If size matters and you like the look of the new R series then you might be interested in the new Photosmart M307 announced by HP today. The 3.2MP camera looks like a stretched version of the R507/R707, with a sleek aluminium front, rubberized plastic back and ‘wave-style’ finger grip. Aimed at the entry level market, it has a large 1.8-inch LCD monitor, 3x zoom, a 'fast-shot' mode plus video clips with sound.

Press Release:

HP Introduces a New, User-Friendly and Compact Digital Camera from the Sleek M-series Range

Sculpted design and clear, easy-to-use controls make the HP Photosmart M307 a natural choice for effortless digital photography

BOEBLINGEN, Germany, 2 August 2004. HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ ) today announced the launch of the new HP Photosmart M307 digital camera. Offering high-functioning features and superb ease-of-use at excellent value, this digital camera provides a successful digital photography experience for all users.

The HP Photosmart M307 features an impressive 3.2 MP resolution allowing for superb-quality prints up to A4 size (20 x 25 cm), with a 15x total zoom (3x optical and 5x digital). Its large 4.6 cm colour LCD screen has a high 130 pixel resolution and can be easily viewed even in outdoor conditions, allowing users to quickly and conveniently judge results and select favourite shots The fast-shot mode ensures that no photo opportunities go to waste, with a rapid shutter lag for capturing all the action. This stylish and sculpted digital camera also allows streaming video clips with audio to really enhance users’ digital photography, along with the ability to add audio annotation to still photos.

With a sleek exterior and intuitive easy-to-use features, the HP Photosmart M307 ensures clear digital photographs to be proud of, from casual snaps to special occasions. HP Instant Share, included with the HP Photosmart M307 offers users an enjoyable and convenient way to share digital photography. This technology allows photographers to preset the destination of individual images to either email or print directly, as soon as the camera is connected to a PC or printer. HP Instant Share makes it easier than ever before to share digital images straight from the camera.

The HP Photosmart M307 digital camera benefits from HP’s unmistakeable stylish and easy-to-use design. With a metallic finish, asymmetric body styling, signature curves and “wave-style” fingergrip, as well as clear and natural controls, this digital camera provides convenience and comfort.

To accompany the HP Photosmart M307 digital camera, HP also introduces the optional HP M-series digital camera dock. Offering convenience at excellent value, the M-series digital camera dock allows the user to easily share pictures with friends & families via a computer, TV or printer at the touch of a button with HP Instant Share.

A range of additional accessories are available from HP, including the optional HP M-series recharge kit. This kit, which includes 4xNiMH AA rechargeable batteries, a convenient battery recharger and camera case, provides users with easy and trouble-free recharging, even on the move.

The HP Photosmart M307 is available at a recommended street price of £129 ($234) (€179). Actual prices may vary.

Overview

The 3.2 megapixel HP Photosmart M307 digital camera with HP Instant Share is a great choice for the amateur digital photographer. Featuring 3.2 megapixel resolution, 15 x total zoom (3 x optical, 5 x digital) and a lightweight, ergonomic design, this camera helps users to capture beautiful photos on the first shot and share them straight from the camera. The 4.6 cm, high resolution LCD screen allows easy and convenient viewing of photos straight after they are taken, even in bright light. The fast-shot mode ensures that users do not miss any photo opportunities with a rapid shutter lag for capturing all the action. On-camera manual controls allow users to override automatic functions to enhance shots and add creative touches.

HP Instant Share

HP Instant Share makes sharing, printing and saving digital photos easy. With 34 programmable email destinations, the user is able to share digital images with individuals or address lists straight from the camera. When the digital camera is later connected to a computer, either directly or via the optional camera dock, thumbnails of the selected photos are automatically sent to the pre-selected destination without burdening the recipient with large file attachments. Email recipients see thumbnails of the images in the body of the email message, as well as a link to the web page where they can easily view, print, save and upload the photos to online albums.

Highlights

  • Simple, intuitive button layout and an easy to use design with a convenient ergonomic grip allowing quick, one handed shots
  • Optional HP Photosmart M-series dock, which allows users to recharge the batteries in the camera, view a slide show through their TVs and transfer photos on to PCs
  • Auto mode for easy point and shoot, as well as manual controls for more creative photos
  • HP Image Zone software to edit and organise photos, create photo albums, share photos via email and print enlargements
  • MPEG movie clip feature to capture the action with sound

Specifications

  • 3.2 megapixel resolution for photo quality enlargements up to poster size
  • 15 x total zoom – 3 x optical, 5 x digital
  • 16 MB internal storage memory
  • 4.6 cm colour, 130K pixels, outdoor viewable image LCD
  • USB connectivity, compatible with USB 2.0 specifications
  • SD/MMC memory card
  • Direct printing capability to select HP Photosmart or Deskjet printers
  • PictBridge support
  • Exif 2.2 support

Optional Accessories

  • HP Photosmart M-series dock (C8907A).
    Estimated street price of €69 ($83.25) (actual price may vary)
  • HP Photosmart M-series quick recharge kit (L1815A).
    Estimated street price of €49 ($59.11) (actual price may vary)
  • HP Photosmart 3.3V AC adapter (C8912B).
    Estimated street price of €49 ($59.11) (actual price may vary)

Support/Connectivity

For Microsoft Windows: USB compatible PC with Microsoft Windows 98, 98SE, Me, XP or 2000, Pentium III, Celeron or compatible CPU, Internet Explorer 5.01SP2 or later. For Macintosh: USB compatible Macintosh computer with Mac OS X 10.1.5, OS X 10.2.x or OS X 10.3.x.

Dimensions/Weight

  • 10.9 x 2.5 x 5.3 cm (WHD) (4.3 x 1 x 2.1 ins)– lens fully extended
  • 0.14 kg (4.9 oz) – without batteries

Warranty

  • One year limited warranty
  • One year telephone support backed by HP Customer Care
  • 24 hour electronic support available. Click here.