A camera that gives expert advice to the novice photographer on how to take better pictures - in easy-to-understand, lay terms?
This is the latest "real life" technology to hit the digital photographic market and it comes from HP via its Image Advice feature -- standard on its new line of digital cameras distributed in South Africa by Rectron.
HP`s new 5.1 megapixel, Pentax 5x zoom lens cameras -- the Photosmart R817 and R818 -- are both able to help the user become a better photographer by reviewing photos taken and then offering tips and suggestions on how things might be done differently in future for even better results.
Rectron`s business manager, Zandre Rudolph, says the pair also break new ground by being able to "stitch together" panoramic views comprising up to five individual shots into one blended photo -- without the need for a PC or software assistance.
"The technology is all in the camera," he says, "together with other features such as new, adaptive lighting and in-camera red-eye removal."
Both cameras have an identical specification, which includes a 2-inch (5,1cm) LCD screen and 15 shooting modes.
"The main difference is that the R817 is available in silver, while the R818 comes with a dark midnight grey metallic finish," says Rudolph.
Other features include multi-zone auto focus for crisp, accurate shots, shutter or aperture priority, and a full manual mode for creative photographs.
There is a choice of 15 shooting modes including action, landscape and beach. A new "theatre mode" makes it easier to capture correctly exposed true-to-life photographs of concerts and performances and allows users to "get up close and personal" no matter where they are sitting.
Both models are also equipped with a "video mode" which allows users to print "stills" directly from video footage.
"Users can extract, print and share any of the moving pictures as single frame photographs," explains Rudolph. Other HP Real Life technologies featured on these cameras include HP Adaptive Lighting Technology, which automatically brightens selected areas of high contrast photos to give more true-to-life shots.
Also, HP`s in-camera red-eye removal ensures that all photos taken turn out flawlessly by amending the images whilst they are still in the camera - without the aid of a PC.
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