HP Photosmart R817 review

Gallery

Verdict:

Review Date: 24 Oct 2005

Price when reviewed: inc VAT

Reviewed By: David Ludlow

Our Rating 4 stars out of 5

Review
Specs

The Photosmart R817 is the first HP camera to look and feel like photography equipment rather than a computer gadget.

The smooth moulded matt finish and textured black band oozes class and makes the R817 very comfortable to use. This impression is reinforced by a slick, responsive interface. It's easy to navigate through the available controls and shooting options.

A button on the shoulder cycles though the eight scene modes, aperture and shutter priority as well as full manual mode and a setting for making panoramas from several photos. The latter is well executed and makes the process quick, accurate and easy. Auto focus is reliable, but you can switch to manual if you prefer to line up your own shots. There is also a two-step macro mode and infinity focus for landscape shots.

Next to the well-placed shutter button is a separate movie record button. Movies are recoded at 30fps and a resolution of 640x480, so they look detailed and smooth. Although you can use the full range of zoom while shooting, the whine of the zoom motor is clearly audible.

The 5x Pentax zoom lens enables you to make full use of the 5-megapixel sensor. Photos are well exposed and colours generally well balanced, with just the right level of warmth. The R817's only real failing is that it struggles to resolve fine detail on textured surfaces. Grass and brickwork can take on a slightly painted look. You can adjust the on-camera sharpening, along with saturation and contrast, but this failed to resolve the problem fully.

HP has finally produced a proper camera. Despite its failings, the R817 is a reliable camera with an excellent interface.

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