Olympus Perfects Tough Digital Camera

2017.05.17

Today Olympus launched their latest rugged digital camera. The Tough series is probably the most successful line of rugged digital cameras. With each iteration, Olympus has been alternately improving their basic and flagship models. The new Olympus Tough TG-5 is one of the latter with its extremely durable body building upon the already extremely tough TG-4.

The Olympus Tough TG-5 boasts the same 25-100mm F/2-4.9 lens as its predecessor which is now behind a double anti-fog reinforced glass to prevent condensation. The previous 16 MP sensor has been replaced with a new and more sensitive 12 megapixels Back-Side-Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor which boasts an expanded ISO range of 100-12800. This new sensor can capture full-resolution images at an impressive 20 FPS with no limit for JPEG images or up to 14 RAW files. The TG-5 is 4K Ultra-HD video capable plus offers Full HD video at 120 FPS and HD at 240 FPS which gives an 8X slow-motion video when played back.

A new deeper grip was added to the TG-5 body which is still waterproof down to 15 meters, freezeproof to -10C, crushproof to 100kg, shockproof to 2.1 meter drops and, of course, dustproof. The revised design supports a wide variety of accessories such as fisheye converter, tele converter, macro flash diffuser and silicon armor. Inside, Olympus updated the sensors with a new GPS, Digital Compas, Manometer and Temperature Sensor. The TG-5 records and displays all the information gathered by its sensor. On the back, Olympus expanded the number of controls and covered the 3" LCD with anti-fog glass.

This Tough camera is one of the most flexible rugged models out there. It offers Aperture-Priority shooting, a choice of JPEG or RAW, Spot metering and a flexible built-in flash which can also serve was wireless controller. There is a 40.5mm thread to accept filters. Its internal optics lens is capable of focusing 1cm from the front of the lens.

The Olympus Tough TG-5 is expected next month for $450 USD. Amazon, Adorama and B&H Photo are all ready to accept pre-orders.

• Digital Camera