Digital Home Thoughts: HP Unveils New Cameras and Camcorders

"HP today introduced five point-and-shoot digital cameras and three camcorders with features such as LCD displays, up to 5X optical zoom and fashionable colors. The cameras and camcorders come in slim, lightweight designs at prices ranging from $99 to $199.(1) They are expected to be available this spring at select retailers. Adding to its growing portfolio of touch-enabled notebooks and desktops, HP now features LCD touchscreen displays on select cameras and camcorders. In addition, select models feature a new intuitive user interface that makes them a snap to use. Interface improvements include a high color contrast to help ensure better visibility of menus and a choice of more than 25 scene modes to help ensure photos are of the highest quality. When choosing a scene mode, the display shows two images - how the photo will look in auto mode and how it will look in the selected scene mode. For example, choosing "snow" mode during a ski trip can transform overly bright, washed-out photos into vibrant depictions of the snowcapped mountains."

Frankly, I haven't seen an HP digital camera in so long that I thought they exited this business - but it seems not, as a quick search of the Best Buy Web site shows two models for sale. But full-on camcorders and pocket video cameras? I believe that's new ground for HP. I'm going to un-pack those products in a separate post...after I dig around to find the info and pictures on them. HP never makes this easy for me!