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 I've never been happier with a camera in my life. I've had this camera for 4 (or so) years and am looking to replace it with a smaller one. (That's the only complaint I have about this camera is its size.) Every camera I've looked at can't even begin to compare to this one. The Olympus takes such great quality pictures and you can't beat the 10x zoom. I highly recommend this camera!
I loved my Olympus C-740 I just upgraded to a digital SLR, but I had this camera for 3 years and it never let me down. It has travelled all around the world. The batteries lasted a long time, the photos were excellent (even at 3.2 MegaP) and it was a great camera for me while I was deciding whether to jump up to the SLR level or not. Pros:
Some manual options, lets you get a feel for photography vs snapshots
Good zoom
Good battery life
Sturdy
Great photos Cons:
Larger digital camera, so... more info
C740 Wow, What Nice Pics! I printed my first set of pictures from a recent vacation, and WOW, these are some of the sharpest pictures I have EVER seen, easily better than anything my manual, 35mm Minolta and Pentax SLRs ever produced. I was a little concerned about the bulkiness and was considering upgrading to something smaller, but after talking to one of the camera experts at Penn Camera, I'm convinced this is probably the best choice out there for a smallish 10x. In simple terms, he explained that the smaller cameras have less... more info
Great learning camera While a three megapixel camera may seem anemic in todays standards, the quality of pics are overlooked. I can take a quality photo at max resolution (which I beleive is plenty for any consumer or hobbiest) that looks far better than any 6 megapixel pocket camera of similar price. And try finding one with a 10x zoom! The camera can be set to fully automatic, or you can play around. There are lots of settings that can be adjusted and tweaked. Thats what makes this a great learning camera. And with the beauty... more info
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