Olympus Tough TG6

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Olympus Tough TG6 compact camera

The most advanced waterproof (to 10m), freezeproof, crushproof, aka "tough," point-and-shoot camera on the market.

12MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor with anti-reflective coating on both sides of the image sensor's sealing glass to reduce flaring.

Dual Quad TruePic VIII image processor, RAW capture, "PRO" capture mode, 25-point autofocus system, and an f/2 maximum-aperture lens, the TG-6 provides imaging capability on par with several "advanced" point-and-shoots, none of which can handle a dip in the ocean or a fall onto concrete.

The zoom lens on the camera has also been given a bit of an upgrade. It maintains the 4x (25-100mm equivalent) optical zoom capability, but new to the TG-6 in Aperture-priority, Program, and Movie modes is its 2x digital zoom, enabling a 35mm equivalent focal length of 200mm. The camera also offers Image Stabilisation, a Super Macro function, and Microscope mode, allowing for a close focus of 0.30" (1 cm).

Key Info on the TG-6:

  • Our pick for Best All-Around Compact Camera
  • One of the all-time easiest to shoot and easiest to learn underwater point-and-shoot cameras
  • Great image quality from a small sensor and camera body
  • Streamlined menus and operation for an even easier shooting experience than previous generations
  • The best macro shooting ability right out-of-the-box, no accessory lenses required
  • Super Macro 4K 30p video capability
  • Expanded control over shutter speed and exposure than previous models
  • Still the ultimate all-around rugged compact camera ideal for new and experienced shooters alike


Summary From Backscatter Review

The Olympus TG-6 is the successor to the Olympus TG-5, one of our all-time favourite cameras for shooting underwater. What makes Olympus TG cameras so special is their Microscope Mode and super macro shooting ability without any need for accessory lenses. The Olympus TG-6 carries on this legacy by continuing to be the most powerful macro camera - way more so than even any SLR - right out-of-the-box. This little camera can shoot the tiniest stuff in the ocean without the need for expensive diopters and accessory lenses. As if this wasn’t enough, it also produces beautiful wide angle lenses when paired with the Wide Angle lens.


  • Outstanding image quality in both wide angle and macro from the smallest sensor in this review.
  • Microscope Mode and new Super Macro focus options make it even easier than before to get insanely good super macro.
  • Easily capture super macro in 4K video, something not available on previous generation.
  • Camera can live in aperture priority and shoot wide, macro, video, and photo with no reason to change modes.
  • Still the ultimate blend between simple operation, easy-to-learn menus advanced settings, and great image quality.
  • The best choice for brand-new underwater shooters searching for a simple point-and-shoot that will grow with their skills .

Key Specs

  • Sensor Effective Resolution / Type:
    • 12 Megapixel BSI CMOS
  • Processor:
    • TruePic™ VIII
  • Focusing System:
    • CMOS Contrast Detection (with AF Illuminator)
  • Waterproof:
    • 50ft (15m) - IPX8
  • Shockproof:
    • 7ft (2.1m)
  • Crushproof:
    • 220lbf (100kgf)
  • Freezeproof:
    • 14°F (-10°C)
  • Dustproof:
    • Yes - IP6X
  • Rear Monitor:
    • 1,040k-dot, 3.0" LCD Monitor
  • Video:
    • 4K 30p
    • 4K Timelapse Video
    • FHD 120fps High Speed Video
  • Sequential Shooting Speed:
    • 20fps [H] mode 5fps [L] mode
    • [Pro Capture] : approx 10 fps
  • Special Features:
    • Bright F2.0 Lens
    • Pro Capture
    • In-camera Focus Stacking
    • Microscope Modes
    • Selectable Underwater White Balance Modes
    • Action Track Sensor System & Date Imprint
    • Sensor System & Date Imprint

Compact Camera Vital Statistics

GoPro
HERO7 Black
Olympus
TG-6
Canon
G7 X II
Sony
RX100 VI
Panasonic
LX10
Panasonic
LX100 II
Resolution 12.0 MP 12.0 MP 20.1 MP 20.1 MP 20.1 MP 17.0 MP
Image Size 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000 5472 x 3648 5472 x 3648 5472 x 3648 4736 x 3552
Sensor Size 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55mm) 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55mm) 1" (13.2x8.8mm) 1" (13.2x8.8mm) 1" (13.2x8.8mm) 4/3" (17.3x13mm)
Lens (35mm eq.) 6-33mm
ƒ2.8
25-100mm
ƒ2.0-4.9
24-100mm
ƒ1.8-2.8
24-200mm
ƒ2.8-4.5
24-72mm
ƒ1.4-2.8
24-75mm
ƒ1.7-2.8
ISO Range 100-1600 100-12800 125-12800 125-12800 125-12800 200-25600
Still Frame Rate 30 fps 20 fps 6.5 fps 24 fps 10 fps 11 fps
Max Movie Resolution 4K 4K 1080p 4K 4K 4K
Max Frame Rate 1080p 240p 120p 60p 120p 60p 60p
LCD Size 2" 154K px 3" 1.04M px 3" 1.04M px 3" 1.23M px 3" 1.04M px 3" 1.04M px
RAW Format NO YES YES YES YES YES
Closest Macro Focus 12" / 30 cm (any) 0.39" / 1 cm (telephoto) 2.0" / 5 cm (wide) 3.5" / 8 cm (wide) 1.2" / 3 cm (wide) 1.2" / 3 cm (wide)
Waterproof Camera YES
33ft/10m
YES
50ft/15m
No No No No
Camera + Housing Price Starting at $450 Starting at $750 Starting at $1,100 Starting at $1,695 Starting at $1,250 Starting at $1,850

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