Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Hey! You should know that this product has been discontinued. Here are our current recommended cameras in the Point and Shoot Digital Cameras category.
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Editor's Review
The Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom offers a 10x optical zoom that should delight photographers frustrated by the limited zoom on other digital cameras. Packing a whopping 10x optical zoom lens (the equivalent of a 38 - 380mm film photography lens), this camera can capture long distance shots that would be impossible with other models. Also offering a range of manual controls and an easy-to-grip body, the C-740 should please a variety of photographers. For a little more money, the Olympus C-750 offers 4-megapixel resolution and the same 10x zoom.
Specifications
- 3.18 megapixels (effective)
- 10x optical zoom/3x digital zoom
- auto and manual focus
- program and manual exposure
- JPEG and TIFF file format
- ISO range 100 - 400
- 4 AA batteries
- movie mode (no sound)
- Part Number: 225385
- UPC: 00050332140769
- Release Date: May 07, 2003
Shop for C-740 Ultra Zoom Accessories
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom Comments & Questions (write your own!)
Macro mode (Suzanne — 07/18/2012)
I am trying to figure out how to set my C-740 to macro mode. I have read the instructions and I still can't figure it out.
reply to this comment
Chris Weigl (07/19/2012)
There's a button along the top with a flower icon above it. That's to toggle between Macro and Super Macro modes.
reply to this comment
Firmware upgradation (Thiagarajan — 11/20/2010)
Where to get firmware to upgrade the memory card from 256 mb to 1GB. Is it possible to upgrade the memory card from 256 mb to 1GB since the 256 mb Cards are not available in the Indian market.
reply to this comment
memory card size (bruce allen — 11/20/2010)
got a new x-d card 2G for 740-c when formatting i get disc error???
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/23/2010)
Two possibilities. One, it doesn't support 2GB with it's current firmware, or at all, and b) the card may have it's write protect tab enabled.
reply to this comment
Alan (07/30/2010)
My C-740 would not accept a 2Gb card bought from Wal-Mart. Will it accept a 1 Gb card, and -- in reference to the answer below that it will not accept high-capacity cards -- how do I know which cards are "high-capacity" and which are not?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (07/30/2010)
2gb is the max for conventional sd cards but older camerS need a firmwRe update to support them. 1gb should be no trouble though.
reply to this comment
g wagner (07/16/2010)
Where can I find a 512mb or a 256mb memory card
reply to this comment
Chris Weigl (07/16/2010)
Check an electronics store or do a Google search.
reply to this comment
Jfoster (J. Foster — 06/22/2010)
I'm trying to download pictures from C-740 ultrazoom to computer with XP. Lens stays extended, won't go in. Nothing happens when I press POWER button. Tried 2 sets of fresh batteries. Made sure batteries were in correctly. Restarted computer. Have downloaded pictures dozens of times but a few times lately it has done this briefly. Now I can't get it to work. Can you tell me what's wrong?
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (06/23/2010)
If the images are on a memory card, get a USB card reader and you can drag and drop them over. Then I would clean the battery contacts with a pencil eraser and try again. If still a problem, a repair may be in order.
reply to this comment
To J Foster re: Your C-740 ON/OFF & downloading problem (Frank — 07/03/2010)
Reply to J. Foster's comment on Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Here's some important info from a long time C-740 digi camera user - who btw - KNOWS what he is talking about - unlike some of the poor guesses I've seen posted here at this site!!
I'll share some XD mem card tips at the very end just FYI.
One thing you HAVE to remember with the older C-740 digi camera (or with almost every great quality in mind digi camera for that matter) is that once you plug in the (supplied) C-740 USB cable adapter into the camera's USB port, and then plugged into the USB port on your cmptr - at that moment the USB connection overrides your C-740 from being turned OFF - AND for good reason!!
Think about it - what would happen if say you were transporting pix from your C-740 camera XD mem card (or any digi camera for that matter) to the cmptr desktop, and you turned your digi camera OFF either by accident or else on purpose - if you even could - which btw Thank God by design you CAN'T? AND for good reason I might add.
Most likely you would do 1 of 3 things. You could lose ALL your stored pix data on the XD mem card itself for 1. You could even corrupt some or ALL of the stored pix data on that XD mem card #2. OR - #3 you could transfer some or ALL corrupted pix to your cmptr hard drive thinking you did a GOOD pix data transfer, and then you go and ERASE the E2PROM XD mem card thinking so - only to lose some or possibly even ALL of your most cherished/valuable vacation trip pix! As in MEMORIES GONE FOR GOOD! Bummer huh?
That is why - by great design - almost all GREAT digi cameras made today will even give you a LOW BATT warning just prior to doing any mem card transfer, so in this way a digi camera mem card bad data transfer never happens in the first place. At least we hope not anyway!
Myself - I use the optional AC power adapter (model # C-7AU) when doing any camera uploads to my cmptr, as that way I never have to worry about the batts being fully charged. Works for me!
It'a a GOOD IDEA to always have a backup batt(s) plan no matter what kind your digi camera takes. Whether it takes double or quad AA type high capacity (2500ma) NI-MH rechargeable batts (which is what I use in my C-740), or whether your camera takes the flat pack type LI-ON rechargeable batts. I also use the RAY-O-VAC Hybrid NI-MH batts as well, as they lose very little juice over a longer period after a recharge!! Very good batts even though they are a bit less in capacity at (2100ma).
It should be noted that you should always turn the camera OFF first, and also be in the > Playback position first before attempting any mem card transfer, and that the camera is first turned OFF so that the lens barrel is fully retracted and NOT OUT!! Then when you plug in the USB adapter cable into both USB ports of the camera body and the cmptr, and hit the ON button you won't have to worry about the lens barrel being fully OUT. Simple huh?
If you are not in the > Playback Mode position when you turn the camera ON (even after the USB cable connections are made) then the lens barrel will be OUT. Turn the camera OFF first, and then switch to the > Playback Mode position - then you are ready to transfer mem card pix data to your cmptr hard drive.
As for a few of the posters that asked ??'s about the XD mem cards for the C-740 - here are a few tidbits that hopefully will help you out. I saw that there were a few WRONG answers to a few of the ??'s regarding XD mem cards in this C-740 camera, and that needs to be corrected here.
Also - there are NO Firmware updates for this camera - whether it's for the larger XD 1 or 2GB mem cards, or for the non-existing "camera settings" internal mem feature so that it'll retain those camera settings if and when the batts totally run down, and the camera settings go back to the factory "defaults". This was the only negative thing that I can ever say I found wrong with this camera - the hard way!! I never bothered to check on this feature prior to buying it, so now I have my favorite settings copied down in a WORD file, and also printed out in a small Font size so I could paste (glue) it into my User Manual. Done deal - so now I just need to replace the rechargeable batts in my C-740 about every 4 to 6 months when not in use. That or I just leave it plugged into the optional AC power adapter (model # C-7AU) 24/7.
Though the written specs tend to say the 256mb card is the largest you can use in this camera - that is not the case. You can use the 512mb 'S' or 'M' cards with no problems at all. Do not bother with the faster 256/512mb 'H' cards, as they are no longer made anymore! If you can still find them BRAND NEW, and at a really cheap price then go for it - as they WRITE at 4 (MiB/s) instead of 2.5 & 3.0 / 1.3 as that of the 'M' & 'S' types respectively.
Also - both the 256mb & 512mb 'M' mem cards are slower WRITE cards than are the 'S' type in the same size, so best to stay away from them, and just opt instead to buy/use the 'S' type XD cards instead. I know - as I've been there already having traded all my older SM cards for a 512mb 'M' card only to trade it for (2) faster WRITE 256mb 'S' cards instead, and there is a world of difference in speed let me tell you. Esp when you are shooting fast non-stop or in Night Flash modes for instance. Just make sure you FORMAT any XD card in your camera FIRST, and DO NOT format the XD card (or any mem card for that matter) via your cmptr's card reader first. BIG NO NO for obvious reasons!!
Hope that sheds some light on all those XD card and data transferring ??'s for all you C-740 users that are still shooting great digital pix with this great little camera same as mine!
Happy photo shooting!
reply to this comment
Reply to J. Foster's comment on Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom
Here's some important info from a long time C-740 digi camera user - who btw - KNOWS what he is talking about - unlike some of the poor guesses I've seen posted here at this site!!
I'll share some XD mem card tips at the very end just FYI.
One thing you HAVE to remember with the older C-740 digi camera (or with almost every great quality in mind digi camera for that matter) is that once you plug in the (supplied) C-740 USB cable adapter into the camera's USB port, and then plugged into the USB port on your cmptr - at that moment the USB connection overrides your C-740 from being turned OFF - AND for good reason!!
Think about it - what would happen if say you were transporting pix from your C-740 camera XD mem card (or any digi camera for that matter) to the cmptr desktop, and you turned your digi camera OFF either by accident or else on purpose - if you even could - which btw Thank God by design you CAN'T? AND for good reason I might add.
Most likely you would do 1 of 3 things. You could lose ALL your stored pix data on the XD mem card itself for 1. You could even corrupt some or ALL of the stored pix data on that XD mem card #2. OR - #3 you could transfer some or ALL corrupted pix to your cmptr hard drive thinking you did a GOOD pix data transfer, and then you go and ERASE the E2PROM XD mem card thinking so - only to lose some or possibly even ALL of your most cherished/valuable vacation trip pix! As in MEMORIES GONE FOR GOOD! Bummer huh?
That is why - by great design - almost all GREAT digi cameras made today will even give you a LOW BATT warning just prior to doing any mem card transfer, so in this way a digi camera mem card bad data transfer never happens in the first place. At least we hope not anyway!
Myself - I use the optional AC power adapter (model # C-7AU) when doing any camera uploads to my cmptr, as that way I never have to worry about the batts being fully charged. Works for me!
It'a a GOOD IDEA to always have a backup batt(s) plan no matter what kind your digi camera takes. Whether it takes double or quad AA type high capacity (2500ma) NI-MH rechargeable batts (which is what I use in my C-740), or whether your camera takes the flat pack type LI-ON rechargeable batts. I also use the RAY-O-VAC Hybrid NI-MH batts as well, as they lose very little juice over a longer period after a recharge!! Very good batts even though they are a bit less in capacity at (2100ma).
It should be noted that you should always turn the camera OFF first, and also be in the > Playback position first before attempting any mem card transfer, and that the camera is first turned OFF so that the lens barrel is fully retracted and NOT OUT!! Then when you plug in the USB adapter cable into both USB ports of the camera body and the cmptr, and hit the ON button you won't have to worry about the lens barrel being fully OUT. Simple huh?
If you are not in the > Playback Mode position when you turn the camera ON (even after the USB cable connections are made) then the lens barrel will be OUT. Turn the camera OFF first, and then switch to the > Playback Mode position - then you are ready to transfer mem card pix data to your cmptr hard drive.
As for a few of the posters that asked ??'s about the XD mem cards for the C-740 - here are a few tidbits that hopefully will help you out. I saw that there were a few WRONG answers to a few of the ??'s regarding XD mem cards in this C-740 camera, and that needs to be corrected here.
Also - there are NO Firmware updates for this camera - whether it's for the larger XD 1 or 2GB mem cards, or for the non-existing "camera settings" internal mem feature so that it'll retain those camera settings if and when the batts totally run down, and the camera settings go back to the factory "defaults". This was the only negative thing that I can ever say I found wrong with this camera - the hard way!! I never bothered to check on this feature prior to buying it, so now I have my favorite settings copied down in a WORD file, and also printed out in a small Font size so I could paste (glue) it into my User Manual. Done deal - so now I just need to replace the rechargeable batts in my C-740 about every 4 to 6 months when not in use. That or I just leave it plugged into the optional AC power adapter (model # C-7AU) 24/7.
Though the written specs tend to say the 256mb card is the largest you can use in this camera - that is not the case. You can use the 512mb 'S' or 'M' cards with no problems at all. Do not bother with the faster 256/512mb 'H' cards, as they are no longer made anymore! If you can still find them BRAND NEW, and at a really cheap price then go for it - as they WRITE at 4 (MiB/s) instead of 2.5 & 3.0 / 1.3 as that of the 'M' & 'S' types respectively.
Also - both the 256mb & 512mb 'M' mem cards are slower WRITE cards than are the 'S' type in the same size, so best to stay away from them, and just opt instead to buy/use the 'S' type XD cards instead. I know - as I've been there already having traded all my older SM cards for a 512mb 'M' card only to trade it for (2) faster WRITE 256mb 'S' cards instead, and there is a world of difference in speed let me tell you. Esp when you are shooting fast non-stop or in Night Flash modes for instance. Just make sure you FORMAT any XD card in your camera FIRST, and DO NOT format the XD card (or any mem card for that matter) via your cmptr's card reader first. BIG NO NO for obvious reasons!!
Hope that sheds some light on all those XD card and data transferring ??'s for all you C-740 users that are still shooting great digital pix with this great little camera same as mine!
Happy photo shooting!
Betty R White (04/21/2010)
Where can I buy the xD 512MB card for the C-740?
The one I have is by Fuji but is not listed there now.
reply to this comment
The one I have is by Fuji but is not listed there now.
by James DeRuvo (04/22/2010)
Amazon is always a good option. But just about any store that sells cameras (like Best Buy) should have it no problem.
reply to this comment
why does my 128 MB memory card only hold 20 pictures all of a sudden, when it used to hold 180 pictures? (TessR — 11/20/2009)
My digital camera is an Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom. Thanks so much!
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (11/25/2009)
Format your memory card. Reset the camera. That should clear it. If not, take a look at the batteries. Replace them. Clean the contacts. If it persists, a repair is needed.
reply to this comment
is the M512 MB picture card the largest the C740 accepts? (lm1914me — 08/17/2008)
I get an error message on the XD 2GB picture card.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (08/21/2008)
Yeah, you're probably not going to be able to use that without a firmware update. Check with Olympus' website to see if one is available. Otherwise, you may be hitting a 1GB, or even a 512MB ceiling. This may be freed up with a firmware update, but I kinda doubt it considering it's age. But you know, using more than one card isn't a bad thing. Reason being, insurance. Any memory card can fail or become corrupted. And when you're on vacation the last thing you want is to lose the opportunity to take pictures until you can recover that media card with a software utility. If your card goes bad, swapping another one for it at that moment is of advantage so you can keep taking pics. Then, later when you're in front of your PC, you can use a utility like "F-Recovery" ( filerecoverytools.com/produ... ) to get back your pictures and recover your card.
No need to lose the moment because you relied on one card one when several can solve that problem.
reply to this comment
No need to lose the moment because you relied on one card one when several can solve that problem.
lm1914me (08/22/2008)
Thanks to James DeRuvo for an excellent answer.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (08/22/2008)
You bet. We're happy to help.
BTW - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
reply to this comment
BTW - If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will place the question in the "Answered" category for all to see. Or, you can leave the question open for a little while longer and see what else gets posted.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
What's the largest memory card for the C-740? (IAPETUS — 04/23/2008)
Currently our C-740 has a 256 MB memory card. Will the camera handle a 1 or 2 GB card?
reply to this comment
Andrew Skinner (04/25/2008)
Don,
Your camera should work find with these cards as long as they are not high capacity format cards.
Andrew
reply to this comment
Your camera should work find with these cards as long as they are not high capacity format cards.
Andrew
IAPETUS (04/25/2008)
Thanks Andrew. I appreciate your taking the time to answer my question.
Don
reply to this comment
Don
Andrew Skinner (04/28/2008)
Don,
It was my pleasure. Please come back with any other questions or issues.
Andrew
reply to this comment
It was my pleasure. Please come back with any other questions or issues.
Andrew
Ion (06/23/2008)
Well.....it doesn't work with 1GB and 2GB cards.Olympus clearly specifies that the maximum xD capacity for this model is 512M.
reply to this comment
Mike (06/28/2009)
Confirmed not working with 1GB xD card.
reply to this comment
jime (09/28/2009)
Well.....it doesn't work with 1GB and 2GB cards.Olympus clearly specifies that the maximum xD capacity for this model is 512M. is this true cause my 2 gig card wont work for some reason i dont know y
reply to this comment
Windows Vista Premium O.S. (STEVE2092 — 02/08/2007)
Will the C-740 and it's software(CAMEDIA) work on the new Windows Vista Premium O.S. Thank You, Steve.
reply to this comment
by James DeRuvo (02/08/2007)
The C740 isn't listed on the Olympus Vista compatibility chart ( olympus.co.jp/en/support/im... ). Worst case, you run it in Compatibility Mode, which would create a kind of "runtime" OS of your previous OS to run the software.
reply to this comment
Is there a way to improve the resolution on pictures from this camera? (Sadiesmom — 12/20/2006)
I ask because I am taking some to be used for printing and was asked to use the highest resolution. It is set on highest quality.
reply to this comment
Ben Keough (12/20/2006)
Hi Penny,
To get to the image quality settings on the C-740, you'll need to hit the menu button, choose the "mode menu", choose the "pic" tab, and then the "quality" menu. The best possible quality is TIFF format at 2048 x 1536 pixels (3MP). Ignore the HQ and SHQ settings that allow you to shoot up to 3200 x 2400 pixels, as they use interpolation and the photos will inherently be of lower quality.
Good luck!
reply to this comment
To get to the image quality settings on the C-740, you'll need to hit the menu button, choose the "mode menu", choose the "pic" tab, and then the "quality" menu. The best possible quality is TIFF format at 2048 x 1536 pixels (3MP). Ignore the HQ and SHQ settings that allow you to shoot up to 3200 x 2400 pixels, as they use interpolation and the photos will inherently be of lower quality.
Good luck!
Sadiesmom (12/21/2006)
Thank you very much!
reply to this comment
Why do i have to go through all this run around for just a simple question (pedro — 10/01/2006)
reply to this comment
camera? (10/01/2006)
Well what's you're question?
reply to this comment
camera? (10/01/2006)
reply to this comment
How can i transfer pictures to my computer? (pedro — 10/01/2006)
Do I need a special software, I connected my through the usb to my computer turned it on but nothing.
reply to this comment
camera? (10/01/2006)
Your C-740 should have come with included software that you install in your computer. It should have been packaged with a CD-ROM that included the neccesary drivers.
You could try to go into the Windows Control Panel (assuming you have windows) and choose the 'Scanners and Cameras' option and 'add an imaging device.' That might work.
Definitely look for the CD though.
reply to this comment
You could try to go into the Windows Control Panel (assuming you have windows) and choose the 'Scanners and Cameras' option and 'add an imaging device.' That might work.
Definitely look for the CD though.
Randy (06/13/2009)
I used a standard USB Cable that is for something else with no converters. (Cylinders towards one end or the other, or both, of the cable) I plugged it in and powered up the camera. Wnidows Vista found a driver and I went to "My Computer" and opened the folder. No extra software needed. Viewed and deleted pictures there. No problems.
reply to this comment
How do I find out what the dpi is on the Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom? (anonymous — 09/26/2006)
reply to this comment
camera? (09/26/2006)
DPI is typically associated with printed output, so that depends on whatever printer you are using to print out your digital photos.
The Olympus C-740 has the following resolution settings, in pixels (not dots): 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480.
As a 3MP camera, the C-740 can be used to make photo quality prints up to 4x6" or 5x7"
reply to this comment
The Olympus C-740 has the following resolution settings, in pixels (not dots): 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480.
As a 3MP camera, the C-740 can be used to make photo quality prints up to 4x6" or 5x7"
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom Reviews
Olympus C-740 Ultra Zoom Reviews by Digital Camera-HQ Users
- 5.0 out of 5
i would go buy another one right now
(frenchy — 03/08/2008)
got that little camera for taking pic at concert with low light and artist who couldn't stop moving on stage and i took some of the best pic ever the 10x zoom save my life many time recomend it .
- 5.0 out of 5
Best Camera Ever
(A.D. Hamby — 07/02/2007)
People with much more expensive and newer cameras ask about my Olympus and the remark on the clarity of my pictures. I've never seen better! I zoomed in on a Baltimore Oriole that landed on my Hummingbird feeder about 50 feet away. I was taking it from inside through a window and it looks like I was inches away! I shattered the viewer accidentally and did nt' even blink at the $100 repair. I'm keeping this one.
- 5.0 out of 5
bought another
(tom — 02/10/2007)
I bought one for my wife 2 yrs ago and now waiting for one I purchased on E-Bay for me.
also Manuals can be downloaded from www.olympususa.com This camera can be used so many ways its scary. Only prob. we have had is wife holds with finger tips so moves camera
- 4.0 out of 5
I don`t know how to use my digital camera olympus C-740
(Galina — 01/23/2007)
I got this camera before one year-it was a present-and I still don`t know how to use it.I don`t know where I can get information so I`m asking if someone could tell me how can I get any so I can finally be satisfied from the pictures I`m taking.I don`t know most of the things about this camera so I`m asking for help
- 5.0 out of 5
Fantastic camera
(Taylor — 09/20/2006)
This is the greatest camera i've owned. Truly and sincerely. I haven't had it long, But it has been the most user friendly, most wonderful zoom, and is the high def of all pictures.
- 5.0 out of 5
Killer Zoom
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
This camera is great. Say what you want about any other camera, the 10x optical zoom is killer. Optics are fantastic, and camera is easy to use.
- 2.0 out of 5
do I need to be a professional?
(anonymous — 07/18/2006)
My husband bought this camera for my birthday with the understanding it was very user friendly. Some how we lost our original settings and when we read the owners manual we were totally lost. So when you are in the shooting mode of the menu and it says "selects the iso from auto to ........400" what does that mean? what is an AF area or a histogram showing the luminance distribution of still pictures? A manual with a little, who am I kidding, a lot of advice on the right settings for the type of pictures you are trying to achieve would really help us "non pros." This camera seems very slow in the action mode. I took pics of my son's basketball game and not one picture ended up with a face like the viewer showed when I pushed the button. Very disappointed. our church X-mas program was pretty dark and with my flash on I only got black pictures. thank goodness for the delete button! But I have no pictures for the kids scrapbook of their X-mas program.
