HP 318 2MP Digital Camera

I got this camera about 4 years ago from Sears as a replacement to a previous model that went out on me. My 318 gave up the ghost a few months ago (LCD wiring shorted out...$195 to replace). I'm someone who loves taking pictures but isn't familiar with any of the photographer's vocabulary. I need a simple camera that will take good, and sometimes great, pictures. That's what this camera will give you. It takes about 5 seconds to write and the digital zoom is a joke of course. I have the fuji f10 6.3 megapixel and there are some pics from the 318 that look better than the Fuji pics. It's certainly a good starter camera.

Cons:
1. Incorrect focus at times.
2. Flash doesn't go off causing you to lose a good picture moment.
3. Battery drain is fast.
4. Takes a long time to "actually take a picture" once you press the button. Reason is the auto focus takes a few seconds to work, then you have to press button another step down for the process to complete. Slow and awkward. I don't know if this is a standard for all digital cameras but not a good thing.
5. Subject needs to be still, or a blurry picture will result.
Reason number 4 above is why I am currently looking for a new camera.
Pros:
1. More times than not, takes acceptable picture (the subject needs to be still due to the autofocus problem).
2. Durable construction.
Great for the beginner or first digital camera, but there are cheaper ones at Walgreens and Eckards that will serve the same purpose.
Avoid if possible.

I bought the camera a few years ago based on price. Make sure you do the research before you make a blunder like mine.

I got this camera for my birthday, first i couldnt get the softwear on the computer and then after i deleted a bunch of my programs and got the softwear i tried for 3 hours and couldnt get the pictures of the camera. it might be easy to take/view pictures with but getting those pictures to the computer is more than i could handle. If you are going to buy this camera you might aswell save your money and go buy a digital camera because the resolution is better, there cheaper, and you can get a digital picture cd that gets the pictures from your camera to your computer as easy as pie.-

Ritz Camera ripped me off advertising this as a new camera for $99. I ordered 2 because the camera is good (Used one hard for 2 years). Ritz Camera sent me 2 used cameras. Not reconditioned, but used and after the 3rd e-mail admitted, "We would like to bring to your notice that HP - Photosmart 318 Digital Still Camera is a clearance item.

Our Clearance merchandise consists of both new and open-box items. Some items may have minor cosmetic blemishes. We will not be able to guarantee you whether the replacement cameras that we will ship out will be new. The cameras could be new or open box items."

They will not send new cameras nor will the even guarantee new cameras until they get the used ones back. Process could take over a month. I suggest using extreme caution in doing business with Ritz Camera or any of their affilliated companies that include:
www.photography.com www.boatersworld.com www.ritzcameraauctions.com www.outerbanksoutfitters.com www.ritzpix.com www.shopatshark.com www.fishingonly.com www.insidesportfishing.com

...I'm still using this camera with no plans to upgrade.

It's a great buy and a great camera. If you're new to digital photography, you won't find this camera difficult to use and will be amazed with its clarity and easy-to-use advanced features. I have had no problem with back-lighting or finding the pictures too dark in quality, as some people have commented upon.

Also pleasantly surprising is the sturdiness of the unit. I've been using it since January 2002 and have used it more times than I can count. Being a motorcycle enthusiast, I've packed it into saddle bags, which subjects it to considerable vibration, and it still performs flawlessly; have had amateurs borrow it (sometimes without me even knowing it); let it (unknowingly) sit outside on our patio table one damp night in August; and have packed it in luggage bumping across some of the worst roads in Pennsylvania only to use it and have no problems at all.

Like most digital cameras, this one is not easy on batteries-- which is why I purchased two rechargeable sets and take the charger with me when I travel. But I also figure that the cost of AA batteries is considerably easier on the wallet than say a gallon of gasoline or paying to have traditional film developed these days, and continue to use my sweet little HP 318 non-stop. As of now, I have hundreds of photographs permanently recorded, and those memories of family are precious.

As an information technology professional, I would not hesitate to recommend this to even the most technologically-challenged person. Hey, even my mom, who is in her 70s, has used it successfully, and to this day, she still can't operate her VCR or upgrade her anti-virus program without help. I think that's 'nuff said about this camera.