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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 <<Operation & User Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Image Storage & Interface>> Page 9:Camera Modes & Menus Review First Posted: 3/10/2001

Camera Modes and Menus

Capture Mode: Marked on the Mode switch with a camera symbol, the Capture mode is used to record digital images. Shutter speed, aperture, and white balance are all automatically controlled. Pressing the Menu dial in Capture mode displays the following Capture menu options:

• Quality: Adjusts the image size and quality settings. Options are Super Fine (1,280 x 960 pixels), Fine (1,280 x 960 pixels), and Basic (640 x 480 pixels).
• Flash: Places the built-in flash into Auto Flash (default), Auto Flash with Red-Eye Reduction, Fill Flash, or Flash Off operating modes.
• Focus: Switches between Autofocus and Macro settings.
• Self-Timer: Enables and disables the Self-Timer.
• Digital Zoom: Activates the 2x digital zoom, or returns it to the 1x setting.
• Set Up: Displays the following submenu:
  • Date & Time: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar settings.
  • Instant Review: Activates the Instant Review function, which displays the recently captured image on the LCD screen for a few seconds, allowing you to delete it.
  • Language: Changes the 215's menu language to English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian.
  • Reformat CF: Formats the CompactFlash card, erasing all images (even protected ones).
  • Exit: Exits the Set Up menu and returns to the main menu.

Playback Mode: This mode is labeled on the M ode switch with the traditional playback symbol, a triangle enclosed in a rectangle. Images can be reviewed, deleted, locked, or magnified. Pressing the Menu dial activates the following settings menu:

• Delete: Allows you to delete the currently selected image, or all images, from the memory card, except for those that have been locked. There's also an option to exit without deleting anything.
• View Thumbnails: Displays a nine-image thumbnail index page of the images captured on the CompactFlash card.
• Magnify: Enlarges the captured image to 2x for closer inspection of details.
• Lock: Write-protects the current image or all images on the memory card, preventing any accidental erasure (except from card formatting). Options are Lock/Unlock Current, Lock All, and Unlock All.
• Welcome Screen: Allows you to personalize your Welcome screen, meaning that you can select a captured image to appear on the LCD screen whenever the camera is switched on (in place of the HP logo).
• Set Up: Displays the following submenu:
  • Date & Time: Sets the camera's internal clock and calendar settings.
  • Instant Review: Activates the Instant Review function, which displays the recently captured image on the LCD screen for a few seconds, allowing you to delete it.
  • Language: Changes the 215's menu language to English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian.
  • Reformat CF: Formats the CompactFlash card, erasing all images (even protected ones).
  • Exit: Exits the Set Up menu and returns to the main menu.