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 :

Take exceptional photos that make beautiful 4 x 6-inch prints and enlargements up to poster-size. Get crisp detail at 5.2 MP resolution and 24x total zoom-HP Precision 3x optical lens, 8x digital. This easy-to-use camera features HP Real Life technologies to help you take better photos. Snap photos easily using an intuitive button layout. A unique, sculpted grip keeps the camera steady for one-handed shots. View shots on a bright, 2 inch image display. Shoot video clips or a series of photos in Burst mode. HP Instant Share allows you to send your photos by e-mail without attachments Edit, organize, print and share digital photos easily using included HP Image Zone software HP Adaptive Lighting automatically brings out details normally lost in shadows Identifies and removes red-eye without software touch-ups Shoot a video clip with audio or take a series of photos in rapid succession Shutter speed - 2 to 1/2000 sec Burst rate - 2 frames per second, 3 pictures maximum Shooting modes - Auto, Macro, Fast shot, Action, Portrait, Landscape, Beach Snow USB connectivity Compatible with Windows 98, Me, 2000, XP; Mac OS X v 10.2 or later System requirements - USB-compatible Macintosh with Mac OS X 10.1.5, 10.2.x or later, 10.3.x, 500 MHz PowerPC processor, QuickTime Version 5.0.1 or later, 128 MB RAM; 240 MB disk space, SVGA monitor (800 x 600, 16-bit color), CD-ROM drive; open USB port Dimensions - 4.3 x 1.46 x 2.09 inches (110 x 37 x 53 mm) Weight - 0.32 pounds (0.15 kg) without batteries

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 :

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 :

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 :

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 :

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.

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More reviews...

1. 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
2. 3x Pentax optical zoom lens; 1.5-inch LCD display
3. MPEG-1 video capture with sound, with length limited only by memory
4. Stores images on SD/MMC cards
5. Powered by HP Photosmart R07 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

Editorial Review :

4.1-megapixel effective recording * 3X optical/7X digital zoom (21X total) * 1-1/2" color LCD viewscreen * optical viewfinder * Adaptive Lighting Technology automatically balances brightness and contrast for optimum detail *

Customer Review :

Would be okay for someone's first, only out of ignorance.

I've had this camera for almost two years, despite what others have said I've found it a somewhat tough camera physically.

Ok now to the long list of problems;

It has horrible motion capture, pictures often come out with a mild funhouse mirror warp effect, is utterly worthless in less than direct-sunlight and finally its far far to reliant on its flash. Also having to reset everything everytime you turn it on is a major annoyance. I've taken many pictures with it on many trips reaffirming its faults and still, If not for being a receipt-less present I would have returned it long ago.

Rating :

Excelent pictures but small LCD display

I bought this camera more than three years ago and have been using it ever since. I'm not the kind of person that takes pictures all the time, but enjoy taking pictures during trips and family/friends reunions. What decided me to buy the R607 were its low price (very cheap in comparison with similar cameras at the time) and my previous experience with HP products (I own a HP desktop, a HP laptop, a HP PDA...).

Regarding to this camera, it takes excellent pictures. I love the panorama function for taking landscape photos. 4MP is more than enough for a non-professional photographer. It has a lot of functions that I didn't use too often, but many could find useful. It can fit a cheap, very compatible SD memory card to improve its capacity.

Nevertheless, it has some downsides. First of all, the LCD display is quite small. You can get used to it, but since newer cameras come with larger displays, you can be tempted to go that way instead. The software has given me some headaches lately, but I suspect I could fix the bugs reinstalling it from the beginning. And the battery endurance has started to show some shortfall, but I think its normal after 3+ years of continued use.

Overall I'm very satisfied with the camera's performance. Now its time for me to buy a new one, and I'll stick to HP for that.


Rating :

I made a huge mistake when I bought this camera

I had a Pentax Optio 4 MP camera that I LOVED. Unfortunately I was careless and dropped it in water. In searching for a replacement, I saw that this camera was considered to be just as good and it was considerably cheaper. I figured since I was going to be careless with my camerea maybe I should buy the cheaper one, especially if it was supposed to be as good. What a MISTAKE. First off, this camera is a little bit bigger both in depth and width than the Optio. It just doesn't have the same sleekness. Secondly, the picture quality is definitely not as good. Every other picture I take is out of focus. I just want a simple point and shoot camera, one that can focus without having to mess with things...this isn't doing the trick. Now its been doing this weird thing where every picture I take has lines running through it (looks almost like the picture is ribbed). Its VERY annoying. I have such buyers remorse. I really wish I hadn't have tried to save money and had just bought the Optio. There's nothing positive I can say about this camera.

Rating :

Excellent camera for it's price and size!

This was my first camera I've owned and I wanted one to take pictures of my friends at school as well as scenery. Due to the camera's compact size I can carry with me everywhere I go. It has many options but I usually keep it on auto and I get great results. The main standout point for me was the HP Adaptive Light Tech. feature. It is made to bring faces out of shadows and details out of backgrounds which makes the picture look 100 times better. I put one of my images of Lake Dixon in the customer images section if you want to see just how good these pictures turn out. If your thinking of buying a camera at a reasonable price, one you can take anywhere, and still take great pictures, this is the camera for you! I love it!

Rating :

Disappointing software and support

We got this camera as a gift. We have gone round and round with HP tech support and still have not managed to install the camera software into our computer. (We own other brands of digital cameras, all installed without a hitch.)

First of all, the HP software is 170 Mega-bytes large. Talk about bloat-ware! Why does it take such a huge program to manage a camera?

Secondly, HP knows about the software problem. A "fix" is posted on HP.com. After downloading all 170MB of it, it still failed to install. We contacted HP tech support through chat sessions, their suggestions all failed. HP send us an upgraded CD, it still halts on an error during install.

Lest you think we have a weird, off-brand computer, this is an HP Pavilion ZE4125 laptop.

It has been a thoroughly frustrating and disappointing experience.

Rating :

More reviews...

Editorial Review :

The HP Photosmart 945 digital camera with HP Instant Share delivers sharp photos and big zoom with 5.3 MP total resolution and 56x total zoom (8x precision optical lens, 7x digital). Snap, select and share photos right from the back of your camera using HP Instant Share - the easy and fun way to share photos with family and friends. Instantly preview photos anywhere - even outdoors in bright sunlight - with the electronic viewfinder, and use the automatic or manual controls to get the results you want for more creative shots. And with the touch of a single button - easily and conveniently send photos and video to various locations using the optional HP Photosmart 8881 dock, all while recharging your camera batteries!

Customer Review :

Not an action camera

This camera has a VERY slow shutter response. It is impossible to take action pictures, but works well for stills. The pictures are good quality. The lag time appears to be 20-30 seconds. Imagine being at a birthday party and having to wait 30 seconds before taking the next shot every time. This camera is a battery hog. Also, HP does not repair their cameras, nor will anyone else touch them. They offer either to 1) give you the same camera refurbished or 2) give you an upgraded version of a similiar camera refurbished. In the case of the Photosmart 945, the camera has been discontinued and they will only offer option #2. My "upgrade" offer was for a $220 refurbished camera.

Rating :

Quality Pics with great zoom lens

If you wanted to have a good solid camera, this would be your choice. HP's 945 camera provides excellent features, with 8x optical and 5.3mega-pixel this camera is really an excellent peice of work. If you get one buy it do not leave it.

Rating :

Easy to Use with an incredible zoom!!!

I LOVE this camera. FIrst of all, the Optical ZOOM on this camera is a wonderful 8X, where most camera''s now-a-days are maxed out at 4x! The pictures were excellent, both in and outdoors. The other review on this camera, the reviewer states there is a lag-time... untrue if you have a faster memory card! I experienced NO lag time, but was stapping pictures back to back, nearly no time in between.
I would definately recommend this camera to anyone lookig for a well=built camera... From beginner to Professional, this camera is well worth every penny....and then some.
Nice features, also. Easy to use AUTO mode takes the guesswork out of all conditions.

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Editorial Review :

Take stunning 7.2-megapixel photos with the ultra-compact, metal HP Photosmart R827 Digital Camera. This camera features an indoor and outdoor 2.5-inch image display and is thin enough to slip in a pocket. With the latest generation of HP Real Life technologies, including industry-leading auto in-camera red-eye removal and HP Design Gallery, users can easily take brilliant digital photos perfect for printing and sharing. The HP Photosmart R827 Digital Camera also features a unique, internal 3x optical zoom lens that fits into the slim camera body for clear distance shots, and the HP steady photo anti-shake mode helps prevent blurred photos.

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. 6.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 14 x 19-inch prints
2. 3x optical zoom; 1.8-inch LCD display
3. 12 shooting modes, including Action, Sunset, and more
4. Shoot video clips with sound; take a series of photos in rapid succession using Burst mode
5. Powered by Lithium-ion rechargeable battery; stores images on SD or MMC cards (not included; camera features 32MB of internal memory)

Editorial Review :

Take superior photos at 6.2 MP and 24x total zoom - HP Precision 3x optical lens, 8x digital. Automatically bring out details normally lost in shadows using HP Adaptive Lighting. Remove red-eye, preview panorama shots, shots, and get photo-taking tips - all in-camera.Small enough to fit in your pocket, this stylish camera features a durable, stainless steel front. View photos and menus on a 1.8-inch LCD. A unique grip keeps the camera steady for quick, one-handed shots. Add creative touches with manual controls. Get optimized photos using 12 shooting modes, including Action, Sunset, and more. Shoot video clips with sound, and take a series of photos in rapid succession using Burst mode. Get crisp, clear photos automatically with multi-zone focus.

Customer Review :

great camera, but delayed shots

I love this camera, but a few seconds delay with clicking the shutter means I miss nearly all the quick smiles of my baby. Other than that, this is a nearly perfect camera. Perfect size, great shots, rechargable battery, nice LCD....great!

Rating :

Thanks to the reviewers before me.

I bought this camera due to the great reveiws on Amazon. This is my first digital camera. I've been very impressed with the shots it takes, and with the ease it is to operate it. The on-screen guide is very helpful, especially since I consider myself "low-tech". So, really, "my" 5 stars goes to both the camera, and all those who reviewed it before the end of 2006.

Rating :

DISCONTINUED FOR A REASON?

This camera was gifted to me by my parents before a trip to China. I really liked it and thought it was great. However, 12 months later, the camera bought the farm. I had a huge event coming up at this time and wanted a camera very quick that I knew how to use, so, stupid me, ordered the same camera, thinking the 1 year lifespan had to have been a fluke. Guess what? My 2nd HP R717 lasted for 13 months before it died ! Mind, I was not spilling soda on it or dropping the things either...too bad I can't get my money back - over $400 spent on these things. I feel ashamed, and so should HP.

Rating :

HP Photosmart Camera

Love this camera - I used it as lot in the last few weeks and I am pleased
in every aspect. Good size, easy to use, great pictures-

Rating :

HP Photosmart R717 digital Camera

This is my first digital camera. Previous to my purchase of this item, I had no knowledge of digital cameras at all but, after reading the manual and with a little practice, I was able to take fairly decent pictures and understand and utilize the various features of the camera. I purchased a 512 MB chip and was able to transfer the images to my computer with ease.

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