New C-730 user...

[NickM]

Well... after getting my first digital camera yesterday... I seem to have been up most of the night playing with it... ooops... work tomorrow will be fun!!! but it's just too much of a good toy!!!

What I was wondering was this.... from other C-730 users... are there any pitfalls or problems that you have encountered that can be easily avoided by the new user?

Also, do any of you have any advice on how to make the most of this seemingly wonderful camera?

Just to let you know... I would anticipate that most of the camera's use will be in taking climbing photo's and mountain/crag landscapes.. as this is what I seem to take most of with my old AE-1... although somehow I just know I will get more hooked on photography with this new toy....

Thanks in advance,

Nick

 

[Trond N]

Welcome Nick, and congratulations with your new camera ;-)
You will enjoy it for sure.

As all other electronic equipment I know, the c730 also has it's flaws. The most discussed one is problems with AF in low light conditions, especially when applying some zoom. And zoooom you got plenty of, and is probably one of the best features with this camera. Be sure to brace yourself, or the camera, when shooting at full zoom, or use a tripod, to avoid blur. Unless you have VERY steady hands, like i.e. Mariette (see http://www.mydigishots.com ). Another 'problem' with this camera is somewhat grainy pics, due to a small ccd.

It seems like these problems vary from camera to camera. I've had my 730 for a couple of months now, and enjoy it more and more. It took awhile to get used to all the features, but it's worth the struggle.

Tips: Use low ISO (100) when possible. Choose the appropriate WB setting. When problem with AF, change to Spot AF mode or use manual AF.
Play around with the macro function, it's great.

Btw. Consider getting a lens tube (ie. Olympus CLA-4) for attaching filters or converter lenses... You will eventually want even more zoom ;-)
Enjoy your new 730 and happy shooting. Show us some of your photos soon ;-)

Well... after getting my first digital camera yesterday... I seem
to have been up most of the night playing with it... ooops... work
tomorrow will be fun!!! but it's just too much of a good toy!!!

What I was wondering was this.... from other C-730 users... are
there any pitfalls or problems that you have encountered that can
be easily avoided by the new user?

Also, do any of you have any advice on how to make the most of this
seemingly wonderful camera?

Just to let you know... I would anticipate that most of the
camera's use will be in taking climbing photo's and mountain/crag
landscapes.. as this is what I seem to take most of with my old
AE-1... although somehow I just know I will get more hooked on
photography with this new toy....

Thanks in advance,

Nick

--
Regards
TrondN
C730UZ (and still waiting for the Raynox 1540 Pro to arrive...)
http://www.home.no/trond-nordland

 

[NickM]

Thanks Trond...

Well so far I am very pleased with it, although I have only taken a few shots, and nothing I would dream of showing anyone.. mostly just experimenting with the various controls. But you are right... I love that ZOOOOOM already!!!!

I have not found the low light focus to be that much of a problem so far.. I was able to focus on a local block of flats last night when I was trying out the night setting. Grabbed it first time... no problems.. have yet to play with all the other AF modes yet... or metering modes either.. ooooh.. so much to play with.. hehehehe

I'll definately be looking into getting the lens tube... I like the idea of having a filter on all the time to protect the lens... plus, I just know I will want more wide angle given time.

Thanks again Trond, and I am away climbing this weekend, so will see what piccies I can take there... not expecting them to great for the first time out. But we shall see..

Ta,

Nick

Welcome Nick, and congratulations with your new camera ;-)
You will enjoy it for sure.
As all other electronic equipment I know, the c730 also has it's
flaws. The most discussed one is problems with AF in low light
conditions, especially when applying some zoom. And zoooom you got
plenty of, and is probably one of the best features with this
camera. Be sure to brace yourself, or the camera, when shooting at
full zoom, or use a tripod, to avoid blur. Unless you have VERY
steady hands, like i.e. Mariette (see http://www.mydigishots.com ). Another
'problem' with this camera is somewhat grainy pics, due to a small
ccd.
It seems like these problems vary from camera to camera. I've had
my 730 for a couple of months now, and enjoy it more and more. It
took awhile to get used to all the features, but it's worth the
struggle.
Tips: Use low ISO (100) when possible. Choose the appropriate WB
setting. When problem with AF, change to Spot AF mode or use manual
AF.
Play around with the macro function, it's great.
Btw. Consider getting a lens tube (ie. Olympus CLA-4) for attaching
filters or converter lenses... You will eventually want even more
zoom ;-)
Enjoy your new 730 and happy shooting. Show us some of your photos
soon ;-)
--
Regards
TrondN
C730UZ (and still waiting for the Raynox 1540 Pro to arrive...)
http://www.home.no/trond-nordland

 

[fsw]

That was a lot of good advice, especially the low ISO, although I find it unnecessary to set the ISO to 100. If you shoot in P (program), I find that the camera selects an even lower ISO, ISO 64, almost always in an outdoor situation.

fsw

Well so far I am very pleased with it, although I have only taken a
few shots, and nothing I would dream of showing anyone.. mostly
just experimenting with the various controls. But you are right...
I love that ZOOOOOM already!!!!

I have not found the low light focus to be that much of a problem
so far.. I was able to focus on a local block of flats last night
when I was trying out the night setting. Grabbed it first time...
no problems.. have yet to play with all the other AF modes yet...
or metering modes either.. ooooh.. so much to play with.. hehehehe

I'll definately be looking into getting the lens tube... I like the
idea of having a filter on all the time to protect the lens...
plus, I just know I will want more wide angle given time.

Thanks again Trond, and I am away climbing this weekend, so will
see what piccies I can take there... not expecting them to great
for the first time out. But we shall see..

Ta,

Nick

Welcome Nick, and congratulations with your new camera ;-)
You will enjoy it for sure.
As all other electronic equipment I know, the c730 also has it's
flaws. The most discussed one is problems with AF in low light
conditions, especially when applying some zoom. And zoooom you got
plenty of, and is probably one of the best features with this
camera. Be sure to brace yourself, or the camera, when shooting at
full zoom, or use a tripod, to avoid blur. Unless you have VERY
steady hands, like i.e. Mariette (see http://www.mydigishots.com ). Another
'problem' with this camera is somewhat grainy pics, due to a small
ccd.
It seems like these problems vary from camera to camera. I've had
my 730 for a couple of months now, and enjoy it more and more. It
took awhile to get used to all the features, but it's worth the
struggle.
Tips: Use low ISO (100) when possible. Choose the appropriate WB
setting. When problem with AF, change to Spot AF mode or use manual
AF.
Play around with the macro function, it's great.
Btw. Consider getting a lens tube (ie. Olympus CLA-4) for attaching
filters or converter lenses... You will eventually want even more
zoom ;-)
Enjoy your new 730 and happy shooting. Show us some of your photos
soon ;-)
--
Regards
TrondN
C730UZ (and still waiting for the Raynox 1540 Pro to arrive...)
http://www.home.no/trond-nordland

 

[NickM]

Oh right.. didn't know it could take photos at ISO 64... will have to look into that.

Cheers,

Nick

That was a lot of good advice, especially the low ISO, although I
find it unnecessary to set the ISO to 100. If you shoot in P
(program), I find that the camera selects an even lower ISO, ISO
64, almost always in an outdoor situation.

fsw

 

[hpklahn]

Nick - Congrats on your new camera. Ditto on looking at Mariette's work, posted and on her site and on the advice to get a lense tube adapter and protective filter. Tip: Size the adapter to fit the add-on tele or wide lenses you may want to later add (ie: Olys are 55mm but my Raynox is 52) Also, take a look at the C-7xx forum site on Yahoo groups, link below. Great start up resource and lots of friendly and helpful members. Look forward to seeing your pics. Henry

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus-C730/

Cheers,

Nick

That was a lot of good advice, especially the low ISO, although I
find it unnecessary to set the ISO to 100. If you shoot in P
(program), I find that the camera selects an even lower ISO, ISO
64, almost always in an outdoor situation.

fsw

 

[fsw]

Who knows why Olympus didn't document that, because ISO 64 would have been a good marketing tool. But when you check the specs of the picture, it says ISO 64.

fsw

Cheers,

Nick

That was a lot of good advice, especially the low ISO, although I
find it unnecessary to set the ISO to 100. If you shoot in P
(program), I find that the camera selects an even lower ISO, ISO
64, almost always in an outdoor situation.

fsw

 

[Don Spencer]

i've written to Olympus tech support and specifically asked why you are allowed as a user to select ISO 64 manually, they told me that too many people would complain about blurred shots. Seems like a poor answer, I think they just didn't anticipate that people want to control their own settings! I'd take my chances anytime with the lowest ISO possible, it really improves the grain/noise. I'm sure this could be done with a firmware upgrade if enough people asked Olympus for it.

fsw

Cheers,

Nick

That was a lot of good advice, especially the low ISO, although I
find it unnecessary to set the ISO to 100. If you shoot in P
(program), I find that the camera selects an even lower ISO, ISO
64, almost always in an outdoor situation.

fsw

--

--

http://www.pbase.com/galleries/donald_spencer (pbase supporter)

 

[NickM]

Thanks Henry,

I joined the group last night, but have yet to post on it... I am sure I will be doing so quite soon though.

Nick

Nick - Congrats on your new camera. Ditto on looking at Mariette's
work, posted and on her site and on the advice to get a lense tube
adapter and protective filter. Tip: Size the adapter to fit the
add-on tele or wide lenses you may want to later add (ie: Olys are
55mm but my Raynox is 52) Also, take a look at the C-7xx forum site
on Yahoo groups, link below. Great start up resource and lots of
friendly and helpful members. Look forward to seeing your pics.
Henry

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus-C730/

 

[NickM]

I am guessing here that there is no way to 'force' the camera into ISO 64 then...

And yes, I would love a firmware upgrade to allow this, but from what I understand that requires sending the camera away to Oly.. it's not something an owner can do by themselves.. correct?

Nick

i've written to Olympus tech support and specifically asked why you
are allowed as a user to select ISO 64 manually, they told me that
too many people would complain about blurred shots. Seems like a
poor answer, I think they just didn't anticipate that people want
to control their own settings! I'd take my chances anytime with the
lowest ISO possible, it really improves the grain/noise. I'm sure
this could be done with a firmware upgrade if enough people asked
Olympus for it.

 

[fsw]

Hi Nick

I don't think you need to 'force' the camera into ISO 64. Just use the P (program) mode outdoors. It has selected ISO 64 for me in some outdoor situations where I would have expected it to select a high ISO, even 200 or 400. Maybe that's the catch: You don't know what ISO you get until you try.

fsw

I am guessing here that there is no way to 'force' the camera into
ISO 64 then...

And yes, I would love a firmware upgrade to allow this, but from
what I understand that requires sending the camera away to Oly..
it's not something an owner can do by themselves.. correct?

Nick

 

[NickM]

That's what I thought... I guess I will have to experiment with this just like everything else on the camera the moment...

There's no way of knowing what ISO it's going to use is there?

Cheers,

Nick

Hi Nick

I don't think you need to 'force' the camera into ISO 64. Just use
the P (program) mode outdoors. It has selected ISO 64 for me in
some outdoor situations where I would have expected it to select a
high ISO, even 200 or 400. Maybe that's the catch: You don't know
what ISO you get until you try.

fsw

 

[Eddie J]

Nick,

Congratulations on your buy, for what you specify as your main use (landscape shots) you have chosen a brilliant camera. That zoom will really pay off for a climber.

I don't know what advice I can give you regarding this particular camera until you have some specific questions, it is fairly easy to get to grips with. One tip I would give you would be to run the camera off a good set of Ni-MH batteries and also carry one or two sets spare too. (Depending on how long your expeditions are of course) This gives the best value for money in term of powering it.

Bear in mind also, that the camera will have a learning curve so you're photos will probably get better and better as time goes on. You're more than welcome to come and join the Olympus 700 Series MSN group which is fairly new but we are growing into a very nice little community where you can share photos and advice. The link is http://groups.msn.com/Olympus700Series , it sounds like you might be taking some nice scenary shots that you could share with us.

Well... after getting my first digital camera yesterday... I seem
to have been up most of the night playing with it... ooops... work
tomorrow will be fun!!! but it's just too much of a good toy!!!

What I was wondering was this.... from other C-730 users... are
there any pitfalls or problems that you have encountered that can
be easily avoided by the new user?

Also, do any of you have any advice on how to make the most of this
seemingly wonderful camera?

Just to let you know... I would anticipate that most of the
camera's use will be in taking climbing photo's and mountain/crag
landscapes.. as this is what I seem to take most of with my old
AE-1... although somehow I just know I will get more hooked on
photography with this new toy....

Thanks in advance,

Nick

--
--------------------------
Ed Jeavons

http://photos.edjeavons.co.uk
http://groups.msn.com/Olympus700Series

 

[Eddie J]

Also, another thought ... I don't know if anyone has already mentioned it above because I ahven't read all the posts, but maybe a lens tube and a polarising filter would be a good idea since your are taking mainly outdoor photos.

This would also help the lens structure against light knocks.

--------------------------
Ed Jeavons

http://photos.edjeavons.co.uk
http://groups.msn.com/Olympus700Series

 

[Guy Parsons]

Just then I aimed my C730 at my monitor and took a shot in "P" mode, then double clicked on the "Quickview" button to see the result. You may have to go to INFO via the Menu button and turn on the full info display. That will show the ISO of the shot you just took. In my case just then - ISO 64 even though it took it at f/3.2 at 1/8 sec (no flash).

In one case outdoors it went to ISO 59 but I haven't had an answer from Olympus technical here in Australia yet even though they requested the whole file to look at.

It's nice to get the lower noise ISO 64 shot but you're stuck with the camera's idea of the aperture which always seems to be maximum open in P mode. I'd rather be able to select a better optical result using a smaller aperture as well as ISO 64. The lens seems to work best at f/5.6 at the 5.9mm end and f/8 at the 59mm end, so I usually run at f/6.3 as a good compromise when I want to choose the aperture. (But of course then in Aperture Priority mode you are stuck with the minimum ISO of 100).
Regards.............. Guy

 

[ShortBusCandid8]

Hi Nick and welcome to Olyville!!

When I got my C-700 I got a tube and a really cheapo UV filter and yeah, it protected the lens, but didn't do much else. I live in the desert and when it's sunny, it's SUNNY..lol. I finally broke down and spent $22.00 (I think) on a good UV filter. It's a Hoya HMC Super UV(0) 55mm, and I really noticed a difference right off the bat! If you're interested in filters, http://www.2filters.com , http://www.bhphoto.com , and http://www.adorama.com are all real good sources for them and most any other accessory you could ask for. As was mentioned earlier, a good polarizing filter is a good thing to have.

You may also want to consider your batteries. If you're gonna be out in the boonies, you don't wanna be running outta power! Two good sources are the Digipower DPS-9000 (available at local Best Buy stores for $21.99) with the charger and car adapter all rolled into one package. Another battery I've used is the IPowerUS AA 2100 mAH rechargeables ordered from:

http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_index/index001-camera_acc-ac_adapters_batteries.html .

These things ROCK! But then you have to buy a charger and there are several places to get battery/charger combo kits. One of the better battery dealers is http://www.thomas-distributing.com . They carry the Maha line which are also very good batteries and chargers.

One final note. There's gillions of really good sites on the web, and just a couple that I know about are:
http://www.steves-digicams.com
http://www.imaging-resource.com
and of course...HERE!!

Anyways, welcome aboard and good luck with your new camera!! This' a great, helpful, fun-loving group of people in this forum and I think you'll enjoy your stay!! I look forward to seeing some posts from you soon!!
--
ShortBus

 

[NickM]

Hey Guy,

I have just followed what you did, and suprise suprise I get ISO 64 as well!!! But that ISO 59 you get does sound weird I'll grant you.

So, does this mean that while shooting in P mode the camera stays in ISO 64 until it can't set an aperture and shutter speed, and then it shifts up the ISO? I think I need to try some experiments to see...

Cheers,

Nick

Just then I aimed my C730 at my monitor and took a shot in "P"
mode, then double clicked on the "Quickview" button to see the
result. You may have to go to INFO via the Menu button and turn on
the full info display. That will show the ISO of the shot you just
took. In my case just then - ISO 64 even though it took it at f/3.2
at 1/8 sec (no flash).
In one case outdoors it went to ISO 59 but I haven't had an answer
from Olympus technical here in Australia yet even though they
requested the whole file to look at.
It's nice to get the lower noise ISO 64 shot but you're stuck with
the camera's idea of the aperture which always seems to be maximum
open in P mode. I'd rather be able to select a better optical
result using a smaller aperture as well as ISO 64. The lens seems
to work best at f/5.6 at the 5.9mm end and f/8 at the 59mm end, so
I usually run at f/6.3 as a good compromise when I want to choose
the aperture. (But of course then in Aperture Priority mode you are
stuck with the minimum ISO of 100).
Regards.............. Guy

 

[NickM]

Cheers for that,

I will definately be getting a tube and filter... although living in the UK I am not sure that we have the same problems with sun as you do... lol

Thanks for the advice about the batteries and such... I need to go and get some in the next day or so.. am not sure how much longer these lithiums will last... I have been playing rather a lot! Will keep an eye out for some of the brands you mention.

Thanks again,

Nick

Hi Nick and welcome to Olyville!!
When I got my C-700 I got a tube and a really cheapo UV filter and
yeah, it protected the lens, but didn't do much else. I live in the
desert and when it's sunny, it's SUNNY..lol. I finally broke down
and spent $22.00 (I think) on a good UV filter. It's a Hoya HMC
Super UV(0) 55mm, and I really noticed a difference right off the
bat! If you're interested in filters, http://www.2filters.com ,
http://www.bhphoto.com , and http://www.adorama.com are all real good sources for
them and most any other accessory you could ask for. As was
mentioned earlier, a good polarizing filter is a good thing to have.

You may also want to consider your batteries. If you're gonna be
out in the boonies, you don't wanna be running outta power! Two
good sources are the Digipower DPS-9000 (available at local Best
Buy stores for $21.99) with the charger and car adapter all rolled
into one package. Another battery I've used is the IPowerUS AA 2100
mAH rechargeables ordered from:

http://www.bugeyedigital.com/product_index/index001-camera_acc-ac_adapters_batteries.html .

These things ROCK! But then you have to buy a charger and there are
several places to get battery/charger combo kits. One of the better
battery dealers is http://www.thomas-distributing.com . They carry the
Maha line which are also very good batteries and chargers.

One final note. There's gillions of really good sites on the web,
and just a couple that I know about are:
http://www.steves-digicams.com
http://www.imaging-resource.com
and of course...HERE!!

Anyways, welcome aboard and good luck with your new camera!! This'
a great, helpful, fun-loving group of people in this forum and I
think you'll enjoy your stay!! I look forward to seeing some posts
from you soon!!
--
ShortBus

 

[Jimm]

Well... after getting my first digital camera yesterday... I seem
to have been up most of the night playing with it... ooops... work
tomorrow will be fun!!! but it's just too much of a good toy!!!

What I was wondering was this.... from other C-730 users... are
there any pitfalls or problems that you have encountered that can
be easily avoided by the new user?

Also, do any of you have any advice on how to make the most of this
seemingly wonderful camera?

Just to let you know... I would anticipate that most of the
camera's use will be in taking climbing photo's and mountain/crag
landscapes.. as this is what I seem to take most of with my old
AE-1... although somehow I just know I will get more hooked on
photography with this new toy....

Thanks in advance,

Nick

Have you joined our c730 group yet? (Click below) We have a lot of useful info in our files and, links, and photo sections, including pictures of several bags. More importantly, we have over 500 members who can provide helpful suggestions.
--
Oly c730, Fl-40 Flash, Oly B300
Raynox 720 (.72), Raynox 5000 (.5)
Moderator
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus-C730/

 

[NickM]

Hey Jim,

Yes I joined yesterday, but have not got round to posting yet... but I will... soon... promise... lol

Cheers,

Nick

Have you joined our c730 group yet? (Click below) We have a lot
of useful info in our files and, links, and photo sections,
including pictures of several bags. More importantly, we have over
500 members who can provide helpful suggestions.
--
Oly c730, Fl-40 Flash, Oly B300
Raynox 720 (.72), Raynox 5000 (.5)
Moderator
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Olympus-C730/