Hewlett Packard CW450t Review

HP CW450t Overview

Posted: 02/19/2010

Hewlett Packard's CW450t digital camera is based around the combination of a 1/2.3"-type CCD image sensor with 12.2 effective megapixel resolution, and a 4x optical zoom lens. The HP CW450t's lens has actual focal lengths ranging from 5.05 to 20.2mm, which translates to a range of 29 to 110mm in 35mm-equivalents - a useful wide angle to a moderate telephoto. Maximum aperture varies from f/2.8 to f/6.3 across the zoom range.

Images are framed and reviewed solely on a 2.7" LCD panel, with the HP CW450t forgoing any form of optical or electronic viewfinder. Interestingly for an entry-level model, HP has overlaid a touch panel on the LCD, allowing it to be used as an input device. The camera can be triggered to focus and trip the shutter by touching on the subject, and the touch panel is also used to swipe through menu options, to control playback zoom, etc. ISO sensitivity ranges from 50 to 1,600 equivalents ordinarily. At a reduced resolution of three megapixels or below, the upper limit increases to ISO 3,200. Dropping the resolution to just 1.2 megapixels unlocks the maximum sensitivity of ISO 6,400 equivalent. A generous twenty five scene modes are available, including night, candle light and auction, allowing a modicum of control over the look of images. An Intelligent Scene mode automatically sets the camera up as determined appropriate to the current scene.  Both Smile Shutter and Blink Detection features are available to help ensure portraits look their best.

As well as EXIF 2.2-compliant JPEG still images, the HP CW450t can capture video in AVI (Motion JPEG) format, although the resolution and frame rate is unspecified in the product spec sheet. Data is stored on Secure Digital or SDHC cards, but not the newer SDXC types. Power comes courtesy of two AA batteries, and given the absence of a charger in the product bundle, these are most likely single-use disposables. Connectivity includes USB, with the speed / type being unspecified.

The Hewlett Packard CW450t is priced at about $110, and available in both blue and merlot body colors. A one year limited hardware warranty is included.