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HP PhotoSmart 315 HP's "entry-level+" model offers 2.1 megapixels and ease of use at a bargain price. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PhotoSmart 315 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 PhotoSmart 315 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Design :(Previous) | (Next): Optics>> Page 4:Viewfinder Review First Posted: 03/14/2001

Viewfinder
The PhotoSmart 315 features both a real image optical viewfinder and a color LCD monitor for composing images. The optical viewfinder is protected by the sliding lens cover, and thus only offers a view when the cover is open. Though the eyepiece does not feature a diopter adjustment dial, it has a high eyepoint to accommodate eyeglass wearers. Protruding slightly from the back panel, the eyepiece view is visible from a fair distance and should be comfortable for most lenses. The optical viewfinder features a central autofocus and exposure target crosshair to help line up shots. An LED on the eyepiece reports the camera's status, lighting a solid green when focus and exposure are set. A flashing green LED indicates that the autofocus system is having trouble focusing on the subject. The LED lights red when the camera is performing a function or accessing the memory card.

The 1.8-inch, color LCD monitor dominates the center of the camera's back panel, and is made up of 72,000 pixels. When the camera is in Record mode (the lens cover is open), the blue Display button controls the LCD image display, turning it on or off. The LCD monitor does not feature an information display in Record mode. Instead, limited camera settings are reported on the small status display panel on top of the camera, including image quality, flash mode, battery consumption level, and number of available images. An LCD brightness adjustment, available through the camera's settings menu, increases or decreases the LCD brightness for better viewing in a variety of shooting conditions.

The blue Display button activates Playback mode when the camera's lens cover is closed. A limited information display on the LCD monitor reports the time and date that the image was taken, the file number, and the quality setting for just a few seconds when the image is first displayed. Also in Playback mode, the LCD monitor offers a nine image index display, as well as an image enlargement function for close-up viewing of image details.