady feature to eliminate blurring when you use a slow shutter speed or no flash. This is especially disappointing in the R817 because it is able to go down to ISO 50.'Steves Digicams reviews the HP PhotoSmart R817 and writes - 'Image quality was what we have come to expect from HP. When using its 5M *** mode, it produces sharp images with great exposure and color saturation. Its 5x optical zoom lens offers a more versatile range when compared to typical 3x zoom digicams. I did notice an average amount of noise in High/Low contrast areas (especially at higher ISOs), but nothing that will be visible in your average 4x6 to 8x10-inch prints. Like we experienced with past models, the Adaptive Lighting feature is very useful when shooting either indoors or outdoors; when using it, the camera increases the gamma of the image to better enhance the detail of objects in low contrast (shadow) areas. I was a bit surprised that noise levels were considerably lower than what we had seen from its predecessors.'
PhotographyBLOG reviews the HP Photosmart R817 digital camera and gives it a rating of 3.5 stars. They write - 'The HP Photosmart R817 seems to have everything going for it. Small, compact and very stylish body, lots of innovative features like Adaptive Lighting that really make a difference, full manual controls and a 5x optical zoom lens that sets it apart from the competition. This is a digital camera that I really enjoyed using and which will suit both beginner and more experienced photographer alike.'
PC Mag reviews the HP Photosmart R817 and writes - 'Affordable compact digital cameras typically have 3X optical zoom, which is fine for most situations. But when you want to get close to the action on the soccer field or at the recital, 3X won't always suffice. So we were excited to see that the HP Photosmart R817 has 5X optical zoom—and at a reasonable price. Although our initial enthusiasm was dampened a bit by the R817's relatively slow speeds and significant shutter lag, we still think it's the best 5-megapixel compact camera for beginners.'
Digital Camera Review has reviewed the HP Photosmart R817 and writes - 'Given the simplicity of the camera, its very good user interface, PictBridge capability, plethora of scene modes, ability to share photos by email easily, and integrated HP technologies, I would recommend the R817 as I did the R717. If you come across a Canon camera in the same price range and the feature set appeals to you, it's likely you'll get better images from the Canon. However, if HP would step up to the plate on the noise levels in some of its images, HP could be a leading player in the digital camera market.'
CNET reviews the HP Photosmart R817 and writes - 'When buying a digital camera, the rule of thumb has been small size, small price, big features--choose any two. With recent technological advances and price reductions, you can almost have all three at the same time. The Photosmart R817 is one of HP's recent efforts to cram its mix of image-enhancing technologies into an inexpensive, pocket-size camera. The 6.7-ounce R817 has a 5.1-megapixel sensor, a mostly metal body, and a bright 2-inch LCD screen. It also has a 5X optical zoom, which is unusual in a camera this small.'
With new HP Photosmart Scuba / Underwater camera casing these models are latest and most impressive additions to the HP R-Series range
HP today announced the launch of the HP Photosmart R817 and R818 Digital Cameras. Featuring a powerful Pentax 5x optical lens, 5.1 megapixel (MP) resolution and new intuitive HP Real Life technologies, these cameras make it easy for all photographers to capture unique detail in every picture.
With the HP sculpted wave style finger grip and sleek stainless steel finish these cameras are contoured to sit perfectly in the consumer’s hand. The HP Photosmart R817 comes with a bold silver finish to compliment the cameras smooth curves, whilst the R818 model comes with a dark midnight grey metallic finish for the fashion or design conscious consumer.
These cameras advanced features include multi-zone auto focus for crisp accurate shots. Users are able to select shutter or aperture priority, or choose to take greater control by working within the ‘full manual mode’ in light sensitive situations, in order to capture more creative photographs. Both cameras have an impressive 40x total zoom (5x digital, 8x optical) and the large 5.1 cm LCD screen, which features on both cameras, makes it simple to quickly view images, indoors and out, allowing users to check their shots as soon as they are taken.
New modes
A choice of 15 unique shooting modes including action, landscape, beach and theatre mode, gives users a definitive solution for any scenario. The new ‘theatre mode’, for example, makes it easier to capture correctly exposed true-to-life photographs of concerts and performances at the touch of a button. Photographers can use this feature together with the extended zoom to get up close and personal, no matter where they are sitting.
In addition, these cameras benefit from a host of new and exclusive HP Real Life technologies. These landmark features include the new HP In-camera Panorama stitching, which allows users to ‘stitch’ together multi-shot photos of landscapes and sequences in the camera. The camera can seamlessly stitch up to 5 photos together, without the use of a PC, to create a single photo for easy printing. Panorama photos can then be previewed on the camera’s large LCD screen, allowing users to confirm that they’ve captured their desired shot.
Both models are also equipped with a ‘video mode’, making it possible to capture the sights and sounds of every moment with picture perfect quality. Often, when reviewing video, photographers have a desire to extract specific frames or stills from the moving images. The HP Photosmart R817 and R818 Digital Cameras make it possible for users to print ‘stills’ directly from video footage, without the need for a PC. Users can extract, print and share any of the moving pictures as single frame photographs.
Other HP Real Life technologies featured on these cameras include HP Adaptive Lighting Technology, which automatically brightens selected areas of high contrast photos to give brighter, more true-to-life shots. Also, HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal ensures that all photos taken turn out flawless, by amending the images whilst they are still in the camera, without the aid of a PC or additional software.With all of the functionality of the HP Photosmart R817 Digital Camera, the R818 model comes bundled with the HP Photosmart R-Series Docking Station, the HP Photosmart R-Series camera sleeve and an additional Lithium-Ion battery.
Waterproof housing
To protect the camera, wherever it goes, users can purchase the new optional HP Photosmart Scuba/Underwater Camera Case (Q6218A). This brilliantly engineered housing allows users to travel to previously unexplored depths of up to 40 metres (130 feet). The innovative ‘snap-on’ design gives users unrestricted access to all the functions of the camera, including the zoom, LCD screen and flash.
Additional accessories:
The camera can be purchased with or without an optional HP Photosmart R-Series Digital Camera Docking station, which creates a quick connection to both a PC and Mac. Using HP Instant Share software the dock makes it easy to download, print and email images straight from the camera. This multi-functional docking station can recharge the Lithium-Ion battery while it’s in the camera, as well as providing an extra charging bay for a second battery that is included with the dock. The dock can also be connected to a TV to allow easy viewing of photos as a slideshow using the ultra-slim remote control.
For more day-to-day protection, users can purchase the optional HP Photosmart R-Series Weather-Resistant Jacket (Q6215A) to protect the camera. Offering a strong outer layer, this jacket in no way reduces the functionality of the camera, working instead to protect its sleek sharp looks from the bumps and bruises of everyday use.
The HP Photosmart R817 Digital Camera is available bundled with the HP Photosmart R-Series Docking Station (L2033A) at a recommended street price of £349 or can be purchased on its own (L2031A) for £299*. Shipping date – end July 2005
Posted by Darren in our HP category on June 02, 2005