HP PhotoSmart 618 Digital Camera [2.1MP 3xOptical]

If you like the look and feel of Pentax cameras, you'll appreciate the HP's styling. It's curvy, swoopy, classically designed and feels very solid. Most people who saw the camera were impressed with its overall quality and were surprised to learn it was a digital.

One of the camera's most intriguing (and under-documented) features is its use of Digita. Digita is an operating system created specifically for digital cameras, allowing software developers to modify and improve the camera's functions. Past Digita cameras have suffered from slow performance, but the 618 seems as quick as most other digital cameras on the market. HP's engineers did a great job of shipping the camera with a wide variety of menus and functions pre-installed, but Digita allows for even more flexibility. Potential applications of this technology range from task-specific features (time-lapse photography, preset exposure modes and digital special effects, for example) as well as the ability to add new applications--there are even Digita video games available for download. Unfortunately, the manual includes no information about Digita, and we were unable to determine how to transfer Digita files to the camera. This is extremely powerful technology, but perhaps HP buried this ability because they felt that it was too complex for the average user.

The camera makes extensive use of Hewlett-Packard's infrared technology. A remote control is included (handy for self-portraits, keeping the camera steady in low-light shots and to play back "slide shows" on your TV), and the camera can wirelessly transfer images to select HP printers. If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice. --Miles Berkeley

Manufacturer's Description
The HP 618 digital camera is a high-performance point-and-shoot digital camera with manual controls. No waiting to load film, just point and click, choose only the shots you like. HP imaging technology instantly optimizes every photo and adjusts for difficult lighting conditions.The HP 618 features Pentax precision lens with 3x optical and 2x digital zoom, and 30-bit color depth. Preview and review your pictures instantly with 2" LCD. Easily add memory using the CompactFlash slot. Minimize shutter lag and never miss a shot with fast shot-to-shot performance. The HP 618 offers easy connection to printers, computers, Internet, TVs, and other digital cameras.

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• Electronics & Photo > Photography > Digital Cameras > Up to 3.9 Megapixel