HP Photosmart R927

Dislikes

Conclusion
The HP Photosmart R927 has introduced a number of new features and strengthened older ones in the HP line of digital cameras such as simplicity, basic navigation, and direct editing, printing and viewing of images via WiFi connection. The R927 offers numerous preset shooting modes, and provides full text explanations and visual examples of each feature. The camera also comes with manual settings for influence over ISO speed, exposure, aperture, shutter speed, metering, focus, and bracketing of color, adaptive lighting and exposure. These settings also come with full text explanations and thumbnails when additional help is required. Menu structures are easy to navigate and simple, with easy-to-read submenu headings. The new in-camera Design Gallery options to set border styles, modify colors, and set artist effects met with varying success, though the effects should satisfy the basic point-and-shoot audience demands. The R927 also provides users with live views when alterations are executed with manual control settings. Improving over models from last year, this camera is able to provide Image Advice and Red-eye Reduction options while in real time processing. These features may also be accessed during playback review as well.

The camera did have a few notably weak areas, namely the manual focus display and its illegibility, as well as the lagging digital delay which occurred during alternation of this setting. Also, when the camera was turned quickly in any direction, the 3-inch LCD tended to hiccup slightly, dropping a frame before settling again. And finally, the design of the four-way controller was fine for menu navigation, but not for shutter speed and aperture changes. The Menu/Ok button was highly vulnerable to accidental engagement in these situations.

Overall though, the HP Photosmart R927 marks a definite change in both the style and intentions of prior HP digital cameras. These may actually provide a competitive alternative to the Kodak EasyShare consumer base. The R927 provides in-depth help, preset controls, manual options, WiFi connectivity, easy navigation, and in-camera editing options all while still producing a stylish and visually attractive product. While manual controls were the main concern, many users may never bother with them. With these points to consider, it will be interesting to see how well this model can perform when run through the DigitalCameraInfo.com testing system. We’ll find out if HP really will give Kodak a run for its money.