Digital Camera Review

First Impressions 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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Value
The HP Photosmart R927 has a projected retail price somewhere within the $400 price range, and although it perhaps isn’t the most feasible option for the budget consumer, this model is definitely a strong candidate for the segment of the point-and-shoot market that wants ease of use, a large viewing display, considerable resolution, and aesthetics. The camera has impressive preset shooting modes, shutter and aperture priority modes, and manual control over ISO, exposure, focus, metering and other options. Bracketing features which allow for selections of Adaptive Lighting, Exposure, and Color continue to add to the extensive list of included features. Although this model is WiFi capable, it unfortunately does not come with the WiFi dock, an omission which will drive the overall price of the camera up above the projected price point for some. This is a regrettable decision, considering the heavy marketing being done in regards to this feature and the accompanying relation to the HP Snapfish website.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - With the full auto modes, the preset in-camera Design Gallery and the numerous preset options, this camera is certainly a feasible option for the point-and-shoot market.

Budget Consumers - The budget consumer may find the price a bit out of their range, with estimations at just under $400. However, there are other models within the R-series; both of the other new releases at CES provide the same Design Gallery options, several preset options, and automatic red-eye correction, albeit with more limited manual control access.

Gadget Freaks - Although sleek and smooth, this camera still doesn’t offer settings tailored to the true Gadget Freak. In their case, the Design Gallery features will not be able to replace a PC image editing suite of software. While the WiFi transferability may have been novel last year, this is a feature that many manufacturers are flocking towards nowadays just to stay competitive.

Manual Control Freaks - This higher-end compact model in the R-series is able to provide manual control of White Balance, Exposure Compensation, Exposure Bracketing, Focus (although it struggles), Aperture Priority, Shutter Speed Priority, and other preset shooting modes for multiple occasions. But these controls are manipulated via digital interface, so speed and efficiency is often an issue, as are the truncated settings for the in-camera flash. This crowd probably won’t go for it.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists - There wouldn’t be a real reason for the Pro or Serious Hobbyist to pick up the R927; the in-camera editing features and other settings are bound to pale in comparison to the pro software and control features they are accustomed to.

Connectivity / Extras Page 9 of 10 Conclusion HP Photosmart R927 First Impressions Review Navigation

  
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