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HP PhotoSmart 215 HP's entry-level model offers ease of use for beginning shooters. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PS215 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PS215 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Optics :(Previous) | (Next): Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests>> Page 6:Exposure & Flash Review First Posted: 3/10/2001

Exposure

In an effort to keep things simple, Hewlett-Packard has included virtually no exposure controls on the PhotoSmart 215, maintaining its positioning as a simple-to-use, point-and-shoot digicam. Exposure is automatic, with only one capture mode available. Apertures range from f/2.8 to f/8 and shutter speeds range from 1/750 to 1/3 second (which limits the camera's low-light capabilities without flash). Neither aperture nor shutter speed is reported in the status display panel. (We often like to see these settings reported, even if they are automatically controlled, so that we have some idea of what settings the camera has selected.) White balance is also automatically controlled, and there is no exposure compensation adjustment. The camera's light sensitivity is fixed at an ISO 100 equivalent.

By offering very few options in its settings menu, Hewlett-Packard accomplishes its goal to provide a very straightforward digicam for consumers who don't want to make a lot of exposure decisions. Though it does not feature a spot meter or exposure lock function, you can lock the exposure reading in the same manner that you lock the focus, by centering the target portion of the subject in the frame, depressing the shutter button halfway, reframing the subject with the shutter button halfway depressed, and then fully depressing the shutter button.

Aside from the Macro and Digital Zoom options offered in the settings menu, the 215 also offers a 10-second self-timer. Once the timer is enabled, a full press of the shutter button triggers the 10-second countdown before the shutter fires. The small, red LED on the front panel flashes slowly for the first eight seconds, then flashes rapidly for the remaining two. The self-timer is automatically canceled after the image is captured.

The 215 also features an Instant Review function, which displays the captured image immediately after exposure. The image can then be deleted before being saved to the memory card by pressing down on the Menu dial. You can turn Instant Review off through the settings menu (under the Setup option). The display only lasts a few seconds, enough time for the image to be recorded to the CompactFlash card.

Flash

The PhotoSmart 215 features a built-in flash with four operating modes: Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash, and Flash Off. As you'd expect, the Auto Flash places the camera in control of when to fire the flash, based on the existing light conditions. Auto with Red-Eye Reduction works in a similar manner, except the flash fires a small pre-flash before firing the flash at full power, to help reduce the effect of red eye. Finally, the On setting fires the flash with every exposure, regardless of light level, and Off simply disables the flash completely. The camera reports the flash mode in the small status display panel above the LCD monitor. If the flash icon is blinking, the flash is charging, and the camera will not allow you to take the exposure. Hewlett-Packard estimates the 215's flash to be effective from two to eight feet (0.6 to 2.5 meters).