Olympus Stylus 730
Digital Camera Review
Aug 22, 2006
- By Emily Raymond
The Olympus Stylus 730 is the baby of the manufacturer’s new fall lineup of stylish digital cameras. Still, this baby comes with a lot of enticing features. It has 7.1 megapixels, a tiny 3x optical zoom lens, and an enormous 3-inch LCD screen. This display screen is Olympus’ first to reach the massive 3-inch plateau. The Olympus Stylus 730 doesn’t have the shock proof designation of the earlier Stylus 720 SW, but is still considered “all weather” with its metal body and rubber sealants. The Stylus 730 is being touted as “the perfect first camera” with its sophisticated look and its ease of use features. While industry analysts contend that the digital camera industry has matured beyond the introductory level, Olympus is banking on the 730’s large screen, adjustable font, and perfect fix functionality to entice remaining entry-level consumers to purchase the camera, when it becomes available in September for $399.
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Value
Olympus must be counting on this camera’s good looks to justify the $399 price tag they’re putting on this digital camera. The Stylus 730 is sturdy, all-weather, and sleek. However, it is still just a point-and-shoot camera. While it does have lots of scene modes, its menu system is so confusing to use that it’ll scare plenty of consumers into searching for something easier to use – particularly those unfamiliar with the medium. Overall, the $399 price is just too much for an entry-level model these days.
Comparisons
Olympus Stylus 740 – This brand new digital camera was also announced with the 730. It has the same 7.1-megapixel image sensor and all-weather distinction. Its modes are the same, but it has some big differences. It has the “world’s smallest 5x optical zoom lens” and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 215,000 pixels. Its body is 0.96 inches thick and it will be available in September for $349.
Olympus Stylus 720 SW – Also with the same retail price of $399, the Olympus Stylus 720SW is sturdier than its newest sibling. This digital camera is waterproof to depths of 10 ft and shock proof from falls of 5 ft. The other difference is in the LCD screen. The 720 has a 2.5-inch display with 115,000 pixels; the 730 has a 3-inch screen and 230,000 pixels. The automatic modes are similar on both cameras; the old 720 does not have the ISO 3200 option though.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – These consumers will like this camera only if it is in the Simple mode, which eliminates any chance of getting lost in the labyrinth of menus.
Budget Consumers – These consumers will have to wait for awhile to purchase this model. It is priced at $399 right now, but the price always drops after a few months anyway.
Gadget Freaks – This is not a camera that will attract these folks.
Manual Control Freaks – This camera is more for point-and-shooters who like the automatic settings; it certainly won’t appeal to this demographic with its lack of manual exposure control or even manual white balance.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – No chance.
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