Model Design / Appearance
The materials used in the construction of the HP Photosmart M527 camera body were not listed within the camera specifications, and when asked, HP representatives stated that this model and the M425 were both constructed of a metal alloy. However, upon handling and examination, it didn’t really appear as though this camera was actually constructed of metal. It seemed to be built either partially or entirely from plastic components. It will be good to examine both of these cameras and their full manufacturing details in the office, for the final say. Check back soon for details.
In terms of form, the HP M527 isn’t going to win innovative design awards. It has the standard automatic point-and-shoot silver camera body of budget digital cameras. The shape of the camera is a rounded rectangle, with edges smoothed through a series of curved planes. The design is utilitarian and, aside from the right-hand grips’ scalloped shape, this camera remains understated. The controls on this camera are all about function, and the menu system and navigation structure are proof of that philosophy. Standard, simple and unfettered, the exterior of the camera is sensible and intuitive, a certain relief for the nervous beginning or leisure photographer.
Size / Portability
The HP Photosmart M527 isn’t a petite camera. It’s thicker than models in the R-series, and while still definitely light at 4.9 ounces, the camera is large enough to probably require a carrying case rather than a back pocket. The dimensions for the M527 are 3.82 x 1.42 x 2.48 inches. The snapping plastic port cover should provide added protection to these potentially delicate features. There is a lens barrel ring that extends slightly out from the camera, though there aren’t features which extend far enough to catch on fabric or other materials when the R527 is pulled from storage.
Handling Ability
The handling for the HP Photosmart M527 was neither poor, nor exceptional. The rounded rectangular frame featured no ergonomic benefits, but it was thick enough to feel as though a grip could be had upon the entirely smooth surface. The scalloped right-hand grip was the only real surface intended for clutching and even then it felt as though the camera could benefit from a textured surface. The microphone, positioned near the left edge of the camera, could potentially be muffled by careless fingers. The flash is positioned away from fingers however, and the control buttons are well placed for activation in both shooting and review modes.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
HP has kept the number of controls to a minimum, which is tough to do when camera sizes are shrinking, but LCDs are growing. The options offered by the M527 are well labeled with large symbols or text, and have enough room to be well sized and spaced for comfortable navigation. The only control which could benefit from redesign is the On/Off switch. This control is a horizontal sliver, and oftentimes was overlooked or accidentally pressed by random fingers when navigating the menus.
Menu
The menu structure for the M527 is identical in font, style and structure to all the cameras released by HP at CES 2006. The M527 provides users with list menus that display either live views or previously recorded images when in main menus, depending on whether the camera is in playback or shooting mode. Most menu settings come with a help feature which allows users to further familiarize themselves with the control options and settings within the in-camera menus. In addition to individual help menus, HP has provided an entire Help Menu section which should cover most basic shooting problems that may be encountered by point-and-shooters out in the field and away from user manuals and help guides. The menus are easy to navigate and move through, though unfortunately a delay exists when the camera transitions from the playback menus and the Capture Menu.
The following menus are located via three separate controls: the Capture Menu, Design Gallery Menu and Photo Express Menu. The Menu/OK button will open the menu structure within the Capture Menu, while the up arrow will prompt the camera to display the Shooting Mode menu.
Capture Menu - The Capture Menu allows the user to alter parameters which directly influence the image prior to capturing. The Shooting Mode menu offers options, including preset features and focal settings. It also provides access to manual controls like ISO or Exposure Compensation. The only submenu which offers live views of image alteration is the Exposure Compensation setting, which provides instant visual feedback on the effects of setting adjustment. The following settings are provided in the Capture Menu: Shooting Mode, Image Quality, Date and Time Imprint, Exposure Compensation, White Balance, ISO and Exit.
Design Gallery Menu - The Design Gallery features are provided as an opportunity to manipulate images postproduction in-camera. These features include corrective measures and image effects settings in multiple submenus. The following settings are available: Remove Red-eye, Apply Artistic Effects, Modify Color, Add Borders, Rotate, Record Audio, Move Images to Card and Exit.
Photo Express Menu - Once images have been captured and altered users will find that the Photo Express Menu will facilitate the movement of images from memory card to a number of different of destinations. These pertain to the following settings: Print, Buy Prints Online, Share Menu Set-up and Exit. This menu, while not a one-button system, is surely uncomplicated, and the features found here are covered within the in-camera Help Menu discussed below.
Help Menu - The Help Menu provides an abbreviated list of options which will inform users about the general functions and parameters of the camera. This feature is one of the more complete Help modes found on a less expensive point-and-shoot camera. The Help Menu covers the following topics: Top Ten Tips, Camera Accessories, Camera Buttons, Using Shooting Modes, Using Design Gallery, Sharing Images, Printing Images, Recording Audio Clips, Recording Video Clips, Reviewing Images and Video, Deleting Images, Transferring Images, Managing Batteries, Getting Assistance, Camera Shortcuts, About and Exit.
Ease of Use
The HP M527 aims to please with its ease of use first and foremost. It provides logical menu options that provide image and text descriptions of most of the settings. The few external controls are well labeled, placed and sized; allowing for activation without strain or misapplication. The four-way control allows for concise movement through the menu structure and the print and share system appear to be as basic and straightforward as possible. The only live preview available for manual modes appears with the Exposure Compensation feature, which is appreciated, although it would be nice to see a live view with the white balance. As it is, the White Balance menu provides thumbnails which are meant to visually indicate situations of appropriate usage.
The only real problem with ease of use on the HP M527 existed with the LCD, which would transition to black when switching between Playback and Shooting menus. Adding to this slow refresh time was the slow rate at which images were saved to disk; oftentimes more than ten seconds were needed between the shot being taken and when the Playback Menu could open.
