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Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Stylus 730 offers 3.0" LCD
By Michael R. Tomkins, The Imaging Resource
(Wednesday, August 23, 2006 - 01:00 EDT)

As with the rest of the Stylus line, the Olympus Stylus 730 digital camera is based around a weatherproof body that ensures wherever you go, your camera will go right along with you.

It triumphs unhindered by rain, sleet or snow that would see most digicams left at home or in a sealed case, unable to get that chance-of-a-lifetime photo that sneaks up on you when you're not prepared. Pocket-friendly and relatively lightweight, the Olympus 730 includes a 3x optical zoom with a pretty standard 38 - 114mm equivalent focal length range and F3.5 - 5.0 maximum aperture, folded by a prism to allow the lens to be mounted at right angles to the front of the camera. This allowed the camera's designers to protect the delicate lens components, as well as to completely seal the camera body with no need for a lens to extend out of the camera body when powered on. The lens is coupled with a 7.1 megapixel imager and a whooping 3.0" LCD display with a higher than average 230,000 pixels, which dominates the rear of the camera. As is common on many digicams these days, this LCD is the sole method of framing images, as the Stylus 730 forgoes any form of optical viewfinder.

Autofocus is via contrast detection, and ISO sensitivity ranges from 64 to 3200 equivalent and can be controlled automatically or manually. The Olympus Stylus 730 also offers what the company calls "Digital Image Stabilization" mode - which should not be mistaken for true hardware image stabilization, where either lens elements or the image sensor are moved based on sensors that detect camera shake. The 730 combines a gyro sensor, software blur removal, plus boosted ISO sensitivity to gain a faster shutter speed - all of which will reduce blur, but at the expense of some added noise and/or lost image detail.

By default, exposures are determined with Olympus' Digital ESP multi-pattern metering, with spot metering also available. Users can also tweak the exposure with +/-2.0EV of exposure compensation, in 1/3EV steps. Shutter speeds range from 1/1000 to 4 seconds, and the Olympus 730 offers automatic or preset white balance control courtesy of six presets, but no custom white balance mode. The Olympus 730 also includes a four mode internal flash good to 12.5 feet at wide angle, and offers beginner-friendly control over images courtesy of a generous 20 scene modes.

As well as still images, the Stylus 730 can also capture movies at VGA or lower resolution, at a rate of 30 frames per second. The 730 also has a twelve second self-timer to let you get into your own pictures. The camera stores images on xD-Picture cards, or 22MB of built-in memory. It also offers video and USB 2.0 Full Speed computer connectivity (rather slower than the USB 2.0 High Speed connections on many cameras these days). Powercomes from a proprietary Lithium Ion battery

The Olympus Stylus 730 ships from September, priced at $400.

Olympus Stylus 730
Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera Type Compact
Manufacturer Olympus
Model Number 730
Dimensions 3.8 x 2.4 x 0.8"
95.4 x 61.4 x 21.0mm
Weight 130.0 g
4.5 oz
Planned Price $399.99
Planned Availability Sep 2006
Image Capture
Sensor Type 1/2.3" CCD
7.40 megapixels (total)
7.10 megapixels (effective)
Aspect Ratio 4:3, 16:9
Image Dimensions 3072 x 2304 (7.1 megapixels)2560 x 1920 (4.9 megapixels)2304 x 1728 (4.0 megapixels)2048 x 1536 (3.1 megapixels)1920 x 1080 (2.1 megapixels)1600 x 1200 (1.9 megapixels)1280 x 960 (1.2 megapixels)1024 x 768 (0.8 megapixels)640 x 480
Image Preview / Review
Viewfinder No
LCD 3.0", 230,000 pixels
Lens
Lens Type Olympus lens
3x optical zoom
Image Stabilization No
Focal Length 6.7 - 20.1mm (actual)
38 - 114mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Range f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.0 (tele) - ???
Focusing System CCD contrast detection, iESP Auto / Spot AF
Focusing Range Normal: 20" - infinity (50 cm - infinity)
Macro: 2.9" - infinity (7.0 cm - infinity)
Exposure
ISO Sensitivity Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Shutter Speed 4 - 1/1000 second
Exposure Modes Program
Metering Modes Digital ESP Auto Multi-Pattern TTL, Spot Metering
Exposure Compensation +/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White Balance Image Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten, Fluorescent1, Fluorescent2, Fluorescent3
Internal Flash Modes: Auto, Red-Eye Reduction, Fill-In, Off
Range: Wide: 12.5ft. (3.8m), Tele: 8.5ft. (2.6m)
Creative
Scene Modes Portrait, Landscape, Landscape & Portrait, Night Scene, Night & Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Candle, Self-Portrait, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Museum, Cuisine, Behind Glass, Documents, Auction, Shoot & Select1, Shoot & Select2, Beach & Snow
Digital Zoom 5x
Self Timer Yes, 12 seconds
Time Lapse No
Movie Format QuickTime Motion JPEG with audio
640x480 and 320x240
Max. frame-rate: 30 frames per second
Storage
Recording Medium xD Picture Card, Built-in
File Format JPEG
Connectivity
Video Yes
Computer USB 2.0 Full (LOW) Speed
Other DC input
Power
Battery Type Lithium Ion rechargeable
Battery Form Factor Proprietary LI-42B
Product Bundle
Software OLYMPUS Master software
Battery / Charger Proprietary LI-42B Lithium Ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory 22.0MB built-in memory
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliant Yes
PictBridge Compliant Yes
Internal Microphone Yes
Internal Speaker Yes
More Photos
Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Olympus' Stylus 730 digital camera. Courtesy of Olympus, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

Original Source Press Release:

OLYMPUS DEFINES STYLE AND SLIMNESS WITH EASY-TO-USE STYLUS 730

Extra-Large 3.0-Inch LCD, Digital Image Stabilization and Bright Capture Technology Deliver Superior Image Quality

Center Valley, Pa, August 23, 2006 – The new Olympus Stylus 730 digital camera is designed with all levels of users in mind. The camera’s durable and stylish All-Weather exterior design is coupled with an impressive array of features to ensure stunning images result, including:

  • A large 3.0-inch LCD and Bright Capture Technology improves composition, capture and review of images in all lighting situations;
  • Digital Image Stabilization Mode boosts ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to capture crisp, clear images;
  • New Simple Mode offers easy-to-use auto settings so your camera does all the work to capture a great shot; and
  • New Perfect Fix makes perfect pictures possible by activating three different editing features to fix red-eyes, underexposures and blurs.

“The Stylus 730 delivers innovative, easy-to-use features in an ultra-slim body design,” said Tomoko Matsunaga, product manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The 3.0-inch LCD, Digital Image Stabilization, Bright Capture Technology and the new Perfect Fix feature ensure great pictures regardless of the shooting situation. The new Simple Mode for easy-to-read and easy-to-understand menu choices, as well as the large function buttons that automatically illuminate in low light, make this premium point-and-shoot camera accessible to every user.”

Large 3.0-Inch LCD in Stylish & Ultra-Slim Body
The camera’s 3.0-inch LCD is 40 percent larger than a standard 2.5-inch LCD, making it easier to read text and navigate through menu options. Users can clearly see their images both when shooting and sharing photos with friends. Even with such a large LCD, the body maintains its slimness of less than 1.0 inch – 3.8 inches wide x 2.4 inches high x 0.83 inches deep. The clean lines and smooth, rounded edges make it comfortable to hold and easy to handle; plus, it fits snugly into a pocket and won’t crowd a purse or briefcase.

Digital Image Stabilization Mode & Edit
The Stylus 730 includes Digital Image Stabilization Mode, which boosts ISO sensitivity and shutter speed to capture crisp, clear images – free from the blur sometimes caused by camera shake or moving subjects – in virtually any shooting situation. For unanticipated blurry images, Digital Image Stabilization Edit presents an easy solution for retouching a blurry image right in the camera after the image has already been captured. An electro-gyro sensor embedded in the camera tracks the vertical and horizontal movement of the camera and then uses this information to revert the image back to its original position to sharpen and reduce blurs in the image.

All-Weather Durability
Typically, moisture and photography are a bad combination, limiting outdoor photography options when rain, snow or sleet are involved. However, the compact, All-Weather Stylus 730 can go virtually anywhere. The clean and smooth metal body construction is durable and lightweight with rubber gaskets throughout the interior to ensure that rain, snow and dust won’t get in the way of great photos.

Bright Capture Technology for Easy Low-Light Photography
There are times when you want to photograph subjects in low light without having to use a flash for example, when trying to capture the softness and warmth of a candlelit dinner or natural skin tones in subdued lighting. Olympus’ revolutionary Bright Capture Technology makes it possible to clearly compose subjects on the LCD. With specific scene modes for high sensitivity settings (up to ISO 3200) and rapid auto-focus, even fast-action photos can be captured under low levels of available light. Plus, Bright Capture Movie enables users to record the moments in the dark even after the candles are blown out!

7.1-Megapixel Image Sensor for Superior Image Quality
The 7.1-megapixel CCD image sensor inside the Stylus 730 delivers high-quality images that are consistently sharp and vivid even when printed in large formats – up to poster sizes of 16 x 20 inches or larger.

High Quality Olympus Lens Elements
Olympus’ lenses are known worldwide for sharp, vibrant image quality. This is achieved through a number of key technologies, such as an ED lens and three aspherical lenses designed specifically for digital cameras. The Stylus 730 features a bright f3.5 speed lens and a 3x optical zoom lens (equivalent to 38 – 114mm focal length in 35mm photography) plus a 5x digital zoom for a total seamless zoom of 15x. In addition, Super Macro Mode captures details from as close as 2.8 inches.

TruePic TURBO™ for High-Speed Response
Olympus’ exclusive TruePic TURBO™ Image Processor enhances image quality and delivers faster overall processing speeds for rapid start-up, shutter release and playback. TruePic TURBOTM enables the Stylus 730 to capture information from all 7.1 million pixels with pixel “micro-smoothing” that delivers clearer and more color-accurate photos. The fast start-up of less than one second and nearly instant shutter release time ensures a high-speed response so the camera is always ready to take great pictures.

24 Selectable Shooting Modes
With 20 pre-programmed scene modes such as Sport, Available Light Portrait, Sunset, Candle Light and Cuisine, the Stylus 730 makes it easy to capture beautiful images in a variety of lighting and shooting situations. Plus, with QuickTime® Movie Mode, the camera can also record VGA-quality videos with sound.

Simple Mode
The Stylus 730 is designed with all levels of users in mind. It’s loaded with features to appeal to advanced users while offering simple menus and auto settings for the novice. For ultimate ease-of-use, the camera can be set to Simple Mode by selecting ON or OFF for flash, macro, backlight and self-timer. Large, illuminated buttons are easier to see and feel; and an extra-large 3.0-inch LCD provides ample space to display enlarged text and icon options.

Perfect Fix for Perfect Photos
Olympus’ new Perfect Fix feature offers quick solutions for unanticipated image quality issues, which may be caused by several adverse conditions. Digital Image Stabilization Edit can be used to reduce the effects of blur; Lighting Fix can be used to adjust any underexposed areas; and Red-Eye Fix can be used to reduce the effects of red-eye sometimes caused by a direct flash. Additional in-camera editing functions can be quickly accessed right in the camera by the touch of a button; features available include resizing, trimming, frames, text options, color brightness and saturation adjustments.

Built-In Help Guide
Each feature is easily accessible, even to novice users, thanks to the Built-In Help Guide function. By simply holding down the Guide button on the back of the camera, users can access brief descriptions of each of the camera’s functions and scene modes. An improved auto-set Shooting Guide provides users with an explanation of which features to use in a given situation, and then sets the camera automatically for the selected feature in the Guide.

One-Touch EASY Print – No Computer Necessary!
The power of PictBridge™ technology enables photos to be printed directly from the camera to any PictBridge-enabled printer without using a computer. The one-touch “Print” button makes printing a single-step process. Printing and sharing images has never been easier!

OLYMPUS Master™ Software
OLYMPUS Master™ Software provides the ultimate in digital imaging management. An intuitive user interface makes downloading images to a computer quick and simple; and images are searchable by date or keyword in the Calendar View. Also, with one-click editing tools, such as red-eye removal, images can be touched up before printing or e-mailing. Online support, templates, firmware upgrades and other user services are just a mouse-click away.

Availability
The Stylus 730 will be available in September 2006. The camera ships with: a wrist strap, WIN/Mac USB cable, audio/video cable, LI-42B Li-Ion rechargeable battery and charger, quick start guide, basic instruction manual, warranty card, (2) CD-ROM’s with OLYMPUS Master Software and an advanced manual.

U.S. Pricing
Stylus 730 Estimated Street Price: $399.99 (U.S.)

ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering award-winning products for consumer and professional markets.

Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively with its customers and its parent company, Olympus Corporation, to develop breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality that enhances peoples’ lives every day. These include:

  • Digital and film cameras
  • Professional SLR Imaging Systems
  • Digital and Microcassette recorders
  • Personal Photo Printers
  • Digital Media
  • Binoculars

Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.

*Specifications and design are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
All trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective holder.
© 2006 Olympus Imaging America Inc.
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