HP Photosmart R817 review

The HP Photosmart R817 and R818 are two variables of the same camera. The only difference is the exteriour colour and the packaging. The model is small and handy with 5 megapixel resolution and a 5x Pentax zoom lens, covering focal lengths equivalent to 36-180 mm f/2,8-4,7.

PC Magazine just posted a HP Photosmart R817 review and they rated it 4 out of 5. I quote-

"We particularly appreciate the R817's concise, informative on-screen help for beginners. The menu layout is quite easy to navigate, and the hand-holding features, such as the Top Ten Tips, are perfect for novices.
...
If you're looking for a compact camera for beginners, the R817, with its long zoom and sharp images, will probably have more appeal than the slightly faster and cheaper R717."

HP Photosmart R817 5MP Digital Camera
with 5x Optical Zoom & R-series Dock Bundle

Photosmart R817 Features:

• 5.1 effective Megapixel CCD


• F2.8-4.7, 5X optical zoom Pentax lens, equivalent to 36 - 180 mm


• 2.0" LCD display


• Compact stainless steel body


• Full manual controls (finally)


• Loads of cool features: Adaptive Lighting (now with a bracketing feature), Image Advice (suggests ways to improve your photos), Instant Share (for easy e-mailing or printing of your photos), in-camera redeye removal, and new in-camera panorama stitching


• Can record videos at 640 x 480 (30 fps) with sound until memory is full


• 32MB onboard memory + SD/MMC card slot


• AF-assist lamp


• USB 2.0 support


• Uses proprietary lithium-ion battery


• PictBridge-enabled