HP PHOTOSMART 320XI DIGITAL CAMERA 2.0MP RES 4X ZOOM 8MB MEMORY (HP (Hewlett-Packard)-Q2181A)
| Overall rating | 74 |
| Image quality: To gauge picture quality, we take a series of shots, with and without flash, at 640 by 480 resolution and at the camera's highest resolution. We photograph a complex still life and a mannequin to see how well each camera captures details and subtle colorings such as skin tones. A panel of judges reviews the on-screen and printed photos and assigns image-quality scores; we then average those scores. | Poor |
| Ease of use | Fair |
| Features | Limited |
| Maximum effective pixels | 2.06 megapixels at 1632 by 1632 |
| Bundled media | 8MB internal memory, Secure Digital media slot |
| Focal range (35mm equivalent) | 38mm |
| Aperture range | f4.5 to f4.5 |
| Shutter speed range (seconds) | 1/1.5 second to 1/1000 second |
| Viewfinders | Optical viewfinder, 1.5-inch LCD |
| Video/audio recording | Yes/No |
| Semiautomatic/manual modes | None |
| Optional lenses | None |
| Software | HP Photo & Imaging (with Share-to-Web software and HP Memories Disc Creator) |
| Battery score | Outstanding |
| Battery life | 621 shots, 307 minutes |
| Battery type | Two AA |
| Dimensions and weight | 4.7 by 1.7 by 2.7 inches; 7.2 ounces |
| Support policy score | Fair |
| Support policies | One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-call support for 16 hours on weekdays, plus Saturdays |

Bottom Line
The Photosmart 320 is a notably low-priced point-and-shoot camera, but most users will be better off spending a bit of extra money for a model that takes higher-quality pictures.
HP Photosmart 320
PHOTOSMART 320XI DIGITAL CAMERA 2.0MP RES 4X ZOOM 8MB MEMORY (HP (Hewlett-Packard)-Q2181A) Review, by Richard Baguley January 7, 2003

WHAT'S HOT: This camera is the least-expensive we've looked at recently by a considerable margin--and at $150 the price is certainly right for 2 megapixels. Also, the Photosmart 320 weighs in at only 7.2 ounces, making it one of the lightest cameras in our February 2002 comparison, though the camera is a little too large to fit comfortably into a pocket.
WHAT'S NOT: In our tests the 320 produced underwhelming images. Though the outdoor images had reasonably accurate colors, they were often underexposed, and there was a lot of obvious noise from the sensor in areas of flat color (such as blue skies). In the indoor photos, skin tones looked distinctly pale. The Photosmart 320 has no optical zoom, only a 4X digital zoom. The LCD screen on the back is small and difficult to see in bright light, but you also get an optical viewfinder. The flash, which is rather weak, doesn't penetrate more than a few feet in darkness.
WHAT ELSE: Two buttons are located on the top of the camera--the shutter button for still images and another for taking movies--and it is easy to inadvertently press the wrong one when you're holding the camera up to your eye. The 320 has a Secure Digital card slot, but it does not come with a storage card. Instead it uses 8MB of built-in memory, which is enough to hold only seven pictures at the highest resolution.
UPSHOT: The Photosmart 320 is a notably low-priced point-and-shoot camera, but most users will be better off spending a bit of extra money for a model that takes higher-quality pictures.
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Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
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Reviewed by: Mackwrench
Strengths: A very good camera for the price. I have used it extensively in all sorts of situations and it has performed wonderfully.
Weaknesses: A little slow on followup shots. Takes a little getting used to at first. LCD screen could be a little clearer
Overall: I have been very satisfied with this camera in the time that I have had it. It has never failed to perform to my expectations. For the price you can't beat it. This camera takes very good pictures for a 2.0mp. I print a lot of 8 by 10 pictures and the details are always very sharp.
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Reviewed by: Nutty
Strengths: Better and best are at 16by12. Better is very good. USB & 1394 cable for pc & printer. Has 2x4x D.zoom. Can take up to 128mb of ram 30 sec video
Weaknesses: 8mb of ram is not that much. Ram is SD style 30 sec video not good looking
Overall: Very good entry level Digital camera The value is good alots of options. Takes clear shots and for digital zoom the zoom is better than normal. Free 100mb of web space to post in forums or other sites My main reason for this was to post in forums pc parts does this and so much more better. Fun for making desktop screen saver on pc. Great for parties
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Reviewed by: michaellippke
Strengths: Quick and easy to learn to use, even for a beginner. Brilliant pictures, exciting to see! Price unbelieveable. I love it! ;O)
Weaknesses: Slow refresh rate, takes getting used to. Had to go and buy rechargeable batteries and a charger, it eats up normal batteries fast, perfect solution!
Overall: Highly recommended for first digital camera, you can't go wrong with it. Everything is included to DL pictures to your laptop, takes only 5 seconds for 50 pictures! I'll be using this camera for many years to come. Thank you. MRL
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Reviewed by: jimchet1978
Strengths: this camera is easy to use; takes execlant pictures; lot of fun and I paid $80 with rebate
Weaknesses: it's take a bit of time to take a picture because its so automatic
Overall: I got this camera on a $50 rebate deal at staples so paid $80. My pictures from my trip are posted on the web and were taken in 'low quality' mode ~ 300 pictures on the 32 mb chip. Batterys are good for ~ 100 pictures. I love it. Good 1st digital. Ok it takes a while to get used to as its so automatic before it snaps a picture. So if your in a bus motering fast you miss what you wanted..big deal delete that picture and try again. Very good for a beginner; very clear sharp pictures. Look for a rebate on it again. But even at $140 you will like this camera.
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Reviewed by: babwthr
Strengths: very easy to use
Overall: i love this camera it is very easy to use. the pictures are very clear and i can see what they will look like before i print them
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