3.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
10x optical zoom with 3x digital zoom (30x total)
Extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, movie mode, built-in flash
Included 16 MB XD memory card stores 20 images at 2048 x 1536, HQ mode
Editorial Review:
The CAMEDIA C-740 Ultra Zoom is an ideal model for the user looking to explore the world of ultra zoom digital photography. Within its very compact, lightweight body, it combines a 3 megapixel resolution with the power of a high-quality 10x zoom lens. 30x magnification is possible when used with the 3x digital zoom. Operation is easy thanks to automatic focus and exposure settings plus scene programs (portrait, self-portrait, night scene, sports, landscape, landscape plus portrait). For those looking for even greater creative expression, the camera permits manual adjustment of many parameters.
Point and shoot ease and full manual controls, the Olympus Camedia C-740 delivers sharp, crisp 3.2-megapixel images for print enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches. With its powerful 10x optical zoom digital camera (30x total zoom when combined with the 3x digital zoom), you'll capture image detail you didn't know existed. The Camedia C-740 also features a more compact body than its predecessor (the C-730), a new extra-low dispersion (ED) lens, movie mode, a built-in flash, and compatibility with XD memory cards.
Optics and Resolution The 3.2-megapixel Olympus C-740 digital camera can capture images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels; it can also produce 3200 x 2400 pixel images through interpolation for extra-large prints. It boasts an outstanding Olympus aspherical glass 10x zoom lens with 11 lenses in 7 groups. When combined with the 3x digital zoom, you get a total zoom of 30x. The F2.8-F3.7 lens has a focal range of 6.3-63mm, or 38-380mm equivalent in 35mm photography. The ED coating on the lens helps reduce the purple fringing normally seen on larger zoom cameras.
The C-740 also features Olympus TruePic technology, which optimizes the image information captured on the CCD before the data is saved by using the brightness and color information of the neighboring pixels when processing the pixel data. This leads to digital pictures that set standards for picture sharpness, contrast, true colors, and gradation.
Storage and Transfer With the C-740, you can store images on XD memory cards. With the included 16 MB XD card, you can store 20 images at HQ mode (2048 x 1536 pixels). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Movie Mode In movie mode, the C-740 captures continuous video (without sound) at 15 frames per second in two formats: 320 x 240 (up to 33 seconds) or 160 x 120 pixels (up to 148 seconds). The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.
More Features
1.5-inch low-temperature poly-silicon LCD screen and electronic viewfinder.
Built-in flash with auto, red-eye reduction, slow synch, and fill in modes.
Stitch up to 10 frames to create a panorama effect with Camedia Master software when using Olympus brand XD memory cards.
Six scene program modes; Four customizable My Modes let you choose and save preferred settings
Image adjustment modes include sharpness, contrast, and saturation (adjustable +/- 5 steps).
Super macro mode gets as close as 1.2 inches away from your subject.
Power, Size, and Contents The camera is powered by two CR-V3 lithium battery packs (LB-01, included); rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries are recommended (four are needed to power the C-740). It measures 4.2 x 3.0 x 3.1 inches and weighs 10.4 ounces. This package includes the Camedia C-740 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, batteries, USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with Camedia Master imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
Great camera Great price CON:
Not small, a little heavy.
Needs to build a stand to take pictures of documents.
Or change the shutter speed.
xd card sucks.
Bad on dark room or night time. Pro:
-No one wants to steal this, I think.
-Great, almost perfect pictures.
-Great price: $55 on ebay.
-Unless it is a dark room, the pictures turn out brighter than I thought.
-AA batteries. I wanted one when I saw the civil engineer with this when he inspected my home.
Still a great camera! Because of higher pixel cameras coming out, I purchased two cameras since I bought my olympus camedia in 2005. However, I keep going back to the olympus camedia. This camera proves mega-pixels are not the *most* important criteria for buying a camera. This camera makes wonderful still and action shots. My only complaint is the lag time when you shoot the picture. My favorite pictures are actions shots. This is a great camera for taking soccer pictures. If you can get your hand one one of these... more info
Great Action Shots PROS:
For someone who goes to at least 2 concerts a year, this camera is perfect. I can't say that 100% of the photos were crystal clear, who can? I'd say 95% were and got some professional looking head shots while they were singing. I've had so many compliments and they are still amazed that I'm using my 2004 camera. Battery life is really good. I can usually take approximately 300 before I have to change them. It is very rare that I get a blurry outdoor picture. I went to Vegas for 7 days, and some... more info
Served me well but I've moved on This popped up in my "to review" list and I bought this camera many years ago. It is durable and takes amazing pictures for a 3MP camera. The digital zoom is awesome. I also had the underwater housing for it and took great shots while snorkeling with dolphin. I've moved on to newer hardware, but it's a great camera if you can find one.