If you’re in the market for the best travel camera, one that can withstand the environment, one of the best companions to take with you is the Olympus TG-5. It can snap high-quality photos and shoot in 4K, while being designed to withstand drops from several feet, several pounds of pressure, and is waterproof (50ft limit). It’s much more durable than even some of the top-rated point-and-shoot cameras.
Why We Like It – Olympus TG-5 review
A tough travel camera that is at home in the water and the wilderness, thanks to a rugged shell and waterproof casing.
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- Shoots 4K video; 12MP images
- It’s one rugged camera; can take a beating
- Lightweight and compact
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- Not ideal for big hands
- Fixed LCD screen
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Performance
When taking pictures, the TG-5’s 12-megapixel image sensor managed to capture a whole host of high-quality images. With its dual quad core TruePic VIII image processor and flash diffuser, dynamic range and noise are widened and lessened, respectively—even in low light situations.
Moving the control dial over to Pro Capture will allow you to shoot RAW files, snapping images up to 20 fps. However, the zoom range is on the lower side at 4x. With a TCON-T01 Teleconverter Zoom Lens, it can extend to 7x. Image quality aside, video recording is where it’s at, thanks to the TG-5’s 4K resolution. That kind of detail puts the Olympus Stylus Tough TG4 to shame with its lousy 720p resolution.
For more cameras that can shoot in 4K, read our Campark ACT74 review, GoPro Hero 7 review, Akaso V50 Pro review, Fujifilm X-T30 review, and our Canon EOS Rebel SL3 review.
Design
Unlike the Longin digital camera, the Olympus TG-5 is one of the toughest compact cameras on our list. For starters, it’s waterproof—not entirely, but it can handle a depth of 50 feet. The TG-5 is capable of avoiding damage from being dropped at seven feet. The Olympus TG-5 also has the strength to withstand 220 pounds of crushing pressure.
It does get a nod for being compact and lightweight. Bigger hands, however, might have trouble handling it, given how small it is. It has a slot for a memory card, and a mode dial to switch between different shooting modes and art filters such as video mode and microscope mode. There’s also one for macro mode if you’re into macro photography. The LCD screen is fixed, unfortunately, unlike the Nikon Coolpix B500, but through the Olympus Image Share app, you can shoot remotely.
Value
Given how well the Olympus TG-5 performs, even in harsh conditions, and still manages to capture amazing photos, we wholeheartedly mark the TG-5 as having superb value. This is especially true when you consider the additional art filters, companion apps, and its built-in field sensor system that tracks GPS, manometer, compass, and temperature. It can be an invaluable tool when you’re out hiking.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 and Olympus TG-5 are pretty close in performance, however. If you don’t need a waterproof camera, and would like to save yourself $70, go with the Lumix FZ80.
Olympus TG-5 Review Wrap Up
For someone who needs a rugged waterproof camera, the TG-5 Olympus is going to be a fantastic workhorse. It’s waterproof up to 50 feet, easy to store, and can take quite the beating. Big hands will learn to hold it, and a fixed LCD screen can easily be overlooked. After all, 4K video capture and 12MP images are clear and crisp.
