olympus tg 5 waterproof camera with 3 inch lcd red free sample
Built for adventure. Designed to bring back amazing looking souvenirs. The Tough TG-5 is packed with pro features that help you nail bright, crisp outdoor shots even in challenging conditions. You’ll find imaging firepower that’s optimized for shooting action like a fast F2.0 Olympus lens, high-resolution RAW stills, and spectacular Ultra HD 4K video. Action Track Sensors record location, temperature, direction, and altitude data that bring your images and video to life. As with all Tough cameras, it’s waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. No other camera handles so much abuse while producing stunning photography like the TG-5.
Whether you’re shooting on a rafting trip or in a snowboard park, you’re focused on getting awesome shots. Your camera should take care of itself. The TG-5 does – no protective housing needed. It’s waterproof to 50 ft (15 m), crushproof up to 220 lbf (100 kgf), and shockproof from 7 ft (2.1 m). It’s dustproof and works great even at a bone-chilling 14°F (-10°C). When you’re on the go, temperatures can change quickly. That’s why the TG-5’s lens is equipped with Anti-Fog Dual Pane Protective Glass to stop moisture from getting in. We’ve even designed the knobs and buttons for easy operation while you’re wearing heavy gloves.
The TG-5"s ergonomic design features an Accessory Lock to secure optional lenses and other accessories. The waterproof TCON-T01 Teleconverter Lens boosts the TG-5’s optical zoom to nearly 7x, while the waterproof FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter Lens produces distinctive ultra-wide photos. Shoot evenly lit macro shots with help from the LG-1 Light Guide and waterproof FD-1 Flash Diffuser. Keep your TG-5 conveniently strapped to a backpack or chest harness using the CSCH-123 Sport Holder, and dive deeper – up to 147 feet (45 meters) – using the PT-058 Underwater Housing.
Whether you’re shooting on a rafting trip or in a snowboard park, you’re focused on getting awesome shots. Your camera should take care of itself. The TG-5 does – no protective housing needed. It’s waterproof to 50 ft (15 m), crushproof up to 220 lbf (100 kgf), and shockproof from 7 ft (2.1 m). It’s dustproof and works great even at a bone-chilling 14°F (-10°C). When you’re on the go, temperatures can change quickly. That’s why the TG-5’s lens is equipped with Anti-Fog Dual Pane Protective Glass to stop moisture from getting in. We’ve even designed the knobs and buttons for easy operation while you’re wearing heavy gloves.
These days, the rugged, waterproof segment of the camera market is one of the few areas in which there"s a good reason for buying a standalone compact camera. Over the last decade since Apple wowed us with its first iPhone, followed in short order by Google"s Android, smartphones have demolished the rest of the compact market. But despite their clear strengths in portability, connectivity and performance, many smartphones aren"t waterproof and even fewer are ruggedized. And even if it"s built like a tank, you probably don"t want to risk such an expensive device -- and one which touches on so many areas of your life -- as your smartphone.
But while the "take it anywhere" advantage of a compact ruggedized, waterproof camera over a smartphone is obvious, there hasn"t been such a clear box ticked in the image quality department. Thanks to some big improvements made in smartphone cameras over the last few years coupled with the stagnation of the compact camera market right as it reached the peak of its ill-advised lust for the mighty megapixel, smartphones and compacts have been much of a muchness in terms of the end results.
With the TOUGH TG-5, Olympus aims to change all of that by taking the rugged, waterproof camera upmarket. In the process, it"s had to bump the price up a little, but at US$450 or thereabouts, the TG-5 is still quite reasonable and certainly more affordable than all but the most basic of unlocked smartphones. And it promises a big step forwards in image quality thanks to the pairing of three important bits of kit.
And just like that of the earlier TG-4, it"s impressively solid, said to be able to withstand 220 pounds (100 kg) of crushing force, is waterproof to 50 feet (15 m), and capable of surviving a drop from seven feet (2.1 m) onto an unspecified surface. It"s also dustproof and freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C), and now sports a dual-pane cover glass over the lens to help avoid it fogging up when the temperature suddenly changes.
The Olympus TG-5 performs as expected in the print quality department given the relatively small sensor. A very good 13 x 19 inch print can be attained while shooting at base ISO, and this is a nice feat in general for a rugged waterproof camera. And yet if you intend to print 8 x 10"s you will for sure want to remain at ISO 400 and below, as anything higher will simply not yield good results while printing at 8 x 10 inches. Given the larger pixels courtesy of the move back to 12 megapixels from 16MP in the TG-4, we"d hoped for better high ISO performance as compared to the predecessor, but the sensor size really limits the performance potential above ISO 400, regardless of the slight increase in pixel size.
From the dual viewpoints of features and performance, the TG-5 is arguably one of the best rugged, waterproof cameras currently available. Olympus has reduced the resolution to a sensible 12 megapixels, which is appropriate for the 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the availability of a 4K movie setting is a decided plus.
Announced in mid-May 2017, the Olympus Tough TG-5 is the latest in a string of popular underwater cameras and probably the most versatile compact camera available today at a competitive price. Olympus has reduced the resolution to a sensible 12 megapixels, which is appropriate for the 1/2.3-inch sensor and the TG-5 includes features that will appeal to both snapshooters and photo enthusiasts. Available in black or red, it can fit snugly into a pocket and is waterproof to 15 metres.
Anyone looking for a tough waterproof camera that is versatile enough for general use will find the TG-5 meets most of their requirements. On the ‘tough’ front, as well as being waterproof to 15 metres, it is dustproof rated to JIS/IEC protection class 6, freezeproof to -10℃, crushproof to 100 kgf (kilogram-force/square centimetre) and shockproof enough to withstand a drop of 2.1 metres.
From the dual viewpoints of features and performance, the TG-5 is arguably one of the best rugged, waterproof cameras currently available. Olympus has reduced the resolution to a sensible 12 megapixels, which is appropriate for the 1/2.3-inch sensor, and the availability of a 4K movie setting is a decided plus.
Tough capabilities: Waterproof to 15m Equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8); dustproof equivalent to JIS/IEC protection class 6, freezeproof to -10℃, crushproof to 100 kgf, shockproof to 2.1 metres
In terms of tough credentials, the TG-6 is waterproof down to 15 metres, dustproof, shockproof up to a height of 2.1metres, crushproof up to 100kg and freeze proof to -10 degrees celcius.
As this is a waterproof camera, it needs to be extremely well-sealed. To that end, in order to get to the memory card and battery slot, you’ll first need to unlock the door, then use another locking mechanism to open it. It feels very secure and almost impossible to accidentally open - so long as you remember to reposition the locks when you’re done. The same kind of mechanism can be found hiding the charging and HDMI ports. You can charge the TG-6 via USB, which is great news for those taking it on their travels and so on - you’ll be prompted on the screen to choose charging when you attach a USB cable.
The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is a new tough, do-it-all camera that adds bluetooth connectivity, longer battery life, eye-detect auto-focusing and an electronic level. The XP130 also features the same 16 megapixel sensor, 5x zoom lens, 3 inch LCD screen and built-in wi-fi as its predecessor. Read our Fujifilm FinePix XP130 review now...
The Coolpix W300 is Nikon"s flagship tough all-action compact camera. The 16 megapixel Nikon W300 offers a waterproof (100ft. / 30m), freezeproof (14F / -10C), dustproof and shockproof (7.9ft. / 2.4m) camera body and also features a 5x zoom lens and 4K video recording. Read our Nikon Coolpix W300 review to find out if it"s the right tough camera for you...
The Olympus TG-870 is a rugged compact camera with built-in wi-fi connectivity and GPS tracking. The 16 megapixel TG-870 also offers a 180-degree tilting LCD screen, built-in LED light, 1080p HD movies, a 5x zoom lens (21-105mm), and a Live Composite shooting mode. Read our expert Olympus TG-870 review now...
The Panasonic Lumix FT7 is a new flagship tough camera that is waterproof down to a depth of 31 meters / 102 feet. This 24 megapixel rugged compact is the first ever tough camera to feature an electronic viewfinder, and it can also record 4K video. Is this the best tough camera that money can buy? Find out now by reading our detailed Panasonic Lumix FT7 review...
The Ricoh WG-50 is a new shock, freeze, dust, water and crush proof compact camera. The Ricoh WG-50 offers a 16 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, 5x zoom lens, 2.7-inch LCD screen, Full HD movie recording and built-in macro lights. Read our expert Ricoh WG-50 review now...
The new Ricoh WG-6 is the most shock, freeze, dust, water and crush proof camera that Ricoh have ever made. The Ricoh WG-6 also offers a new 20 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS image sensor, 5x zoom lens, 3-inch LCD screen, 4K movie recording and built-in macro lights. Read our in-depth Ricoh WG-6 review now, complete with full-size sample images...
The Olympus Tough TG-6 may seem like a subtle update to the TG-5, but there are a number of welcome improvements that make the camera easier, and more enjoyable to use, helping you get the best results possible. Using a 12mp sensor, noise performance is good, and the camera offers, 4K video, and high-speed video with FullHD video recording at 120fps possible. The camera offers a bright f/2.0 lens, making it more suited to underwater photography compared to other waterproof cameras, as there is less light underwater.
The Tough TG-6 was designed to be a handy, reliable partner that is ready for the rougher parts of photographic life: It is waterproof1 to a depth of 15m, dustproof1, shockproof1 to 2.1m, crushproof1 up to 100kg, freezeproof1 to
Tough cameras are the base for an expandable photography system with waterproof lenses, protective cases, and an underwater housing for deep dives. All the components are just as rugged as the cameras they were designed for.
1 Waterproof according to JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) (Olympus test conditions). Dustproof according to JIS/IEC protection class 6 (IP6X) (Olympus test conditions). Shockproof figures compliant with MIL-STD810F (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof and crushproof according to Olympus test conditions.
We have already been able to subject the Olympus Tough TG-5 to a comprehensive test in practice, and with the test software. With the TG-5, Olympus combines sensible modifications with proven technology. The housing is still very robust: it is waterproof to 15 metres diving depth, shockproof to 2.1 metres drop height, break-proof to 100 kg load and frost-proof to -10 °C. New is the double glass lens front glass with anti-fog coating. This combination should result in less fogging, which occurs when changing from a cold to a warm environment with appropriate humidity. The lens also remains at its initial speed of F2.0, which is high for the outdoor camera segment, but deteriorates to F4.9 when zooming from 25 to 100 millimeters. An image stabilizer is also included.
The robust Olympus Tough TG-5 is waterproof up to 15 metres, dustproof, frost-proof down to -10 °C, drop-proof up to 2.1 metres and break-proof up to 100 kg. [Photo: Olympus]
The design of the camera makes it clear that it can be exposed to the elements. The housing of the Tough TG-5 weighs 250 grams more than a small compact camera when ready for operation. This is mainly due to the robust and well processed case, the slightly offset GPS antenna and the trigger on the top of the case. A ring around the lens serves as a cover for a bayonet on which accessories can be mounted. Thanks to the waterproofness of the camera to 15 meters diving depth, the camera is waterproof for underwater scene depiction. The disadvantage is that Olympus has fitted the two existing flaps on the housing with a locking switch for the opening mechanism. Unfortunately, this lock switch is quite small, so that you should have fingernails, so that it is easier to open or close it.
A stereo microphone is available as well as a 7.6-centimetre LCD screen with a resolution of only 460,000 pixels and two different grid lines that can be superimposed, a live histogram and a digital two-axis spirit level. The camera has two cover flaps. While the battery compartment and the memory card slot for SDHC or SDXC memory cards are concealed under the larger of the two flaps on the underside of the camera, the micro HDMI and micro USB ports are available for use under the smaller flap on the left side of the housing. Unfortunately, the battery does not have a fuse for the direction in which it must be inserted. Only arrows show at the battery and a little bit hidden in the battery compartment how the battery has to be pushed around. Charging is done via a USB charger supplied. This can also be used as a continuous current connection with the battery inserted.
Robust, waterproof, frost-proof and handy, the Olympus Tough TG-5 is the ideal camera for the water and winter sports enthusiast who does not want to do without an extensively equipped camera with many photo and video functions as well as GPS and WLAN connectivity and wireless flash control. The remote control functions via a smart device are convincing and the focus stacking mode also delivers very good results. The resolution is very good for a 12 megapixel camera, but unfortunately edge blur and chromatic aberrations are visible in the wide-angle range. Up to ISO 400, image noise and loss of detail are negligible. Only beyond that does the noise increase and the detail rendition decrease. The camera’s backlight sensitivity can cause problems in certain situations, but these can be avoided by the photographer.
At present, no manufacturer can manage the balancing act between an affordable, robust and waterproof compact camera with zoom and very good image quality. Unfortunately, the Tough TG-5 from Olympus is no exception. In return, the camera impresses with its comprehensive equipment and versatile photographic functions. In addition, nothing stands in the way of upgrading the camera to a “real” underwater camera thanks to an optional housing and a wirelessly controllable underwater flash unit.
Reliable Tough performance: Waterproof down to depths of 15 m3, dustproof4, shockproof to 2.1 m5, crushproof to 100 kgf6, freezeproof down to -10 °C7, including new anti-fog8 capability
The Tough series is a model equipped with the reliable Tough performance, waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, aiming for worry-free shooting underwater, while mountain climbing, and in other harsh environments. The new Olympus Tough TG-5 includes the high-speed f/2.01 lens which was highly rated on previous models, along with the new hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor, and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII image processor which deliver images with higher quality than ever before. It is also equipped with the Field Sensor System2, which records tracking information, full-featured Tough performance including the new anti-fog8 feature, and movie shooting functions such as 4K Movie. The controls have been modified to make these new features even easier to use. This is the ultimate Tough camera for capturing high-quality images of split-second moments under tough shooting conditions.
3. Reliable Tough performance: Waterproof down to depths of 15 m3, dustproof4, shockproof to 2.1 m5, crushproof to 100 kgf6, freezeproof down to -10°C7, including new anti-fog8 capability
A hermetic sealing body construction provides waterproof performance down to depths of 15 m for worry-free shooting underwater. This hermetic sealing construction also provides superb dustproof performance so you can feel comfortable using the camera on the beach and in dusty mountainous areas. The excellent shockproof performance is made possible by adopting a floating mechanism. The main parts in the body float so that the camera clears drop tests up to 2.1 m, and is strong enough to withstand loads up to 100 kgf. Operation is guaranteed down to -10°C, making it possible to use in cold environments where other digital devices usually hard to withstand. In addition to these features, the Olympus Tough TG-5 features a dual-pane protective glass construction inside the lens, preventing condensation caused by significant temperature differences.
Microscope control modeThis mode uses the rear LCD monitor to magnify and display microscopic subjects. For example, you can magnify a subject that is only 1 mm in size up to a maximum of approximately 44.4 mm when displayed on the rear LCD monitor. You can also check the display magnification on the LCD monitor when the subject is 1 cm away from the end of the lens. In addition to switching the magnification factor with the zoom lever, the arrow pad can also be used to switch between 1x, 2x, and 4x with the press of a single button as if changing the objective lens on a real microscope.
These are converter lenses that expand shooting possibilities for the Olympus Tough TG-5. With these lenses, you can enjoy a different angle of view shooting while maintaining the brightness of the lens. Attach the Fisheye Converter FCON-T01 to enjoy shooting with fisheye effects at a diagonal 130°. Used with Tele Converter TCON-T01, you can shoot at a 170mm10 equivalent telephoto setting. Both accessories are waterproof, and can be attached and removed underwater. Tele Converter Adapter CLA-T01 is required to use these lenses. You can also attach the bundled lens cap LC-40.5 and the separately available Protection Filter PRF-D40.5 PRO to CLA-T01.
Waterproof performance is JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) equivalent. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.
As the latest camera from a brand that actively considers underwater shooters when designing its products, this camera is packed full of features useful to underwater photo and video shooters. Not only is the camera waterproof down to 50ft (15m), but it is designed with the Olympus PT-058 UW housing rated to 147ft (45m). This housing is the most affordable TG-5 housing on the market and accepts most popular underwater photo accessories.
The camera retains the ruggedness of its predecessor; it is waterproof to 50 ft, freezeproof to 14°F / -10°C, crushproof to 220 lbf / 100 kgf, and shockproof from 7 ft / 2.1 m.
The TG-5 also has the huge advantage of the camera itself being waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and splashproof, allowing it to be used in any environment without a housing (as long as you don"t take it too deep underwater). Finally, don"t forget the options to attach Olympus" add-on fisheye and telephoto lenses directly to the camera body.
Right out of the gate, I could not be happier with the TG-5 compared to the limited number of other waterproof/rugged compact cameras "out there." I am a lifelong veteran of personal and professional photojournalism (I shot my first pro event, an Indy car race, in 1967 and have been shooting ever since) and recognize that every camera will have a few "minus" factors to go with its many "plus" qualities. I shoot both stills and video, and currently use a Canon 7D Mk II (plus lenses), a GoPro, and several auxiliary cameras to document backcountry activities here in Colorado. I have been through multiple Nikon and Canon SLRs and DSLRs over the years, but am not averse to shooting with modern point-and-shoot boxes rather than missing out entirely. I have been researching waterproof compacts for over a year, and finally settled on the TG-5 for my latest trout fishing project. After a few days with it in-hand, here are my initial impressions.First, the THREE BIG CONS: 1. No Shutter Priority mode. Why provide Aperture Priority but no Shutter Priority? Dunno. It would seem that one could control shutter speed with AP alone, but add to that problem . . . 2. No Manual mode. What??? For someone who grew up on the "manual mantra," Sunny 16 Rule, etc., no manual mode is like climbing into a car with no steering wheel. Sure, some of the presets can be helpful, but still, no "M" on the box is quite distressing. Then, add to that . . . 3. No Exposure Lock. This is another mystery -- why a Focus Lock function but no Exposure Lock? Or even a Focus/Exposure lock? Fortunately, a combined F/E lock kicks in for video and panoramas -- but not for stills. For any photog who wants to control the exposure rather than operate in PhD (Press Here Dummy) mode, these three essentials -- or even any two of them -- would make this little camera practically perfect in every way. I put these CONS first only to save time for shoppers who like the bad news before the good. Now, here"s the good news.A LOT OF PROS: The TG-5 is far better across the board than any consumer-priced waterproof camera on the market at this point. Since I numbered the CONS above, I will number the PROS with a few annotations. 1. Olympus optics. I first shot with an Olympus in 1972, and have never been disappointed with its optics at any price point. Images shot with the TG-5, especially without extending the modest optical zoom, are crisp, clear, and hold up very well in post-production. 2. GPS on board. Shooting backcountry subjects frequently requires geotagging. Add the "Log" function, and an at-hand compass, coordinates, temp, alt, etc. and it is a true mountain camera. 3. Zoom while shooting video (not all compacts have this). 4. Quick and easy "Live" controls, including at-hand White Balance and Exposure Compensation without groping for menus and buttons. 5. Controllable flash output (it"s about time!). 6. Multiple monitor displays (5), with color & B&W histograms and high/low flashing. 7. Fast start-up. Boom-it"s on. 8. Intuitive menus. 9. Excellent documentation by PDF and on-screen helps that are non-intrusive and just informative enough. 10. Minimal shutter lag & "Pro Capture" to mitigate what little lag is there. 11. Microscope mode (unreal!). 12. Can shoot in RAW -- a must for me. 13. Smartphone connectivity via WiFi. A little clunky, but workable and includes video controls. 14. Solid & substantial grip & feel. Hey, it"s not an old F4 with motordrive, but you know it"s in your hand. This is a good thing for a solid shooting foundation. 15. Weight. Perfect, in my book. 16. Waterproof/Ruggedness. I"m adding this one on faith that all the reviews I"ve read are true & accurate.My overall review is 4 Stars out of 5, partly based on the fool"s hope that Olympus might read this and add those big three features I mentioned at the beginning. If they do, I will happily throw down another $350-$400 for a new one, and keep this one in my backpack as well. Other enhancements might include a microphone jack (though I usually use audio recorded on a portable digital recorder) and a small remote, but this is a compact, so I would be happy with more exposure control and call it a day.