The
HP PhotoSmart 715 is one of 3 new cameras introduced by Hewlett-Packard
on October 1 2001, and the one with the highest resolution of the three:
3.3 megapixel.
Its
controls are succinct: 3 buttons on top, just below a small status display,
provide control for the Image Quality, the Macro or Self-Timer,
and the Flash modes.
A 2-stage shutter release completes the top controls: autofocus when pressed
halfway and capture when depressed fully.
The status screen serves to indicate the image quality setting (shown
as stars), the power level of the batteries, the flash mode and the number
of pictures that can be stored on the memory card.
The
camera is turned on with a push-on, push-off switch labelled on the camera's
top. To its right, a zoom control activates the 3X optical zoom, and if
held for more than 2 seconds at the telephoto position, the 2X digital
zoom.
Below these two, is the screen button. By default the camera powers up
with the 1.8" LCD screen off.
Last, is a Menu/Playback button, with below a larger 4-direction control
that confirms menu selections when pressed at the centre.
An orange LED, placed immediately above the CompactFlash card compartment
door, indicates recording activity. An open section of the axle holding
the memory card door to the camera serves to attach the wrist strap.
The
HP 715 provides an optical viewfinder, with a diopter correction, and
an LED embedded within the viewfinder housing.
The LED, visible in the peripheral vision when the eye is close to the
viewfinder, glows green when the focus is acquired; and flashes green
when the possibility of camera shake exists. When the image has been captured
and is being processed prior to being saved, the LED glows red.
The
HP 715 is extremely simple to use, albeit a bit slow to respond, and has
such simple controls that the question of a "learning curve"
doesn't even arise. Ergonomically, the camera is quite friendly, but for
a model devoid of any complex function, quite bulky and — with its
batteries — heavy.
