HP Photosmart M527

Value
The HP Photosmart M527 manages to provide a number of interesting features along with a 6 MP CCD and automatic red-eye reduction during shooting, all for a price which will be affordable to even the budget consumer. Its marketed strengths are its actual strengths; it offers users useful help menus and provides a number of options for users in regards to printing, sharing and publishing images both on the internet via Snapfish and within their home.

The camera definitely does have some problems, however, such as the delay in saving images to memory card and the underwhelming LCD. The purchase of an optional WiFi dock will certainly improve functionality, and in most instances the use of postproduction image processing in a PC may be necessitated, even if the Design Gallery options are still employed. With further investment in their in-camera editing functions, and improvement with LCD quality and camera design, HP could have made a camera that clearly set itself apart from others within this price range.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - This camera, like all cameras found currently within the M-series, is intended primarily for this shooting audience, with presets and auto control featured throughout most areas.

Budget Consumers - The M527 could be an option for the budget consumer due to the lower price range that this camera falls within.

Gadget Freaks -The gadget freak won’t find this simple, easily structured point-and-shoot camera to be a desirable item to lust over.

Manual Control Freaks - With control of only exposure compensation and ISO, the manual controller isn’t going to find the features provided on the M527 to be alluring.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - There is no reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to shoot with this camera.