Features:
- 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches
- Autofocus lens with 3x optical/7x digital (21x total) zoom
- Included 16 MB SD card stores 15 images at default settings
- Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
- Uses 2 AA batteries (disposable batteries included)
Description:
The HP PhotoSmart 812 is a well-specified 4-megapixel digital camera with a Pentax 3x optical zoom lens. It's designed as a simple-to-use point-and-shoot replacement, and comes in a compact case with silver finish. While lacking any dramatic aesthetic impact, it does possess neat lines and has an overall feel of a well-constructed camera. The controls on the HP 812 are straightforward. A power button is accompanied by a shutter button on the top of the camera, the latter surrounded by a mode-select wheel. This enables you to choose between video mode with audio, a time-lapse mode, or straight camera mode. On the back you find zoom controls, located where your right thumb naturally sits. The 3x optical zoom is complemented by a digital zoom to provide 21x total magnification. However, quality suffers when moving to the digital zoom, as with any digital camera. The menus found via the LCD are straightforward to navigate. You can amend the quality of pictures taken, from one to four stars, with the latter providing 4-megapixel images suitable for print enlargements. The image quality produced by the PhotoSmart 812 is impressive by typical digital camera standards. However, when stacked against competing 4-megapixel models it doesn't compare favorably. The depth of field is quite shallow, with only small areas of the picture in focus. The autofocus also struggles in low light. This said, it is worth remembering that other 4-megapixel cameras are often considerably more expensive than the 812. The HP 812 is designed purely for ease of use and you can configure your images while on the camera to print or e-mail, thanks to the Instant Share technology. This is best served when used in conjunction with the HP camera dock, which is not supplied. This separately available dock enables you to easily share pictures and charges your camera batteries at the same time. The batteries supplied with the camera are nonrechargeable lithium-ion, which have a decent lifespan. The camera will also take standard AAs in an emergency, but you'll only get limited life out of these--around five minutes before the LCD powers down. We recommend getting a set of rechargeables, like those supplied with the camera dock. The HP 812 uses a Secure Digital (SD) card memory for image storage and is supplied with a 16 MB card. More memory will be needed, as the supplied card will only store five pictures at the highest quality. The camera will also take MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory, which is cheaper than SD. The HP PhotoSmart 812 delivers what it promises, and provides an affordable compact point-and-shoot that anyone can use and take decent pictures with, which, thanks to the resolution, can be printed at large sizes. It will however, struggle to win over any photography enthusiasts with its dearth of manual controls. --Nick Baxter Pros:
- Affordable point-and-shoot 4-megapixel camera
- Very easy to use and download to your computer
- Good choice for beginners who desire 11-by-14-inch photo prints
Cons:
- Dearth of manual controls
- HP camera dock not included, but recommended for easy photo transfer
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