HP PhotoSmart 850 4MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom

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. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• 8x optical zoom
• Audio with still images
• 60-second video clips

Cons:

• Not as portable as some
• Focus issues

Combining the look and feel of a traditional SLR camera with the refinement of digital imaging technology, the HP PhotoSmart 850 packs a 4-megapixel sensor, 56x total zoom, 2-inch LCD screen, and video capture capability into a solidly constructed chassis.

Optics and Resolution
The 4-megapixel CCD sensor creates sharp and brilliant images with a total resolution of 2,384 by 1,734 pixels. The 36-bit color depth renders even the subtlest variations in the image to make photos vibrant and real to life. With an 8x optical and 7x digital zoom, the 56x total zoom won't let anything out of your sights. Focusing can be set to manual, automatic, or macro for greater control.

Storage and Transfer
The 850 already has a built-in flash and 32 MB of SDRAM memory. Also included is a 16 MB SD card for even more storage, as the camera is compatible with MMC and SD memory cards. You can transfer your files onto a PC running Windows 98 or higher or Macintosh running OS 9.1 or higher. The USB port is easy to connect, and uploading and downloading files is fast and error free.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the 850 can also record up to 30 seconds of video with sound using the movie mode.

More Features
The HP camera includes many presets and automatic functions to fit your photographic needs, such as autoexposure, shutter priority, aperture priority, white balance, and light metering. There are also preset picture modes to use when shooting action, portraits, or landscapes. Add variety to your shots with the black-and-white and sepia color filters. You can easily keep track of all these modes, as well as compose your shot and review photos, using the large 2-inch color LCD screen.

Power, Size, and Contents
Included with the 850 are four AA e2 titanium batteries. The camera itself measures a 4.5 by 3.3 by 3.3 inches and weighs 13.7 ounces. Other standard accessories are a neck strap, CD-ROM with imaging software, user manual, USB cable, and USB host cable to printer.