When I first signed up to do Media as an A Level subject, I knew that I needed a decent digital camera that would not only be easy to use but also come with a good reputation and good editing software.
I originally got a cheaper, unmemorable brand that included dodgy software that nearly sent my computer into melt down! Thankfully, I managed to change it, opting for a much more respectable, HP instead.
But was this any better than the rest?
I was first impressed with this little number whilst looking for my replacement camera. To me it was 'the one' because it had many great features on it, including 4 Megapixels, a 6X digital zoom as well as panorama and red eye removal assistance. Great.
Then, I hit my first snag. Once
I got my new baby home, to my horror, there was no USB cable or batteries in it plus the CD software had already visible been used. Grrr. Admittingly, this was not HP's fault but not a great way to start my experience. Thankfully, I got a replacement and continued with the adventure.
After checking everything was ok, I managed to get him up and running, taking random shots of anything and everything available to me. The HP adaptive lighting technology is fantastic, a good mode to have on all of the time. The picture quality is also good but can struggle a little under limited, artificial light which isn't much of a surprise.
It's lightweight and quite durable which is a good thing about this camera. It also fits roughly in the palm of your hand, another thing I personally liked about this.
The red eye removal feature is a good one if you want to send the image straight away via email. The panorama view is a little difficult as you have to get the image perfectly to join it together correctly. Then again, it is easy enough to edit any mistakes out.
The video capture and audio function is also another good selling point for this camera. Although you can't take vast amounts of footage - depending on what else you have on your device already - it is still a great part of the Photosmart M22, which was another reason as to why I chose this camera above some of the others.
Uploading the software was simple but took a bit of a while to complete, over half an hour I think. Never the less it was worth it, as it includes a number of great features including changing the size, colours, horizontal or vertical fixtures and many other things, perfect for just that one photo. Don't get me wrong, it could never replace something like Photoshop but is still a good addition to this.
However, there are definitely a few faults with this digital camera, firstly the terrible battery life. Included in the pack are two AA Alkaline batteries. Yet, working at it's best, the camera requires either rechargeable or Alkaline plus or even better (not) Lithium batteries.
To be honest, the battery life is so poor that I am thinking their is a problem with my camera; the batteries I am currently using, Duracell Plus, have only been in the camera for a little over half an hour (at various time intervals but still not very long) and is drained of power already! Rip off! The batteries are certainly not a positive part of this other wise good quality digital camera which is a real disappointment.
The AC adaptor is not included in this purchase, again, something not fantastic about this model. While you do get a fair bit with it, such as a wrist strap and software, some essentials such as a case are missing, as well as the o-so expensive batteries needed for it to function properly.
Another minor thing; whilst uploading the software, you need to turn your Anti-Virus software off, something that I am not a huge fan of. This camera is compatible with Window's XP and Mac and I Photo.
The instruction manuals are good, in a variety of different language to solve many of your teething troubles.
In conclusion, whilst the camera's quality is good, think very carefully before purchasing this as the battery life is really awful and an expensive part of this other wise good money purchase.
A brilliant camera just with a few tiny problems to frustrate you…a lot!
by (8%):
by (83%):
31.12.2006 19:25
I liked the fact that the review was concise and to the point.