#HP PHOTOSMART 7525 REVIEW CNET PLUS#

You can adjust exposure to plus or minus 2EV and choose average, center-weighted, or spot light metering. Exposure options include programmed auto, three scene presets, and an abbreviated but still useful aperture-priority mode that lets you select from two f-stop settings. The 3X zoom lens covers a focal-length range of 38mm to 114mm (35mm-camera equivalent) and opens to a slightly subpar variable maximum aperture of f/2.6 to f/5.0.

Point-and-shoot simplicity is the theme of the 735's feature set, but HP did add a few useful features to the basics. The 735 saves JPEG files and video clips to SD/MMC media. For example, when you scroll to automatic white balance, the explanation 'Camera adjusts color automatically' appears on the screen. If you're a novice, you'll appreciate the brief descriptions that accompany menu selections. You use these buttons to navigate the LCD menus. And with the bottom button, you can mark pictures for printing or e-mailing. You switch between shooting and playback with buttons instead of a dial. Still, we're mildly disappointed that you have to drill into them to activate exposure compensation and white balance. The menus themselves are well labeled and quick to operate. This navigation system worked adequately, but we prefer the four-way controllers you now find on many other models. The 735's controls are distributed across the camera's rear and top two arrows and an OK key beside the LCD let you surf the menus. These buttons let you select a flash setting, choose the picture quality, and scroll through photo modes on the status LCD. In an uncommon design move, HP provided separate buttons for shooting stills and video, so you don't have to turn a mode dial before capturing a subject. It offers a 3-megapixel resolution, a sharp Pentax 3X zoom lens, and a decent feature set that'll please anyone looking for a simple point-and-shoot. If you don't mind overly vivid colors, HP's Photosmart 735 is a solid value.

Hp photosmart 7525 review cnet