Why HP's TopShot is a hotshot
Vyomesh Joshi, HP's Imaging and Printing Group's executive vice president, with the TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 in Shanghai last year.
(Credit: HP)
When HP unveiled its 3D scanner in Shanghai last year, it stood out among the Palo Alto-based company's new line of consumer and enterprise printers.
The first thing that struck us about the TopShot LaserJet Pro M275 was its hinged arm, which houses the 8-megapixel camera and flash. (Other than folding it down for storage, the hinged arm actually remains stationary when capturing images.)
Whenever an object is scanned, the TopShot takes a total of six shots: Three with the flash in different directions, followed by three using ambient lighting in different exposures.
The height of its hinged arm limits the size of objects it is able to scan. According to HP, the TopShot has an optimal height range of between 51 and 102mm, and has to "fit within the capture stage of the device which measures 216 x 297mm".
Even though the lollipop is smaller than the optimal size stated by HP, we still managed to get a clear shot of it. On the other hand, the Pikachu soft toy is blurry and overexposed due to its proximity to the flash.
(Credit: Jacqueline Seng/CNET Asia)
The capture stage essentially serves as the plain backdrop for photographing objects. Unfortunately,this also means that the TopShot does not have an automatic document feeder. This makes it unsuitable for photocopying thick stacks of documents, which is one of its drawbacks.
The TopShot is targeted at small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) that need to capture hi-res product images. HP touts its scanner as a more convenient alternative than to having a dSLR which would also require proper lighting.
When the user sets up the printer for the first time, the TopShot has to be configured to send scanned images to a networked folder or an email address.
After this, it is a relatively easy process to scan an object and open the image directly on your PC, without even having to connect the TopShot to a computer. All it requires is an Internet connection via Wi-Fi or a local area network (LAN) cable to send the images to a networked folder or email address. The six images captured are combined into one 2D image using an algorithm which removes shadows.
Unfortunately, it doesn't print 3D images--although we think that the result has more depth than a typical photo.
(Credit: HP)
The TopShot is available in Singapore this month at S$729. See it in action on Tech Buzz.
About the author
Jacqueline Seng is a presenter/writer for CNET Asia, focusing on mobile phones. Her induction into the world of IT involved typing out stories on a computer in kindergarten--not that much has changed. The only girl on the editorial team (for now), she is also an avid potato chip connoisseur, heist movie enthusiast and indie/hiphop music aficionado.
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