Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

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.
Advertisement


Connectivity
Software
The HP Photosmart R927 comes with in-camera editing options which should address the needs of the point-and-shoot market. Adding to these in-camera editing features, the R927 also comes bundled with HP Photosmart Express editing software which allows for sharing, web work, editing, and uploading of images. However, it is not necessary to use the Photosmart Express software interface if loading to the web and direct printing is desired. The camera has an optional WiFi dock which may be purchased separately and allows users to upload images and videos to Snapfish to share with approved members, order prints, and organize their video and still image files for a nominal monthly or yearly fee.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The R927 is capable of engaging WiFi connections via a WiFi dock which is sold separately from this camera model. The camera does come with a standard dock which may be physically connected to a printer, television, or PC. The camera body itself only has a port for connecting the camera to the dock base; all other ports and jacks may be found on the dock itself. The dock has both an A/V out and a USB 2.0 port for connection to both external playback devices and personal computer. The tripod socket on the bottom of the camera is milled out of stainless steel, a marked improvement over the plastic mount found on the R725.

Direct Print Options
The camera itself comes with a printer dock that may be used for PictBridge compliant printing. The printer dock also has an A/V Out for television viewing or optional connection to PC if necessary. Although the camera is WiFi compliant it is not bundled with a WiFi dock, an odd decision which will necessitate the purchase of more equipment… well, maybe that isn’t so odd, but it is unfortunate. It is possible to dictate in-camera which prints are to be shared and printed. Access to the printer control is simple and immediately activated through the Photosmart Express button located on the top of the camera.

Battery
The HP Photosmart R927 comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, contained in the base of the camera underneath the same locking port cover which protects the optional SD memory card slot.

Memory
The HP Photosmart R927 also comes with 32 MB of internal memory, and is capable of using optional SD memory cards. The SD memory card slot is located on the bottom of the camera and placed beneath a locking port door for extra security during poor handling or rough transportation. The camera can also take images saved to the internal memory and transport them onto an SD card when the R927 is entered into playback image review. Thirty-two MB of internal memory is certainly better than nothing; users should be able to save at least a few high resolution images or brief video clip without relying on a card. More shutter-happy buyers, however, will want to purchase an SD card as well.

Other Features
Image Advice - The Image Advice feature provides automatic shooting information for one image at a time, post-capture. This feature would be especially advantageous for users who want to move beyond a purely Auto shooting experience but don’t yet have the skills

Image Info -The Image Info setting located within the Playback menu displays the image along with information regarding the photo name, image quality, date, and time.

Snapfish - This website provides R927 camera users the opportunity to load images and digital video clips onto the web, allowing them to select images, order prints, and share both stills and video clips with personally invited members. There is a nominal fee to create an account, and a monthly or yearly fee for continual display of images. However, friends and relatives invited by the user may view images for free.
Image Parameters Page 8 of 10 Overall Impressions HP Photosmart R927 First Impressions Review Navigation   
Advertisement