Title : HP PS850 4MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom
Author : Hewlett Packard
Release Date : 20021003
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $554.00
Amazon.com Price : $
(
%) VISIT AMAZON.COM'S PAGE
Editorial Reviews : You have to love a digital camera with a high level of zoom. Hewlett-Packard's Photosmart 850 offers 8x optical zoom in its relatively compact (for the optical length) lens. The camera itself, however, weighs over a pound. The camera also goes right into its 7x digital after you hit the end of the optical range, letting you seamlessly get closer to the action. Unfortunately, the autofocus didn't always show us a crisp image on the LCD--the photos would show up sharply, but it was difficult to decide where exactly to line up the shot.
Other than minor issues with the zoom, we're enamored with the 850. Its 4.1-megapixel resolution results in deeply detailed images, while its 2-inch LCD displayed photos more brightly and in much higher quality than other digital camera LCDs. And the camera can record video (complete with audio) in clips of 288 x 216 pixel resolution and up to 60 seconds long. You can even record audio with your still photos to give them more life.
You'll want to spend some extra cash to upgrade the camera, however, as it only ships with a 16 MB Secure Digital media card. The optional docking station makes it easier to transfer images to your PC and also includes rechargeable batteries (the camera comes with four disposable AA batteries).
If you have a compatible HP printer, you can also print directly from the camera--no need to pass images through your PC. Although, if you do send your pictures to your computer, you can use HP's suite of tools, including HP's Instant Share, which lets you automatically send pictures to an e-mail recipient or the Web.
With its depth of resolution, high level of zoom, and versatility, the HP Photosmart 850 is a camera worth considering.
Buyer Reviews : The 850 has awesome features, especially considering the price. 4 megapixels and 8 x optical zoom combine to give you terrific pictures and more opportunities than if you had a much better known, but measly 3 x zoom camera. Buy a 3 x zoom and you will be wishing every day that you had more zoom!!! The HP offers only autofocus. There is significant shutter delay, so action shots might not come out exactly as planned. Of course, you can select Action mode to compensate.
Macros look great and the zoom is really really terrific and picture quality is quite good. Acessories (lens, filters, adapter mounts etc) are not easily available, but tech support at a popular camera accessory store stated that they would have accessories in early 2003. Styling is retro, grip is just perfect and the metal tripod mount seems better than plastic ones. Start-up time is fast. Battery life is not so good with ordinary Alkalines, but when I switched to using NimH rechargables, I have been getting much much better life.
Video is quite good and the best thing I like is the Electronic View Finder (EVF). I tried the Finepix 2800/3800 and couldn't see a thing when I used it indoors in medium to low lighting. The 850 EVF is so much better and clear. AutoFocus Illuminator is a big help and most Sony's have it, though most Nikons omit it.
Kudos to HP for giving us a straight-forward camera with great features and more for a really reasonable price. I would definitely recommend it.
(by Anil Raghavan)
Features/Technical Specs : * 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches * Autofocus lens with 8x optical plus 7x digital (56x total) zoom * Included 16 MB SD card stores 15 images at default settings * Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port; powered by 4 AA batteries (disposables included) * Movie mode records video and audio for up to 60 seconds
