With a bead aluminium blasted surface and pocket sizing, the 4.1 megapixel HP R507 digital camera is uniquely modern. The distinctively sculpted grip and contoured face allow for easy one-hand shooting in those sticky situations. But don`t be fooled by its looks - this camera has more to offer.
The HP Photosmart R507 allows for enlargements of images up to A3. As part of the Photosmart R-series, the R507 was launched late last year along with HP`s R307 and its bigger brother, the R707.
It has a 21x total zoom; comprising 3x optical zoom and 7x digital zoom, equivalent to a 35mm-105mm lens in a 35mm SLR camera. The internal memory is 32MB but the SD (Secure Digital)/MMC (Multimedia Card) card slot can take cards with memory of up to 2GB.
For those who want to get up close and personal, the supermacro function lets the photographer get within a 6cm shooting distance. With its compact size and light weight, the HP camera can be manoeuvred effortlessly.
The real-life technologies that have been introduced with the HP Photosmart range differentiate the HP Photosmart R507 from other digital cameras.
These include in-camera red-eye removal, adaptive lighting, and in-camera panorama preview and image advice. Irritating red eye effect can be removed easily and panoramic images can be lined up and stitched together while shooting, to ensure more accurate panoramic pictures.
With its adaptive lighting, details can be brought out in shadows and backgrounds in high contrast situations such as backlighting. If you are a newcomer to photography or make a mistake while shooting, the HP image advice will offer suggestions for future snaps.
HP has also designed the HP Image Zone, which bridges the gap between camera and computer. It creates a single environment for transferring, editing, sharing and storing photographs through a USB connection.
The USB 2.0 connection and software can be used on both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. It also allows for direct printing to compatible printers.
The problems the HP 507 encounter are those that all digital cameras bump into. When shooting, the mechanical shutter delay is still prevalent. This may signify a difference between what you thought you photographed and what you actually photographed.
Noise is another problem with digital cameras when shooting in low-light conditions. HP does have a noise filter but the noisy granular effect is still visible.
The HP R507 is ideal for families as it is easy to use and suitable for everyday use. The HP technologies open the door for the beginner photographer who wants to take something more impressive than the old 'mik and druk` photograph.
The camera retails at R2 248.
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