HP Photosmart 945

Design of HP Photosmart 945

	Though the camera is fairly large, the icons on the mode dial are unusually small.

The Photosmart 945 feels solid and well proportioned, but it falls into the 5-megapixel heavyweight division. The plastic body weighs 1 pound, 2 ounces with its four batteries installed, a little more if you choose nickel-metal-hydride AA cells instead of alkalines. If you like your camera glued to your eye while shooting, you'll appreciate the 945's logical control layout and its lack of confusing multifunction buttons.

Most of the frequently used settings fall under your right hand's thumb and index finger. Activating controls requires a firm press, twist, or flick, so you won't trip them accidentally. Less-accessed buttons are also within comfortable reach and protrude just enough from the camera back to be easily found by touch. The mode dial, the pop-up flash's slider, and the shutter release are all on the camera top, where you can manipulate them with your index finger, while the zoom's rocker switch rests under your thumb. After a few minutes' practice, your thumb will also get the hang of maneuvering among the three keys that let you change flash settings; choose between single-frame, burst, video, and self-timer modes; and cycle through macro, normal, and other focus modes.

When you hold the viewfinder to your eye, these sensors automatically turn off the LCD and activate the EVF.

The controls are generally well placed and easy to operate.

The menus are very easy to read and navigate. The top screen contains important selections such as exposure compensation, white balance, metering modes, and ISO speeds. Sound, LCD brightness, power-saving recycle times, and other occasionally used settings are one level down.