HP Photosmart 435

Front (8.0)
Similar to other cameras in its price range, such as the Fuji FinePix 330, the front of the HP Photosmart 435 is easily distinguished by its sliding lens cover, which also acts as the power switch. Unlike the FinePix 330, however, the lens cover of the Photosmart 435 is solid and unobtrusive. Once opened, the 5.7mm lens is revealed. The front panel of the camera is durable metal with chrome and brushed highlights. The "hp" logo is centered on the sliding lens cover. Neatly positioned above the lens are, from left to right, the video/self-timer light, the flash, the optical viewfinder, and the microphone. When the video/self-timer light blinks red, the self-timer is activated; when it is a solid red, the camera is recording video. Beneath the light are the words "3.1 MP" and "5x zoom." In the bottom right corner of the front face is the camera’s insignia. This minimalist approach to the design of the camera is far more flattering than some of its competitors.

 Back (6.5)
As with the front of the camera, the back panel is sparse, if a little less glamorous. The small optical viewfinder is located in the upper left, with an adjoined indicator light on the right. If the light blinks red, it can mean several things: the flash is charging, an image is being processed, or there is an error. If the light is solid red, a video clip is recording. However, the 1.5-inch LCD is better suited for composing shots.

The LCD screen is slightly off-center, situated to the right of the camera body. To the left of the LCD screen, aligned vertically, are the Live View, Playback, and Share buttons. The Live View button has a picture of a camera next to it and frames pictures more accurately since it records from the lens, rather than the viewfinder, which is slightly above the actual field of view. Below the Live View button is the Playback button. The Share button (with the printer and the envelope) is at the bottom, and is used to print and email photos. On the right side of the LCD screen are three navigational buttons. The top button is the up arrow; the bottom is the down. In the middle is the OK button, which allows the user to display the Capture, Playback, and Setup menus and to select menu options. All of the buttons are good-sized and evenly spaced. The two zoom buttons are located on the upper right side, within thumb’s reach. There is even an indentation below the buttons so the user’s thumb fits nicely. On the right side of the back is a memory/USB indicator light. A solid green light means the camera is on or a USB cable is connected. A blinking green light means the camera is starting up, the batteries are charging, the camera is sending/receiving information via the USB, or the camera is reading or writing to the memory card.

Left Side (8.0)
When viewed from the front, the wrist strap sticks out on the left side of the camera near the top. Beneath that is the door to the SD card slot and the two AA batteries. This door is slightly difficult to open, with its insufficient finger grips. The HP Photosmart 435 eats through batteries, especially if the live view or movie mode is used often.

Right Side (8.0)
On the right side are the camera’s connection ports: an AC power input (adapter is additional accessory), USB connection for use with printer or computer, and TV connection (for use with optional AV cable accessory). These ports are located beneath a rubber rectangular cover.

Top (8.0)
The HP Photosmart 435 has four buttons on its top: the Shutter Release button, the Mode/Self-timer button, the Flash button, and the Movie button. The Shutter Release button is large and works well. If viewing the camera from the back, the Movie button is directly to the left. The button has a picture of a video camera on it. To its left is the Mode/Self-timer button, which has a picture of a runner and a film rewind symbol next to it. Directly at its left is the Flash button, which changes the flash settings.