Features:
- 2 megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
- Autofocus lens with 2x digital zoom
- 8 MB internal memory holds 20 pictures at default resolution; CompactFlash slot for additional storage
- Connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
- Uses 4 AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeables recommended)
Description:
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
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