Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
Product Type: Photography

Editorial Review:
Product Description
HP Photosmart 618 is a versatile point-and-shoot digital camera. This high performance camera gives consistently great pictures. HP imaging technology assures 2.11-megapixel resolution. The camera individually optimizes each picture for crisp, brilliant pictures. Get closer to your subject with Pentax 3x optical zoom lens and 2x digital zoom. Manual controls include aperture and shutter priority, picture and metering modes and ISO speed control giving you more creative control over picture taking.HP PhotoSmart 618 is ideal for experienced photographers and PC technologists, offering them automatic functionality, as well as manual control in a portable, point-and-shoot camera. Your camera comes equipped with four operating modes. To set the mode, turn the camera mode dial on top of the camera to the mode you want to use. PhotoSmart 618 features six exposure settings: auto, landscape program, portrait program, action program, aperture priority, and shutter priority. The built-in flash can operate in seven flash modes - auto, auto with red-eye reduction, forced on, forced on with red-eye reduction, forced off, night, and night with red-eye reduction. Three timer modes include off, 10-second timer, and 3-second remote.
Amazon.com Review
Despite the fact that Hewlett-Packard has produced a number of successful digital cameras in the past and is one of the biggest manufacturers of photo-quality printers, the company's lack of experience in film cameras has made it difficult for the public to take them seriously in this field. To help change this perception, Hewlett-Packard has paired up with Pentax for its latest product, and each company has contributed its expertise. The result is a pair of identical cameras: the HP 618 and the Pentax EI 200. With the exception of labels, packaging, and included accessories, the two cameras are the same.

The camera's basic specifications are pretty standard: 2-megapixel CCD, 3x Pentax optical zoom, CompactFlash storage (Type I or II, but no Microdrive support), and a 2-inch display. For advanced users, there are aperture and shutter priority modes, adjustable white balance, exposure metering, and adjustable ISO (100 and 200).

If you like the look and feel of Pentax cameras, you'll appreciate the HP's styling. It's curvy, swoopy, classically designed, and feels very solid. Most people who saw the camera were impressed with its overall quality and were surprised to learn it was a digital.

One of the camera's most intriguing (and underdocumented) features is its use of Digita. Digita is an operating system created specifically for digital cameras, allowing software developers to modify and improve the camera's functions. Past Digita cameras have suffered from slow performance, but the 618 seems as quick as most other digital cameras on the market. HP's engineers did a great job of shipping the camera with a wide variety of menus and functions preinstalled, but Digita allows for even more flexibility. Potential applications of this technology range from task-specific features (time-lapse photography, preset exposure modes, and digital special effects, for example) as well as the ability to add new applications--there are even Digita video games available for download. Unfortunately, the manual includes no information about Digita, and we were unable to determine how to transfer Digita files to the camera. This is extremely powerful technology, but perhaps HP buried this ability because they felt that it was too complex for the average user.

The camera makes extensive use of Hewlett-Packard's infrared technology. A remote control is included (handy for self-portraits, keeping the camera steady in low-light shots, and to play back "slide shows" on your TV), and the camera can wirelessly transfer images to select HP printers.

If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice.

Pros:

Clean, classic, reassuringly solid design
Remote control included
Pentax lens
Infrared transfer to select HP printers
Integrated lens cover

Cons:

Digita abilities not documented
CompactFlash slot supports Type I and Type II cards, but doesn't recognize Microdrive
Larger and heavier than some point-and-shoot digital cameras

Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Average customer rating:

DON'T BUY IT. RIP OFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
The best camera you can buy!
Great Camera for the Price
not worth the effort
Don't buy it!

Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

All Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

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SimpleTech STI-CF/512 512MB CompactFlash Card
Kingston 512 MB Type I CompactFlash Card (CF/512) (Retail Package)
COBY MP-C827 MP3 Player w/128 MB Flash Memory & USB Drive
Nintendogs Dalmatian & Friends
SanDisk Sansa M230 512 MB MP3 Player (Blue)

Accessories:

Ceiva Advanced Digital Photo Receiver
SimpleTech STI-CF/512 512MB CompactFlash Card
SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card
SimpleTech STI-CF/128 128MB CompactFlash Card
SanDisk Imagemate USB CompactFlash Reader (SDDR-31)

Product Features:

2.1-megapixel sensor for prints up to 8 by 10 inches
3x optical plus 2x digital zoom Pentax autofocus lens
Included 16 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 28 images at default resolution
Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
Uses 4 AA batteries (disposable lithium batteries included); jointly designed with Pentax; uses Digita operating system

ASIN: B00004Y5U0

Amazon.com Review

Despite the fact that Hewlett-Packard has produced a number of successful digital cameras in the past and is one of the biggest manufacturers of photo-quality printers, the company's lack of experience in film cameras has made it difficult for the public to take them seriously in this field. To help change this perception, Hewlett-Packard has paired up with Pentax for its latest product, and each company has contributed its expertise. The result is a pair of identical cameras: the HP 618 and the Pentax EI 200. With the exception of labels, packaging, and included accessories, the two cameras are the same.

If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice.

Pros:

Clean, classic, reassuringly solid design
Remote control included
Pentax lens
Infrared transfer to select HP printers
Integrated lens cover

Cons:

Digita abilities not documented
CompactFlash slot supports Type I and Type II cards, but doesn't recognize Microdrive
Larger and heavier than some point-and-shoot digital cameras

Product Description

HP Photosmart 618 is a versatile point-and-shoot digital camera. This high performance camera gives consistently great pictures. HP imaging technology assures 2.11-megapixel resolution. The camera individually optimizes each picture for crisp, brilliant pictures. Get closer to your subject with Pentax 3x optical zoom lens and 2x digital zoom. Manual controls include aperture and shutter priority, picture and metering modes and ISO speed control giving you more creative control over picture taking.HP PhotoSmart 618 is ideal for experienced photographers and PC technologists, offering them automatic functionality, as well as manual control in a portable, point-and-shoot camera. Your camera comes equipped with four operating modes. To set the mode, turn the camera mode dial on top of the camera to the mode you want to use. PhotoSmart 618 features six exposure settings: auto, landscape program, portrait program, action program, aperture priority, and shutter priority. The built-in flash can operate in seven flash modes - auto, auto with red-eye reduction, forced on, forced on with red-eye reduction, forced off, night, and night with red-eye reduction. Three timer modes include off, 10-second timer, and 3-second remote.

Customer Reviews:

DON'T BUY IT. RIP OFF !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.......2006-12-12

"DON'T BUY FROM THIS SELLER. THEY MISREPRESENT THEMSELVES. THEY SAY ONE THING ON THE BIDDER'S PAGE, BUT WHEN YOU PULL UP THE ACTUAL ITEM, THEY TELL YOU IT COMES WITH A MEMORY CARD. WHO SELLS A CAMERA WITHOUT AN OWNERS MANUAL? IT'S JUST A RIPOFF. I WONDER WHERE THESE CAMERAS REALLY COME FROM WITHOUT BOXES, OWNERS MANUALS, CABLES, MEMORY CARDS. THIS CAMERA DOESN'T OPERATE WITHOUT MEMORY CARD AT ALL." YOU HAVE NO MEMORY CARD, NO BATTERIES, NO OWNERS MANUAL, NO CORD TO CONNECT TO DOWNLOAD PICTURES. YOU'D BE BETTER OFF PAYING FOR A NEW UPDATED VERSION OF THIS CAMERA FROM A REPUTABLE DEALER. YOU'LL END UP SPENDING THE SAME AMOUNT ONCE YOU BUY ALL THE ACCESSORIES NEEDED TO WORK THE CAMERA, BUT YOU'LL BE ABLE TO GET A FULL REFUND FROM A REPUTABLE COMPANY IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG

The best camera you can buy!.......2006-11-18

I have had this camera for over 5 years and I use it frequently. The zoom is now stuck, but that is only because it was knocked off the desk on the carpet! It has probably been dropped on carpet at least 10 times before. I have attempted to fix it but I can't find the problem. I am so satisfied with the performance that I have ordered a used one off amazon to replace my old one. If you are think of buying this used, which is now your only option, you can't go wrong.

Great Camera for the Price.......2002-12-19

I have had this camera for about a year and I love it. All in all we have taken about 2000 pictures with it and we love the b/w, color, or sepia option. I have taken some really beautiful pictures that are worthy of being framed and out on the wall. I have noticed the battery problem but that is easily fixed by getting rechargeable batteries and putting the quality on good (you still get great pictures). I would say that we can take 125-150 straight shots with the rechargeable batteries. I have not had to talk to HP tech support so I can't comment on that. We did take this camera to Hawaii and got about 400 absolutely great pictures. I also found that it is incredibly easy to download and email my pictures. Once they are downloaded I email them to friends/family or I burn them onto a CD for people as a photo album, it saves a ton of money. I think a lot of the problems that other reviewers have run into have less to do with the actually camera as it does with either tech support, or technology problems with their computers. If you follow the setup instructions, this camera is very easy to use on the computer and a lot of fun to take pictures with.

not worth the effort.......2002-11-13

The camera took great pictures, but downloading from it to the computer would not work. I had to buy a card reader. Battery life was very short. The camera circuit board blew in less than 18 months and would cost $250 to fix, making it worthless. I'll never buy another HP camera.

Don't buy it!.......2002-11-08

I bought this camera more than a year ago. I'd rate it 5 stars except that I had the following problem: The door of my battery compartment got broken! The problem looks silly enough, but upon calling HP they "simply" told me that my product is 'out-of-warranty' and they don't service it anymore. Even worse, they offered a trade up with a newer model. After checking the prices for the newer models, it turned out that they're buying back my camera for less! All the service centers that I could find on their websites told me that they don't service digital cameras (not only mine). So here I am with a great camera that's totally useless because of a broken plastic part and a lousy customer service.

Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618xi 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Average customer rating:

The best camera for a beginner
Pentax optics and H-P electronics equals Great Value!
very nice camera
Let's Get Digital!
Did my research and I picked the right camera

Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618xi 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Manufacturer: Hewlett Packard
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

All Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

2 to 2.9 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

Under 3 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

Under 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics

Digital Cameras | Hewlett-Packard | Camera & Photo Brands | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

Digital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics

All Hewlett-Packard | Hewlett-Packard | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

SimpleTech STI-CF/128 128MB CompactFlash Card
Ceiva Advanced Digital Photo Receiver
SimpleTech STI-CF/512 512MB CompactFlash Card
SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card
Viking 128 MB CompactFlash Card (CF128M)

Product Features:

2.11-megapixel sensor for prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches
3x optical plus 2x digital Pentax zoom lens with autofocus
Included 16 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 29 images at default resolution
Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
4 AA batteries included; special features included JetSend for direct printer connectivity and manual shooting modes

ASIN: B000051YGV

Product Description

The HP 618 digital camera is a high-performance point-and-shoot digital camera with manual controls. No waiting to load film, just point and click, choose only the shots you like. HP imaging technology instantly optimizes every photo and adjusts for difficult lighting conditions.The HP 618 features Pentax precision lens with 3x optical and 2x digital zoom, and 30-bit color depth. Preview and review your pictures instantly with 2" LCD. Easily add memory using the CompactFlash slot. Minimize shutter lag and never miss a shot with fast shot-to-shot performance. The HP 618 offers easy connection to printers, computers, Internet, TVs, and other digital cameras.

Amazon.com Product Description

The PhotoSmart 618 features a 3x high-quality Pentax zoom lens and a 2.1-megapixel CCD that captures images up to 1,600 x 1,200. The vivid photos are enhanced with the simple use of HP's PhotoSmart technology, which augments color and focus in poor shooting situations. The 16 MB CompactFlash card can hold up to 165 photos (minimum resolution), and you can easily and quickly download your photos via a USB port or card reader. Its comfortable point-and-shoot design make it easy to tote around on trips, and with either auto or manual control over aperture, ISO, picture and metering modes, you have your choice of easy automatic operation or creative control.

Customer Reviews:

The best camera for a beginner.......2002-01-05

This past summer I studied in Cuba for a month. Of course this is once in a lifetime opportunity, so I had to get a camera and it HAD to be digital. I've never owned my own camera before and already too many moments in my lifetime have gone by without ever being recorded. I also have a problem with getting myself to the store and going through the tedious and costly process of developing film.
So I went ahead and purchased the HP C615 model and it was probably one of the best purchases I ever made. I also purchased the 96 MB memory card which holds up to 360 photos at the lowest quality (which is better than some film cameras). It was well worth it. All of the other American students whom I met in Cuba, were envious of the fact that I could selectively view and delete my pictures through the camera. In comparing film pictures with mine of the exact same images the HP 615 won out every single time. So that's not a bad large investment compared to buying film, lugging it around and then waiting for it to be developed. Now all I carry is the camera and an extra set of batteries.
Of course this review wouldn't be objective if I didn't put one complaint in. My only complaint is that the viewfinder is not very well lit. It's actually pretty dull compared to some other cameras that I've taken pictures with. It also does not provide a very accurate width of the actual photo that gets processed. But since I realize the fault of the camera, I know its OK to cut off people's arms straggling on the edges of the viewfinder because the photo comes out perfectly trimmed. This does cause a problem for those one or two occasions when you have to rely on a waiter or passerby to take your own photo. They usually include too much of the surrounding area. But I found a way to get around that too; now I set the zoom and area for the innocent bystander.
The pictures I take are breathtaking!! The colors are scintillating, and the lucid ambiance palpable. If you're just starting out this is a great choice. People who now view my photos assume that I have some kind of talent or training, but I am honest and admit to them that it's really the camera.

Pentax optics and H-P electronics equals Great Value!.......2001-11-10

After extensive research into 2 and 3 megapixel cameras, I settled on the H-P C618xi (identical to the C618 except for included software). I was going to Europe for two weeks and wanted to give digital photography a serious workout. Boy, did I make the right choice!
The camera is worth much more than it costs, an idea supported somewhat by resell prices higher than what I paid for it new. It has tremendous versatility: Easy to use automatic features for carefree snapshots and excellent manual capabilities for greater artistic control.
I do professional work for feature and spot news stories. Over the last two or three months, I gradually have pared down the "film" equipment I keep with me until all I take along is the C618xi. The lower JPEG settings are great for newspapers, yet the highest rez TIFF images reproduce perfectly in 4-color glossy mags. Instead of a bulky kit, now I have only a small tote with a wrist strap, containing the camera, 4 spare AA's, a lens brush and CF memory cards. That will last me all day in just about any setting. If I'm doing a flash-heavy shoot, I carry along 4 extra AA's just in case.
This camera is not as power-hungry as some I've seen. However, any user will find that 1600mAH NiMH batteries are the way to go to keep the energy costs down. My personal recommendation is to go with Ray-O-Vac: Their AA's are the highest potency around and they make a great compact 1-hour charger that will charge 4 AA's at once (...).
For the amateur or the professional, I can't recommend this camera highly enough. I wouldn't part with it for anything.

very nice camera.......2001-11-05

i was looking for a digital camera with at least 2 megapixels in a certain price range, and after careful consideration, i chose this one. its a great camera. one of the criticisms i've seen about this camera was the size: i don't find this a problem, and i've had camera with the opposite problem (elph lt, which was sometimes too small to put your hands around). It has some very nice features, including remote control, easy to use menus, usb extension for easy download onto your computer.

with the 16mb memory that comes with it, you can take 28 pictures of really good quality. I'm still getting used to being able to look at the pictures right away and deleting them/etc.

i highly recommend this camera!

Let's Get Digital!.......2001-09-26

After admiring the digital cameras of a few of my friends at various functions, I decided to put my tax rebate from President Bush to good use and joined the world of digital photgraphy! After hours of online research, comparing performance specs, reading reviews, etc., I decided to go with the HP C618. I'm happy to say so far I couldn't be happier with my choice. Although it's packed with special features, it also features an ease of use that lets beginners start taking pics right out of the box(well, you do have to install the batteries). A quick-start guide gives you the basics to get you going, while a far more comprehensive manual on an included CDROM tells you how to get the most out of your camera.

So far I've taken a couple of hundred pics, and, except for a few, the results have been fantastic! I christened the camera with a trip to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure in Orlando. Got some great pics which I downloaded to my screensaver/wallpaper on my computer at work and have received loads of compliments on the pics. Next test- a trip to Busch Gardens next week(living in Central Florida does have it's benefits!).

A couple of suggestions to add to your digital camera experience- get a card reader, to facilitate the transfer of your pics from the camera to the computer, and a larger memory card. The included card is 16MB, which will get you started, but a larger card, say 64MB or up, will allow you to take a lot more pics without worrying about deleting to make room for more.

Did my research and I picked the right camera.......2001-09-13

I had been thinking about a digital for quite awhile. The family has always used auto-focus 35 mm cameras for the convenience and easy results. We are not photo experts. We were looking for something with enough resolution to print up to 8 x 10 pictures, yet be a fully automatic camera with easy "point and shot" abilities. But at the same time we were looking for all the "extra" features if we wanted to experiment a bit. I did my research both on the internet and in the stores and finally decided on the HP 618xi. I have not been disappointed. I was taking digital pictures and downloading them to the computer within minutes (as well as printing). The camera has a solid feel and after a brief review of the fast start manual, easy to use. Be sure to purchase at least 2 sets of Ni-MH baterries with a charger to keep you going non-stop, and to read the Amazon editorials on purchasing a digital camera to see what features you really want. Be sure to get a camera with an optical zoom (as opposed to digital).

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