Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

by HP

Product Details

Product Manual [15.18mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.2 x 5 x 2.8 inches ; 10.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B00004Y5U0
• Item model number: C6324AABA
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,620 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Despite the fact that Hewlett-Packard has produced a number of successful digital cameras in the past and is one of the biggest manufacturers of photo-quality printers, the company's lack of experience in film cameras has made it difficult for the public to take them seriously in this field. To help change this perception, Hewlett-Packard has paired up with Pentax for its latest product, and each company has contributed its expertise. The result is a pair of identical cameras: the HP 618 and the Pentax EI 200. With the exception of labels, packaging, and included accessories, the two cameras are the same.

The camera's basic specifications are pretty standard: 2-megapixel CCD, 3x Pentax optical zoom, CompactFlash storage (Type I or II, but no Microdrive support), and a 2-inch display. For advanced users, there are aperture and shutter priority modes, adjustable white balance, exposure metering, and adjustable ISO (100 and 200).

If you like the look and feel of Pentax cameras, you'll appreciate the HP's styling. It's curvy, swoopy, classically designed, and feels very solid. Most people who saw the camera were impressed with its overall quality and were surprised to learn it was a digital.

One of the camera's most intriguing (and underdocumented) features is its use of Digita. Digita is an operating system created specifically for digital cameras, allowing software developers to modify and improve the camera's functions. Past Digita cameras have suffered from slow performance, but the 618 seems as quick as most other digital cameras on the market. HP's engineers did a great job of shipping the camera with a wide variety of menus and functions preinstalled, but Digita allows for even more flexibility. Potential applications of this technology range from task-specific features (time-lapse photography, preset exposure modes, and digital special effects, for example) as well as the ability to add new applications--there are even Digita video games available for download. Unfortunately, the manual includes no information about Digita, and we were unable to determine how to transfer Digita files to the camera. This is extremely powerful technology, but perhaps HP buried this ability because they felt that it was too complex for the average user.

The camera makes extensive use of Hewlett-Packard's infrared technology. A remote control is included (handy for self-portraits, keeping the camera steady in low-light shots, and to play back "slide shows" on your TV), and the camera can wirelessly transfer images to select HP printers.

If you're a fan of Pentax styling or own a Hewlett-Packard printer with infrared ability, this camera is a logical choice.

Pros:

• Clean, classic, reassuringly solid design
• Remote control included
• Pentax lens
• Infrared transfer to select HP printers
• Integrated lens cover

Cons:

• Digita abilities not documented
• CompactFlash slot supports Type I and Type II cards, but doesn't recognize Microdrive
• Larger and heavier than some point-and-shoot digital cameras

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Impressive!, March 17, 2001

By 

"watershipwoo" (Jackson, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

After agonizing for weeks over what camera to buy, and coming THIS CLOSE to buying the Olympus C-2040, I decided on the HP 618. I liked the idea of HP technology combined with a Pentax lens. Just received it yesterday, and boy am I impressed! The HP technology is very intuitive, so figuring out how the camera works is not difficult. Lots of settings available for photo buffs, but can operate on a simple point-and-shoot basis, too. Shot-to-shot times are fast, and there's very little shutter lag. Picture quality seems terrific so far, but I haven't tested it under too many conditions yet.

Two nice included bonuses are a 16 MB CompactFlash card and a very simple, one-button infrared remote control. The accessory kit (right now, offered FREE with purchase of camera, if you buy direct from HP) is a great deal, too. It contains another 16 MB card, a leather case, and eight lithium batteries, among other things.

Can you tell I'm excited about this camera? Highly recommended!

Oh yes, the only difference between the C-618 and the C-618xi is the software that is included. The cameras are identical.

One additional purchase I would recommend is a CompactFlash card reader to help preserve battery life. ... ...

(No, I don't work for HP!)

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Mid-range digital camera., June 11, 2001

By 

Rajesh Thatte - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

If you are ready to buy a new digital camera then you probably have some idea of what camera you want to buy. If you are like me who is low on budget but still want good performance and features, I strongly recommend C618. Buying a digital camera can be very challenging, especially when lot of manufacturers are bringing in new products every day. When I started to look for a digital camera I first wrote down the features I want and then tried to fit the products that will meet my requirements. Nikon, Canon, Minolta are the only brand names most of the amateur photographers like me know. The name HP will not come to you in first place. But after reviewing my needs and BUDGET I decided to buy HP and I very happy with this product. While judging the digital camera, you must judge it as if it was regular 35mm film camera. The reason for this is because most of the camera manufacturers try to build it in such a way that it will closely match with the film camera. Here is a small review of the camera. - Camera has very good normal to tele Pentax zoom 3x optical and 2x digital (34-108mm 35 mm equivalent) which serves most of the picture taking purpose. - The resolution of 2.11 MP produces very good 5 x 7 prints. Anything above 5 x 7 will reduce the quality. - Shutter and Aperture priority mode lets you use your creativity. - Excellent center weighted and spot metering. - Zoom flash, the flash moves based on the zoom. (I have taken acceptable quality pictures in absolute darkness with this camera) - Excellent Macro/Close Up focusing range. - AA batteries - NTSC and PAL playback on TV.

The most important accessory for taking great pictures with this camera (for that matter any camera) is good quality tripod. When I took this camera for the outdoor shoot, I mounted it on [a]... tripod that I regularly use with my film camera. In place of shutter release cable, I use the infrared remote that comes standard with this camera and the results were impressive. Just like any other film camera, you must first test the camera with various subjects, lighting situation and settings. I have tested the camera for Close ups, Portraits and in studio where I work with studio lights. If you treat this camera with the same basic principles of working with film camera you should get excellent pictures. With digital camera if the final output you want is print, then I recommend that print the pictures with good quality printer. Even if your pictures are good, if you print them using average printer, you will be disappointed and camera may not be at blame. Again the truth is “Excellent technique and average equipment will produce better results than Excellent equipment and average technique”. This camera is budget buy for amateur photographer like me and to date I am very happy with this. A very good quality for the price you pay. Buy additional 128 MB compact flash card and you are all set for vacation with this camera.

82 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great camera for the price, November 27, 2000

By 

Brian T (Round Rock, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hewlett Packard PhotoSmart C618 2MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom (Electronics)

If you are looking for 3x optical zoom then this is the best camera for the money that I've found. It has a natural feel when holding it, the menu system is outstanding, and the picture quality is great.