HP Photosmart R817 - First impression

HP Photosmart R817 og 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 av 5x Pentax zoom lens, covering focal lengths equivalent to 36-180 mm f/2,8-4,7.

Larger zoom
R817/R818 is a brand new camera, slightly smaller than the R717, and slightly bigger than the M-series. Compared with the R717, not only is the zoom range expanded from 3x to 5x, but the optical quality also seems to be better, although this needs to be confirmed by a bench test. An 8x digital zoom is also built-in, gradually cropping the original image.

Smaller image sensor
In order to make tha camera smaller, HP has been forced to choose a smaller 1/2.5" CCD, rather than the 1/1.8" used in R707/R717. This means more image noise, a phenomenom that is particularly visible in shadow areas. The visible noise is enhanced when HP's Adaptive Lighting technology is activated. A smart detail is the Adaptive Lighting bracketing function, storing three versions of the same image; 1. without Adaptive Lighting, 2. with "Low" setting and 3. with "High" effect. See image samples below.

Construction
Like other HP cameras, also the R817/R818 has a metal front, but unlike the R717, even the back side has a metal cover. A rubber band runs along the edges. A bump on the front is meant to give a more comfortable and secure grip, but personally, I much prefer the fully rubberised back of the R717.

There is no optical viewfinder in the R817/R818, but a 2" LCD screen with 153.600 image dots gives a lifelike and clear image. The screen is not very user-friendly in full sunlight, but it's OK and a lot better than many of its rivals.

The flash is placed close to the right hand and caution should be taken to avoid long fingers from blocking the flash. HP specifies the flash range to be 3.8 m at wide angle and 2.1 m at tele. A simple test showed that the figures seem to be reasonably accurate.(see image below).

User friendliness
In general, the camera is very user-friendly. A button on the top left corner gives access to 15 different recordng options, from scene programs (Landscape, Portrait, Theatre, Action, Beach, Snow, Sunset and Document), to shutter- and aperture priorty, as well as full manual control. There is also a "My Mode" setting for individual preferences.

A considerable improvement is the the two HP-typical recording buttons, one for photography and one for movie recording. By making the movie release button smaller and less protrusive, the risk of confusion is minimised considerably. The other controls are generally well positioned with easy access and comfortable activation pressure.

Just like with other HP cameras, a Docking Station may be purchased as a kit with the camera. It provides easy connection to a PC or TV, plus automatic charging of the battery pack when the camera is placed in its holder.

Features
Apart from the mentioned Adaptive Lighting, the R817/R818 has adopted some special features from its predecessors, such as automatic in-camera stitching of panorama images, automatic removal of red eyes in flash pictures (both in improved versions), four JPEG qualities, VGA movie with 30 fps and sound (of impressive quality), Instant Share and automatic correction of optical vignetting.

First impression
To me, the HP Photosmart R8187/R818 was a pleasant encounter. The camera has just the right size for a compact, it has a bright and crisp LCD screen, making the lack of optical viewfinder less annoying. The user comfort is generally good, although with a much too slippery grip.

The lens seems to be sharp and with no appearant artifacts of concern, 5x optical zoom is very useful instead of being forced to use the digital zoom, but the lens speed at telephoto is relatively weak, making it even more important to keep the camera steady during shooting. This is particularly important when a slow ISO value is set to reduce image noise.

Image noise is indeed the weakest point of the R817, as far as image quality is concerned. When Auto ISO is set, the camera will automatically raise the sensitivity to achieve as rapid shutter speed as possible. As lighting conditions are often far weaker than we anticipate, you will be left with the choice of considerable image noise or blur. Neither is desireable, but noise is the better option of the two, as a blurred image usually is a ruined image. If a tripod or a stable surface is not available, choose Auto ISO, even if it will generate rather high levels of noise.

My hope is that HP manages to solve the noise problem before the camera hits the marked. If they do, the R817/818 will be a great camera, well prepared to meet the fierce competition.

The image samples below are merely chosen to show the camera's capabilities under various lighting conditions and settings of zoom, ISO value etc. All pictures were taken with automatic white balance.

Note: The camera used is an early sample. HP will continue their work on optimising the camera's performances until marketing date. Both models are expected to be on sale in August.

PS:
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