PMA 2010: HP announces budget-oriented cameras and camcorders

As I mentioned earlier, HP is back in the camera business with several new point-and-shoots. If this move to re-enter the highly competitive point-and-shoot market after a two-year absence weren't puzzling enough, the company is also entering the crowded pocket camcorder market. Both the cameras and camcorders will be inexpensive, priced between $100 and $200.

As digital cameras go, most of the new point-and-shoots don't offer any unique features or product designs, although HP says it has retooled them (and removed the designation "Photosmart") to improve performance. For example, two 12-megapixel models, the CW450t, $110, and PW460t, $150, are probably the cheapest cameras on the market to offer touchscreen LCDs.

HP V5061u camcorder
Photo: HP

The new HP camcorders are a bit more intriguing. The HP V1020h, $109, is a nicely designed pocket camcorder with 720p HD recording and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Two larger camcorders have pocket camcorder-quality specs, but are more the size of a standard-definition camcorder. Both the V5061u and V5560u have a 3-inch, touch-screen display and can capture 1080p HD video. Like most pocket video recorders, the V5061u has only digital zoom. But the V5560u features a 5x optical zoom and lithium-ion battery. The V5061u provides a unique battery option: if the lithium-ion battery isn't charged, you can install AA batteries. The V5560u and V5061u are priced at $199 and $169, respectively.

All the new cameras and camcorders will be available in the spring, except for the HP V1020h camcorder, which should be available this summer.

—Terry Sullivan