Get close to the action with a powerful 10x optical/40x total zoom and enjoy high-quality images thanks to a 4 megapixel CCD, manual control, and up to 11 shooting modes. Capture the shots rapidly, too, with its fast image processor and stay powered up with the included rechargeable battery. All from a camera that's big on features but surprisingly compact in size. Crisp and vibrantly-colored images are the result of this camera's 4 megapixel CCD. A far-reaching 10x optical zoom lets you capture shots you never thought you could, with a 4x digital zoom to help bring you even closer. Be as creative as you want to be with 11 distinct shooting modes to capture the best results in various environment and/or lighting situations. Olympus kept the features advanced but the design simple, compact and rugged so you can carry and use it anywhere your creativity may take you. The Olympus TruePic TURBOTM image processor increases the camera's start-up, shutter lag, recording and playback time and continues to deliver clear, smooth image results. Incorporated PictBridgeTM technology lets you print directly from any PictBridge-enabled printer such as the Olympus P-10.
Olympus yet again raises the bar in the ultra-zoom digital camera arena with the 4-megapixel Camedia C-765. It's the smallest digital camera in the world featuring an optical 10x optical zoom (as of February 2004), measuring 4.11 x 2.36 x 2.7 inches (12-percent smaller than its predecessor, the C-750) and weighing only 9.9 ounces. It also features a Super Zoom function that extends to 14x close-ups, movie mode with audio, fast USB 2.0 connectivity, and a bevy of manual features.
Optics and Resolution
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| | Olympus' 10x optical zoom gets the detail of hard-to-reach subjects without loss of image quality. |
With its 4-megapixel resolution, the C-765 captures 2288 x 1712 pixel images for impressive, photo-quality 11 x 14-inch print enlargements. It als features a full range of resolution modes: 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480 pixels. It records both in JPEG and TIFF format. The C-765's bright (f2.8-f3.7) optical system--normally only found in pro-level SLR cameras--comprises 11 elements arranged in 7 groups and includes two aspherical lenses to reduce distortion as well as an ED element to help reduce chromatic aberration.
The 10x optical zoom lens (6.3-63mm, or 38-380mm equivalent in 35mm photography) is combined with a 4x digital zoom for a seamless 40x total zoom. The new Super Zoom function--captured at 1600 x 1200 (2-megapixel) resolution--enables you to extend to an amazing 14x optical zoom.
Movie Mode
Use the C-765 to shoot video with sound using the QuickTime motion JPEG format. It records video at 15 frames per second (fps) and has two resolution modes: 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels.
More Features
The C-765 is one of the first Olympus models to feature TruePic Turbo, a new image processor that sharpens image clarity, contrast, and color for life-like results. This feature also makes the camera 30% faster in processing images and is combined with a super-fast shutter release time.
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| The mode dial offers quick access to automatic settings, as well as four customizable "My Mode" settings. |
In auto mode, the C-765 offers point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking. For those times when you want to tweak your creativity, the C-765 has aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual settings. The 6 Scene modes (controlled by the dial on top of the camera) provide fully automatic exposure adjustments in a wide variety of settings: Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, Sports, Night Scene and Landscape photography. The 4 customizable "My Mode" settings help save time by allowing you to assign frequently used settings to the mode dial for quick access.
The optimized electronic viewfinder (unlike many optical viewfinders) enables precise framing of the shot as well as displays all activated settings so you don't have to take your eyes off your subject.
Other features include:
- 1.8-inch low-temperature poly-silicon TFT LCD (118,000 pixels)
- Built-in flash with several modes: auto for low light and backlight, red-eye reduction , fill-in (forced on), and slow shutter synchronized
- 1.5 frames per second burst mode up to 8 frames in HQ mode
- ISO settings: Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400
Direct Printing
The C-765 is PictBridge compatible, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer (such as the Olympus P-10), without a PC or image-editing software. All PictBridge devices share three basic features: camera-to-printer connecting, single-image printing, and uniform error messages (in case something goes wrong).
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on XD Picture Card memory cards. The card's small size, about the same as a postage stamp, helps to keep the camera size down. The included 16 MB card will store approximately 16 images at 2288 x 1712 pixels (at HQ, JPEG setting). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via ultra-fast USB 2.0 connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows 98 Rev2Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model Li-10B, included), which provides approximately 175 shots per charge with typical use. It measures 4.11 x 2.36 x 2.7 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 9.9 ounces (excluding battery and storage media).
What's in the Box
This package contains the Camedia C-765 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery (Li-10B) and battery charger, USB and A/V cables, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, quick-start guide, and printed instruction manual. The CD-ROM features Camedia Master software, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Camera Reference Manual.
1 Great size, great price
I was looking for a digicam with ultra zoom that I could basically use for point and shoot purposes along with video. I went to the Steves-digicams.com website and found this in the category of "best of" under the super zoom cameras. Turned out this was the smallest size brand of zoom cams and was actually under $300 at another reputable online store. I decided to give it a try and figured that Olympus specializes in cameras so it shouldn't be too bad.
At first, I couldn't believe the camera was so small. When I started playing around with it, I was pleasantly surprised that the video function lasted more than the usual 3 minute limit that most other cameras have. I tested it up to 5 min then turned it off. I also was happpy with the zoom and the pop-up flash. Often, I take it to b-ball games and other events and don't want the flash accidentally going off. Picture quality outside is great but inside, its a bit suspect. But I'm not really anal about all my shots. The shot-taking speed is a bit slower than the Canon A75 I used and that is a bit annoying but its ok.
Overall, if you want a great zoom camera thats smaller than any other, is a good value, and is versatile then get this camera.
2 A great buy
I really like this camera. The biggest bonus to the camera is how adaptable it is. If you are a novice, it can be used as a simple point-and-shoot camera, and it has several scene selections (portrait, landscape, sport, night, etc.). If you are a more advanced user, this camera is great too. It has several levels of customizability: choose one function and allow the camera to determine the rest, or you can select ALL the settings yourself.
The camera has threads on the lens, so it is essentially upgradeable, with more advanced telephoto (not that you need it with a 10X optical zoom built in), macro and other lens attachments available through Olympus. Or you could attach filters. It is as close as you can get to an SLR without paying an arm and a leg.
The C-765UZ has an electronic viewfinder. Many people don't like EVFs, but I love it. I have some visual difficulties, and sometimes can't really see through an optical viewfinder. The EVF is very bright and clear. It is even manageable in low light settings. It was the brightest EVF of any camera in its class that I tested.
Many people may say that the C-765UZ is a little pricey compared to other 10X zoom cameras. However, those other brands are usually 3MP instead of the 4MP of the C-765UZ. In addition, the optics on the Olympus C-Series is generally superior to those other camera. Remember you get what you pay for!! Plus the C-765 is the SMALLEST 10X optical zoom camera on the market today (Spring 2005).
The only complaints I have are with the packaged accessories. Olympus only provides a 16MB xD card, so you need to add a 256MB card to your initial purchase. Also, Olympus provides the Li-10B rechargeable battery, but the "replacement" 12B battery has a higher capacity. It would have been nice to get the better battery in the initial bundle. Oh, and speaking of batteries, the C-765UZ ONLY takes the rechargeable Li-10B/12B batteries, so if your battery is running low you can't just throw in a few AA's to get by until another charge. It keeps the size and weight down, but trades convenience.
3 Great camera
We bought it before Christmas and while it took us some time to get used to it (as this is our first digital camera), we can now say that it is indeed a great camera. It's totally worth its price. It's not great for candid shots due to some lag time, but otherwise it captures beautiful pictures. I didn't think that we really needed the 10X zoom until we went to a graduation ceremony and was able to take great shots despite the distance from the podium. We found that the pictures are less blurry when you rely on the viewfinder rather than the monitor. (I would also recommend saving all of your pictures until you load them on the computer, as the actual detail/quality is not entirely evident when viewed on the camera monitor.) The video quality isn't great, but proved to be a bonus benefit when traveling and catching unique performances.
In terms of cons: as mentioned earlier, some lag time compared to a traditional point-and-click; incorrect settings (as the dial is easily turned when taken out of the camera bag - but that's probably just our problem); and short battery life (especially when you use the LCD monitor). I bought an extra battery via Amazon (one of the cheapo kinds) which worked out really well. Also, when you get a larger memory card, make sure to get SanDisk/Olympus instead of Fuji, as the latter does not support the panaromic setting.
Finally, as mentioned in a previous review, it is best to print out the manual (double paged) from the CD.
Good luck!
4 LOVE THIS CAMERA
I reviewed tons of digital cameras before buying the C765. I'm glad I did. This camera is lightweight and small which is what I was looking for. The 10X zoom is great! I've gotten clear shots at full zoom w/o a tripod almost every time. The macro and super macros are awesome. The pic quality is absolutely incredible. The battery life is good, using the flash it's going to putter out sooner so I recommend getting a spare. Recharge on the battery is quick too. You will need a 256 card right away. I was worried about the electronic viewfinder, but it's not posed a problem at all. Most of the 10X zooms, at least all that I reviewed, have EVF's. I've only had a few problems focusing indoors. Like all digital cameras there's a minor lag and if your toddler moves as you're taking the pic, you'll get a blurry shot. This is such a minor problem considering how many great shots I have gotten in and outdoors. I've had this camera for 6 months now and just love it. I was able to use it right out of the box. I still have more to learn about it, but have been having great success w/ the auto settings, I've not needed to play w/ the manual ones yet. I will!
5 G-g-g-g-g-great
This is the first digi cam ive owned and its great. The picture have good color and clarity. It works good for nature or scenery pictures. I am very satisfied with it, seems worth the money. This is probably going to be your best bet if you are looking at a superzoom camera. It is the smallest superzoom out there. And really Id only consider gettin a Olympus or Canon. Despite what I say below Id highly recomend this camera. These are the only quirks that i see that may deter someone from gettin this camera
For low light pictures like dusk or dawn the pictures have some noise or graininess. I also recomend buying a back up battery, the battery that comes with the camera can last up to around 250 pictures, depending on whether you use the lcd. I have a 512 xd card which works great you can take around 230 pictures if you set the camera to 4 mega pixels. The size is considerably less than the c-750 and its lighter weight too. This is probably not the camera for some one who doesnt need high resolution pictures or 10x zoom. There is no image stabalizer so it can be hard to take pictures at 10x. Action shots can be tricky too and blurry. I usally use the custom settings for taking pictures of moving objects. I love this camera Ive alerady taken tons of pictures with it. A very good option for if you are looking for 10x optical lens
6 Best Camera I've Ever Owned
I cannot express how great this camera is. Not once has it let me down in ease of use, advanced features (when I need them), true color reproduction, contrast, or anything else that makes a picture a "good" picture. You just can't beat the 10x OPTICAL zoom -- not lousy digital zoom -- either. Get yourself an extra rechargeable battery, a couple of high-capacity memory cards, and have fun with one of Olympus' best consumer level cameras ever released.
7 it's everything you heard about and more
this is a high quality camera with the zoom you need to get those great shots that may not be close enough with a regular digi cam. i don't know that much about cameras nor am i good w/electronics, but this camera is pretty easy to learn - just put in the time to go thru the brief manual and you'll be taking amazing pics immediately thereafter.
i haven't been able to learn what aperture is yet or do many of the other features like the camcorder part, but my pictures are absolutely amazing - i've impressed my friends when we went on vacation to jamaica and all my co-workers when i returned home with my "artistic" pictures which are just scenic pictures, plain and simple. i needed an easy to use camera (a no brainer) that would take great pictures for me, but that also had incredible zoom for my scenic picture taking compulsion.
i've read that the 4 mp is just right for taking pics for the size 8"x10" or less which is fine cuz i rarely print pictures - i just send them over the internet to friends and family to share my memories - and of course the file size (2 MBs per pic for quality shots) is perfect for that. the clarity and color richness is stunning to say the least.
of course there are much better cameras out there, but there's no need to spend too much $ on something i won't use too much. i felt that if i was going to spend $200-$300 anyhow on a digi cam, might as well get one with the zoom that i want for a lil bit more ($350). this digicam also takes the night pics that i want for a new york nightlife too which gets rid of the red eye, background disappearing, problem i get with a normal 35 mm camera.
for the problems that others listed on this review website, they're all workable/recoverable kind of problems. i think there's another review that offers solutions to some of those problems.
hope this is of help. good luck w/finding the right one
8 Excellent Camera
I have had this camera for a couple of weeks. It is extremely easy to use in any mode, has a great optical zoom, acheives auto focus almost always, has good flesh tones and color saturation, and it has a truely superior Macro and Super Macro funtion that works extremely well. Even when zoomed in close I haven't had any problems with blur from camera shake. Even though there is no Image Stabilization feature on this camera. In general this is an excellent camera.
The only complaint I have is that It didn't come with a wrist strap. Otherwise a superior performer.
Experience: Casio Z4U, Kodak DX7630, Fujifilm E550, Olympus D-580 and now the C-765
9 great camera but...
just like the rave reviews given, this is a very good camera to have. the best feature for me is the 10x zoom which just blows away the 3x zoom which other similar priced cameras have.
now for the sad part. if you happen to upgrade to a 512 mb xD card, your battery just won't be able to keep up. according to olympus the battery can only average 175 shots per charge for typical use. if you're a typical user then you have no problem. a 512 mb card can manage around 500 shots. the battery will be dead before you can fill up the memory card. you'd better buy an extra battery or two especially if you're going on long trips where there are no electrical outlets available.
* if the C765 uses typical AA batteries all you have to do is stock up on those but unfortunately it uses special ones which are expensive.
10 An excellent combination
I've had this camera for about a month now, and it's easy to use and takes great pictures. For people who don't know much about photography, it has point-and-shoot convenience; for those who are more experienced, there are lots of features you can set manually. The pre-set macro mode is great fun--it allows you take some gorgeous extreme close-ups. You do need to keep your hands extremely steady or use a tripod to prevent the picture from being too blurry (using the action shot mode also helps, since the shutter speed is faster). I bought mine for $339, and it's a really good value for the money. The only minor complaint I have is that the propietary XD card is pretty expensive and you need to get the Olympus brand if you want to take panoramic pictures, but I managed to find a 256MB chip for $40, so really I don't have too much to complain about. If you're looking for a decent mid-range digital camera, I highly recommend this one.
11 Please watch yourself for a unstable but expensive camera
I bought Olympus C765 at Apr. 28, 2004. At first, it was the great experience. Everything worked and I only use the camera for about several times since. Recently I found out the navigation bar and OK button is not working at all. In a word, I can not upload picture, erase picture, and view the pictures from one to the other. This is very expensive camera and I paid $419 for it. I never expect the camera broke so quickly. It is on the way to Olympus repair center now and I have to pay the shipping for it.
12 well worth the bucks
I love the small size which provides great portability and it's hard to believe all the great features packed into this little gem of a digital camera. The zoom lens is a much used feature as is the built in cropping and other editing tools. You really need to read the instruction manual to get the most out of the camera - after reading it I discovered just how much I was missing! Although you certainly don't need to read it to be able to use the camera as it's very easy to operate. I was advised to get at least 3MP for good end results when printing the photos and the 10x optical zoom cannot be beat. This camera produces extremely clear photos that can be enlarged to 8x10 without loosing clarity. My belief is that it's not worth spending $150-200 on a digital camera if you end up with grainy photos - just keep your regular camera until you're ready to make an investment for the higher grade camera and if you are ready, I highly recommend this camera. I know the dollar amount could make this purchase a question mark but it's well worth it!
13 Excellent Camera for Beginners & Enthusiastics
This is my second digital camera, first one was Olympus C-750 (which I used for abt 1.5 yrs) and after i lost it, I was determined to buy its next version C-765. This camera is simply awesome. It has all the things anyone would want in a camera: Optical Zoom, Small Compact Size, Great quality pictures & movies with sound, lots of modes & easily customizable, ease of menu and fast pictures.
Olympus has decreased the size (compared to C-750 which has same features) mainly by changing from standard 4 AA batteries to small Li battery. They have removed the hot-shoe , which usually slips & fall down. Turbo PicPro helps to take real fast pictures like in football game. (That was my first photo session with this new camera). I have compared my results with other comparable cameras and found this one better than others.
sometimes there could be some problem of focussing at higher zoom, but it can be dealt with easily by waiting for sometime once you increase the zoom before taking picture. It gives time for enough light to enter. For better pictures, its aperture and shutter speed can be adjusted as well. Night mode picture quality is good and panoramic quality is really great. For self-timet photos, it gives you about 12 seconds before taking the picture.
Overall, I will recommend this to everyone, be it a beginner in digital photography or an enthusiastic like me.
14 Love it!
I've had this camera for a couple of months and I love it. The pictures look great and it is very easy to use. Its big and boxy so it won't fit in a small purse or pocket, but its worth hanging a camera case around your shoulder if you like to take high quality outdoor pictures.
15 Awesome
The C765 is my first digital camera after years of shooting pictures with 35mm SLR'S. I've owned the 765 for about 5 months now and have taken hundreds of pictures that range from hummingbirds in flight to floral still lifes. The camera has been an absolute joy to use and the results have been excellent. I take all my pictures at high resolution (2288x1712) and still get almost 300 shots on a 256MB card.
16 Excellent camera!! zoom rocks!!
I feel so happy taking pictures with this camera. The 10X optical zoom is critical for the stile of pictures that I like to take: portrait, detailed pictures, lots of deep. Pictures are so good that it reminds me my old SRL film camera that had an 80-380mm zoom. Colors are vivid, details are excellent, supports 512MB media.
Flash is OK but I was expecting more of it, the C-770 has better flash.
Don't install the software. If you are using Windows XP you won't need the software. It is good for nothing, shame on Olympus!!!. If you don't want to spend more money download one from Internet, ie: free Adobe photoshop album.
If you want to have the best pictures, you will need editing software that works well like Photoshop Elements 3 that is the one that I recently bough.
My final advice: what ever camera you buy, learn to use it well, study the manual, practice taking lots of pictures. The combo that I have is excellent: C-765 (see also the C-770) and Adobe Photoshop Elements 3.
17 VERY Pleased!!
Very pleased with this camera!Great pictures and so easy to use.I actually first bought an Olympus d-560.I HATED it!I actually GAVE it away!I had problems loading the software to my computer.....Trigger from Augusta
18 Run! Don't walk away from Olympus cameras!
The software will lock up your computer EVERY TIME, and the pictures are mediocre at best.
19 The C-755: same camera, same features, GREAT CAMERA
We recently purchased the C-755, which is essentially the same camera as the 765, it just came from a different store, thus a different model number. Costco.com had a great deal and we decided to go for it and replace our old digital cameras with this one. I haven't had a chance to learn EVERYTHING as there are many many features available, but it has been wonderful so far. When using the auto feature, it takes beautiful pictures and the quality is top notch.
There are two things, both related to the flash, that caused me to rate it a 4 rather than a 5 (and I'd go 4.5, if I had the choice available to me). First, if you don't remember to put the flash up manually, there is no flash. Of course this is a good thing when you don't want the flash accidentally going off like in a museum! The second thing is that when you use the auto function you cannot force the flash ON manually. When it says AUTO, it means AUTO. There are so many features like the ability to program personal settings to be accessed later and the ability to use it for short video that are awesome and the zoom is amazing for a camera at this price.
I highly recommend this camera!
ADDENDUM: This camera requires the X-D memory chips which is newer technology, thus a little pricey. We were disappointed that the chips for our old Olympus digital would not work. We purchased a new chip at Costco for around $70 and it holds over 200 pictures. Sorry I forgot to mention this initially. It's still a great camera and the chips are likely to come down in cost as time passes.
In addition, I had no difficulties loading the software into my Sony Vaio Computer. It was quick and painless and all I have to do is plug the cord from the camera into my USB port and the software starts right up. It asks me what I want to do and I can quickly download my pictures.
20 Great Little Camera
I've had this camera for about 3 months, and I love it. There are a bunch of professional review websites up(dcresource.com), so if you want to know all about this camera, then go there. As far as an amateur/for fun review, then I have to give it 4 stars. I would give it 5 but I must say that in low light situations, it's sometimes hard to get the camera to focus. But, the overall ease of use and picture quality of this camera is great. The only other camera I even thought of getting was the Cannon S1, but didn't like the 3 megapixels and the fact that the camera would not focus correctly at max zoom....(verified this fact by playing with one at my local camera store...If cannon would only fix this little problem...then I will get the next generation of this superb camera). Great little introductory camera for those of us with little knowledge of picture taking.
21 The perfect camera for all users
Wow! This camera does everything I expect from it and more. I've had it about a month, now, and I'm very impressed with the results. The aperture and shutter priority shooting modes enable capture of any scene. Sharpness and color rendition is outstanding. Flash results are excellent. Movies are superb. I used it for movies at the Seattle aquarium in a darkened exhibit last week and the results were perfect.
22 Great Camera
I replace my old Olympus 450 with this camera. I loved the old camera but it did not have all the features that I wanted. The new camera is great. It takes great pictures out of the box. If you spend the time to get to know all the features it takes even better pictures. I love being able to customize the settings. The zoom is the best feature of the camera. Allows you to get very close to your subject. Battery life is great but I would buy an extra battery because it does not give much warning when it is going.
23 Great first camera
Other than a cheap point and shoot camera, this is the first real camera that I have owned. I decided to go with a digital camera that way I would practice my photography skills without wasting a whole lot of money on film. Overall, I have been very impressed with this camera. I recently got back from a trip to London and everyone was very impressed with the pictures that I got. For the beginner, you can set the camera on Auto Mode on and get great shots. For the more advanced photographer, the camera offers enough creative control over things such as aperature and shutter speed. I experimented with the camera in the Sport Mode and was able to freeze an acrobat in the middle of a flip. This camera is not for a professional, but for the beginner to an intermediately advanced photographer, it makes a great camera. My only real complaint with the camera is shooting pictures at night or extremely low light situations is somewhat difficult. I recommend using a tripod or some other way to stabilize it for best results. It is possible that there is something that I haven't figured out yet since I feel like I am still learning a lot about this camera. Other than this though, I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking for a solid, reliable camera that takes excellent photos.
24 Great Camera
I just got this camera. I love it. It takes excellent pictures and is easy to use.
25 A great upgrade for digital camera users.
I just purchased this camera and love it. Prior to getting this one, I had been using my Olympus Camedia 3030. This one has several things that really make it better than the old one:
First and foremost, it has the 10x optical zoom. I often found with the C-3030 that I couldn't get close enough in on people and animals if they were more than about 20 feet away. This one solves that problem.
Second, the lag time from pressing the button to the shutter releasing is significantly reduced in this camera. I can actually capture my son before he has left the picture frame. It still isn't as fast as an SLR, but it is light years ahead of where it used to be.
Third, I have noticed significantly fewer red eye issues with this camera. This is a big deal for me since everyone in my family is fair skinned with blue eyes.
Last, the battery is a Li rechargeable. It only takes about two hours to get a full charge. Picture quality is exceptional. I haven't had any problems with the zoom lens (but I do try to steady the camera on a fence or something if the zoom is fully extended).
All in all, I think this is a great camera. Admittedly, I don't use all the bell and whistles -- mostly the automatic settings. Oh, and one other thing I like -- it is easier to control the flash with this one since you have to open it to use it.
A Few Cons: It may be overpriced compared to the competition. The battery and charger come with the camera, but a spare battery costs approx. $50.00 (and you can't use AA's in a pinch). You'll definitely need to buy a 256MB card right away. The one that comes with the camera only holds about 16 pictures. The digital display window can not be adjusted or turned -- so it is hard to preview your images in some bright light situations.
