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Value
The HP Photosmart M527 is currently priced at $149.99 with HP’s online rebate offer, previously priced at $169.99, according to the website. For the economical price tag, HP’s M527 is one of the cheapest 6-megapixel cameras in the market. The camera has a standard 3x optical zoom but a small 2-inch LCD. Buyers should beware though; what consumers save in dollars, they lose in photo quality.
Comparisons
Olympus FE-170 – Introduced just last month at $149.99, the Olympus FE-170 shares the current price of the HP M527. Both cameras tote 6-megapixel sensors and 3x optical zoom lenses. It is a toss-up for the two equally priced cameras. Users will find the Olympus model has digital image stabilization and a larger 2.5-inch LCD over the 2-inch LCD of the HP. However, the FE-170 has a movie mode at 320 x 240 at 15fps under HP’s slightly faster 20fps. The Olympus also has less internal memory at 10MB instead of HP’s 16MB. Both cameras have built-in help guides.
Kodak EasyShare C743 – The new Kodak EasyShare C743 camera was introduced last month for $199.95. For $50 more than the current price of the HP M527, users will get a greater 7.1-megapixel count over the HP’s 6 megapixels. If customers are willing to shell out the extra bucks, they will find a bigger LCD with Kodak’s 2.4-inch monitor over HP’s 2-inch screen. The Kodak camera also has improved video at 640 x 480 at 30fps. Both cameras have 3x optical zoom lenses.
Casio Exilim EX-S600 – At a pricey $299.99, the Casio S600 has an equal 6-megapixel count and 3x optical zoom ability, but a slightly larger 2.2-inch LCD. For users interested in getting an entry-level camera with anti-shake DSP, the Casio camera will cost double the currently reduced price of the HP camera.
Nikon Coolpix L6 – Priced at $199, the new Nikon Coolpix L6 shares the 6-megapixel count and 3x optical zoom of the HP M527. For an extra $50, users can get the larger Nikon 2.5-inch LCD and an expanded ISO sensitivity range up to 800 ISO as opposed tp HP’s 400 ISO. In addition, the Nikon camera has a one-touch button for face-priority auto focus.
Pentax Optio E10 – At the retail price of $199, the 6-megapixel Pentax Optio E10 has the same megapixel count and 3x optical zoom like the HP M527. For the extra $50, users will get a larger 2.4-inch LCD. The Pentax, however, has a limited sensitivity of 200 ISO, while the HP has a range up to 400 ISO. Both cameras have movie modes with resolutions of 320 x 240 pixels at 20 fps. The Pentax has less internal memory at 10MB compared to the HP’s 16MB.
HP Photosmart E327 – For users who want to find the cheapest camera, HP offers the E327 for $50 less than the M527. Sacrificing resolution, users can purchase the 5-megapixel E327 currently at just under $100.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The M527 is geared for the point-and-shooters. With mostly automatic features and limited manual functions, the entry-level camera will suit this group the best.
Budget Consumers – At a rebated price, the Photosmart M527 is tailored for the thrifty buyer. Shoppers will be lured to the camera by one of its best selling points – the price.
Gadget Freaks – Techies would most likely not find the barebones HP M527 too alluring. They, however, might enjoy playing with the Design Gallery effects, particularly the highly publicized Slimming function. Otherwise, gadget freaks might look elsewhere to satisfy their gadget needs.
Manual Control Freaks – Consumers looking for manual control would not be interested in the M527 with its limited controls. Those looking to control focus and exposure might aim for the next series up, the HP Photosmart R725 or the R727.
Pros/Serious Hobbyists – Professionals or serious hobbyists would not even give the entry-level HP M527 camera a second look.
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