HP PHOTOSMART 945 (19/10/2004)

HP PHOTOSMART 945

PRO
? Price
? Zoom
? Versatility

AGAINST
? Digital viewfinder
? Noise Zoom
? It has no battery (uses batteries)
? Inability to adjust the shutter speed independently and simultaneously

This test is done purely user's perspective and reflects the opinions of the author, based on common use of this particular model.

Although HP does not have a history as a manufacturer of cameras, since these machines have yielded to new technology and began to convert the digital world, HP has accustomed us to successive launches of new models keep getting better, not only the quantitative level (more features and options), but also qualitatively (5.3 M pixel is the last hurdle of HP).

Since I am a normal user, but with passion for photography, or my photos go a little further than the family, was accustomed to using an SLR camera from Canon , specifically the model EOS 888. Surrendered to digital photography, this model from HP came over from the Canon and, therefore, satisfy the kind of use it had before.
Admittedly, that HP is not a model REFLEX (in terms of digital, the price of SLRs are still prohibitive) but doing an analysis to my use, was one of these models that, within the budget was closer to my needs and that according to tests I read, had an excellent price / quality ratio.

In general, the machine is quite satisfactory. Highlight the main characteristics and are also decisive factors in the choice, the 5.3 MP and an 8x optical zoom (digital 7x-56x Total)

Besides photographs, the reality is also a possibility of using this machine as if to shoot. Obviously the capacity is much lower, since the movie is recorded on the memory card and not a tape, but still it is a film with enough quality and with an excellent sound (imagine your baby, hit the first applause when he has a camcorder around).

The number of options to configure the machine are several. Have the possibility to balance the white image, balancing the colors depending on the photo is taken on a sunny day or rain, etc., allows you to adjust the place of the photo (seen by the screen) will be the basis for focusing the picture.

You can set between ISO 100, 200 or 400 or even put in an automatic mode, in which the machine will adjust according to the surroundings. You can also use a function, which is a novelty of this machine (and same for the market) that it is a digital flash, ie, the machine can be set to lighten or darken certain areas of the photograph in an intelligent way.

In terms of colors, you can choose between black and white, color or sephia (aged image).

In terms of resolution, the options are the 5 MP (2608 x 1952) and one MP (1296 x 976). This last option should be considered in cases where the objective is to print the photographs. Within each of these options, you still have the option of three compression modes, Good, Better and Best. Any modes of resolution or compression selected will affect the number of photos that can be stored on the memory card (the machine back home a 16 MB SD card which is clearly insufficient).

Besides all these options, you will have the opportunity to adjust the photographs with respect to saturation, contrast and Sharpness of the image.

I think the level of options than are available enough so you can withdraw the full potential of photography.

As to the machine itself, and each picture is recorded with the date and time, have the possibility to select a specific picture and add a particular audio recording (eg, the location pictured) and adjust the camera sounds (issued every touch the buttons, thus simulating a traditional camera), choose the screen turns off when you feel closer view of the display (this option in my opinion, is very useful since it allows a real savings of energy, in this case, batteries) .

It also allows the screen lighten or darken depending on the LCD is to use it inside or outside the home; define how long the photo will be displayed on the LCD; indicate how long it will take the machine off by itself when not in use ; Adjust the format according to the television that is being used (NTSC or PAL) and can still put a set of reminders that will allow the machine to suggest certain configuration (according to all possibilities that we discussed already above, namely For example, suggest the use of flash, if you notice that there is little light in the environment you want to shoot).

It is relevant to consider this machine as a semi-professional machine. Although it is possible and very easy to use by a lay user in the field, it is also true that this machine allows, in case of a more demanding user, set several
items that give a professional touch, since the level of settings available on this machine, let me say that in fact we have a machine with a refined professional amateur.

Since, as mentioned earlier, the type of machine that I use to go a little further than an amateur use, can not fail to mention some negative points.

The fact that the viewfinder is digital, it becomes a negative aspect because, when we want to make a quick photo, the time between viewing the time we want to register until the machine can focus, is eternal, ie leaves that display blocked in the first image we saw.

To be more specific, if we are to take a picture of a bird, it is possible that when we focus, no longer worth being fired, because when it updates the image may have already flown.

Alternatively, we can just shoot the machine even before seeing the final result, but the risk is still, we focus not so well (after all, we are not truly see what we are focusing on) and running the same risk the bird no longer there to be).

Another point that I note how negative, is more related to the noise of the zoom. It is true that when we take photos, this noise does not affect anything, but even when we use the machine in the movie mode, if things change. The noise emitted by the zoom is recorded on film, not to the point where we do not hear the audio collected but is indeed troubling.

The fact that this machine does not have a battery, I think it ends up being a mistake of the mark. The need for batteries eventually "tarnish" the good overall quality of this machine, after all, is quite annoying to have to worry about always have some batteries on hand. It is suggested therefore that makes use of rechargeable batteries and, if possible, have two sets of 4 batteries to power switch when its use has exhausted the energy of one of the sets.
The inability to adjust either the speed of the machine, whether the opening will independently and simultaneously is another downside.

Avg.: 1 / 15 sec.; Shutter: F/2.8

Perhaps this question does not arise for most users of this model, after all have this option automatically and if the photograph does not get good, you will repeat it until you find the ideal image, however, for my kind of demand, this issue is relevant.

The consequences of this will be shooting low speed, for a good light (this may be what we commonly call the "blurry"), or if a good speed, the picture will get a picture darkened, and may omit certain details that included the picture because they have become too dark or slightly enhanced.