Olympus Stylus 730 7.1MP Digital Camera with Digital Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Silver)

by Olympus

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.4 x 0.8 inches ; 5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000H7FXG2
• Item model number: 225840
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,413 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer The 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, Digital Image Stabilization Mode, a new Simple Mode, and a new Perfect Fix function.

Large 3.0-Inch LCD in Stylish and 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 and 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 autofocus, 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!

Bright Capture Technology in Action

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 15 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 Turbo 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.

What's in the Box
Olympus Stylus 730, 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-ROMs with Olympus Master Software and an advanced manual.

Product Description

Enjoy easy-to-use sophistication and enhanced performance with the Stylus 730. Get the big picture for shooting, sharing or editing. An extra-large 3 LCD lets you see everything you ve shot in detail. The 730 features large buttons that illuminate in low light as well as Digital Image Stabilization (DIS) and Bright Capture Technology for stunning results. Like all Stylus digital cameras, it also offers All-Weather durability so you can shoot with confidence, regardless of the conditions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Olympus Takes Great Pictures, Slow Shutter Speed, January 11, 2007

By 

Ryan R. Wyllys "RRWGator" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus Stylus 730 7.1MP Digital Camera with Digital Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

Read the manual! This is a great camera, but it's complicated scene modes make it a bit frustrating if you don't know EXACTLY what you're doing. The scene mode also resets every time you turn off the camera. The camera is ready to take pictures almost instantly after pushing the "on" button, but the focus and shutter speed make it hard to catch impromptu photos. People fall asleep waiting for the flash. The camera is durable but the LCD scratches easily. BUY A SCREEN PROTECTOR IMMEDIATELY! Excellent batterly life. Awesome review features and good balance of weight and size. This is not your Father's camera. It's high quality, durable, and portable camera. It takes great pictures...if you can figure out how to take them!
Ryan

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Olympus Quality Continues, May 10, 2007

By 

R. Susnjer (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Olympus Stylus 730 7.1MP Digital Camera with Digital Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

I have owned and used Olympus camera equipment since the early 70's and have never been disappointed. The Stylus 730 is another fine example of quality at an affordable price. The camera is very small yet easy to use due to its well thought out design and construction. The LCD is very large and clear. And, the controls are easy to use for even a person with large hands like me (once you take the time to learn how to use them).

I purchased this camera for my wife (to replace her existing 35mm Olympus film camera) after she saw and played with one at a local electronics store. I should also note that my wife doesn't like "too many buttons". So she simply avoids using them and hasn't yet been disappointed. Thus far, she is extremely pleased with her pictures - so needless to say, so am I.

[I included the following on my review for the Olympus Stylus 750 which I purchased at the same time that I purchased this camera. It is also relevant to this camera.]

However, it must be noted that this camera suffers the same problem as all other digital cameras with only a LCD screen for composing your shots. It is difficult to focus and compose your shot in bright light situations. I personally wish that this camera had a viewfinder but that's just a personal preference. And, viewfinders are not common on digital cameras of this ultra compact size anyway.

I've noticed that many reviewers unfairly tend to base their reviews on previous cameras that they have owned or used (usually SLR's - film or digital). One must keep in mind that this camera IS NOT a replacement for a SLR, it doesn't have a viewfinder, it doesn't have interchangeable lens, shutter priorities, does suffer from occasional blurriness, doesn't use AA/AAA batteries, it uses a proprietary xD flash card, has fairly difficult controls/buttons, too many functions, etc.

Well - guess what?? This isn't a SLR nor was it designed to replace one! It's a point and shoot camera no different than the old 135 pocket film cameras. Authentic Olympus xD cards can be purchased on Amazon or many other internet sites at very reasonable prices [...]

And, to make sure that you get the shot you want (because there's no charge for developing film) you take as many shots as you can/want and simply delete those that don't meet your approval.

As for too many functions or difficult to use controls - don't use them - there's no one forcing you to use them. However, you can only benefit from taking the time to learn how to properly use the functions and controls.

And, if you can design a better layout for the controls on a camera this small, then you should be working for Olympus.

And finally, Amazon must be given credit for executing a perfect transaction. Great price, excellent communications, safe packaging and relatively fast (Free) shipping.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Some good and some bad features for Olympus 730, March 23, 2007

By 

Richard W. Tribou (Satellite Beach, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Olympus Stylus 730 7.1MP Digital Camera with Digital Image Stabilized 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) (Electronics)

I upgraded to the smaller 730 pocket camera, easier to carry around, from an Olympus D-595 with 5 megapixals, so the functions were similar, and the picture quality is marginally better. Battery life is now poor, so I need to carry around a spare battery and a spare 1 Gig picture card. The movie mode is outstanding in HQ mode with over 25 minutes with a 1Gig card. The worst feature is low light indoor picture taking with flash when I use zoom. From 10 feet away, the camera will not focus the way my old D-595 works. Therefore, I do not use the zoom feature indoors, and must rely on post-processing cropping to enlarge the picture. That is my only real disappointment with the camera.