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Olympus announces new Tough TG-5 compact camera

17 May 2017

Olympus announces new Tough TG-5 compact camera

 

In an unusual but not unheard of move, Olympus has given its new Tough TG-5 compact camera a lower pixel count that the TG-4 it replaces. However, the new 12Mp sensor is teamed-up with the same TruePic VIII processing engine that’s found in the top-end OM-D E-M1 II and Olympus claims that this enables it to produce better image quality with lower noise and wider dynamic range.

What’s more, the sensor is fronted with the same 25-100mm (equivalent) f/2.0-4.9 lens as is on the previous camera, giving scope to capture wide views and quite distant details as well as portraits. Meanwhile, in Microscope mode, it’s possible to focus on subjects just 1cm/0.4in from the camera. 

The wide maximum aperture at the shortest focal length should also be useful in low light as the shutter speed can keep up to freeze movement - especially given the top sensitivity setting available is ISO 12,800.

On the subject of movement, the TG-5 also has a version of the OM-D1 E-M1 II’s Pro Capture mode, that enables you to get shots of split-second moments.

And, of course, there are the Olympus TG-5’s ‘tough’ features. The company says it is shockproof to a height of 2.1 metres, crushproof to a weight of 100kg, freezeproof down to -10°C, dustproof and waterproof to a depth of 15 metres without a special underwater housing.

Tough video

The Olympus Tough TG-5 can also shoot raw files, which is good news for stills photographers, but videographers are more likely to be tempted by the 4K video capability. What’s more, Olympus has borrowed from the TG-Tracker and given the TG-5 the ability to import data from its onboard compass, manometer and thermometer to give you the essential data for your action shot. You can use the Olympus Image Track app decide which data you want to overlay your video before sharing it.

As for video, the Olympus TG-5 can record 4K footage at 25p or 30p, as well as Full HD video at 120fps - perfect for high-quality slow motion. The bit rate can be set to Normal, Fine or Super Fine - more details on what that means when we can find out.

A dial on the back of the camera enables exposure mode to be set and, in addition to an automated video mode (with exposure compensation), it’s possible to take control over exposure by recording footage in aperture priority and manual mode.