Viewfinder
There is no viewfinder on the M527, but then again, there are no viewfinders on any of the models released by HP at CES 2006. This is probably because viewfinders on lower priced point-and-shoot cameras are restricted by price and shape, which limits their usefulness and quality. Instead, users will need to rely on the 2.0-inch LCD positioned on the back of the camera body.
LCD Screen
The HP Photosmart M527 is equipped with a 2-inch, 115,000 pixel LCD which is outlined by a small black frame atop a raised silver frame. This screen is certainly functional, but the lower resolution makes it difficult to differentiate between quality and poorly captured images when reviewing them in-camera. The menu structures that were so legible and easy to navigate at 3 inches on HP’s Photosmart R927, became more laborious when reduced to half the resolution and an inch smaller LCD on the M527.
Solarization also occurred at more extreme viewing angles.
Flash
The flash settings for the HP Photosmart M527 may be accessed by pressing the flash button located on top of the camera. This button is positioned for simple and quick access. Once the Flash menu has been opened, users are presented with symbol and text descriptions, allowing them to switch the flash settings from Auto, Auto with Red-eye Reduction, Flash off, and Flash on. The flash range for the M527 is 12.5 ft. in wide and 6.9 ft. in telephoto. The flash is placed fairly close to the center point of the lens barrel, offering users a less harsh and shadowed illumination.
Zoom Lens
The HP Photosmart M527 is equipped with a telescoping and thus retractable 6-18mm 3x optical HP Precision lens. The telescoping feature on this camera will prevent most users from accidentally covering or obscuring the lens during shooting; other cameras HP has offered this year offer recessed, fixed lenses. The aperture range on the M527 provides users with settings of f/2.8 in wide to f/4.8 in telephoto.
