Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart 215 1.2MP Digital Camera | List Price: $149.99
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Platform: Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows NT 3.5, Windows NT 4, Windows NT 5, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000 Server, Windows
Brand: Hewlett-Packard
Binding: Electronics
Warranty: 1 Year Limited
Features: - 2x digital zoom lens with autofocus
- Included 4 MB CompactFlash memory card holds up to 36 images
- Connects to PCs via USB port
- 1.3-megapixel CCD creates 1,280 x 960 images for prints up to 4 by 6 inches
- Includes auto flash with red-eye reduction; 4 AA batteries included
A bug in the software will break the camera [Posted on 2004-03-10]
This camera has two very bad problems. First, it goes through batteries like they're going out of style. Several other reviews have advised using rechargeable batteries, but in fact, that's a very bad option with this model. The user manual doesn't explain why, but on page 47 it says "do not use rechargeable batteries." I researched this a little - rechargeable batteries get too hot, putting the camera's innards at risk of melting. More importantly, any use of rechargeable batteries will void the service warranty. A voided service warranty would be bad under any circumstances, but it's especially bad in this case, because this particular camera is more likely to break than many others; there is a bug in its software. There are two ways to delete pictures from the CF card. You can use the camera itself, or you can use your PC when you have the camera connected. The bug comes into play if you use your PC to delete pictures - you run the risk of "toasting" the camera's firmware. "Toasting" sounds bad, doesn't it? It is indeed very bad - the cost of repairing a "toasted" camera is much greater than the original price of the camera. (Meaning greater than the price of the camera when it was sold new two years ago.) Cameras under the service warranty are simply replaced, but if the service warranty has expired or is void, the customer must pay. This is a well-known defect; in fact, it is one of the most-discussed problems involving the HP 215 on HP's "Support Forums." The original post dates back to September 19, 2001. I was fortunate; my camera was still under warranty when it broke. I had an extremely difficult time with HP customer service, but eventually I did convince them to send a replacement. The replacement camera is adequate, but that's about it. The on/off switch is poorly designed. It takes a delicate touch to properly turn the camera off, and I've lost count of the number of times I've accidentally left it on and returned to find the batteries dead. The focus & shoot function is aggravating - to "focus" you must gently depress the button half way, and then you must wait for a signal before you can actually take the picture. Judging the camera functioning as it was designed, I'd have given it 2 1/2 stars. With the software bug and HP's lousy customer service added in, it really doesn't deserve any stars at all!
NOT WORTH THE BOX IT CAME IN ******************************* [Posted on 2004-04-04]
i paid over 100.00 for this camera new. if i had the chance to buy another one brand new for 10.00 i would pass it up. this is the biggest piece of junk i ever seen in my life. to call customer service its 2.50 a minute with a 10 minute minimum billed to your phone bill. shame on hewlett packard. i will NEVER buy another hewlett packard product.
HP Makes Lousy Cameras and Won't Support Them [Posted on 2004-11-03]
Our HP camera started taking pictures like the one at: http://67.168.53.83/dfranksweb/files/photo.jpg. HP support is in a foreign country, and they keep wanting to provide suggestions for improving the image. I'm sorry, but this camera is broke. There is no improving the image. Replace the thing already and move on. "But have you tried holding it still?" "Maybe the flash is off?" If they would just look at the pictures it takes, it would be fairly obvious. "Is the lens cap on?" Oh well, I'm off to buy a Canon. Thanks HP.
Terrible! [Posted on 2004-11-28]
The battery life makes this camera nearly useless. Most times we wanted to use the camera, we needed to switch out batteries first. It would be cheaper to get a better camera and save the money on electricity or batteries. There is also a long delay from the time you push the button until the time the picture is taken, so you can forget about catching kids at the right moment. To make it even more difficult, what you see in the view finder is not neccessarily what is in the picture. Many heads have been cut off in pictures from this camera. I just bought a Kodak digital camera to replace this, and it is fantastic; none of these problems. I don't have anything good to say about this camera. I got it when it first came out a few years ago, so it wasn't even cheap at the time.
This Camera Has Seved Me Well [Posted on 2006-07-24]
I got this camera for Christmas several years ago (2001). It was a decent camera during its time. The battery life is non-existant. I used to spend a fortune on batteries. The memory card included allows you to take 12 pictures of highest resolution. The camera is huge, so it is hard to transport in pockets. When it focuses and adjusts to the light levels, etc., it makes an awful noise. The delay with the shutter did create some portraits of hilarity though as the people posing thought the picture was taken and it catches them between a smile and a straight face. It was a nice camera to have as a high school student, but after graduating from college, it is severely inadequate.
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