The Imaging Resource

Quick Review

Hewlett Packard Photosmart 945 Digital Camera

	Camera QuickLook
	By	Dave Etchells and Mike Tomkins
	Review Date	8/27/2004
	User Level	Novice to Experienced
	Product Uses	Family / Travel
	Digicam Design	Point and Shoot, Some Manual Control
	Picture Quality	Very Good, 5.3-megapixel CCD
	Print Sizes	4x6, 5x7, 8x10 inches
	Availability	Now
	Suggested Retail Price	$449.99

Camera Overview

Looking much like a shrunk-down version of a 35mm "big lens" SLR, Hewlett Packard's Photosmart 945 offers the benefit of a powerful Fuji 8x optical zoom and a choice of automatic or some manual controls in a reasonably compact, user-friendly package. Measuring a mere 4.8 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches (123 x 85 x 85 millimeters) and weighing 17.8 ounces (504 grams) with the batteries and SD memory card, the Photosmart 945 is just a little larger than average compared to other recent long-zoom cameras, and a bit too chunky for a shirt pocket. It should fit into larger coat pockets, purses, and backpacks without trouble though. A neck/shoulder strap comes with the 945, for more secure portability. Covered in charcoal-gray plastic body panels, the 945's body is built around the large lens barrel. A substantial rubberized handgrip provides a solid hold, and provides room to house the four AA batteries that power the camera. A plastic lens cap protects the telescoping lens, but tethers to the camera body to prevent it from being accidentally lost. The 945 features a 5.08-effective megapixel CCD, which produces high resolution images for making sharp prints as large as 8x10 inches, as well as lower resolution images better suited for email distribution. With its range of exposure options, 8x optical zoom, and high resolution CCD, the 945 is a versatile and capable performer.

The Photosmart 945 is equipped with an impressive 8x, 7.6-61mm lens manufactured by Fuji Photo Optical Co. Ltd., the equivalent of a 37-300mm lens on a 35mm camera. This represents a range from a moderate wide-angle to a fairly substantial telephoto. This lens appears to be the same as used on the Photosmart 850 model that was announced in September 2002. Maximum aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/3.1, depending on the lens zoom setting. Focus ranges from 1.6 feet (0.5 meters) to infinity in normal mode, with a macro setting ranging from 3.9 to 39.4 inches (10 to 100 centimeters). As well as standard and macro focus modes, the 945 also offers the ability to lock focus at infinity, and (a new addition over the 850) to set focus manually. An unusual feature of the 945 is "Focus Search Priority", which allows you to bias the autofocus to objects that are nearer to or further from the camera, should the focus area at the center of the frame include objects at different distances. A focus assist light is available to aid with focusing on nearby subjects under poor lighting conditions.

In addition to the optical zoom, the Photosmart 945 offers as much as 7x digital zoom. (I always remind readers though, that digital zoom inevitably decreases the overall image quality because it simply enlarges the central pixels of the CCD's image.) For composing images, the Photosmart 945 offers a 2.0-inch LCD monitor, as well as a smaller, electronic optical viewfinder LCD display. The 945 switches between the two displays so that only one is active at a time. This can either be accomplished courtesy of an "Eyestart Sensor" below the Electronic viewfinder, or manually by pressing the Live View button. Full information and image displays including the LCD menus are available on both displays.

When it comes to exposure, the Photosmart 945 offers a range of options, controlled by the Exposure Mode dial on top of the camera. Main exposure modes include Auto, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes, with three preset Scene modes and a Movie mode available as well. In Auto mode, the camera handles aperture and shutter speed, but allows the user to adjust all other exposure settings. Aperture and Shutter Priority modes provide partial manual control, letting the user adjust one variable while the camera selects the other. Aperture settings range from f/2.8 to f/12.4, with the actual maximum and minimum values depending on the lens zoom position. Shutter speeds range from 1/2,000 to 16 seconds in Shutter Priority mode. The three Digital Subject Program modes include Action, Landscape, and Portrait modes, for shooting in common, yet sometimes challenging, situations.

By default, the 945 employs a Center-weighted metering system, which reads the entire frame and places emphasis on the center to determine the exposure. Through the Record menu, however, you can opt for Average or Spot metering modes. Also located in the Record menu is an Exposure Compensation option, adjustable from -3 to +3 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third step increments. Light sensitivity is adjustable to ISO values of 100, 200, or 400, with an Auto setting as well. White Balance options include Auto, Sun, Shade, Tungsten, and Fluorescent light sources, as well as a Manual setting for manually adjusting the color balance with a white card. The Record menu also offers Sharpness, Contrast, and Saturation adjustments, as well as a Color setting with Full Color, Black and White and Sepia color options. A Digital Flash option simulates the effect of a fill flash by boosting brightness in shadow areas of images. The Photosmart 945 features a built-in, manual pop-up flash, which operates in Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction, On, On with Red-Eye Reduction, Night, or Night with Red-Eye Reduction modes (the flash is disabled altogether by pushing down on it to lock it in the stored position).

In Movie exposure mode, the camera captures 288 x 208-pixel resolution moving images with sound. The recording time per segment is limited to approximately 60 seconds, with a frame rate of 15 frames per second. Unusually, while on most cameras the lens can't be zoomed while recording to prevent noise from the lens motor from affecting the sound track, the Photosmart 945 allows use of the optical zoom during movie recording. We'd like to see more manufacturers take this approach - some users may find that the noise captured by the microphone is less objectionable than being limited to digital zoom. The camera's Self-Timer mode provides two choices, both starting with a 10-second delay between the time the Shutter button is pressed and the time that the camera actually takes the picture, allowing you to get into your own shots. The second of the two Self-Timer modes captures two shots, with a delay of several seconds in between - useful in case somebody blinks in the first shot. For shooting fast action subjects, the Photosmart 945's Burst mode captures a rapid series of images while you hold down the Shutter button, much like a motor drive on a traditional 35mm camera. In Burst mode, you can capture from 4-6 frames at about 1.8 frames per second. The actual frame rate and number of images in a series will depend on the resolution setting, subject matter, and the amount of available memory space.

The Photosmart 945 stores its images on SD memory cards, and a 32MB card accompanies the camera. (The camera also works with the slightly less expensive MMC cards.) I highly recommend picking up a larger capacity card right away, so you don't miss any important shots. (Currently, a 128 MB card represents a good tradeoff between capacity and cost.) Connection to a host computer for image download is via USB. The Photosmart 945 is a "storage-class" device, which means that it doesn't require any separate driver software for Windows 2000 and XP, or for Mac OS 8.6 and later. The camera utilizes four AA-type batteries for power, and a set of single-use Photo Lithium batteries accompanies the camera. As always, I recommend picking up at least two sets of high-capacity rechargeable NiMH batteries and a good charger, and keeping a set freshly charged at all times. Click here to read my "battery shootout" page to see which batteries currently on the market are best, or here for my review of the Maha C-204F charger, my longtime favorite. The optional AC adapter is also useful for preserving battery power when reviewing and downloading images, or when viewing images and movies on a television, via the supplied A/V cable.

• 5.08- effective megapixel CCD.
• Electronic optical viewfinder (EVF).
• 2.0-inch, 180k pixel color TFT LCD monitor with anti-reflection coating.
• 8x, 7.6-61mm lens, equivalent to a 37-300mm lens on a 35mm camera.
• 7x digital zoom.
• Automatic, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority exposure modes, plus three preset Digital Subject Program modes.
• Shutter speeds from 1/2,000 to 16 seconds.
• Maximum aperture f/2.8 to f/3.1, depending on lens zoom position.
• Built-in flash with seven modes.
• SD/MMC memory card storage, 32MB card included.
• Images saved as JPEG files.
• Power supplied by four AA-type batteries or optional AC adapter.
• HP Photo and Imaging Software and HP Memories Disc Creator software, and USB drivers included for both Windows and Mac platforms.
• ArcSoft Funhouse software included in standard Photosmart 945 bundle, and ArcSoft Panorama Maker included in Photosmart 945xi bundle.

Special Features

• QVGA movie mode with sound recording.
• Optical Zoom can optionally be used in Movie mode (but is clearly audible in recorded movies)
• Burst shooting mode.
• 10-second Self-Timer and double-shot Self Timer for delayed shutter release.
• Voice Memo mode for recording captions.
• White balance (color) adjustment with six modes, including a manual setting.
• Adjustable ISO with three sensitivity settings and an Auto mode.
• Average, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options.
• Color, Sharpness, and Contrast adjustments.
• Two-step "Digital Flash" function boost brightness of shadow areas in pictures, simulating fill flash
• Supports Direct Printing via USB to HP Photosmart printers, some HP All-in-ones and USB-equipped HP Deskjet printers (cable included).
• A/V cable for connection to a television set.
• USB cable for connection to a computer (driver software included).

Recommendation
With its 8x optical zoom lens, automatic and selected manual exposure controls, and interesting "Digital Flash" function, the Photosmart 945 is a full-featured yet surprisingly affordable long-zoom digicam. Though the camera features some manual exposure capabilities, its simplified user interface and available automatic modes make it approachable for less-experienced novices who want to gradually learn more about digital photography. A 5.08-effective megapixel CCD delivers good quality images, with enough resolution to make sharp 8x10 prints, with a lower resolution option available for email and other electronic uses. The 945 is compact enough for travel, given that it is a long-zoom model, and has enough exposure features to handle most situations. The 945 would make a good choice for anyone looking for a long-zoom digicam with ample features, but at an affordable price.

Design

Hewlett Packard's Photosmart brand name covers a wide array of digital cameras designed to suit a wide range of experience levels and price points, from entry level to models offering high resolution and long zoom lenses. The newest addition to the pack is HP's Photosmart 945. The 945 offers a range of exposure control options, and a long-ratio 8x zoom lens, with an easy to learn user interface, all at an affordable price. Compared to the Photosmart 850, changes in the 945 include a higher resolution and slightly larger sensor, improved exposure and focusing options, and a new body that offers improved control layout in a more professional looking charcoal grey and black plastic. Shaped like a miniaturized 35mm SLR, the 945's plastic body with contrasting rubber handgrip is sleek and sophisticated, and sports only a few external controls. Measuring 4.5 x 3.3 x 3.3 inches (115 x 85 x 85 millimeters), the Photosmart 945 is rather too bulky for shirt pockets, but should slip into larger coat pockets and purses without trouble. The camera's plastic body helps keep the weight down, despite the large 8x zoom lens, at 17.8 ounces (504 grams) with the batteries and SD memory card. A neck strap accompanies the camera for easy toting, but I'd recommend picking up a small camera case to protect the finish of the charcoal grey plastic body panels when traveling.

The front of the 945 is dominated by the large lens and handgrip. When powered on, the lens extends approximately one and a half inches from the camera front. A plastic lens cap clamps onto the lens for protection, and tethers to the camera body with a small strap. A set of filter threads around the inside lip of the lens barrel on the body of the camera accommodate 55mm accessory lenses and filters via an optional accessory adapter. Also on the front panel is the autofocus assist lamp (to the left of the pop-up flash, when looking at the camera from the rear), which doubles as an indicator lamp for the self-timer. On the other side of the flash is the two-hole grille for the microphone. A substantial handgrip provides a firm hold on the camera, with plenty of room for your fingers to curve around the leatherette-finish rubber grip. While it offers plenty to grab onto, the handgrip is also small enough to be comfortable for users with smaller hands.

On the right side of the 945 (as viewed from the rear) is the Secure Digital card slot door, and slightly above this is the Power / Memory light, which lights solid green to indicate the power is on, solid amber to indicate the camera is writing to the Secure Digital card, blinking green to indicate that the camera is powered off and charging the batteries, and blinking red to indicate that the batteries are depleted. The rest of this side of the camera is blank apart from one of the neck strap attachment eyelets

The opposite side of the camera features the second neck strap eyelet, just above the connector panel. A soft rubber cover attached to the camera protects the connectors, bending aside to reveal them. The camera's USB, A/V and DC In connector terminals are located on the connector panel under this cover. Also visible on this side of the camera is the diopter adjustment dial surrounding the viewfinder eyepiece.

On the Photosmart 945's top panel is the pop-up flash compartment and release lever. A nine-hole speaker grille, the camera's Exposure Mode dial, and the Shutter button are also located on top of the camera.

The remaining camera controls are on the rear panel, along with the electronic optical viewfinder (EVF) and 2.0-inch color LCD monitor. The EVF is surrounded by a dioptric adjustment knob with a fairly wide range of adjustment, although a somewhat low eyepoint meant that I had to mash my eyeglass lens against the eyepiece in order to see the whole frame. Between the electronic optical viewfinder and the LCD are an infrared transmitter and receiver, which together are used to detect when your eye is close to the electronic viewfinder. To the right of this, above the LCD monitor, are the Flash, Timer / Burst, and Macro / Manual Focus buttons. Along the right side of the LCD monitor are the Live View, Playback, and Print buttons. To the right of the Print button is the Email button. The Power slider sits at the bottom right of the camera, directly below the Four-Way Controller with central OK button. Finally, at the top right of the camera's rear is a two-way Zoom Rocker button..

The 945's bottom panel is fairly flat, with a metal threaded tripod mount under the lens (a good position for people interested in panoramic photography), and the battery compartment at the base of the handgrip. The tripod mount is just far enough away from the battery compartment to allow quick battery changes while working on a tripod. I always appreciate this, given the amount of studio work I do, and am glad that the battery and memory card slots are both accessible while working on a tripod. One note is that the tripod mount is at the very rear of the camera, which may not provide the most stable platform for mounting the camera. A sliding switch locks and unlocks the battery compartment door, to prevent it from accidentally flying open while shooting. Also located on the bottom of the camera is a connector for the optional HP Photosmart 8881 camera dock, covered by a rubber plug which is not attached to the camera (you'll want to be very careful not to lose this plug, which can be a bit difficult to remove with short fingernails, and so thankfully isn't likely to get knocked out by mistake).

Camera Operation

With only a handful of external camera controls and a well-organized LCD menu system, the Photosmart 945's user interface is straightforward and easy to grasp. The Mode dial on the top panel controls the camera's main operating mode and the level of exposure control available. The 945's efficiently laid out LCD menu system is easy to understand and relatively quick to navigate. Given the camera's straightforward setup and user-friendly design, most users should be able to operate the camera right out of the box, referring to the manual only for more complex operations.

Record-Mode Viewfinder Display: In record mode, the 945 displays an information overlay on the LCD screen or electronic viewfinder, which cannot be disabled. Information shown includes exposure mode (except in Auto mode), capture menu settings (if not default, including white balance, metering mode, ISO sensitivity, Digital Flash function, saturation, contrast, and sharpness), exposure compensation (if a compensation adjustment has been made), image size and quality setting, flash status, burst mode, self timer, macro mode, manual focus, infinity focus, number of shots remaining on the memory card, battery life remaining, and a set of focusing brackets. Aperture and shutter speed are reported when the Shutter button is halfway pressed.

Playback-Mode Viewfinder Display: In playback mode, the 945 displays the current image, a battery gauge, and an indication of the current image number and how many images are on the flash card. A limited information display can be called up through the playback menu. For still images, this offers a display of the capture menu settings (if not default, including white balance, metering mode, ISO sensitivity, Digital Flash function, saturation, contrast, and sharpness), shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation (if a compensation adjustment has been made), ISO sensitivity (duplicating the previous capture menu display if ISO was set manually), image file name, zoom setting (including digital zoom), file size, macro mode, flash mode, image size and quality, and date. For movie files, the information display includes file name, file size, date, and clip length.

Pressing the up or down-arrow key on the Four-Way arrow pad, or the right-arrow key after the last image in the series, calls up the Total Images Summary screen, listing the number of images on the flash card, the number of images which can be taken using the current settings, and the number of images marked for printing or sharing. Through the playback menu you can also zoom in up to 150x (although at such a high zoom you're literally only seeing an area of about 17 x 13 pixels, even at the highest image quality) to check fine details, focus and framing, and can scroll the enlarged viewing window around the full image using the camera's arrow keys.

Camera Modes and Menus

• Capture Menu
  • EV Compensation: Allows the exposure compensation to be adjusted from -3 to +3 exposure equivalents (EV) in 1/3 EV steps.
  • White Balance: Adjusts the overall color balance of the scene. Options include Auto, Sun, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, or Manual.
  • AE Metering: Specifies the metering system to use. Options include Average, Center-Weighted or Spot.
  • ISO Speed: Sets the camera's sensitivity to Auto, 100, 200 or 400 ISO equivalents.
  • Digital Flash : Accesses the camera's Digital Flash function, not to be confused with the pop-up flash. "Digital Flash" is HP's name for a function of the camera's firmware which brightens shadow areas of images, simulating the effect of fill flash (but with an attendant increase in image noise in the boosted areas of the image). The effect is similar to that of "dodging" specific areas of an image in the photo studio. Options include Off, Low, and High - giving two possible levels at which the Digital Flash function can be applied.
  • Color: Chooses whether the camera records images in Full Color, Black and White, or Sepia tones.
  • Resolution: Adjusts the still image resolution to 2,608 x 1,952 (5MP) or 1,296 x 976 (1MP) pixels.
  • Compression: Specifies the JPEG compression level for still images. Options are Good (*), Better (**), or Best (***).
  • Saturation: Controls the level of image saturation, with choices of Low, Medium or High.
  • Sharpness: Adjusts the in-camera image sharpening, with choices of Low, Medium or High.
  • Contrast: Controls the level of image contrast, with choices of Low, Medium or High.
  • Setup: Calls up the Setup menu, described below.
    
    
    
    

Playback Mode: This mode allows you to review captured images on the memory card, erase them, protect them, set them up for printing, etc. Pressing the Menu button displays the following options:

• Playback Menu
  • Play / Record Audio: Allows you to record up to 60 seconds of audio to accompany a still image, or to play a video or the audio attached to a still image.
  • Delete: Deletes single or multiple images or video files, or formats the flash card. Options in the resulting Delete menu are Cancel, This Image, Audio Only, All Images, or Format Card.
  • Magnify: Accesses the playback zoom function, allowing you to use the Zoom Rocker button to digitally enlarge the image as much as 150x (although at such a high zoom you're literally only seeing an area of about 17 x 13 pixels, even at the highest image quality). Once zoomed in, you can pan around the image with the Four-Way Arrow Pad. This option is not accessible when viewing a movie file.
  • Image Info : For still images, this offers a display of the capture menu settings (if not default, including white balance, metering mode, ISO sensitivity, Digital Flash function, saturation, contrast, and sharpness), shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation (if a compensation adjustment has been made), ISO sensitivity (duplicating the previous capture menu display if ISO was set manually), image file name, zoom setting (including digital zoom), file size, macro mode, flash mode, image size and quality, and date. For movie files, the information display includes file name, file size, date, and clip length..
  • Setup: Calls up the Setup menu, described below.
    
    
    
    
    

Setup Mode: The following Setup menu options are accessible through both the Record and Playback menu screens, as an option at the bottom of the menu:

• Setup Menu
  • Camera Sounds: Adjusts the volume of camera sounds, with options including High, Low or Off.
  • Eye Start: Enables or disables the camera's Eye Start function, which uses an infrared transmitter and receiver to detect when your eye is against the Electronic Optical Viewfinder. Options are On or Off. If set to On, the Live View button enables / disables the LCD display, and has no effect when the viewfinder is in use. If set to off, the Live View button switches between the LCD display and viewfinder.
  • Focus Assist Light: Enables or disables the bright orange focus assist LED located on the front of the camera. Options are Auto, which allows the camera to use the focus assist lamp when necessary, or Off, which prevents the focus assist lamp being used.
  • LCD Brightness: Offers a two-step adjustment to the LCD brightness, trading off battery life for a more visible LCD display in bright ambient lighting conditions. Choices are Indoor or Outdoor.
  • Instant Review: Turns the Instant Review function on or off, which displays an image immediately post-capture. If enabled, the review time can be set to two, four, or six seconds.
  • Auto Power Off: Sets the camera to shut itself off after 3, 6, or 10 minutes of inactivity, or disables the automatic power off.
  • Date & Time: Sets the camera's internal calendar and clock.
  • USB: Selects whether the camera should appear as a PTP imaging device or use the MSDC protocol to appear as a disk drive when connected to a computer via USB.
  • TV: Selects the video signal timing as either NTSC or PAL.
  • Language: Changes the menu language to English, German, Spanish, French, or Italian.
  • Remembered Settings: Selects which settings should be remembered when the camera is powered off and back on again. Options include Flash, Focus, Burst, EV Compensation, White Balance, ISO Speed, AE Metering, Digital Flash, and Color.
  • Reset Settings: Resets some or all camera settings to those initially set at the factory. A subsequent Reset Menu offers a choice of Cancel, All Capture Settings (Flash, Focus, Timer / Burst, and Capture Menu settings are restored to defaults), or Reset All Settings (all settings except for Date & Time, Language, TV Configuration and USB Configuration are restored to defaults).
    
    
    

In the Box
Packaged with the Photosmart 945 are the following items:

• Neck strap.
• Lens cap with strap.
• AV cable.
• USB cable for camera to PC connection.
• USB cable for camera to printer connection.
• Dock insert for use with optional HP Photosmart 8881 camera dock
• 32MB SD memory card.
• Four single-use AA photo lithium batteries.
• HP Photo & Imaging software v2.0 for Microsoft Windows and Macintosh
• HP Memories Disc Creator v1.0
• ArcSoft Funhouse (Windows only) CD-ROM (Photosmart 945 only)
• ArcSoft Panorama Maker (Windows only) CD-ROM (Photosmart 945xi only)
• Operating manual and registration card.

 

Recommended Accessories

• Large capacity SD memory card.
• Two sets of rechargeable AA batteries and battery charger.
• AC adapter.
• Small camera case.
• Accessory lens adapter ring.
• Accessory lenses.

Recommended Software: Rescue your Photos!
Just as important as an extra memory card is a tool to rescue your images when one of your cards fails at some point in the future. I get a lot of email from readers who've lost photos due to a corrupted memory card. Memory card corruption can happen with any card type and any camera manufacturer, nobody's immune. A surprising number of "lost" images can be recovered with an inexpensive, easy to use piece of software though. Given the amount of email I've gotten on the topic, I now include this paragraph in all my digicam reviews. The program you need is called PhotoRescue, by DataRescue SA. Read our review of it if you'd like, but download the program now, so you'll have it. It doesn't cost a penny until you need it, and even then it's only $29, with a money back guarantee. So download PhotoRescue for Windows or PhotoRescue for Mac while you're thinking of it. (While you're at it, download the PDF manual and quickstart guide as well.) Stash the file in a safe place and it'll be there when you need it. Trust me, needing this is not a matter of if, but when... PhotoRescue is about the best and easiest tool for recovering digital photos I've seen. (Disclosure: IR gets a small commission from sales of the product, but I'd highly recommend the program even if we didn't.) OK, now back to our regularly scheduled review...

About Batteries
I've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that I now insert a standard notice in my reviews of AA-powered cameras: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. Buy two sets of batteries too, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Check out my Battery Shootout page for the latest in actual, measured performance of various AA batteries. - Read my review of the Maha C-204F charger, to learn why it's my longtime favorite.

 

Picky Details

Information on shooting speed, battery life, etc. can be found here.

 

Specifications

See the specifications sheet here.

 

Sample Pictures

See our sample pictures and detailed analysis here. The thumbnails below show a subset of our test images. Click on a thumbnail to see the full-size photo. For a set of more pictorial sample photos from the Photosmart 945, visit our Hewlett Packard Photosmart 945 photo gallery.

Outdoor	Indoor Flash	Indoor
House	Musicians	Macro
Davebox	Resolution	Viewfinder Accuracy