megapixels

This camera does a lot for what u have paid. I bought this camera a couple of weeks back and there were some problems with self timer 2 shots. Later I found that those problems are related to the battery and not to the software. Yes. It eats up battery very fast, which you cannot afford. I have 4 NiMH rechargable batteries with me and I can take only around 40 pictures (half of them with LCD off). Buy this camera if you are planned to use with AC adapter. Otherwise step away from this product.

I was in need of a better digital camera from my old one. After searching for some time, I decided to get this model because of the optical zoom and easy to use features.

Initial setup with this camera is extremely easy, and you'll be taking pictures within minutes when you first open the box. Image quality is very good at the 2.1 MP this camera is capible of. The on-screen menu system for the camera is very easy to use and to change settings. The movie mode for the camera is also fun and easy to use, and movie record time is limited only to the amount of memory in the camera. The camera automatically adjusts to lighting levels, and you also have the ability to change color controls and can even change to macro focus modes with the camera menu system.

The HP software is VERY easy to use, and the camera even has buttons right on it if you want to email a picture of print a picture right to your printer (all of this an more can be setup with the included HP software). Battery time isn't the greatest, but I've found I can take around around 50-60 images at higher quality, and you can probably take even more if the LCD screen is kept turned off. I recommend you buy some NiMH rechargebles if you are going to get the camera, as they are the most economical. I would also recommend getting a SD memory card for the camera, as the built-in 16MB fills up quickly.

Overall this camera is a great value, with easy to use features and image quality that is very well.

I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA FOR "ANYONE" ANY AGE AS A STARTER CAMERA FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY. I WAS GIVEN A MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE CAMERA (DIGITAL) FOR A GIFT. MY FIRST DIGITAL CAMERA. IT WAS A DISASTER. I COULDN'T EVEN READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL IT WAS SO CONFUSING. I BOUGHT THIS CAMERA AS A TEACHING TOOL FOR MYSELF. IT WAS PEERFECT RIGHT FROM THE BEGINNING. I HARDLY EVER USE THE "OTHER" CAMERA(IT COST $400).THAT ONE IS LEFT TO OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS.

SO FAR NO PROBLEMS. BATTERY SEEMS TO GO ON FOR EVER. I PAY ATTENTION TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON ENERGY SAVING. WORKS PERFECT WITH OR WITHOUT THE DOCK FOR TRANSFERING THE PICTURES. NO END TO RECHARBLE BATTERIES. THE SAME PAIR HAS LASTED FOREVER. THANK YOU......JT