Olympus has launched the C-730 Ultra Zoom, featuring a 10x optical zoom and 3.2 megapixel sensor.

 

September 2002: Olympus has launched the C-730 Ultra Zoom, featuring a 10x optical zoom and 3.2 megapixel sensor.

The C-730 Ultra Zoom also has an improved, high resolution electronic viewfinder, 60% higher than the other Olympus Ultra Zoom models. Refined automatic functions include the super macro mode for shots from as close as 4 cm away.

Four ‘My Mode’ settings can save preferred shooting parameters. Up to 11 exposures can be taken in normal sequence mode at a rate of 1.2 frames per second (in HQ mode). Using the movie mode, the camera records 160 x 120 pixel video sequences lasting more than 200 seconds (on a 16 MB card, without sound).

Three exposure metering modes are available. Digital ESP takes readings from various points in the frame and intelligently processes the data to determine the optimal settings. Spot metering adjusts the exposure to suit the central area in the frame, while multi spot sets the exposure based on the average value from up to eight points selected by the user. A histogram displays brightness distribution of both captured and live images in a graphic form to allow the exposure to be checked.

In addition to auto and one touch white balance, this camera offers one pre-set mode each for daylight, overcast scenes and tungsten light and three for fluorescent light. Seven flash modes are included for shooting in darkness or low light. The noise reduction function helps give shots with long exposure times, such as night-time cityscapes, added brightness and clarity.

This is the first Olympus digital camera to support the new digital photo storage standard xD-Picture Card – the world’s smallest digital memory card for digital cameras. It also accepts SmartMedia cards. Saving information, such as the shooting, white balance and flash modes used, in the new Exif 2.2 standard means that compatible printers can intelligently apply this data.

Connection and data transfer to a PC is via the USB cable supplied with the camera and USB AutoConnect support. The camera also comes with the Olympus CAMEDIA Master 4.0 software to process, edit, organise and print the photos. The upgrade, CAMEDIA Master Pro, can be purchased online from the Olympus website and offers additional features, such as a back-up function, email and a facility to create HTML albums.

The Olympus Camedia C-730 Ultra Zoom has a RRP of $1,299 and is available at all Photo Specialty and selected retail outlets from October.

Further details at www.olympus.com.