The Tough TG-6 is a great camera that not only has a fantastic assortment of performance features, but it’s also a tough camera that will survive anywhere you want to bring it. It is easily the best underwater camera for newbies and professionals alike. Some flimsy features, like the LCD Screen, are a let-down, but overall the Olympus Tough TG-6 lives up to its name.
Why We Like It – Olympus Tough TG-6
The new underwater camera from the Olympus Tough series may only seem like a slight upgrade from the previous year’s model but when it comes to underwater cameras there’s only so much you can do before you start making it too difficult to use, well, underwater. The people at Olympus know this, and the upgrades they have made with the Olympus TG-6, though slight, are still excellent and worthy of note.
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- Highly advanced Microscope Mode
- Configurable White Balance Modes
- Plethora of Underwater Shooting Modes
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- Rarely Useful Pro Capture Mode
- LCD Screen scratches easily
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Performance
A burst capture mode supports speeds up to 20fps for about 9 photos and shooting modes, including underwater shooting, enable you to shoot raw or JPG photos and enable filters after the fact, right from the camera. Olympus has continued with a 12MP sensor, lesser than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, for the benefit of image quality, but you can get a bit more by setting the aperture to f/2.8. The camera also includes a 4x optical zoom, quick boot-up and about a half-second shutter speed, much better 4K video capture, 25mm wide-angle view, and an internally stacked zoom lens. If you require a camera that’s a slight notch above this one, opt for the GoPro Hero 7.
Design
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a compact camera and has a macro mode feature right on the dial. The LCD screen is beautiful to look at, but it is prone to scuffs and scratches. The Nikon W300 employs a 3” LCD screen that is astoundingly resistant to scratches, so five that one a whirl if a scratched screen is a deal-breaker for you. The underwater housing protects your sd card via a double-latched door so they don’t open at a bad time. Pro Capture is a nice addition, but it only works underwater when shooting with a video light. Other devices that work best underwater include the Apeman A79 and the Olympus Stylus Tough TG4.
Value
The Olympus Tough TG-6 includes many premium camera features like focus stacking and an underwater microscope with aperture priority modes. These aperture priority modes include built-in underwater white balance modes that are configurable in the settings. Though it doesn’t have a touch screen it’s not something most people find necessary in a waterproof camera. For another great waterproof unit, check out the Yisence waterproof camera. If you’re just getting into underwater photography, or just want a budget-friendly alternative that still has impressive specs, the AKASO EK7000 4K Action Cam should be your go-to.
Olympus Tough TG-6 Wrap Up
The Olympus Tough TG-6 includes everything you want in an underwater camera, like a customizable white balance or an accurate underwater microscope, at a modest price point. Sure, they had to make some concessions at certain points, but none that will turn professionals or amateurs away and running for the hills.
