I have the TG-6, which I did an article on in “Olympus Passion” a couple of years ago. It’s a good travel and outdoor camera. However, if they create a TG-8, I agree with you on the changes and also a larger sensor size-even a 1” or Micro 4/3 would be better. Thanks for sharing!
Love my red TG-6. Such a good camera, especially for holidays. I'm also really enjoying giving it to my seven-year-old who's showing an interest in photography, and I'm happy knowing that if he drops it on the beach, I won't cry 😂
I have one and it is wonderful. As a landscape photographer I love the size and the underwater and I would have loved a manual mode. But it is amazing.
Yes, love the TG-6. Largely compatible firmware (controls, menus, erc) with my OM D & PEN m43 cameras which is helpful, rugged, and even smaller than the Pen Mini with pancake lens.
The TG-7 is my first TG, and I really love it. Yes it has the flaws and shortcomings that you mention, but as a daily companion it's an easy to use tool and much more fun than a smartphone. There is also an array of accessories that are very useful, like a flash diffuser and a macro ring light. You even can mount a wide angle lens or a telephoto lens on it. However, these accessories are pretty highly priced. And last but not least: Thank you so much for your honest review, I think it will help many people to make an informed decision.
I've had a TG-5 since it came out and I've taken it rock/ice climbing, skiing, mountain biking (relatively "extreme"), and used it underwater (but nowhere nearly to its max depth of 15m/50 ft) and dropped it on hard surfaces with no more than slight cosmetic damage. I've gotten great prints out of it (in fact, one is in a juried show at the moment) and although it would be nice to have a bit more reach (although there are those accessory lenses), the macro capabilities are astounding, with up to 7X optical magnification, the focus stacking you mention, and a min focusing distance of 1cm (thanks to that small 1/2.3: sensor) and the optional LED ring is a game-changer for macro lighting. Plus, there are those underwater modes (of course, you need a mask to see what you're shooting). It's obviously not great in low light, but as you mention, the RAWs enable you to apply sufficient NR (I prefer DxO Deep PRIME XD) to produce more than satisfactory results. The GPS, barometer/altimeter/manometer, thermometer, and compass are a great bonus, as you can easily track your position and other parameters as a back-up to watch/phone-based data. Just an amazing package overall, so I'm not sure that the 7's worth the upgrade (as the 5's nearly identical to the 6).
Totally agree regarding TG-5 macro mode with the LG-1 LED ring, we use it in our micro electronics lab in this exact configuration. Trying to get the right lighting, an avoiding glare, with an iPhone or other camera is too much of a faff. The LED ring does make it a "game changer" in this respect.
I got a TG-1 when it was released and it allowed me to get amazing photos (and some valued snapshots) because I would take it places I'd never take another camera. Then I got a TG-4 and now a TG-6. The TG-4 was sold to a friend who made a bucket-list trip to India traveling by rail and bicycle, and he got some epic travel video but was never bothered by anyone for using his "point-and-shoot" camera. Yes, the sensor is a bit small, but you have to consider that this camera is waterPROOF to 30", freeze PROOF, crush PROOF to 200lbs, and even has a GPS. Those features require a really robust build which takes more space than "weather proofing" and the beauty of this camera is it truly is pocketable. With modern RAW post-processing tools you shouldn't want for acceptable image quality.
I've been looking to get a compact camera with a non-interchangeable lens and this is by far the most honest review of the TG-7 I have come across. Thank you!!
I had a TG-4 back in 2016 and I used it for scuba diving and it was incredible! I sold it in 2018 and absolutely regretted it, but in late 2022 I bought the TG-6 and now I look forward to taking it to Rarotonga next week. I will mention the TG-4 through to the TG-6 do have a timelapse mode, but it's deep in the menu. Also the fisheye converter is now on my wishlist after I tried one out in store.
Your sample photos are always outstanding which goes to show it's the photographer behind the camera that counts. Looks like I'll be waiting for the version with manual controls, but overall this suits most of what I need which is compact, discreet, and an easy every day carry. In my digital travels I've gone from a Nikon D700 to a Fujifilm X-e3, so yes, a return to less and smaller is my direction.
Took the TG-5 on the West Highland Way last year and loved it. The limitations of the sensor are there, but the weight advantage and weatherproofing counts for a lot ! The back screen did end up with several fresh scratches, but so did I... . I since tried the add-on tele, but didn't find it worth the money - and the trouble. TG-6 & 7 don't add enough capability to justify an upgrade for me.
Yes!!! I just got the TG5 a few months ago and I was wondering if you’d ever picked one of these up. It has been the exact everyday camera I’d been looking for.
I took my red TG-6 all around Europe for 5 weeks last year, and I actually made prints of two of them; one hangs in my living room and the other the kitchen. I always get comments on those photos when I have guests. I had so much fun with it, that when I came back, I bought another one! The black one this time. My fear was they would discontinue the line, so I had better get them while I can. I looked at the TG-7, and there's nothing that would make me want to upgrade, and I prefer the Olympus branding too.
I’ve been recommending this camera to my outdoorsy non photographer relatives and friends who want to stretch a bit without the learning curve. Waiting for a deal myself, and thinking of doing a workshop.
I just ordered one from Amazon, because they had it marked down to $407 in the US, and my wife and I will be doing some traveling where I think it will be good to have a totally waterproof camera. Just working my way through the manual and playing around with it now, but I'm impressed by the build of the camera. Nice review!
The OM System TG7 really seems like a gem for those who need a robust, travel-friendly camera.Thanks for sharing your detailed insights; your review definitely helps others consider whether the TG7 meets their photography needs on the go!
I like the idea of a waterproof camera. Just think it's time they got a bigger sensor in them. A 1" or even better m43. They put them in cameras even smaller than these so I'm sure it could be done.
Sony has a 1" in the RX0, which is also waterproof. I think the catch is trying to get a reasonably good telescopic zoom lens inside the body. The RX0 is fixed focal length. The RX100 with the same 1" sensor still needs an external telescopic zoom. I would kill for a 25-100mm 1" zoom that doesn't collect dust like crazy.
To be fair to the TG7, as an "action" camera, I do not think too many people will be interested in, or ever using manual controls, so including them would bump up the price point of what is meant to be a rugged budget holiday cam! Your videos about "vintage" (oh deary me, time goes soooo fast in the digital age!) digi-cams and now this small sensor cam bring me back to the often forgotten advantages of small sensor cams, and why they were the ones that killed film in the early 2000s! That also makes me handle my now over 20 year old and still viable Panasonic DMC LC40, which I love as much as my first "real" camera from 1979, my Ricoh KR5 film SLR.
I think the underrated new addition is the construction menu, it has true GPS reception, and can be used as a torch, compass, altimeter, thermometer, barometer...
Oh my thank you for an honest review of the TG7. I wanted to get one since they were released but every video I’ve seen so far has seemed like someone from OM-Systems was holding them to ransom. I like the sound of the construction mode (I’m a surveyor)but I’m worried the lack of wide angle might limit it a bit for me.
Hi Emily, I managed to take some slow shutter speeds of ballroom dancers by putting the TG-6 into Aperture mode and setting the ISO to 100, I just wanted the blur of the vienese waltz. If I had set the ISO to 1600, the shutter speed would have been fast enough to stop the motion blur I was looking for. So, you can change shutter speed by making use of the inbuilt exposure triangle settings. Hope this helps. Malcolm
I just went white water rafting at this place called the royal gorge 2 days ago, and I was so upset I couldn't bring my g85 or my gx85. I was thinking about this camera the entire time! To top it off, one of the guides that followed us in a kayak pulls out a g85 with a leica 12 60 in the middle of the tour! 😂
I picked up a TG-7 last Friday with same-day Amazon delivery. I'm used to shooting on full frame Canon DSLRs with L glass, so I'm trying to get used to the image quality, but I LOVE that it can just slip in my pocket as an EDC item. There are so many fun features as well, like super macro and microscope mode. It's definitely a new favorite piece of tech!
Bought the TG-6 in red, didnt merge with it so it was sold off, found that I missed the little bugger, so bought a second hand TG-5 in glorious black. Miss the updated panel of the TG-6, so pondering a TG-7 in glorious black. Wouldnt mind if OM system managed to do a fixed 40 mm f:2 or 1.7 with a M43 sensor onboard, with shutter priority and other wise keep the form factor as much as possibe, though.
Hey, I almost used all the TG series except TG7, they are amazing for daily shot even non underwater use. I’ve already TG5 and love the none moving lens on this series.
The TG cameras are a lot of fun. I have no evidence other what my eyes see, but I think the image quality has improved in the last two iterations. The lcd has certainly improved (so maybe that just makes me feel the images are better!). But I see it in the processed images too. If a stadium has a "no camera with interchangeable lens" policy, you can bring the TG 7, no problem. Just make sure you have a seat close to the action!
I got the older TG5 which I got used at a steal - it is essentially the same camera as the TG6 and TG7. It's brilliant as a family camera in the water.
I've been seriously considering this camera, because I've wanted one for everyday use that's capable, easily survives being in a bag in the back of a work vehicle (that occasionally slides off the shelves and goes THUNK on the floor), and most importantly, could care less about the weather. It's also come up as tempting for me, as KolariVision now sells the TG-6 with a filter set, and the idea of having one of these already modified for full spectrum I can just slap filters onto really, really, REALLY sounds like fun. That and hey, it looks like a tiny little camera, so many won't pay much attention to it other than "ooh, he's got a red thing in his paws!" That's also a nice little strap you've got there, whereabouts would one find similar ones?
Another somewhat niche use case: we use the TG5 in the micro electronics lab because of the macro/microscope mode. We use it with the LG-1 ring light to give glare-free results. The problem with using an iPhone or other camera is getting the lighting right, and that's where the LG-1 "light guide" ring light comes into its own. Frankly I've never seen any reason to upgrade to either the TG-6 or TG-7, the differences are negligible. Practically speaking, only the screen upgrade on these models would be a possible reason. I agree, the UI is terrible!!!!
It was on sale in the US and I pulled the trigger. Have never owned a tough camera before. Going to use it for family camping trips and EDC. Love it so far.
I have had two versions TG4 and the TG5 the TG4 did die on me and they gave me a good deal as the TG6 had just come out. Still going strong and would happy get another if this one. I do use when around water and as an carry around sometimes.
I owned a TG-4 for a while, because of the “Tough” specs for temperature and waterproofness. But, I hated the over processed jpegs that totally ruined whatever resolution the lens and sensor could provide. Also my TG-4 discharged the battery when it was off. The result? I would grab the camera for a hike only to find the battery was flat when I tried to take my first photo. I gave that camera away. When the TG-6 came, with its RAW file capabilities, I tried again. No problems with it. I shoot RAW only with it. It will definitely withstand any Alaskan weather I can manage.
It'll be good in southeast Alaska... but keep it away from the interior. 😂 I don't miss those -30 to -60 winters. I finally moved out of Alaska and down to the PNW a couple of years ago. No more negative temps or mass snow dumps! 😊
Enjoyed your review and agree that it is a great pity that a fully manual option isn't available. Hopefully OMDS will listen to us. One aspect of the camera I have found is that the jpg engine does an excellent job at rendering accurate colours. In fact it is so good that even trying to process some RAW files I haven't been able to match the colours of the jpg images. The macro function is excellent.
Nice video ! I had a certain interest in the TG7 to go along with my Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) when I had it, but then the iPhone 15 Pro came into my life and I ditched the Leica. The accessories for the TG7 are pretty amazing, though, especially the ring flash "converter" would be nice for portrait shootings, I think.
I've been using the TG-5 for years, it's much better than the TG-5 in tests. It's great for travelling, because I can take it with me anywhere, I don't have to take care of it all the time.
Damnit I'd been wanting to pick up a TG-6 and now the prices are going to spike 😆 /s (mostly) love the video, nice to see a modern review on one of these
Always been tempted by these, but honestly my iPhone pretty much covers most of my “quick needs’ and my Rx100vii covers everything else for travel. Sadly, it isn’t weatherproof or tough like this one though. Works very well (!) , but not ‘fun’ to use. Now if the TG had a 1 inch or (dreaming) m43 sensor I might swap. Loved the ‘felt a bit dirty about it” reference to using auto mode! 😂
I’ve just been lucky enough to get one of these for free through work. I currently have an EM10ii so looking forward to having this to use as an alternative. Thanks for tips re shutter speed 👍
I recently picked up a Canon EOS M100 with the kit lens for around 150 bucks. I added the EF-M 22mm f2 from Canon and let me say, it’s an amazingly small and capable combination with an APS-C sized sensor. I think this combination would be a very good fit for your small camera series :)
My resolve is also weakening...I don't have an EDC waterproof camera. It would be so useful, sitting in my pocket ready for some rainy street photography...but I just don't have the money so I'll save for Tg-8...thanks for the fun video x
use HDR mode in the scenery mode .. it does (to my mind) a good job, though not for rapidly moving objects, of course focus stacking in microscope mode is great for non-moving items, better with a tripod, and a must to have a 2sec delay
I borrowed a TG5 for my Krabi trip years ago and was generally happy with it but it was exactly the lack of shutter speed control stumbled me in 2 occasions. First was my attempt to capture long exposure of the sea at dusk (it was on a handheld tripod) with the intention of using low ISO but it refused to go slow enough. I guess now I know I can set a slower min shutter speed. Second was when I came across a fire poi performance and I simply have no control over the exposure.
It does seem like such a crazy mode to leave out doesn't it?! Especially as the sensor is small anyway so shutter speed is far more important than aperture control imo!
So it's a compact camera with 4x optical zoom that can shoot RAW, burst, do manual focusing, lens adapters and will never ever ever get dust inside the zoom mechanism? Ooh. I've been seeing TGs for sale secondhand, but haven't been biting. This might make me take another look. Those tweaked RAWs look really good.
I'd love to see a version with a bright prime lens. Seems like lots of GR users who complain about dust and lack of weather sealing could be interested.
That dive at 1:30! What a stud! 😂 one thing I was super jealous of was your ability to be shooting photos while in the water! It defo has a place in your camera bag and the focal range is mental for the size! If they do it in black, I’m all over it 🤣
An upgrade would be phase detect alongside contrast focusing. Combine that with subject detection and that is the upgrade people need. Full manual, not so much.. M
Shutter priority is difficult to implement when the camera can't adjust the aperture freely. The TG-series have just two real apertures to choose from plus a ND-filter that pretends to be the third aperture.
I'm travelling all over the UK during December and January would you recommend this over an iPhone 13 when it comes to quality. I'm used to shooting on my Iphone and Canon EOS 700D but find my canon is getting quite old and too heavy to carry around for travelling I shoot mostly landscapes and nature photography have no idea what to buy for the UK as it's going to be winter so probably lots of low light conditions. Do you have any recommendations on what should be my next cameras I want something compact and small, preferably fix lands
I had looked at the TG-series for a bit. But the lack of full manual controls is a bit of a bummer. Maybe I'll wait for the TG-8 then. Thanks for the video. :)
They don't want to do manual or shutter priority because it only has three aperture settings. They are wide open, stopped down, and ND filter, so that means most of the adjustment to get a proper exposure based on a certain shutter speed would have to be with ISO, because the aperture choices are so limited.
Its not wierd at all, because it decided when to change ISO accordingly. Its the same in every camera I ever used. Whats strange is the lack of S Mode!
@@dragon80bit lacks S mode because it only has three apertures. So to get proper exposure with a certain shutter speed, it would have to do a lot of adjustment to ISO, because it can't do much with such limited aperture control.
6:53 Focus stacking. Interestingly I don't get a JPG file in camera! Could it be because I set the general output to RAW only in all cases? I must investigate. Thanks for the great video!
With all respect, there's no way to build a camera with these features at this size for less money with a 4/3 sensor. Check all of the full specifications and then shoot with one.
@@gregfeeler6910it launched at 500 so in fairness you're probably right. But I don't think it's much to ask for a sensor that's not 10+ years old and worse than mobile phones. It's definitely not worth 500 and never was.
@@elzonn Cleary you've never used one and are only judging it based on your interpretation of the specifications. What is a picture capturing a special moment of your life worth? No smart phone made can survive what this camera can. I have gotten some of the most valued photos I have because of the ruggedness and compactness of this series of cameras, so to me, they are worth the money.
I bought the tg6 a while back and found it really underwhelming. I was also disappointed that MPB were not interested in buying it. So I am stuck with it. Still at least your video has inspired me to have another look at it before I throw it in the bin. At least it has the Olympus name on it!
@@clemfandango9534 no, but I don’t do those things. I bought it for its ruggedness but I wrongly assumed I would get Olympus picture quality. I was wrong about the latter but, hey, that was my fault. I guess MPB don’t rate it either.
Has anyone used the TG-3 or TG-4? Why do they have a higher MP, I think it’s 16 mps. Are they still good now or would you stick to the newer models, 5 - 7, which have the 12 mps? Thanks!
I wanted to like this camera, but the 12mp put me off. I needed a camera better than a phone, small enough to be pocketable, but my real weakness is a zoom lens. So a 5yo Sony rx100vii for me. 1in sensor, but 20mp. OMD is still re-releasing old models with minor updates, not enough.
It's tough isn't it! Pardon the pun haha I think there would be a lot of crossover between the gopro 11 and this, but then you have a 25mm-100mm equivalent lens on the tg7 so much more zoom!
a bump up in sensor size to 1" would be ideal especially for DR , light sensitivity and clarity. But then it would make the camera and lens larger and price hike higher . But regardless its high time olympus slept on video features and manual control. Olympus could also design their controls and on screen settings to be more visible for outdoor use all while having a streamlined controls . They could take inspiration from zv line from sony on settings like blur mode to help even beginners find easy to control. . Now a big of nit picking but i am the only one whos feels the tg 7 design is but too busy ? Like as if they tried to combine th 4 desgin with tg 6 , but with more sharpness ? , not the mention the ugly texts on the right side , like yes we know that its shockproof , its a tough series and all but to put that big is just ew . Personally the tg 1 still holds for the best design and colour of all the models , they should seriously bring out the silver grey colour again . And on that note ots high time they had a full overhaul with the camera and dial design to be more suit for 2026 -2027 !
It can’t go very deep under water unless you buy an expensive additional housing. There are better options if you’re going that far. Particularly for video.
Theoretically an action camera looks like a better tool for diving. But TG-7 is more photography orientated : it has a zoom lens, it has flash, it has dedicated photo functions like macro stacking. So it depends what you need from a camera.
Sorry, i dont think it's peaking, but the noise reduction is boosted a lot more than I'd like. the crickets were quite loud and after a while I just zoned them out but the camera didn't unfortunately!
📷 I also reviewed the Lumix GH1 on this trip, you can watch that next here: th-cam.com/video/W1SALja6F90/w-d-xo.htmlsi=ClCITWpgEfwGR8At
I have the TG-6, which I did an article on in “Olympus Passion” a couple of years ago. It’s a good travel and outdoor camera. However, if they create a TG-8, I agree with you on the changes and also a larger sensor size-even a 1” or Micro 4/3 would be better. Thanks for sharing!
Oooh. My “no new cameras in 2024” pledge under threat
Love my red TG-6. Such a good camera, especially for holidays. I'm also really enjoying giving it to my seven-year-old who's showing an interest in photography, and I'm happy knowing that if he drops it on the beach, I won't cry 😂
I've just picked up an (ebay special) TG-2 for my six year old, for that exact reason. It's near enough Child proof :D
I have one and it is wonderful. As a landscape photographer I love the size and the underwater and I would have loved a manual mode. But it is amazing.
Yes, love the TG-6. Largely compatible firmware (controls, menus, erc) with my OM D & PEN m43 cameras which is helpful, rugged, and even smaller than the Pen Mini with pancake lens.
The TG-7 is my first TG, and I really love it. Yes it has the flaws and shortcomings that you mention, but as a daily companion it's an easy to use tool and much more fun than a smartphone. There is also an array of accessories that are very useful, like a flash diffuser and a macro ring light. You even can mount a wide angle lens or a telephoto lens on it. However, these accessories are pretty highly priced. And last but not least: Thank you so much for your honest review, I think it will help many people to make an informed decision.
I've had a TG-5 since it came out and I've taken it rock/ice climbing, skiing, mountain biking (relatively "extreme"), and used it underwater (but nowhere nearly to its max depth of 15m/50 ft) and dropped it on hard surfaces with no more than slight cosmetic damage. I've gotten great prints out of it (in fact, one is in a juried show at the moment) and although it would be nice to have a bit more reach (although there are those accessory lenses), the macro capabilities are astounding, with up to 7X optical magnification, the focus stacking you mention, and a min focusing distance of 1cm (thanks to that small 1/2.3: sensor) and the optional LED ring is a game-changer for macro lighting. Plus, there are those underwater modes (of course, you need a mask to see what you're shooting). It's obviously not great in low light, but as you mention, the RAWs enable you to apply sufficient NR (I prefer DxO Deep PRIME XD) to produce more than satisfactory results. The GPS, barometer/altimeter/manometer, thermometer, and compass are a great bonus, as you can easily track your position and other parameters as a back-up to watch/phone-based data. Just an amazing package overall, so I'm not sure that the 7's worth the upgrade (as the 5's nearly identical to the 6).
Totally agree regarding TG-5 macro mode with the LG-1 LED ring, we use it in our micro electronics lab in this exact configuration. Trying to get the right lighting, an avoiding glare, with an iPhone or other camera is too much of a faff. The LED ring does make it a "game changer" in this respect.
I got a TG-1 when it was released and it allowed me to get amazing photos (and some valued snapshots) because I would take it places I'd never take another camera. Then I got a TG-4 and now a TG-6. The TG-4 was sold to a friend who made a bucket-list trip to India traveling by rail and bicycle, and he got some epic travel video but was never bothered by anyone for using his "point-and-shoot" camera. Yes, the sensor is a bit small, but you have to consider that this camera is waterPROOF to 30", freeze PROOF, crush PROOF to 200lbs, and even has a GPS. Those features require a really robust build which takes more space than "weather proofing" and the beauty of this camera is it truly is pocketable. With modern RAW post-processing tools you shouldn't want for acceptable image quality.
I've been looking to get a compact camera with a non-interchangeable lens and this is by far the most honest review of the TG-7 I have come across. Thank you!!
I had a TG-4 back in 2016 and I used it for scuba diving and it was incredible!
I sold it in 2018 and absolutely regretted it, but in late 2022 I bought the TG-6 and now I look forward to taking it to Rarotonga next week.
I will mention the TG-4 through to the TG-6 do have a timelapse mode, but it's deep in the menu. Also the fisheye converter is now on my wishlist after I tried one out in store.
Wow, I'm really impressed with your shots from this camera. I would probably never have paid any attention to it without seeing this video. Great!
What a fantastic video - very clearly spoken, highly informative and complete, and very enjoyable. Thank you. I'm buying one.
Your sample photos are always outstanding which goes to show it's the photographer behind the camera that counts. Looks like I'll be waiting for the version with manual controls, but overall this suits most of what I need which is compact, discreet, and an easy every day carry. In my digital travels I've gone from a Nikon D700 to a Fujifilm X-e3, so yes, a return to less and smaller is my direction.
Took the TG-5 on the West Highland Way last year and loved it. The limitations of the sensor are there, but the weight advantage and weatherproofing counts for a lot ! The back screen did end up with several fresh scratches, but so did I... . I since tried the add-on tele, but didn't find it worth the money - and the trouble. TG-6 & 7 don't add enough capability to justify an upgrade for me.
I agree. I use the RT6 as much as my Olympus M10. In good light, the pics are just as good. Macro is great.
Yes!!! I just got the TG5 a few months ago and I was wondering if you’d ever picked one of these up. It has been the exact everyday camera I’d been looking for.
I took my red TG-6 all around Europe for 5 weeks last year, and I actually made prints of two of them; one hangs in my living room and the other the kitchen. I always get comments on those photos when I have guests. I had so much fun with it, that when I came back, I bought another one! The black one this time. My fear was they would discontinue the line, so I had better get them while I can.
I looked at the TG-7, and there's nothing that would make me want to upgrade, and I prefer the Olympus branding too.
I’ve been recommending this camera to my outdoorsy non photographer relatives and friends who want to stretch a bit without the learning curve.
Waiting for a deal myself, and thinking of doing a workshop.
I just ordered one from Amazon, because they had it marked down to $407 in the US, and my wife and I will be doing some traveling where I think it will be good to have a totally waterproof camera. Just working my way through the manual and playing around with it now, but I'm impressed by the build of the camera. Nice review!
The OM System TG7 really seems like a gem for those who need a robust, travel-friendly camera.Thanks for sharing your detailed insights; your review definitely helps others consider whether the TG7 meets their photography needs on the go!
I like the idea of a waterproof camera. Just think it's time they got a bigger sensor in them. A 1" or even better m43. They put them in cameras even smaller than these so I'm sure it could be done.
That would be ideal I totally agree
Agreed! If it had a 1" sensor and 20ish megapixels I would already own this camera.
Sony has a 1" in the RX0, which is also waterproof. I think the catch is trying to get a reasonably good telescopic zoom lens inside the body. The RX0 is fixed focal length. The RX100 with the same 1" sensor still needs an external telescopic zoom.
I would kill for a 25-100mm 1" zoom that doesn't collect dust like crazy.
If it had a bigger sensor then it would have to sacrifice and be less compact or weatherproof, and the sensor would not be as capable in macro.
@@D.C89true. Bumping up the sensor would mean reworking the lens.
To be fair to the TG7, as an "action" camera, I do not think too many people will be interested in, or ever using manual controls, so including them would bump up the price point of what is meant to be a rugged budget holiday cam!
Your videos about "vintage" (oh deary me, time goes soooo fast in the digital age!) digi-cams and now this small sensor cam bring me back to the often forgotten advantages of small sensor cams, and why they were the ones that killed film in the early 2000s! That also makes me handle my now over 20 year old and still viable Panasonic DMC LC40, which I love as much as my first "real" camera from 1979, my Ricoh KR5 film SLR.
I think the underrated new addition is the construction menu, it has true GPS reception, and can be used as a torch, compass, altimeter, thermometer, barometer...
Oh my thank you for an honest review of the TG7. I wanted to get one since they were released but every video I’ve seen so far has seemed like someone from OM-Systems was holding them to ransom. I like the sound of the construction mode (I’m a surveyor)but I’m worried the lack of wide angle might limit it a bit for me.
Hi Emily, I enjoyed your vlog. Hope you are enjoying your holiday. The scenery looks amazing!
Hi Emily,
I managed to take some slow shutter speeds of ballroom dancers by putting the TG-6 into Aperture mode and setting the ISO to 100, I just wanted the blur of the vienese waltz. If I had set the ISO to 1600, the shutter speed would have been fast enough to stop the motion blur I was looking for.
So, you can change shutter speed by making use of the inbuilt exposure triangle settings.
Hope this helps.
Malcolm
I just went white water rafting at this place called the royal gorge 2 days ago, and I was so upset I couldn't bring my g85 or my gx85. I was thinking about this camera the entire time!
To top it off, one of the guides that followed us in a kayak pulls out a g85 with a leica 12 60 in the middle of the tour! 😂
Oh my! Hahaha what a brave man 😂
I picked up a TG-7 last Friday with same-day Amazon delivery. I'm used to shooting on full frame Canon DSLRs with L glass, so I'm trying to get used to the image quality, but I LOVE that it can just slip in my pocket as an EDC item. There are so many fun features as well, like super macro and microscope mode. It's definitely a new favorite piece of tech!
Bought the TG-6 in red, didnt merge with it so it was sold off, found that I missed the little bugger, so bought a second hand TG-5 in glorious black. Miss the updated panel of the TG-6, so pondering a TG-7 in glorious black. Wouldnt mind if OM system managed to do a fixed 40 mm f:2 or 1.7 with a M43 sensor onboard, with shutter priority and other wise keep the form factor as much as possibe, though.
Hey, I almost used all the TG series except TG7, they are amazing for daily shot even non underwater use.
I’ve already TG5 and love the none moving lens on this series.
The TG cameras are a lot of fun. I have no evidence other what my eyes see, but I think the image quality has improved in the last two iterations. The lcd has certainly improved (so maybe that just makes me feel the images are better!). But I see it in the processed images too. If a stadium has a "no camera with interchangeable lens" policy, you can bring the TG 7, no problem. Just make sure you have a seat close to the action!
thank you for thisss!!
I just go this camera and I love how your photos look can you please tell me the best settings for it? besides your presets?
Love this little camera.
I agree with your list of improvements for the TG-8.
I got the older TG5 which I got used at a steal - it is essentially the same camera as the TG6 and TG7. It's brilliant as a family camera in the water.
I have a tg6 and I love it. It's survived me and anything Scottish weather can throw at it.
Thanks for such an amazing review!
I've been seriously considering this camera, because I've wanted one for everyday use that's capable, easily survives being in a bag in the back of a work vehicle (that occasionally slides off the shelves and goes THUNK on the floor), and most importantly, could care less about the weather. It's also come up as tempting for me, as KolariVision now sells the TG-6 with a filter set, and the idea of having one of these already modified for full spectrum I can just slap filters onto really, really, REALLY sounds like fun. That and hey, it looks like a tiny little camera, so many won't pay much attention to it other than "ooh, he's got a red thing in his paws!"
That's also a nice little strap you've got there, whereabouts would one find similar ones?
Another somewhat niche use case: we use the TG5 in the micro electronics lab because of the macro/microscope mode. We use it with the LG-1 ring light to give glare-free results.
The problem with using an iPhone or other camera is getting the lighting right, and that's where the LG-1 "light guide" ring light comes into its own.
Frankly I've never seen any reason to upgrade to either the TG-6 or TG-7, the differences are negligible. Practically speaking, only the screen upgrade on these models would be a possible reason.
I agree, the UI is terrible!!!!
It was on sale in the US and I pulled the trigger. Have never owned a tough camera before. Going to use it for family camping trips and EDC. Love it so far.
Lovely colours from that camera!
I have had two versions TG4 and the TG5 the TG4 did die on me and they gave me a good deal as the TG6 had just come out. Still going strong and would happy get another if this one. I do use when around water and as an carry around sometimes.
I owned a TG-4 for a while, because of the “Tough” specs for temperature and waterproofness. But, I hated the over processed jpegs that totally ruined whatever resolution the lens and sensor could provide.
Also my TG-4 discharged the battery when it was off. The result? I would grab the camera for a hike only to find the battery was flat when I tried to take my first photo. I gave that camera away.
When the TG-6 came, with its RAW file capabilities, I tried again. No problems with it. I shoot RAW only with it. It will definitely withstand any Alaskan weather I can manage.
It'll be good in southeast Alaska... but keep it away from the interior. 😂 I don't miss those -30 to -60 winters. I finally moved out of Alaska and down to the PNW a couple of years ago. No more negative temps or mass snow dumps! 😊
Enjoyed your review and agree that it is a great pity that a fully manual option isn't available. Hopefully OMDS will listen to us. One aspect of the camera I have found is that the jpg engine does an excellent job at rendering accurate colours. In fact it is so good that even trying to process some RAW files I haven't been able to match the colours of the jpg images. The macro function is excellent.
Wish it had a flip screen like the TG860. I own both but loved the flip screen when sitting in the water on holiday in the Caribbean
Nice video ! I had a certain interest in the TG7 to go along with my Leica D-Lux (Typ 109) when I had it, but then the iPhone 15 Pro came into my life and I ditched the Leica. The accessories for the TG7 are pretty amazing, though, especially the ring flash "converter" would be nice for portrait shootings, I think.
I've been using the TG-5 for years, it's much better than the TG-5 in tests. It's great for travelling, because I can take it with me anywhere, I don't have to take care of it all the time.
Damnit I'd been wanting to pick up a TG-6 and now the prices are going to spike 😆 /s (mostly) love the video, nice to see a modern review on one of these
Always been tempted by these, but honestly my iPhone pretty much covers most of my “quick needs’ and my Rx100vii covers everything else for travel. Sadly, it isn’t weatherproof or tough like this one though. Works very well (!) , but not ‘fun’ to use. Now if the TG had a 1 inch or (dreaming) m43 sensor I might swap. Loved the ‘felt a bit dirty about it” reference to using auto mode! 😂
Hello Emily, would you be able to share what settings did you shoot those street photos with?. Those pictures quality are really nice. Thank you
I’ve just been lucky enough to get one of these for free through work. I currently have an EM10ii so looking forward to having this to use as an alternative. Thanks for tips re shutter speed 👍
I recently picked up a Canon EOS M100 with the kit lens for around 150 bucks. I added the EF-M 22mm f2 from Canon and let me say, it’s an amazingly small and capable combination with an APS-C sized sensor. I think this combination would be a very good fit for your small camera series :)
Another great video. You’re awesome Emily
My resolve is also weakening...I don't have an EDC waterproof camera. It would be so useful, sitting in my pocket ready for some rainy street photography...but I just don't have the money so I'll save for Tg-8...thanks for the fun video x
I still use my Pentax WG-3 and although it doesn't shoot RAW, the colors SOOC are wonderful.
When going on holiday I take LX100, my husband the TG6, lightweight, tough and covers most needs 👍
What are your thoughts on the Leica dlux 8? I figured you'd talk about it since you are the authority on micro 4 thirds 😅
use HDR mode in the scenery mode .. it does (to my mind) a good job, though not for rapidly moving objects, of course
focus stacking in microscope mode is great for non-moving items, better with a tripod, and a must to have a 2sec delay
I borrowed a TG5 for my Krabi trip years ago and was generally happy with it but it was exactly the lack of shutter speed control stumbled me in 2 occasions.
First was my attempt to capture long exposure of the sea at dusk (it was on a handheld tripod) with the intention of using low ISO but it refused to go slow enough. I guess now I know I can set a slower min shutter speed.
Second was when I came across a fire poi performance and I simply have no control over the exposure.
It does seem like such a crazy mode to leave out doesn't it?! Especially as the sensor is small anyway so shutter speed is far more important than aperture control imo!
So it's a compact camera with 4x optical zoom that can shoot RAW, burst, do manual focusing, lens adapters and will never ever ever get dust inside the zoom mechanism?
Ooh.
I've been seeing TGs for sale secondhand, but haven't been biting. This might make me take another look. Those tweaked RAWs look really good.
I'd love to see a version with a bright prime lens. Seems like lots of GR users who complain about dust and lack of weather sealing could be interested.
That dive at 1:30! What a stud! 😂 one thing I was super jealous of was your ability to be shooting photos while in the water! It defo has a place in your camera bag and the focal range is mental for the size!
If they do it in black, I’m all over it 🤣
10/10 dive (for effort!) 🤣 can we go back now please
@@MicroFourNerds you know my answer already! 😂🤩
@@JoshCameron I'll grab my passport
You have a choice of red or black (in Australia anyway).
pretty nice pics for compact camera
I love your stuffffff!!!!!!!!
An upgrade would be phase detect alongside contrast focusing. Combine that with subject detection and that is the upgrade people need. Full manual, not so much.. M
Manual or shutter priority would be tricky when the lens only has three aperture settings. They are wide open, stopped down a bit, and an ND filter.
Shutter priority is difficult to implement when the camera can't adjust the aperture freely. The TG-series have just two real apertures to choose from plus a ND-filter that pretends to be the third aperture.
I'm travelling all over the UK during December and January would you recommend this over an iPhone 13 when it comes to quality. I'm used to shooting on my Iphone and Canon EOS 700D but find my canon is getting quite old and too heavy to carry around for travelling I shoot mostly landscapes and nature photography have no idea what to buy for the UK as it's going to be winter so probably lots of low light conditions. Do you have any recommendations on what should be my next cameras I want something compact and small, preferably fix lands
This camera is THE macro beast for any underwater scuba macro shooter :)
Hi Micro Four Nerds, how do I set this to RAW? I can't find the setting in the menu!
Can we take long exposure photos using tg7 ? Also how is night photos ?
KKE/KNE section at 4:08. Didn't know they had one in Corfu 🥰
I had looked at the TG-series for a bit.
But the lack of full manual controls is a bit of a bummer.
Maybe I'll wait for the TG-8 then.
Thanks for the video. :)
They don't want to do manual or shutter priority because it only has three aperture settings. They are wide open, stopped down, and ND filter, so that means most of the adjustment to get a proper exposure based on a certain shutter speed would have to be with ISO, because the aperture choices are so limited.
This is like the ying to my Ricoh GRIII's yang. Everyday, but now also everywhere, for a little IQ cost. ✨
Shutter speed is managed in the menus as you described. Yeah weird. Great video I love my tough.
Its not wierd at all, because it decided when to change ISO accordingly. Its the same in every camera I ever used. Whats strange is the lack of S Mode!
@@dragon80bit lacks S mode because it only has three apertures. So to get proper exposure with a certain shutter speed, it would have to do a lot of adjustment to ISO, because it can't do much with such limited aperture control.
Can u put a link with some raws?
*good job my friend ❤*
I tried the six but the menu baffled me. The Panasonic ts7 has a viewfinder. Enough for me.
Did it creates good skin tones in portraits?
6:53 Focus stacking. Interestingly I don't get a JPG file in camera! Could it be because I set the general output to RAW only in all cases? I must investigate. Thanks for the great video!
Thanks for the great review! I am thinking of getting this robust beast in Japan, since you did so, is the interface only in Japanese?
No you can just choose English when you set it up, no messing about required 😁
Nice little camera!
Zone focus is like a snap focus in Ricoh GR3.
This camera is far much versatile than a GR
I love it but please sort that sensor out om!! it should be 4/3 and a lower price
With all respect, there's no way to build a camera with these features at this size for less money with a 4/3 sensor. Check all of the full specifications and then shoot with one.
@@gregfeeler6910it launched at 500 so in fairness you're probably right. But I don't think it's much to ask for a sensor that's not 10+ years old and worse than mobile phones. It's definitely not worth 500 and never was.
@@elzonn Cleary you've never used one and are only judging it based on your interpretation of the specifications. What is a picture capturing a special moment of your life worth? No smart phone made can survive what this camera can. I have gotten some of the most valued photos I have because of the ruggedness and compactness of this series of cameras, so to me, they are worth the money.
Welcome to Corfu!
I bought the tg6 a while back and found it really underwhelming. I was also disappointed that MPB were not interested in buying it. So I am stuck with it. Still at least your video has inspired me to have another look at it before I throw it in the bin. At least it has the Olympus name on it!
Yes but do you own any other cameras you can swim in the sea with? Or jump in a lake?
@@clemfandango9534 no, but I don’t do those things. I bought it for its ruggedness but I wrongly assumed I would get Olympus picture quality. I was wrong about the latter but, hey, that was my fault. I guess MPB don’t rate it either.
I was just given a T5 and so far I am quite taken with it! The wifi connection works remarkably well in sending pix to my phone
Has anyone used the TG-3 or TG-4? Why do they have a higher MP, I think it’s 16 mps. Are they still good now or would you stick to the newer models, 5 - 7, which have the 12 mps? Thanks!
Does it have raw output and supported by LR?
Yes 😊
I wanted to like this camera, but the 12mp put me off. I needed a camera better than a phone, small enough to be pocketable, but my real weakness is a zoom lens. So a 5yo Sony rx100vii for me. 1in sensor, but 20mp. OMD is still re-releasing old models with minor updates, not enough.
Ugh. I have been pining over the TG series for years, but i have cameras... I have a gopro 11 and an RX100V. I keep wondering do I NEED this?!
It's tough isn't it! Pardon the pun haha I think there would be a lot of crossover between the gopro 11 and this, but then you have a 25mm-100mm equivalent lens on the tg7 so much more zoom!
Is there a quick way to change ISO? (assuming can you change ISO?)
There is yes. You can press the "ok" button to access the quick menu
a bump up in sensor size to 1" would be ideal especially for DR , light sensitivity and clarity. But then it would make the camera and lens larger and price hike higher . But regardless its high time olympus slept on video features and manual control. Olympus could also design their controls and on screen settings to be more visible for outdoor use all while having a streamlined controls . They could take inspiration from zv line from sony on settings like blur mode to help even beginners find easy to control.
.
Now a big of nit picking but i am the only one whos feels the tg 7 design is but too busy ? Like as if they tried to combine th 4 desgin with tg 6 , but with more sharpness ? , not the mention the ugly texts on the right side , like yes we know that its shockproof , its a tough series and all but to put that big is just ew . Personally the tg 1 still holds for the best design and colour of all the models , they should seriously bring out the silver grey colour again . And on that note ots high time they had a full overhaul with the camera and dial design to be more suit for 2026 -2027 !
does it support external microphone?
Unfortunately not
@@MicroFourNerds many thanks... so even though it has Bluetooth 😢 wanted to try to avoid the Sony band wagon!
They would have my money if it had a m4/3rd sensor with like a 17mm f1.8 fixed. In a heartbeat
That would be crazy good. Like a tough Pen F haha
In fact, if they would release a TG camera with a larger sensor (ex : 1/1.7" or 1"), this would be probably enough.
Hi! 👋 How much is it?
In uk they are between £450-£500
It can’t go very deep under water unless you buy an expensive additional housing. There are better options if you’re going that far. Particularly for video.
It is rated at 15 meters or 49 feet.
Theoretically an action camera looks like a better tool for diving.
But TG-7 is more photography orientated : it has a zoom lens, it has flash, it has dedicated photo functions like macro stacking.
So it depends what you need from a camera.
Does it have the image stacking/live nd/et al from other OM cameras?
Only the focus stacking. No Live ND.
Emily-proof....... surely there's no such thing....? ...especially when spray paints are involved.... 😂
I abandoned Ricoh and my Leicas are sitting neglected thanks to this camera. No exaggeration.
Looks like an awesome option that thrashes a GoPro 👍
Your audio is muffled and peaking 🫤
Sorry, i dont think it's peaking, but the noise reduction is boosted a lot more than I'd like. the crickets were quite loud and after a while I just zoned them out but the camera didn't unfortunately!