Olympus Camedia C-720 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera
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| Olympus Camedia C-720 Ultra Zoom Digital Camera |
Summary
The CAMEDIA C-720 Ultra Zoom is an upgraded version of the CAMEDIA C-700 Ultra Zoom (introduced in April 2001) that has been widely acclaimed for its high zoom power and compact design. While retaining the advanced functions, outstanding ease of use, and affordable pricing that made its predecessor a worldwide success, the new CAMEDIA C-720 Ultra Zoom adds a 3-megapixel CCD for even higher image quality. Plus, it features new all-in-one packaging that includes a variety of connecting cables and advanced new image-editing software.
Combining the advanced functionality that expert photographers demand with the ease of use that entry-level users require, the CAMEDIA C-720 Ultra Zoom is the smallest and lightest digital camera equipped with an 8x optical zoom lens in the world to offer ultra-high zoom power.
Top Features
High-performance 3-megapixel imaging and exclusive image processing technology
High-power 8x optical zoom for ultra-telephoto shooting
Compact and exceptionally easy to handle Simple enough for entry-level users to operate
Development Background
Olympus first opened the door to compact, affordable, ultra-high zoom power when it introduced the CAMEDIA C-2100 Ultra Zoom (August 2000) and the CAMEDIA C-700 Ultra Zoom (April 2001), both of which featured zoom lenses with a level of telephoto power that would be prohibitively bulky and expensive to achieve on a conventional 35mm film camera. As digital cameras have grown in popularity, however, some users have come to demand higher image quality than that offered by 2-megapixel cameras. It was in response to this demand that the 3-megapixel CAMEDIA C-720 Ultra Zoom was developed. Now, users can choose between 2-megapixel convenience and 3-megapixel image quality, and enjoy ultra-high zoom power with either choice.
Main Features
3-Megapixel CCD for Superior Image Quality
A 3.34-megapixel CCD is used to ensure truly outstanding image quality, even on large, A4-size prints or when cropping and enlarging images. In addition, the advanced TruePic image processing technology featured on our top-of-the-line CAMEDIA E-20 digital SLR is also included to enhance image clarity and color fidelity.
High-Performance 8x Optical Zoom Lens
The lens is a bright, high-performance, F2.8 - 3.4 8x optical zoom lens that incorporates one glass aspherical element and one element that is aspherical on both sides. The zoom range is equivalent to 40 - 320mm on a 35mm film camera, eliminating the need for interchangeable lenses, while high telephoto power makes it possible for users to shoot natural looking candid photos from a considerable distance. When used in combination with the digital seamless zoom function, a maximum of 24x magnification is offered (equivalent to 960mm telephoto on a 35mm film camera), making it easy to photograph sports events and, concerts, wildlife, and a wide range of other subjects.
Compact, Yet Easy to Hold and Handle
Despite its powerful, 8x zoom lens, the CAMEDIA C-720 Ultra Zoom measures only 107.5mm (W) x 76mm (H) x 77.5mm (D) (excluding protrusions), and weighs just 315g. Extremely compact and portable, it is exceptionally easy to hold and operate.
Exceptional Ease of Use
Convenient Menu-Based Setting-Selection System
Camera settings are controlled via the easy-to-use menu-based system first featured on the CAMEDIA C-700 Ultra Zoom. The menu's top-level directory features four tabs: one allows users to access all of the advanced settings; the other three can be customized to provide quick access to frequently used settings.
'My Mode' Setting For Personalized Image Control
A user-customizable 'My Mode' on the Mode Dial allows users to select their favorite combination of camera settings and register it in the camera's memory. They can then access these settings with one-touch ease at any time simply by selecting My Mode.
'Scene Program' Shooting Modes
The Mode Dial provides instant access to four programmed shooting modes (Portrait, Sports, Landscape-Portrait and Night Scene). Users simply choose the mode that matches the scene they wish to shoot; the camera automatically applies the appropriate exposure, contrast, sharpness, and color reproduction settings, assuring that even first-time users can obtain outstanding image quality.
Customizable One-Touch Button
The AE Lock Button is user-customizable and can be programmed to provide one-touch access to the user's favorite feature or function.
Easy-to-Use Function Buttons
Flash, exposure and macro mode settings each have their own independent button to allow easy adjustment. A separate ON/OFF switch is also provided.
Easy-to-Use Mode Dial
A Mode Dial on the top of the camera allows fast, easy mode selection, even for first-time users.
Video Cable
A video cable is bundled as standard equipment. It allows the camera to be connected directly to a TV so that photographs can be enjoyed with family and friends.
USB Cable
A quick-connect USB cable is bundled as standard equipment for fast, easy image file downloading.
'CAMEDIA Master 4.0' Image Processing and Management Software
CAMEDIA Master 4.0 image processing and file management software is bundled as standard equipment. Featuring a user-friendly interface that even computer novices can use with ease, the software makes it simple to download, edit, and organize image files. In addition, it allows calendars and photo albums to be created with point-and-click ease.
Other Features
Pre-Set White Balance Settings
In addition to Auto White Balance, four pre-set white balance settings are provided (Daylight, Overcast, Tungsten Light and Fluorescent Light). As a result, users can obtain correct color balance even if lighting conditions are too complex to be handled by the Auto White Balance function.
Versatile Flash Mode Settings
In addition to Auto Flash in low light and backlight, Red-Eye Reduction, Off, Fill-In, Night Scene, and Red-Eye Reduction Night Scene flash modes are provided.
1.5-Inch TFT Color LCD Monitor
A 114,000-pixel, 1.5-inch TFT LCD color monitor on the back of the camera provides bright, clear image display. It can be used as an external viewfinder when shooting, and to review images after shooting.
0.5-Inch TFT Color LCD Viewfinder
A built-in, 0.5-inch TFT color LCD viewfinder provides parallax-free viewing across the entire 8x zoom range. In addition, information about essential settings is displayed inside the viewfinder so that users can keep their eye to eyepiece when shooting.
Two Light Metering Modes
Two light metering modes are offered: digital ESP metering, which ensures natural-looking exposures even when shooting in backlight or high-contrast situations, and spot metering, which allows users to take a reading from a particular area of the composition to get the precise results they want.
Exposure Compensation and Auto-Bracketing
Exposure compensation of up to ±2EV can be set in 1/3-step increments. In addition, a convenient, three or five-shot, auto-bracketing function is provided. With auto-bracketing activated, the camera automatically 'brackets' a picture taken at standard exposure settings with two others taken at slightly higher and lower exposure settings.
Sharpness Settings
Hard, Normal and Soft image sharpness settings allow users to choose the level of image sharpness that best suits their purpose (i.e., printing, image manipulation, etc.).
Contrast Settings
Image contrast can be set to High, Normal or Low according to the user's preference.
ISO Sensitivity Settings
In addition to Auto, a choice of three fixed ISO sensitivity settings is offered. The settings are approximately equivalent to ISO 100, 200 and 400.
Continuous Shooting Mode
Continuous shooting is possible in all modes except TIFF. In HQ mode, up to five shots can be taken at a speed of approximately 1.2 frames per second.
Rotated Image Display
Captured images can be rotated by ±90 degrees for viewing. Pictures taken with the camera rotated for vertical framing will therefore be displayed on a TV.
LB-01 (CR-V3) Lithium Battery Pack
Two CR-V3 lithium batteries are bundled as standard equipment. The batteries provide sufficient power for approximately 8,000 pictures under continuous operating conditions, and approximately 450 pictures under normal operating conditions. In addition, optionally available NiMH batteries or an AC adapter, as well as commercially available NiCd or alkaline batteries, can also be used to power the camera.
* Test conditions for continuous operation: SQ (640 x 480) mode, LCD monitor off, flash off, zoom setting fixed at wide angle, no image display or file downloading. Test conditions for normal operation: repeated 2-shot shutter release followed by 10 minutes of rest, HQ mode, LCD monitor on when shooting, flash used on 50% of shots, zooming for each shoot, no image display or file downloading.
Optional Accessories
Conversion Lens Adapter and Lenses
By attaching an optional CLA-4 lens adapter to the camera, users can extend the camera's shooting capabilities with the optional WCON-08 wide-angle conversion lens or MCON-40 macro conversion lens.
The company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of each company. Pictures (c) Olympus Corporation - All rights reserved - Olympus Press Release - 13.05.2002
