Value
The M425 by HP comes with a 5 MP CCD, a small 1.7-inch LCD, and stripped down controls primarily intended to satisfy users who don’t want to deviate far from pure point-and-shoot use. The M425 has a logical menu structure, expansive help menus and a few in-camera digital effects, although not nearly the number found on HP's R-series. Additional resources such as wireless docks make this camera more desirable, however they are not included and it raises the price beyond its very reasonable $149 price range. For a straightforward point-and-shoot camera, the HP M425 doesn’t disappoint on first glance, although both visually and in terms of controls, it doesn’t set itself apart. However, that help menu really is very comprehensive. Check back for the full review to see how this inexpensive camera stands up to a price point already chock full of similar controls and system options.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera is definitely intended for the point-and-shoot crowd, offering simple menus, full auto modes, and great help menus.
Budget Consumers -The M425 has a proposed retail price of around $149 and should fall nicely into the budget market.
Gadget Freaks - There isn’t really a feature on here that would compel the gadget freak to take a closer look; unassuming design and lack of controls or add-ons make this a stripped down auto camera for the lower-end point-and-shoot or budget markets. The help menus are a bit unusual, but gadget freaks are not the Help menu type.
Manual Control Freaks - Like the gadget freak, the manual control enthusiast will not find a satisfying option in this camera.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists - The pro and serious hobbyist will not need to turn to the M425 for their photography needs. That consumer base and this camera are not meant to be aligned.
