Features Amazing 30X Total Seamless Optical and Digital Zoom

Melville, New York, September 12, 2002 - Olympus America introduces the new CAMEDIA C-730 Ultra Zoom, the latest addition to its family of Ultra Zoom cameras that enable photographers to get as close to the action as possible from great distances. Whether at a sporting event, concert or on safari, when getting physically close is not an option, photographers are sure to appreciate the C-730's high quality 10X optical ultra-zoom lens (30X total seamless zoom when combined with the 3X digital zoom). A powerful, easy-to-use and affordable camera, the portable C-730 Ultra Zoom has a compact and stylish body weighing only 11.1 ounces and measuring a mere 4.2" wide x 3.0" high. The C-730 is truly the 3.2 megapixel camera of choice for an on-the-go lifestyle -- and all at a price of only $599.

Based on the popular Olympus C-700 Ultra Zoom series (the world's smallest optical Ultra Zoom digital cameras) and providing greater pixel count and zoom power, the C-730 Ultra Zoom is designed for photographers who are familiar with photography and want the widest lens range and manual and automatic controls on a digital camera. The C-730 Ultra Zoom offers a 10X zoom, which is an equivalent zoom range of 38mm to 380mm - longer than many lenses used on consumer SLR cameras. Sporting a fast shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second for action photography, the extensive shutter speed range also allows long exposures of up to 8 seconds, enabling photographers to express their creativity when capturing night scenes or sunsets.

"The C-730 Ultra Zoom offers up to 380mm optical equivalent focal length, about the same amount of zoom power a pro photographer with a massive telephoto lens at a football game requires to capture the action from the sidelines," said Richard Pelkowski, Associate Product Manager, Olympus America Inc. "We've broken the size barrier for zoom lenses by creating a digital camera with an incredibly powerful zoom and an ultra compact body. The additional seamless digital zoom capabilities increase the lens range to a total seamless zoom of 30X or about 1050mm equivalent. An array of features offers full exposure control, and its controls are user-friendly and intuitive."

Easy to Use
The C-730 Ultra Zoom is extremely easy to use. In fully Programmed Auto mode, the camera offers basic point-and-shoot simplicity for flawless picture taking in typical situations. The easy-to-use Scene Program on the mode dial provides fully automatic exposure adjustments for the photographer who wants optimum results in a wide variety of settings: Portrait, Self Portrait, Landscape-Portrait, and Sports or Action photography. The special "My Mode" feature saves time by allowing the user to assign a frequently used function to the mode dial for quick access.

The C-730 Ultra Zoom's advanced settings include controls for aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual operation and are ideal for experienced photographers who want to take control. Transferring images to the computer has never been easier with the supplied Auto-Connect USB function that does not require software drivers for hassle-free image downloads. Images may also be viewed on a television with the supplied video cable.

Advanced Digital Lens
Olympus high-quality photos are known worldwide for their vibrant, sharp and photo-realistic image quality. This is achieved with a host of key technologies including Olympus' high-quality all-glass lens (with aspherical lens elements) especially designed for digital cameras; and provides the equivalent of 38 to 380mm, f2.8-f8.0 in 35mm photography. Super Macro Mode allows users to take photographs from distances as close as 1.2" to capture details like dewdrops on a leaf.

Features For the Most Realistic Digital Images
With the C-730 Ultra Zoom, what you see is what you get because its Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) shows you exactly what the camera will capture on the CCD. The EVF also displays aperture, shutter speed, and image quality settings and can be used in playback as well the 1.5" color LCD display.

The 3.2 megapixel CCD and Olympus' TruePic™ technology allows users to retain a realistic look to their photographs at all photo sizes e-mailed or printed. The 3.2 Megapixel imager captures the detail need for true photo quality printing even on large print sizes over 8" x 10".

Other controls include Digital ESP multi-pattern and spot metering; adjustable white balance; multiple flash settings including slow sync flash; and auto bracketing and exposure compensation. The digital camera comes with an external 5 pin dedicated flash terminal that enables even more flash control.

Another great feature of the C-730 Ultra Zoom is its ability to capture QuickTimeTM video and sound so users can create short movies that can be sent over the Internet to co-workers, friends and family.

Availability
The C-730 Ultra Zoom will be available in November 2002. It includes an Auto-Connect USB cable, Audio/Video Out cable, carrying strap, lens cap with retainer cord, 2 LB-01 (CR-3V) Lithium batteries, a 16MB xD-Picture Card, Olympus CAMEDIA Master Software 4.0, user manual and Quick Start guide.

U.S. Pricing:
C-730 Ultra Zoom Street Price: $599 (U.S.)
C-730 Ultra Zoom SRP: $699 (U.S.)

For more information, contact Olympus America Inc, Consumer Products Group, Two Corporate Center Dr., Melville, NY 11747-3157, ph: (631) 844-5000 (800) 622-6372, Fax: (631) 844-5262 or the Olympus Web Site: http://www.olympusamerica.com.

ABOUT OLYMPUS - Nothing's Impossible
Based in Melville, New York, Olympus America distributes a wide range of products for the consumer, scientific, health care, commercial and industrial markets. These include film cameras that provide the ultimate combination of performance and style, and digital cameras that produce the most realistic digital images yet available. Microcassette and digital voice recorders, binoculars, personal photo printers, medical and industrial endoscopes, biological and metallurgical microscopes and measuring instruments, clinical analyzers, and other high technology products. Olympus America is responsible for sales in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.