The action camera market has seen a fantastic growth over the past five years and although it’s dominated by GoPro and GoPro-like cameras, there are a few interesting alternatives out there that deserve just as much attention. One of them is the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4. The Stylus Tough family has proven worthy of being called an action camera lineup and the TG-4 has some pretty interesting specs packed inside.
While on the outside it might not like an extraordinary design, the TG-4 is above all a comfortable and well-built camera that feels like it was made to work in harsh conditions.
Here are some of the key specs.
- Waterproof to a depth of 50ft/15m
- Crushproof up to 220lb/100kgf
- Freeze proof down to -10C
- 16MP BSI CMOS sensor
- True Pic VII image processor
- RAW format
- 25-100mm equivalent lens with bright f/2 maximum aperture
- Built-in Wi-Fi
It’s a pretty impressive spec sheet even for a compact camera. Besides being built like a small tank, the TG-4 has a lot going for it. It’s no longer realistic to associate compact cameras with mediocre quality JPEGs that just make the iPhone stand out. The TG-4 provides RAW support and even though the image quality is great straight out of the camera, this advanced feature lets you tweak your images and make the most of the camera’s potential. If you’re just using it for posting photos on Facebook, the JPEG quality of the TG-4 is great and it won’t leave you wanting more. There are also plenty of scene modes and filters to choose from.
The lens is absolutely beautiful and it’s probably the best one you will find in this camera segment. The f/2-4.9 aperture range helps the camera perform admirably in low light conditions such as underwater. The TG-4 is also not just a point and shoot camera that doesn’t give you any control over exposure. It features an aperture priority mode that lets you get creative with exposure. This is a camera segment that more often than not produces uninteresting models with not too much going on apart from being waterproof. In a landscape of mediocrity that leaves most people going for other types of action cameras, the Stylus Tough TG-4 is a true performer that exceeds not only in build quality, but also produces impressive results.
With very few drawbacks, none of which should be considered deal breakers, this camera is a genuine solid alternative for outdoor adventurers who want the flexibility of a bright zoom lens and the quality of RAW capture.
Click here for more details about the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4.