HP PhotoSmart 935 5.3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom

by HP

Product Details

Product Manual [1.98mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.7 x 3.7 x 1.6 inches ; 7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00008KIVO
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (46 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,566 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 3, 2003

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the HP PhotoSmart 935 and 735 digital cameras:

What makes the HP Photosmart 935 and 735 different from other digital cameras in the same price ranges?
Both the HP Photosmart 935 and HP Photosmart 735 digital cameras deliver a collection of functions designed to make shooting, saving, sharing and enjoying photos easier than ever. These cameras provide the tools you need to turn your computer into a "home photo lab" without having to become a photography or technology expert.

• The HP Photosmart 935 provides 5.3 total megapixel resolution to print high quality photos up to 11" x 17". This camera provides 21x total zoom (3x optical, 7x digital) with a Pentax precision zoom lens.
• The HP Photosmart 735 provides 3.2 total megapixel resolution to print high quality photos up to 8" x 10". This camera provides 15x total zoom (3x optical, 5x digital) with a Pentax precision zoom lens. Both cameras simplify the way photos are captured, shared and enjoyed:
• HP Instant Share allows you to tag photos using the Share button on the back of the camera. Designate e-mail addresses, printers, or HP’s free photo-sharing site, HP Photo (www.hpphoto.com). Then, when you unload photos, they go to their destinations automatically.
• Manual and automatic controls support point-and-shoot or more advanced digital photography. Simple, intuitive on-camera help makes operation easy.
• Direct print capability allows you to bypass your computer and send images directly to a printer.
• HP Memories Disc Creator software, included with HP Photo and Imaging Software, allows you to create "digital photo albums," archives and slide shows.
• The optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock allows you to recharge camera batteries and unload images with one press of a button. The dock also includes a TV remote control that allows you to preview photos as a slide show on TV.

What are the outstanding functions of the HP Photosmart 935 and 735?
The HP Photosmart 935 combines point-and-shoot functionality with manual functions that provide a great degree of creative freedom for advanced digital photography. The HP Photosmart 735 is designed primarily for point-and-shoot operation with a subset of manual controls to provide some creative freedom. Both cameras can be used by anyone, whether novice or expert.

Advanced manual controls provided with the HP Photosmart 935 include:

• EV compensation
• Aperture priority
• Picture modes (action, landscape, portrait)
• Flash modes (auto, fill, off, auto red-eye, night, night with red-eye)
• White balance (auto, sun, shade, tungsten, fluorescent)
• Focus (normal and macro)
• ISO speed (auto, 100, 200)
• Color (b&w, sepia, color)
• Metering (spot, center weighted, average)
• Resolution (5MP, 1MP)
• Compression (good, better, best)

Manual controls provided with the HP Photosmart 735 include:

• EV compensation
• Aperture priority
• Picture modes (action, landscape, portrait)
• White balance (auto, sun, shade, tungsten, fluorescent)
• ISO speed (auto, 100, 200, 400)
• Metering (spot, center weighted, average)
• Burst mode

Additional features for both cameras include:

• Media for the moment. Capture stills or video (both with audio) with one camera.
• 1.5-inch color LCD and viewfinder. Look at the screen or look through the viewfinder to accurately frame shots. You get the shot you want every time.
• Flexible storage. Purchase SD memory cards for additional storage.
• Dual battery support. Use two AA batteries (included) or purchase rechargeable batteries and recharge them right in the camera.
• Flexible connection. USB interface connects easily to PCs and Macs.
• Enhanced photo-imaging software. Work with photos on PCs and Macs.

What are the features of HP Photo and Imaging Software?

• HP Instant Share is a suite of services that helps you share photo images with friends and family. Immediately after snapping a photo, use the intuitive oncamera interface to tag it with one or more destinations:
  • E-mail addresses. Easily program e-mail addresses into the camera. Recipients receive an e-mail message containing thumbnail-sized images and a link to a secure web site where they can reply to the sender, forward images, print photos, order prints, load photos to the HP Photo web site (www.hpphoto.com), or save to their computer.
  • Printers. Specify up to two printers. No computer needed.
  • Photo Finishing Service. Favorite photos can be professionally printed from www.hpphoto.com using printing and imaging services from HP partners. When you plug the camera into your computer or place it into the optional HP Photosmart 8886 dock, images are instantly sent to their specified locations. HP Instant Share makes it easy to actually use and share the photos you take.
• HP Memories Disc enables you to create CD-ROMs to store, archive, and organize your images. Add music, include video clips, put the CD into your DVD player for a slide show you can share with family and friends. Create multiple copies for friends far away. Create personalized jewel case covers for your permanent archives, or print photo album pages.
• Image Editor makes it easy and simple to edit saved images.
• Quick Prints enables easy photo printing.
• Album Printing simplifies traditional photo storage.
• Windows-like folders make it easy to categorize and store your photos.
• Clean, intuitive interface makes navigation a snap.

What is HP Instant Share technology and how does it work?
HP Instant Share enables users to tag photos for a specific destination using a button on the back of the camera. HP Instant Share delivers thumbnail images to email recipients so they can preview photos without large file attachments and long download times. Recipients simply link to HP Photo (www.hpphoto.com) where they can view, print and store the actual (full-resolution) photos. It’s a unique, secure, web-based way to share and enjoy digital photos—easier for senders and recipients alike.

HP Instant Share technology enables the sender to choose from up to 34 preprogrammed destinations for their photos. These include two pre-configured local printer destinations (one or two copies) and up to 32 personalized destinations including e-mail addresses and HP Photo.

What are the audio and video capabilities of the HP Photosmart 935 and 735?
The HP Photosmart 935 digital camera captures short videos (with audio) of up to 60 seconds. The HP Photosmart 735 captures video clips (with audio) that are limited only by available space on the memory card. Both cameras also allow you to add audio notes to still photos.

How does the direct print functionality work?
You can send photos directly to a printer from the camera or dock, no computer required. Just use the USB printer cable to connect the camera to an HP Photosmart printer, select HP Deskjets, or select HP All-in-Ones (printer must be USBenabled). You can also use the optional HP Photosmart 8886 camera dock to print—just connect the dock to the printer and place your camera in the dock. If photos are tagged for printing, they’ll print automatically when you place the camera into the dock and press the unload button.

What is the benefit of a larger lens?
Big zoom allows you to "step into" the action from a distance when you cannot physically walk up to it or your physical presence would disturb the shot. For example, you may want to shoot photos of wildlife, but may not want to get too close. With a big zoom, capturing a select portion of a landscape, like small wildflowers, is also possible.

What is the battery life with the HP Photosmart 935 and 735?
The HP Photosmart 935 and 735 have advanced internal circuitry that consumes less power than earlier designs, so batteries last longer. Average operating time is dependent on several factors such as zooming in and out, using the flash, scrolling through menus and more. Also, if you choose to use optional rechargeable NiMH batteries, the quality of the batteries and the length of the charge will affect battery life. "Live View" and "Playback" displays show battery level at all times, so you will always know when you need to recharge or replace batteries.

Product Description

HP PS935 PHOTOSMART DIGITAL CAMERA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars MyMac.com Product Review, January 19, 2004

By 

Tim E Robertson "Publisher MyMac" (Battle Creek, Mi United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP PhotoSmart 935 5.3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

Back at the start of November 2003, I wrote a review of another HP digital camera, the HP Photosmart 435, a 3MP model. That review was hard to write, as I have had good experiences with HP products for a number of years, and the 435 was simply the worse HP product I had ever used. To give a fair review, I had to score that camera very low, and a part of me just could not reconcile the fact that HP had made a bad product.

With the HP Photosmart 935, I feel that HP has vindicated the trust I have always felt for their products. While not perfect, and in fact flawed in a very few places, the HP Photosmart 935 is a great camera, one I would happy replace my aging Kodak with.

The HP Photosmart 935 is a 36-bit 5.3 -megapixel digital camera sporting 3x optical zoom lens, using a 7.6MM - 22.8MM Pentax Zoom lens. It also has 7x Digital zoom, which for any serious picture taker or photographer knows to avoid like the plague. (Digital zoom is worthless if you want quality pictures.)

The 1.5 inch backlit LED (521x218 pixel) digital viewfinder is remarkable in its clarity, but suffers from the same ailment most viewfinders on digital cameras does, which is blurry and hard to view from any angle except right behind the unit. Not a criticism of the 935, but simply pointing out the need for better LCD's in all digital cameras.

The controls are easy to use, in both settings and operation. Too many cameras try to pack as much controls as they can on the top and back on their digital cameras, and while there are quite a few on the 935, all buttons and controls are easy to use and in appropriate spots, rather than a hodgepodge of tiny buttons clustered together. Kudos to HP for understanding that a degree in engineering should not be needed to simply change shutter speed, or even turn on/off the viewfinder to save battery life.

Speaking of battery life, I found that the HP Photosmart 935 goes through them like there is no tomorrow. A brand-new set of Duracell batteries (the 935 uses two AA for power) only lasted for fifty pictures before running too low to allow the viewfinder to work. While battery life can be prolonged simply by not using the viewfinder, getting close to 250 pictures before needing a battery change, I found that the 935 still used up batteries faster than any of the previous digital cameras I have used. I do applaud HP for using standard AA batteries rather than the more expensive, and harder to find, CR-V3 variety, power consumption may be an issue. Look for rechargeable batteries for this unit.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Quality, Stellar Value, January 30, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: HP PhotoSmart 935 5.3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

I was a skeptic when HP came out with their line of cameras, but since I work in electronic retail I got a chance to play with it (and all other cameras) before choosing to buy it. Here's my list of reasons why I purchased it over other cameras:

- 5.3 megapixel
- 21x total zoom
- Automatic controls
- Video recording up to 90 seconds
- Consecutive shooting
- Pentax Lens
- Price was lower compared to most other 5.0 megapixel cameras

To me, these were a lot of features for the price. Better zoom than most, if I need to get in close on a subject (of course optical is better than digital, but you will be spending quite a bit more for a camera with a higher optical zoom. Best suited for "professional" photographers). I can take video for longer bursts compared to most cameras (which are 15-30 seconds). I have the options for manual controls. On top of that, it has automatic settings, easy to use and navigate (simple layout, not too many buttons to confuse people, menu system is self-explanatory and easy), great color accuracy (though sometimes it's slightly muted) and can record audio clips for pictures. You can change the camera setting to "removeable drive" so you can put the pictures back on the camera.

Of course there are always cons, but only a few consistent ones. It does have a shutter delay, but all cameras do (prime the focus to get around it. Works with all cameras). It's a little slow to save pictures, but if you press the shutter within 1 sec of the last picture, you'll take another (the consecutive shooting feature). Keep in mind that this is a 5mp camera so larger files will take a little more time to save. It has only a few auto-modes, the macro shooting doesn't work well, the flash is excellent up to about 10ft only, and your choice of file size is either 5 or 1 megapixel (but the 1 megapixel pictures are quite good too). It's true that this camera loves batteries, but I can fill up 128mb card with 5mp pictures and video on one pair of rechargeable (anything else will get drained VERY FAST) AA and still have some juice left. People who use the LCD screen like a CRUTCH will have less battery power. LCD screens in general don't show well when used outdoors. I don't understand people who try to use it when it won't work well at all, or who even complain about it (and not just on cameras). Slow startup time? I'm not picky about the difference between 2 and 5 seconds. Bad video? It's a CAMERA, not a camcorder.

Reviews that complain about the printing, connectivity, card-errors, software, etc. either got a lemon, didn't do something, have pc issues (I have lots of customers with pc issues on a weekly basis) which can interfere, or had expectations past what the camera can do. Otherwise HP's software for their products is the best for ease of use and compatibility. If you're looking for a "professional" camera, this may not be it and you might want to spend a little more in a different brand. But for most people who aren't "professional" photographers, then this is a spectacular buy. If I had to choose a different camera instead of this HP, it would probably be either a Canon or a Sony, since they have some great cameras. Probably a Canon though, since I like the manual controls and since I don't prefer the shape of most Sony DSCP cameras.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple to use, easy to share., October 23, 2003

By 

Benjamin S. Brott (Cincinnati, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: HP PhotoSmart 935 5.3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

First let me say I read all the poor reviews (mostly because of battery life) and I haven't had any of these problems myself. I am not sure if HP 935's had a defect which they have since fixed? Anyway, I acknowledge the problem, but have not expierenced it myself. I was able to take 70-100 pictures before charging my batterys.

I bought the HP 935 just a few weeks ago and I love it. It is simple to use, but at the same time takes great pics! I also bought the docking bay and it makes it very easy to upload / print / edit pics.

The only complaint I have is the fact that you can only take pictures in 1mp or 5mp. There is no way to take 2mp,3mp or 4mp pictures. That doesn't really bother me, but it is a small disadvantage.

For the money this is a great buy.

As far as accessorys go get some NiMH batterys, some extra SD cards, the camera dock and plenty of ink and photo paper! You are going to be printing beautiful photos right away!