Olympus Tough TG-6 Review

Olympus TG-6
85%
Overall Rating
Based on 11 expert reviews



Olympus' Tough series of cameras have long been considered among the best underwater point-and-shoot models on the market. That doesn't change with the Olympus TG-6, which reviewers agree is one of top tough consumer cameras out there. Waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, dustproof, shockproof to 7 feet, crushproof, and freezeproof to 14 degrees F, the TG-6 is the ultimate throw in the bag, hit the beach (or the pool, or the wet muddy trail) camera to shoot decent snapshots in less than ideal conditions. Olympus doesn't change much of the formula with the TG-6: it still uses a tiny 1/2.3-inch, 12MP sensor that can capture good but not great photos, and it has basically the same super rugged build. There's also the same 4x zoom (25-100mm equivalent) F/2–4.9 built-in lens, the same 4K video, the same built-in WiFi, and the same just about everything else. In fact, the only major difference between the TG-6 and the TG-5, is that the new camera has a brighter and sharper, 1.04M-dot LCD on back, whereas the previous model's screen had just 460K dots of resolution. But if you want the best of the best in tough underwater point-and-shoots, the TG-6 is the new champ.

PROS & CONS
Pros
+ Still the best waterproof tough camera on the market
+ 4K video capability
+ Raw image capture is a plus
+ Bright and sharp rear LCD screen
+ Decent wide-aperture lens
+ Handy macro and microscope modes
Cons
- Image quality better than most underwater consumer cameras but still not great
- Lacks manual control
- Quality degrades at longer focal lengths
- Rear screen picks up scratches and scuffs
- Only change from previous model is a better LCD
SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer
Olympus
Full Model Name
Olympus Tough TG-6
Camera Type
Compact Camera
Resolution
12MP
Sensor Size
1/2.3 inch
Kit Lens
4x zoom (25-100mm equivalent) F/2–4.9 built-in lens
Frame Rate
20 frames per second
Video
4K
ISO Range
100-12,800
Weather/Water Proofing
Waterproof to a depth of 50 feet (15m), dustproof, shockproof to 7 feet (2.4m), crushproof to 100 kgf, freezeproof to 14 degrees F (-10°C), and features a dual-pane protective glass construction for better anti-fogging performance
Built-in Flash
Yes
Rear Screen
3-inch, 1,040,000-dot fixed LCD
Card Slots
Single SD slot (UHS-I)
Connectivity
Built-in WiFi
Dimensions
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 inches
Weight
8.9 ounces
Price
$379
Top Reviews
87

"While the TG-6 packs some fun new features, they may not warrant an upgrade if you already own the TG-5. However, if you have an older Tough or you're looking for a camera that can go in the sea, get covered in sand, be dropped onto concrete, and still take pictures and video even in freezing temperatures, this is the best everything-proof camera out there." - Digital Camera World, read the full review here.

86

"The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a modest update to our favorite underwater point-and-shoot camera thanks to its tough design, bright lens, and excellent macro capabilities." - PCMag, read the full review here.

84

"The Olympus Tough TG-6 is relatively easy to use and intuitive to operate, while image quality is fair without being outstanding, and build quality is reassuringly substantial. Unless you need the few upgraded features, however, the previous TG-5 or Panasonic TS7 / FT7 would be a better option right now." - Tech Radar, read the full review here.

85

"The latest pocket camera from Olympus is a go-anywhere device that soars where smartphones crash." - Wired, read the full review here.

"The Olympus TOUGH TG-6 is a modest update to the earlier TG-5, with a higher resolution 1040k dot screen and new anti-glare glass in front of the sensor. The quality of underwater photos and video have been improved by the addition of three new white balance modes for differing water depths and the microscope macro mode can now be used under water." - Cameralabs, read the full review here.

85

"A modest upgrade on the TG-5, but the tweaks help solidify its place as our favorite waterproof camera. Standout features include the ability to shoot in Raw format and a wide maximum aperture lens, which helps its performance in lower light. For owners of the TG-5, it isn't worth upgrading; but if you’re the adventurous type who wants to capture their latest escapades, or just need an indestructible family camera, the TG-6 is the best one around." - Trusted Reviews, read the full review here.

84

"There’s a lot of great features to like about the Olympus TG-6, but it’s the fact that it’s a camera that will survive pretty much anything you wish to throw at it that makes it the most appealing. Overall, the Olympus TG-6 is quite probably the best tough compact camera on the market, offering a solid range of features that will appeal to a diverse group of people - but it comes at a price." - Photography Blog, read the full review here.

83

"The TG-5 was a popular compact camera and while the TG-6 doesn’t make a major upgrade, it still meets a need in the market. It’s also easy to use and can deliver good quality images in a range of conditions." - Camera Jabber, read the full review here.

85

"The Olympus Tough TG-6 may seem like a subtle update to the TG-5, but there are a number of welcome improvements that make the camera easier, and more enjoyable to use, helping you get the best results possible. Using a 12mp sensor, noise performance is good, and the camera offers, 4K video, and high-speed video with FullHD video recording at 120fps possible. The camera offers a bright f/2.0 lens, making it more suited to underwater photography compared to other waterproof cameras, as there is less light underwater." - ePHOTOzine, read the full review here.

Top Video Reviews