Olympus's 2003 Ultra Zoom bridge — 3.2MP 1/2.5in CCD, 10x zoom to about 380mm equivalent, AA power, xD
The C-740 Ultra Zoom, announced by Olympus in April 2003, updated the Ultra Zoom bridge line with a 3.2-megapixel sensor while keeping the family's signature 10x reach. It sold alongside the higher-specified C-750 and slots between the catalogued C-720 and C-760.
Its 3.2-megapixel 1/2.5in CCD delivers stills up to 2048x1536, behind an aspherical 6.3-63mm zoom equivalent to roughly 38-380mm. An electronic viewfinder is joined by a 1.5in, 110,000-dot LCD, and video records at 320x240, 15fps. Storage is xD-Picture Card (a 16MB card shipped new), and power comes from four AA cells or two CR-V3 lithium packs, with NiMH rechargeables the practical choice.
It appeals to superzoom collectors and budget long-lens experimenters; without stabilisation the 380mm end needs good light or a support, but AA power and the small body make it an easy camera to keep running.
When buying, remember storage is xD, not SmartMedia like earlier UZ models — cards remain findable but overpriced, so bundled media helps. Check the EVF and LCD both display cleanly, run the zoom end to end listening for gear noise, and inspect the AA compartment for leakage damage.