Should I have bought the HP Camera

[shopping mom]

Today at Target I found a HP digital camera bundle (camera and printer) for 89.00 It was a 5 mp and 3x optical zoom. I just wasn't sure of the quality of the camera. DS and DD want one but I want something that takes good pictures, and while the photo printer is nice would I be better off letting them get the developed rather than buying ink and photo paper?? What would you do??

 

By the way I did hide it in case I should need to go back:D

[alimfp]

What's the model number of the bundle?

 

Personally, I wouldn't buy a bundle. Now, DH and I both print photos. In fact, DH invested in a wide format Epson printer for his photos. But ink costs can drive a person insane. This is why we're also investing in a continuous ink system, because we print that much.

 

Most of the time, ink cartridges (total price for all replaced) are near the cost of the printer itself. This is why some people buy new printers fairly often.

 

You have to figure how often you print and how much, then compare that to how long the ink cartridges will last vs. how much it costs to take a CD in to the store and get them developed. If I were you, I'd probably go with a camera itself and then just take a CD in each time to develop the photos.

[cinder]

Last year, we got the HP Photosmart (model M627). It's a 7 mp and we're happy with it. Pretty easy to use and takes nice photos. We just use it for everyday photos, on vacation, etc. Since we mostly e-mail pictures, it's been cheaper for us to just print photos we want at the store.

[freesia39]

i personally don't have a photo printer - i don't see the need. if you are near costco, their photo developing is CHEAP and excellent quality. otherwise, CVS or any other local drug store will also do a good job of developing your photos.

 

for example, i developed nearly 300 photos from my trip to europe, and i think it cost me about 100 dollars total. i don't even want to think about what the ink cost would have been if i printed them myself.

 

some will argue that if you just wanted to print one picture, then a printer is more convenient, which it may be. but i know CVS also has one hour pick up for their photos.

 

if you want just a cheap camera, the HP would be fine. but if you can, look at some of the cheaper canon's. i just can't recommend an HP camera. the A series runs on double AA batteries if battery life/replacement is a concern.