HP releases new pocket cameras and camcorders

20.02.2010
After a hiatus, HP is back in the camera game with its Spring line-up of . The budget devices mark HP's first big camera announcement since 2007, though the company did release a few cameras as a soft launch at CES in January.

The newly announced point-and-shoot cameras range in price from $100 to $150. The camcorders cost between $110 and $200.

All of the point-and-shoot cameras are 12-megapixels, but there are a few key features that differentiate them. First up are the CW450t ($110) and PW460t ($150) point-and-shoot models, both of which feature LCD touchscreen displays. You can use your fingers to scroll through images and zoom in and out, as well as flip through menu items. With the "Touch Shot" feature you can tap on a person or object on the screen and the camera will autofocus on the subject, taking the photo only when you remove your finger. The PW460 has a 3-inch display, while the CW450t only has a 2.7-inch display. Also available is the CW450, a non-touch screen version of the CW450t that costs $100.

Each of the new HP cameras feature 4x optical zoom, except for the $150 PW550. Aimed at casual outdoor photographers who want to capture panoramic shots and vast scenery, the PW550 has 5x zoom optical zoom and a 28mm wide angle lens.

The $130 SW450 is set apart by its tiny size. The ultra-thin camera is less than 3/4th of an inch thick and weighs .25 pounds.