Hewlett Packard Photosmart R717 Digital Camera
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- Digital Zoom: 8x
- Camera Type: Standard Point and Shoot
- Weight: 0.4 lb.
- LCD Screen Size: 1.8 in.
- Resolution: 6.2 Megapixel
- Optical Zoom: 3x
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HPR717, great value, versatile, great pictures
Pros
Excellent pictures, low price, convenient size
Cons
None
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
The combination of PCWorld testing, Wal-Mart pricing, and 3yr warranty convinced me to make this purchase. I'm very pleased with the picture quality and all aspects of this camera.
For several years I've looked at digital cameras while the image quality has improved and costs have dropped. Since it is an electronic product though, I was also concerned about durability. When I found this camera as a special buy on the Wal-Mart web site at a price under $150 (which meant a 3 year service contract would be $15), I decided to check the ratings at PCWorld.com. I found the review to be extremely favorable, better in fact than some much more expensive cameras.
After using this camera for four months I can truthfully say I'll never use film again. My other cameras ranging from a Minolta using 110 film to various 35mm cameras and a Yashica SLR are now paperweights.
1. Excellent picture quality. This is primary, everything else is secondary. Take a picture and then view it on the computer and zoom in. The detail is impressive.
2. A viewfinder. Hard to believe some cameras give up a viewfinder in order to have a large LCD. A viewfinder is essential for me so I can brace the camera to limit camera shake.
3. A reasonably sized (1.8" LCD). This size is large enough to auto-review the picture just taken while sill leaving plenty of room on the back of the camera for various menu/option buttons. Large LCD's force buttons to be smaller or located on other parts of the camera's body. A large LCD really grabs attention in the store, but for actual use it seems to offer mostly disadvantages.
4. Zoom lens, 3X (+ 8X digital zoom). This is fairly standard. Pictures are the same high quality regardless of the optical zoom setting I've used. Since this is a small camera, I find it more difficult to hold steady than my big old SLR (or maybe it is just me that's older), so I use a mini tripod whenever possible. The 8X digital zoom can be used when reviewing a picture on the LCD. I guess that is its purpose, I really must read the owner's manual someday.
5. Quit and easy setup. The Quick Start Guide is 19 pages, I had the camera up and running in no time. The owner's manual is over 200 pages and seems clear and well-written. It seems good as a reference and eventually I'll read the whole thing instead of constantly having fun taking pictures without the concern of film.
6. Like every other digital camera, purchase of more memory is essential. 512MB for $15 after rebate, even less expensive now. According to the display on the camera, this is good for about 160 shots at the highest resolution..
7. Battery life is very good. The display shows the current energy status. Recharging is simple and quick. This is something that can be controlled by the user. More frequent or longer use of the LCD, flash photograph, and other factors you control will deplete the battery faster. But, so what? Just recharge it, nothing to replace and no extra cost.
8. Nothing feels cheap on this camera. It feels solid, and seems well made and sturdy unlike some of the thinner models which look so fragile. Buttons are large enough and well spaced for use. You don't need to be petite to operate this camera. I also use a small padded camera bag. Fits on my belt and not even noticeable. After all it is an electronic device and does warrant some protection. If this is too much, buy a disposable.
9. I'm very pleased with the image quality and Wal-Mart's inexpensive extended warranty eliminates any concerns about durability/reliability. This camera is much more versatile plus I can always have it with me ready for use. PCWorld's review and Wal-Mart's prices made this an easy decision.
After using this camera for four months I can truthfully say I'll never use film again. My other cameras ranging from a Minolta using 110 film to various 35mm cameras and a Yashica SLR are now paperweights.
1. Excellent picture quality. This is primary, everything else is secondary. Take a picture and then view it on the computer and zoom in. The detail is impressive.
2. A viewfinder. Hard to believe some cameras give up a viewfinder in order to have a large LCD. A viewfinder is essential for me so I can brace the camera to limit camera shake.
3. A reasonably sized (1.8" LCD). This size is large enough to auto-review the picture just taken while sill leaving plenty of room on the back of the camera for various menu/option buttons. Large LCD's force buttons to be smaller or located on other parts of the camera's body. A large LCD really grabs attention in the store, but for actual use it seems to offer mostly disadvantages.
4. Zoom lens, 3X (+ 8X digital zoom). This is fairly standard. Pictures are the same high quality regardless of the optical zoom setting I've used. Since this is a small camera, I find it more difficult to hold steady than my big old SLR (or maybe it is just me that's older), so I use a mini tripod whenever possible. The 8X digital zoom can be used when reviewing a picture on the LCD. I guess that is its purpose, I really must read the owner's manual someday.
5. Quit and easy setup. The Quick Start Guide is 19 pages, I had the camera up and running in no time. The owner's manual is over 200 pages and seems clear and well-written. It seems good as a reference and eventually I'll read the whole thing instead of constantly having fun taking pictures without the concern of film.
6. Like every other digital camera, purchase of more memory is essential. 512MB for $15 after rebate, even less expensive now. According to the display on the camera, this is good for about 160 shots at the highest resolution..
7. Battery life is very good. The display shows the current energy status. Recharging is simple and quick. This is something that can be controlled by the user. More frequent or longer use of the LCD, flash photograph, and other factors you control will deplete the battery faster. But, so what? Just recharge it, nothing to replace and no extra cost.
8. Nothing feels cheap on this camera. It feels solid, and seems well made and sturdy unlike some of the thinner models which look so fragile. Buttons are large enough and well spaced for use. You don't need to be petite to operate this camera. I also use a small padded camera bag. Fits on my belt and not even noticeable. After all it is an electronic device and does warrant some protection. If this is too much, buy a disposable.
9. I'm very pleased with the image quality and Wal-Mart's inexpensive extended warranty eliminates any concerns about durability/reliability. This camera is much more versatile plus I can always have it with me ready for use. PCWorld's review and Wal-Mart's prices made this an easy decision.
