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It seems like compact digital cameras have been completely replaced by smartphones. However, the Tough TG series is still popular for outdoor activities such as construction sites and marine sports. Here we share our impressions of using the latest model in the TG series, the waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof "OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7."
table of contents
The OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 is a mature outdoor digital camera that has been released for the first time in about four years
For existing users, the "OM SYSTEM" logo on the grip will likely catch your eye. The grip itself is easy to grip and has a good grip
Four years after the previous model "Tough TG-6," the latest compact digital camera for outdoor use
The TG series is a rare breed of digital camera. The first model, the TG-1, was released under the Olympus brand on June 15, 2012. Since then, the latest model, the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 (estimated price: around 60,000 yen, hereafter referred to as the TG-7), was announced on September 27, 2023. It's a model that can be said to be synonymous with tough compact digital cameras, beloved by heavy-duty users for over 10 years
The previous model, the TG-6, was released under the Olympus brand on July 26, 2019. After about four years, the TG-7 is the first TG series camera to be released under the OM SYSTEM brand. The new product was announced overseas on September 13, ahead of Japan. Despite the fact that the only major hardware change compared to the TG-6 is the change from a micro-B USB port to a Type-C USB port, it was impressive to see the positive response online and elsewhere from users regarding the announcement of the TG-7, which means the TG series will continue to be sold under the OM SYSTEM brand
The USB connector has been changed from micro B to Type-C, which is a very welcome change when it comes to charging etc
The reason why the TG-7, despite being the first model change in four years and barely any hardware changes, has garnered such positive reviews from users is its nearly one-of-a-kind specs. When introducing the latest digital cameras, the standard specs are usually "XXX megapixels, continuous shooting speed..." However, the specs for the TG series of compact digital cameras are often listed as "Waterproof to 15m, waterproof and dustproof to IP68, shockproof to 2.1m, crushproof to 100kgf, freezeproof to -10°C, condensation-resistant, and washable..." The TG series has seen a significant decrease in effective pixel count since the TG-1, released in 2012, with the TG-3, TG-4, and TG-5 boasting approximately 16 effective megapixels, and the TG-6 and TG-7 boasting approximately 12 effective megapixels. Furthermore, when reviewing model changes over the past 11 years, there is a strong impression that rather than major upgrades in specs, there has been a steady stream of improvements, which has likely earned the car the trust of users who primarily use it in heavy environments
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to use the latest model in the TG series, the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7, for an extended period of time even before its release, and I even took it with me on solo camping trips, so I'd like to share my impressions with you all
Recommended points
- IP68 dustproof and water-resistant, and washable
- Waterproof to a depth of 15m and shockproof to a depth of 2.1m, so you can drop it near water without any problems
- 100kgf specification for peace of mind even if you accidentally sit on the camera
- Low temperature resistance (-10℃, condensation resistant) for the upcoming winter season
- Equipped with microscope mode and live composite for amazing macro performance
- Supports apps such as OI.Share and RAW shooting and development
Points of interest
- The same image engine as the TG-6 released four years ago
- No subject recognition AF support
Main specifications and evaluation
| item | OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7 |
|---|---|
| waterproof | IPX8 depth 15m |
| dustproof | IP6X |
| Shock resistance | 2.1m |
| Load-bearing capacity | 100kgf |
| Low temperature resistance | −10℃ |
| Effective pixels | Approximately 12 million pixels |
| focal length | 4.5~18.0mm 35mm size equivalent 25~100mm |
| Rear monitor | 3 inches (approximately 1.04 million dots) |
| Number of Scene Modes | 16 |
| ISO sensitivity | 100〜12800 |
| Continuous shooting speed | Maximum approx. 20 frames per second |
| size | Approximately 113.9 x 32.7 x 65.8 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 249g (including battery and memory card) |
| toughness | ★★★★★ |
| When you don't care | ★★★★★ |
| Outdoor Degree | ★★★★☆ |
| image quality | ★★★☆☆ |
| Cost performance | ★★★★☆ |
| Security of ownership | ★★★★☆ |
Detailed Review
I don't want to bring electrical appliances that require special care when camping solo
The TG-7 is guaranteed to be shock-resistant, so I placed it on the edge of an outdoor table, but a normal camera would never be placed in this position
If possible, don't you want to not have to worry about anything when you're traveling solo? I basically don't want to have to worry about anything when I travel solo in a camper van or when I go camping solo. In other words, my solo outdoor activities are like the outdoor version of staying indoors, or staying outdoors if you like
I think that all humans want to be seen in a good light by others and, if possible, build good relationships with others. This is true even with family, where we want to be good husbands and fathers. Even when taking photos for social media, we still want to be thoughtful and considerate in order to look as good as possible. Perhaps this is just the kind of person I am..
Perhaps because of this, when I go on solo campervan trips or camping trips, the number of photos I take is drastically reduced. Not only do I need to be careful with my work tools, such as my interchangeable lens digital camera, but even with my smartphone, especially when I'm outdoors near water. So, I stop taking photos altogether
There are times when I come across scenes and landscapes that make me wish I had brought a camera with me, but when I have a camera for work, my first priority is the camera, and although there are an increasing number of dust-proof and waterproof smartphone models, when I think about the importance of the data stored on them and the financial and time damage that would result if the smartphone itself were damaged, I don't really feel like using one in tough outdoor fields
Obviously, if a normal camera were to fall out of your pocket and land in a puddle, it would be completely destroyed. After that, I washed the TG-7 with water and used it normally
However, the TG-7 we tested this time is different. It's shock-resistant to a depth of 2.1 meters, complying with MIL-STD-810, a laboratory test standard for temperature, vibration, shock, and water resistance for US defense equipment. The number one reason I replaced my smartphone in the past was because I dropped it from my pocket while getting in or out of a camper van, damaging the screen. The TG-7 can withstand a drop of this magnitude in most situations
Another unexpected problem that can occur outdoors is water damage. If you drop the camera while taking pictures near water, or if it gets splashed with waves, it's understandable. However, what's more common is when you leave the camera nearby while using the toilet or cooking, or when you leave it on the table and it gets wet. When this actually happens, unfortunately, it's a real downer of excitement. However, the TG-7 is waterproof to a depth of 15m, meeting the IPX8 waterproof standard. Because it's a camera designed for underwater use, it won't break if it's submerged in water. What's more, if it gets dirty, you can wash it with water
It's common to accidentally leave your camera on a chair while camping, and the problem is that it's common for someone to sit on it without realizing it
Just being waterproof and shockproof drastically reduces the amount of care you need to take with a camera. However, the TG-7 has a load capacity of 100kgf. The lens unit and electronic circuit boards inside the camera are designed to withstand a load of 100kgf. Roughly speaking, this means that a person weighing 100kg could put it in their back pocket and sit on it without breaking it. Even if you don't break it yourself, there's the risk of someone accidentally sitting on your camera while camping, for example, if you accidentally put it on a chair and someone else sits on it without noticing. So just carrying a camera around increases the number of situations where you have to be careful, which can also be stressful. However, the TG-7 eliminates the stress that comes with carrying a camera like this
Incidentally, the dustproof performance is IP6X, which keeps out sand and dust, and although winter is about to begin in Hokkaido where I live, it is also low-temperature resistant to -10°C, and the lens has a double-pane structure that makes it less likely to fog up even in places with extreme temperature differences. I'm looking forward to seeing how well it will perform
This toughness is shared with the previous model, the TG-6, so it's easy to see why many users choose the TG series as a companion they can rely on for outdoor activities. I, too, felt the comfort of not having to worry about the camera. With the TG-7, I felt it would be stress-free to take it outdoors alone
This may seem a bit extreme, but in my home with a 3-year-old son, this is something that happens to cameras left on the table even when we're not camping
It's fun to use the bright, high-performance F2.0 lens and various modes
One of the major factors that ensures the beautiful image quality of the TG-7 is its bright lens with an aperture of F2.0, which prevents degradation of image quality even in dark scenes
The TG-7's 1/2.33-inch image sensor (photographic sensor) has approximately 12 million effective pixels, a specification comparable to that of the latest smartphones. Conversely, it can be said that the camera offers nearly complete dustproof, waterproof, and shockproof performance while still maintaining image quality comparable to that of the latest smartphones. Considering the price of the latest smartphones, it can also be said to offer excellent cost performance
What's more, the TG-7 uses a bright F2.0 lens at the wide-angle end, covering the standard to medium telephoto range of 25-100mm in 35mm format equivalent, making it extremely easy to use. In fact, a bright lens is extremely important for ensuring image quality in a digital camera. A bright lens can send more light to the image sensor in a short period of time, reducing the need to increase the ISO sensitivity and preventing image degradation. In short, image quality is less likely to deteriorate even when shooting in dark places
If image quality on par with that of the latest smartphones can be ensured, it won't be a problem for the average person. However, many people, including myself, who regularly use interchangeable lens cameras with high-quality lenses and full-frame 35mm cameras with over 40 megapixels, are loyal users of the TG series, including the TG-7. One point that stands out is its overwhelming toughness, but I think one of its charms is the wide range of sophisticated shooting modes, such as the macro shooting mode, that are not available in interchangeable lens cameras
The microscope mode is convenient as it allows you to easily take pictures of bees about 1cm long, as shown in the photo, without any options. My son really enjoys it, which is a plus
The TG-7 is capable of capturing stunning macro shots, approaching subjects as close as 1cm from the lens. While the macro lens on a typical interchangeable-lens SLR camera is limited to a life-size (1x) image, the TG-7 achieves a 7x magnification in 35mm format. Furthermore, the TG-7's macro shooting modes include Microscope mode, which achieves a 7x magnification; Microscope Control mode, which can capture subjects 1cm from the lens at a maximum magnification of 28x; Depth Stacking mode, which captures multiple images while shifting the focus and combines them into a macro shot that is in sharp focus from foreground to background; and Focus Bracketing mode, which allows you to shoot up to 30 frames with a single press of the shutter button while gradually shifting the focus position. These macro modes are synonymous with the TG series, taking advantage of the advantages of compact digital cameras that are not available on interchangeable-lens SLR cameras, and the TG-7 has faithfully inherited these modes
When I go camping or somewhere else, I take pictures of any insects I spot in macro mode. My son, who just turned three, was thrilled when I showed him this, so I think that just this alone makes it worth carrying the TG-7 around with me on a regular basis. Some people even keep a TG-series camera such as the TG-6 in their camera bag for their interchangeable lens SLR camera, and use the TG series for macro photography. It's true that being able to take macro shots at a level that's not possible with an interchangeable lens SLR camera is a big attraction
This photo was taken in about 15 minutes using Live Composite. It's incredibly easy to capture star trails in the sky with just a compact digital camera
My recommended shooting mode for camping is Live Composite. While many may be unfamiliar with the term, this mode automatically captures multiple images and combines only the brighter areas. Many of you have likely seen starry sky photos in which star trails appear as lines, and this mode achieves this. While similar features are available on interchangeable-lens cameras, the camera's easy setup and compact size make it easy to use even with a small tripod. I personally like to capture star trails with the TG-7 before the light begins to fade, then combine them with the bluish sky and scenery. This allows for easy, impressive photos without any post-processing
This photo was taken using the "Sunset" scene mode. After comparing it with a photo taken using "HDR Backlight Correction," I chose "Sunset" as it had a stronger color impact
Furthermore, I love sunsets and sunrises when camping, and I want to capture them beautifully at that time of day. Unfortunately, compared to interchangeable-lens cameras with large image sensors, compact digital cameras and smartphones with small image sensors have a narrower dynamic range (simply put, the range of gradation from white to black), so the images don't come out as I'd like, and I often give up. However, the TG-7 has scene modes such as "Sunset" and "HDR Backlight Compensation," and I often get more than enough beautiful photos with these, so I enjoy taking pictures with it. In addition to "Sunset" and "HDR Backlight Compensation," the TG-7 has many other scene modes, and I still enjoy experimenting with how to use them effectively
I thought it would be fun to take this photo with about half the lens submerged in water. One of the great things about the TG-7 is that you can put the camera underwater just for fun
In addition to its wide range of scene modes, the TG-7 is waterproof to a depth of 15m, which is a given, but it can also shoot from underwater or from angles where it is almost covered by ocean or lake waves.By combining these features, you can enjoy more freedom in shooting without having to worry about submerging or getting wet, which is naturally a major attraction of the TG-7
This may come as a surprise, but one of the things I like about the TG-7 is its ability to shoot RAW images. While some may be unfamiliar with the term, RAW images are even more important than the usual JPEG images for those who shoot with interchangeable lens cameras. It's an image format that allows you to adjust white balance, exposure, color mode, and more after shooting using RAW development software. While most cameras allow you to adjust settings that can be made during shooting, the TG-7 allows you to change settings afterward, even for RAW data captured in Auto or Scene modes, which cannot be changed during shooting. This makes it highly recommended, as you can adjust images taken in these Auto modes to your liking. It's free to download, so be sure to try out apps like OM Workspace
OM Workspace is the official RAW development software that can be downloaded for free. It dramatically expands the range of photographic expression possible with the TG-7, so it's definitely software you should try
"OI.Sare" can be said to be a de facto camera accessory, so you can download it properly
OI.Ssare is an essential application, and is worth it just for being able to use your smartphone as a wireless remote control for the TG-7
It seems that there are surprisingly many people who have purchased a camera but have not downloaded the related applications for their smartphone or computer. From my perspective, it feels like they are throwing away the camera they bought without using the accessories that came with it
As already introduced, OM Workspace, the original RAW development software for PCs, dramatically expands the range of control over RAW images taken with the TG-7, making it an essential item if you're serious about enjoying the TG-7. The smartphone application OI.Sare is like having a high-performance wireless remote control included for free, so we definitely recommend downloading it
The remote control function of "OI.Ssare" is especially essential for people like me who want to shoot starry skies using live composite. Live view shooting, which allows you to change wireless camera settings, is extremely convenient once you master it
Furthermore, for waterproof cameras like the TG-7, transferring images to smartphones and other devices via Wi-Fi is a lifeline in a sense. OI.Sare makes this easy, making it an essential application for TG-7 users. This is because, after using the TG-7 for underwater photography, you don't want to remove the SD card until you've thoroughly wiped off any moisture and allowed it to dry. Ideally, you don't want to open the camera's various covers until it's completely dry. In situations like these, wireless image data transfer using OI.Sare is essential
OI.Sare's photo transfer function allows you to safely transfer photos to your smartphone even if the TG-7 is still wet, which is extremely important
Furthermore, the TG-7 has a field sensor function that acquires GPS and various sensor information and records it as a log. Latitude and longitude, direction, temperature, and other information are recorded, and the OI.Sare location information tagging function can be used to map the data. This allows you to check information such as where a photo was taken, what the temperature was at the time, and which direction the photo was taken. For me, this is a very useful function that is ideal for reporting trips, and I highly recommend making use of it
Summary: The perfect companion for carefree outdoor adventures
An option that is neither a single-lens camera, smartphone, nor compact digital camera
There are probably very few cameras that can be washed with water along with the dishes at the campsite, so washing it with water removes all the dirt and makes you feel great
To put it simply, the TG series, including the TG-7, is almost unique in the outdoor field, where it would be more accurate to say that you choose the latest model in the TG series, the TG-7, rather than choosing the TG-7 from among all the compact digital
Most people probably don't choose the TG-7 because they want a high-performance compact digital camera, but rather because they want a companion that can take high-quality photos without having to worry about submerging or damaging their interchangeable lens SLR cameras or smartphones in tough fields. I'm one of those people.
Interchangeable lens cameras are part of the work tool category, but due to their construction, they are not completely waterproof, and they are large, heavy, and expensive, so they cannot be treated roughly. Also, while waterproof smartphone models have become more common recently, the hassle of losing or damaging them is even greater than losing a wallet. With a wallet, you can give up on cash, but when it comes to having to reissue various cards and driver's licenses, you definitely don't want to lose them. With smartphones, even if they're durable, you can't imagine treating them roughly in the outdoors, considering the impact on data and work that only resides on the smartphone
In contrast, the TG-7, which is essentially a compact digital camera, can be handled roughly without care in tough outdoor fields, making it the perfect companion for capturing high-quality photos that only the TG series can capture. Incidentally, the TG-7 allows for a wide range of photographic expression by combining the various auto modes of the camera body with RAW development software and smartphone apps, so you can enjoy photography in a different way than with an interchangeable-lens SLR camera, which is very interesting and makes you want to try out various new features
If you love the outdoors, this is a must-have photography companion
Details and purchase of the OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
For more product details, please see OM SYSTEM Tough TG-7
Filming cooperation
Filming cooperation:
- 「Chitose Bifue Campsite」
- Just a short walk from New Chitose Airport! " Forever Camping Paradise "
Chitose Saito
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