HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera

HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera

Hewlett-Packard announced the first 1-megapixel camera with digital zoom available for under $400 -- the HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera.

HP believes the PhotoSmart C30 camera, which also features enhanced image-quality capabilities, provides the best price/value ratio ever offered in a 1-megapixel digital camera.

"This combination of new features, coupled with a very competitive price, will put digital photography within reach for even more users," said Cheryl Katen, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. "Whether they're looking for a high-quality photo or want an image to send over the Web, this digital camera will meet their needs."

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera's improved image quality is based on a built-in CCD (charged-coupled device) and primary-color (RGB) filter and HP's image-processing enhancements. These image-quality features help users create bright, true-to-life photos that offer exceptional clarity. The new RGB filter is designed to reduce the chromatic noise level and capture images that are sharper and more pleasing to the eye. The color sensor also enhances image sharpness and color fidelity, creating more appealing images with noticeably finer details and rich, fully saturated colors.

The camera's 2X digital zoom enables users to minimize file size and boost image size by cropping out unwanted portions of a photo. The new feature provides users with photos that are instantly ready to e-mail to friends and colleagues.

Digital zoom is built into the HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera, making it unnecessary for users to tote around heavy, breakable lenses. The user still has the convenience of a compact, lightweight camera with the advantage of zoom.

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera comes with a color LCD (liquid crystal display) located on the rear panel of the camera. The color display allows users to preview photos they want to take, review and select the photos they want to upload to their PCs or delete unwanted photos on the spot.

The camera ships with a 4MB removable CompactFlash memory card, which acts like re-usable digital film. The camera works with all industry-standard CompactFlash cards, which are available in various capacities, and it also includes an ac adapter and long-life batteries.

The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera comes with HP photo-finishing software, which automatically downloads photos whenever the camera is connected to a PC; features index-page printing; and provides exclusive page-layout capabilities to enable efficient use of paper.

U.S. Pricing and Availability: The HP PhotoSmart C30 digital camera, available now, is expected to sell for approximately $399 through retailers in North America. The camera is expected to be introduced in other regions of the world at later dates.

HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

www.hp.com

HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera

HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera

Hewlett-Packard introduced the HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera, a full-featured, high-resolution (one megapixel) digital camera that allows users to capture and view special moments quickly and easily. This is the second HP digital camera after the HP PhotoSmart.

The PhotoSmart C20 digital camera provides home consumers with everything they need to take real photographs. Snapshots taken with the camera and printed on the HP PhotoSmart printer produce 3.5-inch by 5-inch photographs with the look and feel of conventional photos.

HP PhotoSmart C20 Digital Camera Features

The PhotoSmart C20 digital camera, which ships with an AC adapter, batteries and everything users need to begin taking real photographs immediately, was designed to include the features digital-camera users value most.

A color display on the rear panel of the new digital camera enables users to preview photos they want to take. They also can review and select the photographs they want to upload to their PCs and edit out shots they don't want. A new integrated TV connection with an extra-long cable (16.4 feet) allows users to display photographs on their TVs in the comfort of their living rooms -- or in their hotel rooms during vacations or business trips.

The camera comes with a high-capacity removable CompactFlash memory card, which acts like re-usable digital film, giving users unlimited photo-taking capabilities. A 4MB card ships with every camera. Up to 30MB flash memory cards also are available.

"The HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera gives new meaning to 'instant gratification,'" said Irene Pecenco, general manager of HP's Home Imaging Division. "Users can view their photos immediately on their computers or TVs; they no longer have to wait for the photo-processing lab. Using their PCs and the PhotoSmart printer and photographic paper, they can produce snapshots, reprints and creative projects in the comfort of their own homes."

New HP Photo-finishing Software

The HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera includes new PhotoSmart photo-finishing software, which automatically downloads photos when the camera is connected to a PC. Users can then print an index print of all their photos for easy viewing and selection -- all within 45 minutes of opening the box. New exclusive page-layout features allow users to use paper efficiently by printing multiple photographs on the same sheet of paper.

The new HP PhotoSmart photo-finishing software also provides advanced image-management features that enable users to crop, lighten or darken, adjust color and add captions or text to their photos before printing.

U.S. Pricing and Availability: The HP PhotoSmart C20 digital camera is expected to sell for about $699. The new photo-finishing software is included in the box with every camera. The camera is expected to be available in North America in the spring.

HEWLETT-PACKARD COMPANY

www.hp.com