Auto Mode
Auto Mode for the HP Photosmart M425 will actually provide users with both a full auto mode and access to manual controls. When shooting Auto mode, users will be able to access settings within the Capture menu which control Exposure Compensation, ISO, White Balance presets, Flash settings, Program modes like Sun and Beach, AF modes, Burst and Image Quality. Outside of the in-camera control features, users will find that they are able to alter flash settings via the flash button located above the LCD screen. Metering, Aperture and Shutter Speed are all automatically dictated, regardless of mode setting.

Movie Mode
When shooting in Movie mode, users will be able to shoot in QVGA resolution (which is at a resolution of 320 x 240), far from the full resolution attained by cameras in the R-series. This setting shoots at a rate of 30 frames per second according to HP representatives, which would provide smooth video, although we were not able to validate this statement at the time of this writing. Check back with us in the future for the full review of the M425. Movie mode records monaural audio simultaneously with video; however, it unfortunately is not capable of playing audio clips in-camera, due to the lack of an in-camera speaker. And unlike cameras within the R-series, the M425 will not be able to extract and save still images to memory card.

Drive / Burst Mode
The Burst Mode for the HP Photosmart M425 is found when the user enters the Shooting Mode menu. The shooting Mode menu is found within the Capture menu for the camera. Once the burst mode is selected, users will find a text description describing this feature. The M425 shoots at a rate of 2 frames per second for 3 frames, an acceptable rate considering the approximate $150 price range. The camera also features a Self Timer mode within this same menu structure, allowing users to set the camera for a 10 second delay.

Playback Mode
There is a Playback mode on the HP Photosmart M425, although not a specific Playback menu, so users will likely use two separate menu options to fully engage in playback capabilities. The Design Gallery menu provides opportunities to modify image colors, add borders, and rotate images. There is no cropping feature available with this camera model.

Still images and video clips may be displayed in either Multi-up or single frame viewing, and it is possible to use playback zoom when examining photos. That being said, digital zoom on a 1.7-inch LCD is hardly a process that will result in legible images. The camera is able to play back digital video clips although sound may not be heard unless the camera is connected to an external playing device, a distinct hassle when not at home. The user may remove red-eye during the playback process in addition to attaching audio clips to still images previously captured by the camera.

In addition to these image and audio additions and alterations, users will also be able to export, print, share, upload and save images via the Photo Express menu, which provides the opportunity for either direct print or upload of images onto the HP Snapfish website for other approved members and friends to view.

The playback mode is simple to navigate, and will be provide users with easy and basic image alteration processes prior to exportation of images from the camera’s memory sources.

Custom Image Presets
The preset shooting modes for the HP Photosmart M425 are located within the Shooting Modes submenu, located within the Capture menu. The Shooting Mode submenu appears on an opaque background and provides users with both explanations and thumbnail images of situations where these settings could be used. When shooting with the M425, users have access to settings which cover: Action, Auto, Beach and Snow, Burst, Fast Shot, Landscape, Macro, Night Portrait, Portrait, Self Timer, and Sunset. The shooting mode may be entered in two different ways. Users may choose to either enter the menu structure through the Menu/OK button, at which point they will need to scroll down and highlight the appropriate Shooting Mode submenu. A shortcut provided by HP allows users to merely press the up arrow on the four-way controller, bypassing the multiple menu interfaces to provide immediate access to the Shooting Mode options.

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