OLYMPUS Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera, Black
Electronics > Camera & Photo > Film Photography > Film Cameras > Point & Shoot Film Cameras
About this item
- Water proof (50 feet /15 meter), dust proof, shock proof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), crush proof (100 kgf), freeze proof (14 degree Fahrenheit / -10 degree Celsius ), anti-fog
- High resolution F2.0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back illuminated CMOS image sensor
- Variable macro system comprised of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1 centimeter from the end of the lens
- 5 underwater shooting modes including underwater microscope, 3 underwater white balance modes. Image file format: JPEG, raw
- 4K movie and full HD 120 fps high speed movies can be recorded. Max. recording time: 20 seconds
Reviews
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
SO worth it - highly recommend
I did a TON of research on this little cutie of a camera. I was very, very, terrified to put it into the water the first time. I literally felt like I was holding a $500 bill (do those exist?) and waving it into hurricane winds, just hoping it would not blow away. Eek! But I was super careful, and made sure all the seals were locked, and it survived MANY hours submerged in salt water in Maui and Kauai, while I snapped hundreds of shots.
There is a bit of a learning curve, but if you put your mind to it, you can just flip through the settings and get some photos that, with just a little bit of editing will astound you.
Of the four photos attached to this review, the one of the boy snorkeling is 100% unedited. The other three just have some easy color-balancing and light-balancing done, so they look like they did to my eye seeing them for the first time. I have not done any complicated editing to any of these shots.
I am SO excited to take my little Baby TG-6 out snorkeling again, as soon as I possible can. Maybe the Big Island next!! LOL
Great little camera. :)
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
If you are hard on cameras, buy this today.
Wow! I have several point-and-shoots as well as a Canon 50D and I kept running into the same situation: I needed a pocket-sized camera that could handle sand, water, and everyday situations. I have 2 small kids and those are the environments I'm in.
I just put the Olympus T-6 through 3 times in the ocean, 3 times in the pool, and in the actual sand while building a sandcastle IN ONE DAY...I'm so so so impressed. It's true, the lack of a manual is pretty dumb but the quick-start guide gave you what you need. I would not have been able to figure out how to even open the battery compartment without that guide though so take your time! Lastly, I had read another review that lamented the lack of a wall charger,which I assumed meant one of the cartridge case ones that plug in the wall. This camera comes with a usb cord that plugs into the wall. It's perfectly fine! It was a TERRIFIC buy for me and I am so so so so excited to keep using it.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Great step up from Nikon AW130
I love the point and shoot waterproof camera’s to bring to the beach for sand and water photos of family. Places I would never bring the iPhone or DSLR.
Based on Consumer Reports, I hope for a longer life than all my past choices over the years (Canon D10, a Sony model, and the Nikon AW130). The Nikon died much faster than I hoped (saltwater breach on vacation). But they all seem to last 2-4 years with relatively tough living (salt, water and sand exposure.)
Right out of the gate, things I like.
Even only at 12MP, takes great photos. Never the intent to be as good or better than the DSLR or even iPhone.
Better low light sensitivity than the Nikon.
Ability to hard code two favorite modes - much better than having to reset on every on and off.
I love the kid activity mode to take a continuous set of photos.
Very easy to use and setup modes. The Nikon would occasionally get stuck in weird modes. The physical wheel makes it more clear what is going on.
I like the physical switch to enable and disable GPS. Always a hassle to do so with the Nikon.
Time will tell on how tough it is, but we will see!
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Love this camera so far!
Loving this camera so far! I just started taking this out on my dives and first use was on a shallow reef dive. I got nice bright vibrant colors with this camera and can’t wait to take some macro shots with it as others rave about the great shots you can take in macro on it. I got the sea frogs housing for it that is for the TG 5. All buttons are functional and work with this camera in that housing from my experience so far. I posted a few photos that I took with this camera for example...
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
do this camera really needs introduction??? is a great camera!!! keep up olympus!!!
seriously??? this camera delivers!!! for the price, please!!!!???? I own professional equipment... sony alpha 7iii, Nikon D750, lots of lenses on these two cameras plus more cameras with even more lenses and... this small camera... great!!! really!!! don't expect same results of what a professional camera can do in the hands of a professional... but this camera on the hands of a professional... can do more than a beginner with the more expensive equipment...would that suffice?
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Surprising quality and versatility in a small package
I was looking for a compact waterproof camera for kayaking and to use around our pond. I was hesitant to get the TG-6 because of the missing viewfinder and static LCD screen. The sample photos I saw in researching the camera convinced me to give it a try. The samples were right. I was amazed at the macro ability and underwater quality. Though the camera has no manual setting, it offers a surprising amount of manual adjustments. My sample photos are out of camera, not retouched, except for cropping. I hope they help.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Expensive but worthed
After I am going to test the camera, my review will be updated, but for now, is a shame for a camera priced at $450 the manufacturer is not providing a printed user manual, and a battery charger.
Updated review....
After two returns performed for various reasons, I got a flawless working camera.
Tested the camera on various settings and environments, I can say ,.... is a good choice.
Very good quality photos and videos above and under water. No issues.
Loaded with lots of features on a small package.
Battery life, pretty good for original battery and also for aftermarket batteries purchased.
Finally, I think this is the best on the market
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
The Best Outdoor Camera I have ever owned!
I used this camera on a 12-day backpacking trip and 4 additional days of travel. I purchased 4 additional Kastar batteries to keep me powered while on the trail. The total of 5 batteries kept me shooting pictures and video the entire trip. I kept the camera at a ready in my pocket the entire time. It was quick to turn on and turn off when I was done. I was able to catch all the shots that I wanted to take even with the camera off.
The picture quality was fantastic and the Auto mode automatically adapted to almost every picture environment I tried it in. The Microscope feature is the most fantastic!
Overall I only have 2 complaints about the camera.
1. It does not come with a lens cap. I used my 3d printer and printed one of Thingiverse.com that I could quickly flip open.
2. You have to remember to use the "record" button on the back to start/stop a video. By default I still find myself hitting the shutter button. (4 star)
The best feature I did not realize it had was the GPS functionality while the camera was not in use. By clicking the INFO button I was presented with a digital compass, lat/long, altitude, barometric pressure, and temperature. With my camera set to use GPS in battery saver mode, my attitude was always off by 200 - 600 feet but after spending time at a set altitude it was within 100ft accuracy.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Very rugged compact camera
I own a lot of cameras from 4X5 view cameras, Hasselblad, Canon EOS 5D MkIV and mirrorless cameras. So why would I buy this camera? I wanted a pocket sized camera that was rugged, water resistant and freeze resistant. I travel frequently to Alaska and shoot in difficult conditions. I wanted a camera that could shoot raws for processing in DXO Photolab, Lightroom and Photoshop. I did not expect professional quality images - just a go anywhere camera. The TG-6 seems to fill that need.
It is ironic that an experienced photographer can pick up a professional camera and start shooting right away whereas with this camera you need to spend some time learning its many features to get the best results. The TG-6 has many modes to choose from including panoramas, HDR, focus stacking and macro as well as micro photography. Some of the auto modes and special features only work as jpg images. It also offers "manual" modes like aperture and shutter speed priority. These are much more limited than full size cameras, but are workable with a little practice.
I mainly used aperture priority raw shooting. Aperture settings are mainly controlled by the focal length. In other words the aperture will decrease with focal length. Manually setting the aperture is very limited. For example, at maximum zoom the default aperture is f6.3 which can be set to f4.9 or f18. That's it. Cameras with small sensors typically do not do well with small apertures. They lose sharpness. Thus, you would likely want to use f6.3. Autofocus seems to be reasonably accurate using a Spyder Lenscal. You can lock focus by pressing the shutter half-way and then reframing the shot. Good depth of field may need some practice.
The 12 megapixel raw images definitely need some processing. I'm using DXO Photolab 3 which has a profile for this camera. Some additional sharpening can be achieved with the NIK raw presharpener used very sparingly. The images won't hold up to enlarging to any great extent, but will be adequate for screen display and Facebook. Large prints could be problematical. Avoid high ISO's as they will be very noisy.
The automatic features of this camera are intriguing. Macro and micro shots are amazing. You will need the ring light attachment, however. Panoramas are easy to do, but may have darker streaks where they knit together. This can be adjusted out with software. The HDR capability is very very limited compared to larger cameras. Night shooting settings are easy to use, but will produce noisy images of little value.
I have not tested the underwater capabilities. Nor have I tested the video to any great extend. Not comments on those modes.
I prefer cameras with real viewfinders. The screen on this camera is limited, but adequate even in bright sunlight.
The old saying that the best camera to shoot with is the one you have with you is very true with the TG-6. It is more versatile and rugged than a cell phone. It shoots raws and you can cary it anywhere. It is not a professional camera, of course, but it will do very well once you learn how to shoot with it.
★★★★★
Verified Purchase
Made a book with with this camera: Bugs of Oregon's Macrophotography of Willamette Valley
This camera is what I use for taking pictures of insects and spiders. Very easy to use and I made a Youtube video on how to use it called:
Olympus Tough TG-5 Macro photography & How To Take Great Closeups Of Small Things & microscope mode
I'm also making a book that I'm almost done with and It will be available on Amazon very soon and is called:
Bugs of Oregon Macro photography of Willamette Valley
I started taking macro pictures of tiny bugs with my phone years ago but for Christmas, I was gifted the Olympus Tough TG-5 and macro photography immediately turned into my favorite hobby. Unfortunately, I lost my original camera so I got this new Olympus Tough TG-6 and this camera is just as good! It's also waterproof and I swam with it under the oceans of Kauai, Hawaii and it works great! There are also lots of water accessories that can be purchased for it but so far, I've only used the LED light guide which I explained in my Youtube videos. This light is a must-have for taking close-ups of things like flowers and bugs because it lights up the stage!
Show for you like this post.
Holga 120 WPC Panoramic Pin Hole Camera Wide Format Film Lomo Camera Black
Question & Answer
Question :
What is the difference between the tg5 and the tg6? the specs are virtually identical.
Answer :
There are some noteworthy improvements. Chromatic aberration is reduced, the purple orb issue has been reduced, you can now shoot microscope videos and you can use aperture mode with microscope mode. The TG-6 images are also a bit darker and less likely to be over-exposed. I think there is an improvement in image quality. The TG-6 is also a bit more rugged (thicker lcd, better for reduction, etc). The biggest improvement is in the lcd screen.
Question :
Does this camera come with a lens cover?
Answer :
No. In spite of this, I have never smudged the lens. It is recessed enough that even when doing VERY close-up macro shot, the lens stays clean.
If you are going to chuck the camera into a (filthy) jacket pocket, then something like the Olympus Lens Barrier LB-T01 would be for you.
I have used the Olympus CLA-T01 Conversion Lens Adapter which comes with the traditional clamp-on lens cover. It usually stays in-place. For real dirty and dusty locations, I use a screw-on UV filter to keep the optics from getting scratched by wind-driven grit.
I hope this helps.
Question :
I bought a fuji xp, highly rated as well, but was disappointed with the overall quality, underwater looked flat. should i expect better from this?
Answer :
The Olympus TG-6 will produce very good UW images if used it correctly. Ideally the underwater mode is selected and the correct white balance depth is chosen. UW photography helps tremendously from having clear water and strong frontlit sunlight with no clouds . You also usually need to get pretty close to your subject. Without those you may need strobes or to use a flash. If want to learn more about TG UW photography google "tg-5 backscatter tutorial". In some cases after all that, the images yes will be a bit flat and you will need to do some post-processing. TG-6 images are good quality and tend to respond well to PP, especially if you use a raw file and a raw editor like light room. You can also use a free editor like Gimp...which can easily take care of flat image. Gimp > Color > Brightness-Contrast > Contrast (crank it right and the flatness should magically go away). Gimp can also do a good job with white balance correct (although LR is likely better at both tasks).
Question :
what is the lens (mm) for UV filter
Answer :
I use 40.5mm Hoya filters on my TG-6 and TG-5.
Question :
Does the camera do well in salt water? Me and my fiancé plan to go to Florida for our honeymoon as well as take a cruise to the Caribean.
Answer :
Just got back from Antarctica and the camera did well in the cold water. You just need to wash it by hand in fresh water as soon as you can after being in salt water. Do not open any of the "hatches" (battery, data card etc.) until the camera has dried completely. Also, no "down-loading" while the camera is still wet.
Question :
What is the max size sd card that can be used?
Answer :
I put a 64Gb card in and it works fine. That's over 9,000 photos.
Question :
If pre-ordered, when will it ship?
Answer :
I couldn't possibly say. Mine shipped from Amazon right away.
Question :
Is image quality better than the tg-4? is the 12 mp image size a step down from the image quality of the tg-4?
Answer :
I had a TG-4 and now have a TG-6. From my experience and all the reviews I have read, the TG-4 has a very slight edge in image sharpness under bright conditions (i.e. low ISO), but the 12mp cameras have much less noise at higher ISOs which is the bigger advantage since small sensors like in the TG cameras are more prone to noise at higher ISOs. I consider the change to 12mp an improvement over all.
Question :
Is it possible to connect a wired remote/trigger to this camera?
Answer :
Wired? No. Wireless? Yes. You can connect the TG-6 to your smartphone using the Olympus App. I use it all the time as a view finder and trigger.
Question :
What type of cable does it use to charge in camera?
Answer :
USB 2.0 Micro-B connector
Comments
Post a Comment