HP PhotoSmart 315HP's "entry-level+" model offers 2.1 megapixels and ease of use at a bargain price.<<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User InterfaceReview First Posted: 03/14/2001 |
Operation and User Interface
Like the PhotoSmart 215, the 315 has a very simple user interface, with a few more external controls to access camera features without using the LCD menu. For example, the Menu dial has been replaced with a five-way controller (OK/Arrow rocker pad), and the Flash, Self-Timer, and Quality options have all been removed from the settings menu and added to the external controls. As the LCD menu system is already very limited on the 215, this reduces the 315's Record menu to only three options: Digital Zoom, Set Up, and Review On/Off. It appears that HP took advantage of this limited LCD menu to add some fun, animated graphics. (So fun, in fact, that you may be distracted long enough to miss your shot!)
A small status display panel reports four critical camera settings: Quality, Flash, remaining battery power, and the number of shots left on the CompactFlash card. Combined with the additional external controls, this makes the 315 fairly easy to operate without activating the LCD monitor, thus saving precious battery power.
Control Enumeration
Sliding Lens Cover: This sliding cover protects the lens and optical viewfinder window on the front of the camera. When opened, the camera powers on and enters Record mode automatically. Closing the cover turns the camera off again.
Shutter Button: Located on the far right of the camera's top panel, this blue button sets focus and exposure when halfway pressed in Record mode. When pressed all the way, it triggers the shutter to open. In Self-Timer mode, a full press of this button starts the 10-second countdown. In Playback mode, this button activates the JetSend function, which uses an infrared beam to transfer images to other JetSend devices, such as printers.
Flash Button: Also located on the camera's top panel, under the lower right corner of the status display panel, this button controls the flash mode -- cycling between Auto, Auto with Red-Eye Reduction, On, and Off. When pressed in conjunction with the Quality button next to it, this button activates the Self-Timer mode. This combination of buttons also cancels the Self-Timer mode.
Quality Button: Directly to the left of the Flash button, this button controls the image quality setting. Choices are Super Fine (1,600 x 1,200 pixels), Fine (1,600 x 1,200 pixels), and Basic (640 x 480 pixels). When pressed simultaneously with the Flash button, this button activates or deactivates the Self-Timer mode.
Display Button: This tiny blue button is on the camera's back panel, at the top right corner of the LCD monitor, and turns the monitor on or off in Record mode. When the camera's lens cover is closed, this button powers on the camera and places it in Playback mode. A second press of the button powers the camera off again.
Menu Button: Just below the Display button on the camera's back panel, the Menu button turns on and off the LCD settings menu in either Playback or Record modes. (NOTE: Pressing this button in Record mode with the LCD monitor switched off does not engage the menu. You have to activate the LCD monitor and then press the Menu button.)
OK/Arrow Rocker Pad: Also located on the camera's back panel, the OK/Arrow rocker pad has four arrows, each pointing in a different direction (up, down, right, left), and a center OK button. In any settings menu, these buttons navigate through menu selections. Pressing the center of the pad confirms menu changes. In Record mode, pressing the Up and Down arrows controls the Digital Zoom function (up to 2.5x). In Playback mode, the Left and Right buttons scroll through captured images. When a captured image has been enlarged, all four arrows can be used to move around within the enlarged image and view each section.
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