Olympus America has a new digital camera that it claims is the world’s smallest 3.2 megapixel model: the Camedia C-730 Ultra Zoom. Due next month, the camera can capture QuickTime video and sound.
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The US$599 camera boasts a 10X optical ultra-zoom lens (30X total seamless zoom when combined with the 3X digital zoom) on a body that weighs just 11.1 ounces and measures 4.2 x 3.0 inches. The 10X zoom is an equivalent zoom range of 38mm to 380mm. The C-730 sports a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second and a shutter speed range that allows long exposures of up to eight seconds. Super Macro Mode lets you take photographs from distances as close as 1.2-inches to capture details like dewdrops on a leaf.
In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity. The Scene Program on the mode dial offers fully automatic exposure adjustments in a variety of settings: Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, and Sports or Action photography. The special “My Mode” feature saves time by allowing the user to assign a frequently used function to the mode dial for quick access, according to Richard Pelkowski, associate product manager, Olympus America.
The C-730 Ultra Zoom’s advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual operation. Images can be transferred to your Mac with a supplied Auto-Connect USB function that doesn’t require software drivers. Images may also be viewed on a television with the supplied video cable.
The camera’s Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) displays aperture, shutter speed and image quality settings and can be used in playback as well the 1.5-inch color LCD display. The 3.2 Megapixel Imager captures the detail needed for printing large print sizes over 8 x 10 inches. Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation. The digital camera comes with an external 5-pin dedicated flash terminal for even more flash control.
The C-730 Ultra Zoom will ship with an Auto-Connect USB cable, audio/video out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, 2 LB-01 (CR-3V) Lithium batteries, a 16MB xD-Picture Card, Olympus Camedia Master Software 4.0, user manual and Quick Start guide.