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HP Introduces PhotoSmart C912, PhotoSmart C618

LAS VEGAS -- Hewlett-Packard Co. today announced the HP PhotoSmart C912 and HP PhotoSmart C618 digital cameras.

Designed with the photo enthusiast in mind, the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera delivers the control, performance and flexibility of an SLR camera. The PhotoSmart C618 digital camera is ideal for experienced photographers and PC technologists, offering them automatic functionality as well as manual control in a portable, point-and-shoot camera.

Both cameras were developed with new HP imaging technology, creating a "custom photo lab" inside the camera. This exclusive HP imaging technology optimizes each individual picture, automatically adjusting for difficult lighting conditions, showing greater detail in highlights and shadows, and ensuring proper contrasts and colors.

"With these product introductions, we are now able to offer consumers a range of digital cameras, from a simple point and shoot, to a camera with the control and performance of a full-featured SLR," said Cheryl Katen, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. "The HP PhotoSmart C912 and C618 provide the exceptional quality and innovation one would expect from HP."

HP PhotoSmart C912 Digital Camera

The HP PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features HP imaging technology with 2.24-megapixel resolution and 36-bit color depth to deliver image sharpness that rivals that of expensive 3.2-megapixel cameras, a 2/3-inch professional frame transfer Charged Couple Device (CCD), a Pentax precision lens with 3x optical zoom, and wireless printing using HP JetSend infrared technology. The result is exceptional detail in 11-inch x 14-inch prints.

Designed with the look and feel of an SLR camera, the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features a 2-inch flip-up color LCD, allowing for easier framing of difficult shots. The camera also offers the same functionality one would expect from an SLR, including manual focus, exposure, color and flash control.

Additional HP PhotoSmart C912 digital camera features include the following:

• accurate photos -- Through the Lens (TTL) viewfinder, including exposure control information;

• increased photo capture -- continuous-shooting mode to capture sports, wildlife and fast-action events;

• dual-battery solution -- four AA batteries or optional rechargeable Li-Ion batteries for maximum flexibility; and

• sound capture -- up to 45 seconds of sound capture with each photo.

HP PhotoSmart C618 Digital Camera

The PhotoSmart C618 digital camera delivers HP imaging technology with 2.1-megapixel resolution to produce excellent 8-inch x 10-inch prints. Like the PhotoSmart C912 digital camera, the high-performance PhotoSmart C618 digital camera also features a Pentax precision lens with 3x optical zoom and wireless printing using HP JetSend infrared technology.

Other features of the PhotoSmart C618 digital camera include the following:

• creative control -- multiple, automatic shooting modes and aperture priority, shutter priority and three meter modes;

• increased photo capture -- high-performance shutter lag and continuous-shooting capabilities to capture sports, wildlife and fast-action events; and

• instant review of photos -- immediate LCD review on 2-inch color screen.

The PhotoSmart C912 and C618 digital cameras feature the Flashpoint Digita operating system, providing advanced capabilities, such as the ability to sort pictures and add text and sound -- all within the camera. Both cameras also include HP photo imaging software enabling users to quickly and easily download, manage, print and email photos.

U.S. Pricing and Availability

The HP PhotoSmart C912 and C618 digital cameras are expected to ship worldwide late this summer and will include a 16MB CompactFlash card, four AA Hi Energy Lithium photo batteries, a USB cable for both Windows® and Macintosh platforms, IR remote control and an audio/video cable. Pricing will be announced when the products become available.