HP unveils digital cameras, camcorders with touch, intuitive technology

Adding to its growing portfolio of touch-enabled notebooks and desktops, computer hardware leader, HP has now introducded LCD touchscreen displays on select cameras and camcorders.

 HP yetserday introduced five point-and-shoot digital cameras and three camcorders with features LCD displays, up to 5X optical zoom and fashionable colours.

The cameras and camcorders come in slim, lightweight designs at prices ranging from $99 to $199. They are expected to be available at select retailers.

 In addition, select models feature a new intuitive user interface that makes them a snap to use. Interface improvements include a high colour contrast to help ensure better visibility of menus and a choice of more than 25 scene modes to help ensure photos are of the highest quality.
When choosing a scene mode, the display shows two images – how the photo will look in auto mode and how it will look in the selected scene mode. For example, choosing ''snow'' mode during a ski trip can transform overly bright, washed-out photos into vibrant depictions of the snowcapped mountains.

''HP is giving consumers a better way to interact with point-and-shoot cameras by offering models with advanced features at a great value,'' said Mark Ostendorf, manager, Business Development, Personal Systems Group, HP. ''Entry-level consumers will love the HP CW series while customers who want a premium experience will enjoy the touch interface of the HP CW450t or PW460t and two of our new camcorders.''

The premium HP CW450t and HP PW460t point-and-shoot digital cameras feature 2.7-inch and 3-inch LCD touchscreen displays, respectively, and a newly- designed touch interface for viewing photos with the simple swipe of a finger. Both have 4X optical zoom and support up to 32-gigabyte (GB) SD / SDHC memory.