Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Jan 07, 2006 - By James Murray
The HP Photosmart R927 is one of three cameras being showcased at CES 2006 by HP as part of their enhanced R-series. The R927 improves upon previous HP models by adding an extensive in-camera editing system to a sleeker and more stylish design that is paired with a 1/1.8 inch, 8.2 MP CCD. This slim point-and-shoot camera comes in a stainless steel body, has an impressively sized 3-inch LCD screen, is a mere 3.3 inches across, and is capable of engaging with WiFi services that can link to televisions, PCs, and other external devices. HP offers users the opportunity to wirelessly upload images onto Snapfish, a website which lets subscribers display and order prints of both still and digital video clips for themselves, as well as pre-approved friends, family and non-Snapfish members. Those invited to view these files need not pay a service fee, though they will need to register with the website prior to viewing.
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Likes
- Accessory WiFi connection available to either TV or PC
- Simple, well designed menus with live views, full descriptions, full text options, and quick navigation
- Shutter and Aperture Priority modes
- In-camera editing features and intuitive border options for a more hands-free, PC-free approach to basic photo editing and enhancement
Dislikes
- No audio playback available on camera
- Lack of included WiFi dock, only provides connected dock
- Use of Up and Down arrows on four-way control is awkward when navigating shutter and aperture controls
- Poor quality manual focus viewing options

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.
Overall Impressions Page 10 of 10
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