Olympus C740 Ultra Zoom digital camera; 16MB xD-Picture Card; 2 LB-01 CR-V3 Lithium Battery Packs; Digital Camera Win/Mac USB Cable; Video Cable; Wrist Strap; Quick Start Guide; Printed Instruction Manual; Warranty Card; CD-ROM: CAMEDIA Master Software Adobe Acrobat Reader WindowsTM 98 Rev 2 Driver Camera Reference
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.
1 why pay 300? get it for FREE
nice camera that you can get here http://www.cameras4free.com/default.aspx?r=345693 thanks for read
2 Great on my Germany Vacation
I purchased this camera about 3 weeks ago before a 10 day trip to Germany. I was looking for something with a lot of optical zoom, and 10x was plenty. Shooting a lot of sites like castles and such, the zoom really came through. However, a 10x zoom is pretty powerful and no matter the camera you will need a lot of light and a very steady hand to take advantage of the full zoom. I usually shot around 5x - 8x to avoid blurry, shakey pictures. The zoom was awesome on a couple of occasions when a smaller zoom would have made worthless pictures.
On one day I was trying to shoot the Neuschwanstein Castle (Disney's model castle in Bavaria) and it was very foggy. My 2x Canon just could not get close enough to get any detail through the fog. The Olympus took some spectacular pictures. Some were very cool with the fog, and I was excited at how well they turned out when I got them up on my computer monitor.
This camera is easy to use with the "Auto" mode, but you can also customize a lot of stuff if you are a really photo pro. 3.2 megapixels is plenty enough for me. In fact, I would rather have this camera with the huge zoom than another camera with more pixels.
3 I've not taken a bad picture yet
I've not taken a bad picture with this camera yet that wasn't a user error. I love the crisp, clear pictures I get with both macro settings and in shooting long distances. I've uploaded a couple of macro shots to show what an amateur can do with this camera. For the price, you can't go wrong. (I actually traded *down* from a 6 MP Sony to this and like this one MUCH better.)
4 Excellent zoom for excellent pictures!
I have had my camera for almost two years and I absolutly love it. The zoom feature is absolutly amazing. I have used it for photographing animals, scenery and even Seattle Mariners games and the shots are very impressive. Especially when they are loaded into my computer and I can bring them up full screen. I have only ordered 4x6 prints, but I'm sure larger prints would be beautiful as well. This camera has a lot of features including a timer, which is nice. The only real drawback is how digital cameras eat batteries. I would highly recommend buying rechargable batteries for your camera as it gets expensive buying 4 AA batteries all the time. It does take a steady hand to take pictures on some of the settings, but you can preview your pictures to make sure your good!
5 Excellent performer.
I bought this camera some time ago and paid considerably more than for what it is now offered, yet I have absolutely no regrets. Within minutes, I was taking quality shots of landscapes, close-ups of flowers, pets, etc. and reviewing/deleting with ease. The 30x zoom is a bargain in this price range, the lens is glass, and the operation (particularly the built-in flash and its monitor) is child's play. The accompanying software is O.K., although not necessary for my purposes (moving picture files is a bit of a chore).
If 'point and shoot' is your goal, the 740 certainly suffices but the added functionality (such as movie mode) may be more complicated than necessary. However, this would make an excellent first camera for those yet to graduate to digital from standard 35mm SLRs.
Highly recommended.
6 Great 10X camera
Camera works great! Had mine 6 months & highly recommend it. You need to be very still when using the 10X to it's limit, but that is expected.
7 The C-740
I have had this camera for a year. I also own the Olympus C-3030 and being the klutz I am, I dropped it and broke the lens. While that was being repaired, I went nuts without, so bought the C-740 as I had really wanted the 10x zoom. I've been very happy with it. Some of you state the settings re-set to default every time. Without going to get my camera, use your menu or get your book and you can set it so that it does not default and everything will remain as you have it set, no matter how many times you power it on and off.
I highly recommend this camera - but would now recommend the C-765 with more megapixels and it is a newer version. I LOVE Olympus cameras and recommend them to anybody in the market for a digital camera. I use the card reader for fast and easy and no battery-use computer downloading.
8 Good value, easy to use, makes you feel professional
We've had teh 740 for over 18 months and aside from eating batteries like candy, it performs according to expectations.
Gripes -
Delay in shutter substantial for moving objects
Return to default settings after going to sleep mode
Hard to keep it at hi Res due to this
Batteries - don't all digital cams with displays eat batteries?
The 10x zoom sold us after years with a 35mm telephoto. Some great phots from trips and nature. Still getting used to the increased light gathering that digital has over analog.
Would trade for a 12x optical with fast shutter speed.
9 Great photos for a Great price
I received this camera 1 year ago for my birthday.
It by far has not only saved me $$ on film, and developing but actually takes clear photographs. With amazing ZOOM
capabilities. Easy to use. Easy downloading.
Only negative feedback I would have to say is having to purchase new batteries after evey 1000 pictures or so. I travel alot and take many many photos and would have preferred a rechargable battery.
But all & all whether you are a beginner or a pro this is a very nice camera to have.
10 I love this camera
I went to a 4th of July celebration where I took 319 pictures. Only 5 of them were bad pictures (probably user mistake). I have taken some awesome fireworks picture. The 10X optical zoom really helps get in close on subjects. The only MINOR complaints that I have are:
1) It's not a fast click between pictures with AutoFocus.
2) Camera settings are reset each time by default.
3) When changing the quality to Super High Quality, the picture gets darker.
All in all, I am very happy with this purchase.
11 An inexpensive, but Powerful camera
I just bought this camera a week ago and I am surprised at how easy it was to learn! I've already have taken a panoramic shot, and it came out great! The only 2 weak parts in the whole package is 1- it doesn't come with rechargeable batteries and a charger, 2- the software it comes with is very basic.
But all in all, I looked around and this is the best bang for the buck at the 10x optical zoom.
12 C-740 and C-750 are Not as described in Manual
I have used an Olympus C-3000 for several years and like it. I then purchased a C-740 because of the 10X optical zoom, but quickly learned that it does not function according to the the instruction manual. I actually downloaded the manual first to check the capabilities before I bought one. For one thing you cannot access the top level menu in the "P" (Program) mode without separately turning on the monitor. This is a serious drain on the batteries while you adjust your settings. Another problem is that when the REC VIEW function is on (the default) the camera is supposed to flash the picture just taken on the monitor while the picture is being written to memory. This feature also does not work. The only way to view the last picture taken is to double click the monitor button. Then pushing the monitor button again turns the monitor off or you can press the shutter button half-way down to turn the monitor off. Of course, you can also use the review function to see all pictures on the memory media. I also was not impressed by the digital viewfinder as opposed to an optical viewfinder. A friend of mine has a C-750 which is identical to the C-740 except that the 750 is a 4 mp machine. Her C-750 had the same problems, but she didn't seem to mind because she is not technically oriented. She runs her camera in the Auto mode all the time. I, however, did mind these drawbacks because these are two important features, so I sent my back.
13 ok 4.75*
After wanting and researching digital cameras for some time I finally decided to buy this one. if you haven't owned a digital before this will do you right. the pictures are nicer than i expected. it has a 10X optical(!!) and Macro-photo(3 inches), both far and close picture with this camera.
i am having some minor problems learning how to get consistent in-focus pictures, but the ones i get are great. it's a bit slow(aren't most digitals?)...and digital cameras are not video cameras. so, you don't need sound...
the 16MB Xd card will hold 20 high resolution pictures. enough for one day i think...
* the camera will not take panorama pictures with other brands' XD cards. I got a deal for a fuji 128mb xd card and it's a no go for the panorama mode , but it will hold 160 pictures.
my four year old daughter uses this camera...
14 Great camera
I owned a c-2020 which did a great job, but wanted a better zoom. The 740 is a fine camera for a wide range of users. I recommend this camera to anyone looking for a versitle camera with a great zoom.
15 Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom @ Bytesector.com
Aesthetically beautiful, internally powerful, and user enjoyable; A few traits that are at the heart of Olympus's C-740. It is a 3.2 MP professional use camera for those who want to test the limits of digital photography. With magnificent 10X optical zoom lens and powerful user controls this camera is relatively low in price and high in features. Today we will explore what really makes this camera click! (View the full review @ Bytesector.com)
16 Great Camera
I was a little blown away with all the choices in digital cameras out there but I ended up with this one, a fantastic camera. The zoom is amazing so long as (1) You take the photo outdoors or (2) you use the flash. The zoom got a little grainy when the digital zoom kicked in but I alway got great pictures and touched them up in Photoshop. The batteries that come with the camera last incredibly long! Now I use rechargable batteries and I get good life out of them especially considering the fact that I like to use the LCD viewfinder.
This is really a mini SLR!
17 One Caveat
Note that this camera does not have a hot shoe for a flash. If you should choose later to add the Olympus wide angle lens, be aware that the lens will block out the flash on the body of the camera. Olympus does make a bracket for a separate flash, but the cost for the flash, bracket, and flash cable is about half the price of this camera. I have a C-700 and have realized that adding a separate flash is too expensive. If you will want to take wide angle indoor shots, buy the C-750 with the hot shoe.
18 Way Too Sensitive
I bought this camera for the incredible zoom function. But, after using it for a couple of months, I dropped it a distance of about 3 feet. After that the zoom no longer worked. So, I sent it to Olympus to be repaired and it was not covered under warranty. I am not careless with my camera, but I dropped it once like everybody probably has. The camera shouldn't break that easily. This camera is way too sensitive!
19 Great camera for an digital camera amateur
After researching several digital cameras, I settled for this one and I have not been disappointed. Taking pictures are a breeze and I love the quick view feature. I began using the camera this summer and I have not yet changed batteries. The print quality is wonderful and navigating the software is quite simple. I wanted a moderately priced camera and I have so far gotten value for my $$$.
20 Review of the Reviewers
Thanks to all of you who have written reviews on this and other cameras listed on Amazon. I am not a camera person, so I relied heavily on your reviews as I decided which camera would be best as a gift for my spouse. I decided on the Olympus C-740. I especially thank "jemaer" for his very detailed and easy to follow pros and cons on this and several other cameras that he has reviewed. Helped me to narrow down the choices and to make the final decision. You certainly know cameras! Thanks again to all, I am looking forward to my wife's reaction to her new C-740!
21 Great Zoom and Features
I've had this camera for a few months now and I think it's a good one. At the time I purchased it, it was the only 3.2 Mega Pixel camera with a 10X optical zoom in the price range and the only one that was really portable in size.
The C-740 has plenty of versatility in its features. It allows a wide range of control and it can be a little intimidating trying to figure it all out. The optical zoom is absolutely amazing and having a glass lens rather than plastic is a real plus.
The one area where I am a bit dissapointed with the Olympus C-740 is in low light sensitivity. I've used an old Sony Mavica at work and with that camera I am able to take clear, crisp pictures without a flash - even in extremely low light conditions. Unfortunately, this is not true of the Olympus C-740. Even when there is relatively good lighting levels the C-740 requires a very steady hand or tripod to get a clear picture without a flash.
Overall, I think it's a good camera, especially if you are looking for high optical zoom in a compact size.
22 Difficult To Figure Out At First, But Great Pix!
My husband and I purchased this camera and used it at a science-fiction convention recently. The multiple modes were difficult to figure out on the fly. We also had many pictures that were blurry. We figured out that the blurs were caused by pressing the button to take the picture. So, we purchased a monopod, and set the camera to take three pictures at once. After that, the pictures turned out FANTASTIC! From our seats toward the back, we were able to zoom in on the action up front. My advice would be to take several practice photos before you use it for "real".
23 Great Camera - Awful documentation
Easy to use camera right out of the box. Lots of great features but if you plan on using them plan on a steep learning curve.
The printed manual that comes with the camera plus a quick start guide do a good job of getting you up and running quickly. The advance features are only covered on a 226 page Adobe Acrobat document on the CD that comes with the camera. Why 226 pages, because each page is approximately 4X5 inches in size. So stock up on paper if you plan on printing it out.
So in conclusion - Great camera for the price but be prepared for shoddy documentation.
24 10x optical zoom, 3MP resolution at a good price
the ultra-zoom c-740 camera is a virtual twin of the c-750 with some notable differences. the biggest differences are a lower resolution (3MP vs 4MP), no hot shoe, no sound recording support, and no remote control support. finally, the c-740 has a body constructed from a mix of metal and plastic while the c-750 has an all metal body.
pros:
- 10x optical zoom - this is the main selling point of this camera (make sure you get a tripod or monopod to hold the camera steady at 10x, though).
- 3MP resolution.
- good image quality.
- allows a great deal of manual control, including the ability to fine-tune white balance.
- support for add-on lenses.
- customizable buttons and menus.
- ability to store four sets of individual settings.
- bright 1.5" LCD display (smaller size than competition, though).
- has an electronic view finder allows you to see what the CCD sees.
- adjustable AF area, plus manual and automatic focus modes.
- auto bracketing, sequence, AF sequence, and hi-sequence capture modes.
- allows contrast, saturation, and sharpness image adjustments.
- ability to save low resolution movies directly to the xD card.
- supports TIFF format.
- non-proprietary AA batteries used. this means replacement batteries are as close as the nearest convenience store (i recommend rechargeables though).
- compact for a 10x zoom camera: 4.2 x 2.6 x 2.8", 10.4oz.
cons:
- purple fringing noticeable.
- noise levels higher than expected.
- some barrel distortion at wide-angle.
- hair-trigger power button.
- electronic viewfinder difficult to view in low light.
- slowest shutter speeds only available in full manual mode.
- does not support RAW format.
- so-so battery life.
- no AF assist lamp, making autofocus difficult in low ambient light.
- no accessory shoe.
- no sound on video.
- the supplied 16MB xD card is inadequate. be prepared to shell out a few more bucks for more memory.
- add even more to buy more rechargeable batteries; you may also want to invest in a faster charger, the included charger is SLOW.
the c-740, like the c-750, is very easy to use and can be used as a point and shoot or as a full manual camera. the noisier than expected images at higher ISO settings, the lack of an AF assist light, and the lack of an accessory shoe are areas for improvement. all in all, a solid camera at a good price. if you have the $$ to spend, i would recommend trading up to the c-750 and get the extra 1MP resolution and hot shoe.
i hope this helps you with your buying decision. peace.
25 No better than the 730.
However, it does address some of the 730's sluggish autofocus mechanism issues for fewer blurred images.
That notwithstanding, the 700 was my favorite digital camera for a long time, that is, until the 720 came along. Then along came the 730, which maintained the 3+ megapixel resolution of the 720, while reinserting the 10X (true optical) zoom (the 720 has an 8X). Think of the 740 as a refreshing of the line while Olympus was waiting for the truly improved 750 to hit the streets.
In point of fact, zooming on any of the 700 series at 8X or at 10X without a tripod or image stabilization (not present on either the 700 thru the 740) is extremely challenging. Anyway, this camera is beautifully made and ergonomically engineered. The aspherical all glass lens system is excellent and the resulting 3 megapixel images are crystal clear at 8" x 10" and quite acceptable at 11" x 14". The zoom of course remains the trump card on the 740, and the smoothness (just the right damping) with which it reaches its 10x limit is awesome. Another nice feature is its ability to take QuickTime movies, which really adds to its versatility. However, these have no sound, a drawback the 750 will address.
The 740 (a feature that began with the 730) is the second Olympus to utilize the new xD memory card format, the "xD-Picture Card". This is a new type of ultra-compact memory media developed jointly by Fuji and Olympus. The main features of the xD-Picture Card are its ultra-compact size (20.0 x 25.0 x 1.7mm), its lower power consumption (the xD Picture-Card users will benefit from the convenience and savings of longer battery life on a single charge) and its faster read/write speeds. Of course, a new card means a new card-reader will be needed, but these are inexpensive and aren't immediately needed, as the camera can be linked by the included USB cable to your PC without too much fuss. Overall, I think the 740 is a camera I'd take a pass on. If money is an issue, go with the 730 or even an earlier model (I still love my 700); if features are what you long for, pop for the 750.
26 Great Camera, lousy software
I bought a C-740 3 weeks ago. Very nice camera, got the controls figured out, took about 100 photos. Really like the long optical zoom. At some magnification, the 740 has the impaoct of a >6Mpixel CCD because of the excellent lens.
One HUGE problem just discovered though. The Camedia Master (and Pro option) software stinks! It looks like poorly done software from an asian source. Worst of all, the Olypus softrware cannot print to any networked printer. Every one of my other Windows applciations work just fine over the net. Olympus says, "Gee, were sorry" and that they have no plans to fix this major error.
If you need to use this camera at the office or home with a printer that is not directly connected to your PC, pass on Olympus and look for another manufacturer! The problem is endemic to all Olympus cameras!
27 Zoom Zoom Zoom
Let me say right off the bat that I gave this camera 4 stars because the video does have not sound -- how wack is THAT??
Except for this, it's a really great camera. The zoom is INCREDIBLE for a digital camera, along with the 3.2 mp, producing crisp, detailed images. I know everybody hates to read manuals, but honestly, if you just take the time to read this one (the cd version), you will be to correct all of the complaints I've read about with this camera. So let me just sum it up below:
Pros
1. Incredible zoom. And by reading the manual, I was able to prevent the blurriness that normally occurs without a tripod -- at least a great deal of it.
2. XD card -- it's worth it having to start all over with new media. I've had my camera for one week, have taken over 200 pictures and 5 videos, and the batteries are still at full strength. That's because of the XD card. It also downloads to the computer super fast, and again, doesn't drain the batteries.
3. The scene modes -- read about them. They REALLY work.
4. The 2 modes for slow flash -- slow1 and slow2 -- they somehow prevent blurry pictures when zooming (I'm not sure how).
5. The mode scenes -- they do well with what they are supposed to do. Adjusting the flash helps, if you have any problems.
6. The ability to save 4 "my modes" custom settings.
7. The manual mode -- I haven't learned how to use it all yet, but I can tell this is where you can start to get perfect shots if you master this.
8. Shots in the dark -- I mean complete darkness -- UNBELIEVABLY good! Again, use the "night" mode and the slow flash.
Cons
1. The viewfinder -- it has an adjustment (diopter?), but it's still sometimes hard to see. However, just using the "automatic" mode or one the of scene modes will help compensate for this.
2. No sound with the videos. Okay, I'm not trying to use it as a camcorder or anything, but it would be helpful to be able to make quick movies with sound to email to family members.
3. The XD card -- I know I also listed this as a positive, and even though it is, it still [is bad] that I have 4 cf memory cards just sitting around now!
4. This is an odd place to put this, but the Olympus C750-- wait for that model. It will have all the features of this one, PLUS a hot-shoe flash, PLUS 4 mp, PLUS sound with the movies. I really think I'm going to return this one and wait for the 750.
All that being said -- if you can't wait or can't spring for the extra bucks for the 750, you CAN'T GO WRONG with the 740!
28 just like C-3020 but with 10x optical zoom
I owned an Olympus C-3020 prior to this one and never had any problems with it. However, the presence of 10x zoom in C-740 was very appealing, so I decided to sell the C-3020 and buy this one. So far I haven't had any problems. It works basically just like my old C-3020 (same picture quality, same controls and so on), but the 10x optical zoom is just amazing.
29 New to Digital
Just purchased the C-740 last week. Its my first digital camera and I can't say enough good things about it. The zoom is fantastic, better than anything else out there for the price. Its easy to use as a "point & shoot" but also has the flexibility to get "creative". XD memory is a little pricey, but I figure its a one time purchase as I will be downloading and converting to CD.
The only drawback I have found thus far is the door that covers the battery. I had a difficult time getting the battery in and closing the door. Very flimsy feel. I thought I was going to break it.
I considered waiting for the C-750 to be released, but went ahead a bought the C-740. If you want the same camera with 4.0 megapixel, a 4x digital zoom, and a hotshoe, you may want to wait. I believe its being shipped in August.
30 So Far, So Good
Like most people, I've been researching months for a digital camera, trying to find the best one. I was mainly looking for a nice compact one that most people liked. I saw this one in a store, and had a hard time trying to decide between this one and the Nikon CoolPix 4300. The one thing that finally made up my mind (with the help of the salesperson's personal recommendation) is the 10x optical zoom. I read the one-star review someone else posted on this camera. I just got this camera 2 days ago, and I haven't had any problems with it yet. For me, everything works fine and even better. The high quality pictures come out remarkably clear. The only thing I haven't used yet is the manual modes, and I probably won't use those because I just simply don't know what all of it means. The only thing missing that would be nice to have is a remote control for the self-timer, but you can manage without it. I must say that the zoom on this camera is just a few steps beyond incredible. I love being able to get as close to subjects and not having the picture be blurry at all. Of course though, you have to be careful and hold the camera as steady as possible so that it won't come out blurry. All in all, a flaw is just not at all possible with this camera. Basically, everything works just as expected, even better. To me, it's well worth the money to have that 10x optical zoom.
31 The best digital around!
This is my 3rd digital and this one was by far the most expensive. It is an amazing little camera. Beautiful close up shots and the 30x zoom works well, but as with all zooms, you must keep the camera steady or you will get blurry photos. I travel a lot so I will see how durable it is, but my previous Olympus took a beating and keep on clicking. Olympus seems to have the best lens currently. They just take extremely sharp photos when I compared them to Sony, Nikon, Minolta, and Canon. For me it was the best performer witht he features I wanted in the [right] pricerange.
32 Watch out!
No ax to grind other than this case history. Bought an Olympus digi last year; one month past warranty it died; olympus service via web utterly unrepsonsive; many phone calls later they are saying things like "try leaving it overnight and installing new batteries" which i did many many months ago. Upshot: yours may not fold, of course, but mine sure did and the company is miserable with help, and after much pursuit on my part now is sending very high minimal repair fees they charge before even looking to see what's wrong. This is how a company convinces a consumer never ever to buy one of its products again.
