HP recalls Photosmart digital cameras due to fire risk

Hewlett-Packard has recalled more than half a million digital cameras because of a fire risk.

The company contacted the US Consumer Product Safety Commission after a customer complained that his Photosmart R707 digital camera had caught fire while plugged into its docking station.

The problem is caused by a flaw in the camera's firmware, which could cause the battery to overheat when the device is plugged into an AC adapter or docking station. This happens when people try to charge non-rechargeable batteries such as the Duracell CP-1, HP said.

The company warns owners of the 5.1-megapixel cameras, which were sold in the UK between August 2004 and April 2006, not to use single-use, non-rechargeable batteries until the firmware has been updated. This update prevents the camera applying a charge to a non-rechargeable battery.

Consumers are also encouraged to update the firmware even if they do not use, or intend to use, a non-rechargeable battery

Consumers can check to see if their camera is affected by looking at the HP logo and the model name and number that are printed on the front of the camera. The firmware update can be downloaded from the HP website.