GEAR TESTS: OLYMPUS TOUGH TG-5
Video Overview
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Jim Decker CEO: Backscatter Underwater Video & Photo  |
The Olympus Tough TG-5 is the long awaited update to the ever- popular TG camera series, and I think this update is the most significant Olympus has done yet for the TG camera line. While not the sexiest thing to talk about, the most significant upgrade is an all- new imaging sensor. This new sensor has much better low light performance and the images are much more detailed and noticeably sharper. We were stunned when we saw the macro images shot in microscope mode with the level of detail when zoomed in at 1:1 in Adobe Lightroom.
There have been a whole host of other improvements to the TG-5, giving it more pro level features that were only present before in the higher end mirrorless cameras from Olympus. Focus peaking and manual focus are much welcomed additions that make getting the shot in focus an easier task. The addition of highlight and shadow warnings are invaluable to ensuring the correct exposure for an image.
The TG-5 also now has 4K video and 1080 120p high-speed video. I was able to execute custom white balances in excess of 50 feet with good color, making this camera a great compact video rig.
On top of all this, the famous Microscope Mode continues on with its amazing reproduction ratio of macro subjects. No other camera can match the macro performance of the TG-5, without an accessory macro lens.
About the only thing one could complain about with the TG-5 is the lack of manual control. It does make wide angle a bit more difficult, but with exposure compensation, it's pretty easy to dial in ambient light exposures despite the lack of manual control.
The TG-5 is definitely punching above its weight and continues to amaze me with its diverse capabilities and stellar images.
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Carlos Quilichini Olympus Team Member  |
The Digital Shootout always brings the best and latest gear for guests to demo, and this year we had the opportunity to have the recently announced Olympus Tough TG-5 on-site. The TG-5 is the successor to the popular TG-4. In the Olympus lineup, the TG-5 is positioned toward entry- level divers, but the camera is far from entry level! It's a perfect travel companion because of its robust feature set that compliments both underwater and topside photography. It's small, portable, and doesn't sacrifice anything in terms of image quality. This camera is waterproof to 50 feet, great companion for snorkeling or shallow dives. However, with the PT-058 underwater housing, this camera can go down to 130 feet.
In order to bring out the full potential of the F2.0 lens the TG-5 is equipped with the latest True Pic VIII image processor used on the OM-D E-M1 Mark II. The backlit CMOS sensor is also new and features superb high-speed and high sensitivity performance. These components deliver low noise, high-dynamic range, high-resolution, high speed sequential shooting, 4K movies and high speed movies (Full HD at 120 fps), making it easy to capture high quality photos and video exactly the way you envisioned them, even when undertaking challenging activities in difficult conditions.
The TG-5 is equipped with a variable Macro system with the ability to approach subjects up to 1 cm away from the end of the lens. You can capture images of tiny subjects that cannot be seen by the naked eye. The focus is so sensitive that it will even focus on a piece of lint or dust resting on the lens. Improved focusing system with 25 point multi AF, target selection, AF tracking, and manual focus. You can magnify the manual focus area to check the focus and have more control by using focus peaking.
Shooting with a big rig that won't allow you to get to tight spots? TG-5 is compact enough to have it clipped on your BCD ready and available to capture what the big rigs can't and is a great backup camera. TG-5 is perfect for any adventure.
Key new features:
- Manual Focus
- Focus Peaking
- 4K Video & High Speed Video Capture
- Control Dial
- Dual Optical Port
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