Introduction

HP today announced the launch of the HP Photosmart R817 digital camera. Featuring a powerful Pentax 5x optical lens, 5.1 megapixel (MP) resolution and new intuitive HP Real Life technologies, the new HP digital camera make it easy for all photographers to capture unique detail in every picture. With the HP sculpted wave style finger grip and sleek stainless steel finish the camera is contoured to sit perfectly in the consumer's hand. The HP Photosmart R817 comes with a bold silver finish to compliment the cameras' smooth curves. The HP R817 advanced features include multi-zone auto focus for crisp accurate shots.
HP Photosmart R817 digital camera
Users are able to select shutter or aperture priority, or choose to take greater control by working within the ?full manual mode? in light sensitive situations, in order to capture more creative photographs. The new HP camera has an impressive 40x total zoom (5x digital, 8x optical) and the large 2 inch LCD screen makes it simple to quickly view images, indoors and out, allowing users to check their shots as soon as they are taken.
New modes
A choice of 15 unique shooting modes including action, landscape, beach and theatre mode, gives users a definitive solution for any scenario. The new 'theatre mode', for example, makes it easier to capture correctly exposed true-to-life photographs of concerts and performances at the touch of a button. Photographers can use this feature together with the extended zoom to get up close and personal, no matter where they are sitting.
HP Real Life technologies
In addition, the HP R817 camera benefit from a host of new and exclusive HP Real Life technologies. These landmark features include the new HP In-camera Panorama stitching, which allows users to 'stitch' together multi-shot photos of landscapes and sequences in the camera. The HP camera can seamlessly stitch up to 5 photos together, without the use of a PC, to create a single photo for easy printing. Panorama photos can then be previewed on the camera?s large LCD screen, allowing users to confirm that they?ve captured their desired shot.
Video mode
The HP Photosmart R817 is also equipped with a 'video mode', making it possible to capture the sights and sounds of every moment with picture perfect quality. Often, when reviewing video, photographers have a desire to extract specific frames or stills from the moving images. The HP Photosmart R817 digital cameras make it possible for users to print ?stills? directly from video footage, without the need for a PC. Users can extract, print and share any of the moving pictures as single frame photographs.
HP Adaptive Lighting Technology
Other HP Real Life technologies featured on the R817 camera include HP Adaptive Lighting Technology, which automatically brightens selected areas of high contrast photos to give brighter, more true-to-life shots. Also, HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal ensures that all photos taken turn out flawless, by amending the images whilst they are still in the camera, without the aid of a PC or additional software.
Waterproof housing
To protect the camera, wherever it goes, users can purchase the new optional HP Photosmart Scuba/Underwater Camera Case. This brilliantly engineered housing allows users to travel to previously unexplored depths of up to 40 metres (130 feet). The innovative 'snap-on' design gives users unrestricted access to all the functions of the camera, including the LCD screen and flash.
HP Photosmart R-Series Digital Camera Docking station
The camera can be purchased with or without an optional HP Photosmart R-Series Digital Camera Docking station, which creates a quick connection to both a PC and Mac. Using HP Instant Share software the dock makes it easy to download, print and email images straight from the camera. This multi-functional docking station can recharge the Lithium-Ion battery while it?s in the camera, as well as providing an extra charging bay for a second battery that is included with the dock. The dock can also be connected to a TV to allow easy viewing of photos as a slideshow using the ultra-slim remote control.
HP Photosmart R-Series Weather-Resistant Jacket
For more day-to-day protection, users can purchase the optional HP Photosmart R-Series Weather-Resistant Jacket to protect the camera. Offering a strong outer layer, this jacket in no way reduces the functionality of the camera, working instead to protect its sleek sharp looks from the bumps and bruises of everyday use. The HP Photosmart R817 Digital Camera is available bundled with the HP Photosmart R-Series Docking Station at a recommended street price of 349 pounds including VAT or can be purchased on its own for 299 pounds incl. VAT. Shipping date: end July 2005