Seven New HP Digital Cameras Announced at CES - R927, R727, R725, M425, M525, M527, and E327

HP announced seven new cameras at CES.  Three news ones in the "R" Photosmart line - the R927, the R727, and the R725; three new ones in the "M" Photosmart line - the M425, the M525, and the M527; and a new E series camera - the Photosmart E327.  Along with the camera hardware improvements, HP also introduced their on-camera HP Design Gallery technology that allows the photographer to apply several creative touches to their images.  While pricing for each camera has not been determined, HP has announced that they will range from $119-$199.

HP Design Gallery and Real Life Technologies

The HP Design Gallery is a new feature that lets you easily add creative effects and borders to the images on your camera.  There are 12 different effects - including kaleidoscope, slimming (yes, it makes the subject look slimmer), and color tints.  There are also 10 different borders, like burnt or soft edges.

HP has also improved two of their existing features in their Real Life technologies.  The in-camera red-eye removal and image advice features are now better than ever.

New R Series - R927, R727, and R725

The new R927 is a 8.2 megapixel camera with a very nice 3 inch LCD.  Both the R727 and the R725 are good for 6.2 megapixels.  The R727 has a 2.5 inch LCD and the R725 has a 2 inch LCD.  All three cameras have a 3x optical zoom. 

The new cameras of this R line have been redesigned with stylish metal bodies (a very welcome improvement) and the 3 inch LCD on the R927 is a very nice feature when compared to the previous generation of cameras from HP.

HP R927 [larger]

Back of HP R927 [larger]

More information:
R927 (pdf)
R727 (pdf)
F725 (pdf)

New M Series - M425, M525, and M527

The new models in the M series are just a notch down from the R series.  With not as many Design Gallery features or Real Life technologies and no metal body styling, they hit a lower price point, exactly HP's goal.

The M425 features a 5 megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom lens, and a 1.7 inch LCD.  The M525 has the same 3x optical zoom and 1.7 inch LCD, but adds a 6 megapixel sensor.  Then, the M527 has the same 6 megapixel sensor and 3x optical zoom lens, but the LCD improves to 2 inches.

All cameras accept SD card for extra storage.

More information:
M425 (pdf)
M525 (pdf)
M527 (pdf)

Photosmart E527

At the bottom of the price stack is the E527.  Despite the lower price it still takes images at 5 megapixels, has a 1.8x optical zoom in a fixed focus lens.

More information:
E527 (pdf)