{Review} Fun with Olympus Tough TG-860

The reason for a Tough camera



Olympus has been around a long time.  I remember my parents having a point and shoot film camera that cost S$400+ like 15 years ago before the digital cameras took over the photography world.  Then in 2009, we got ourselves our first Tough.  Probably the first generation, the photos that came out of it were not what we expected though it really was tough.  :D

Now, with the many different kinds of digital cameras around and each new model introduced getting more sophisticated and powerful, Olympus Stylus T-series only got better.  With courtesy of Olympus Singapore, we had the pleasure to try one of their Tough series cameras, the TG-860 which we used for our recent trip to Penang.

The TG-860 is waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and crushproof. 

Waterproof meaning I can bring it into water, up to depths of 15m underwater.  That said, it meant shooting in the rain too!  Dustproof meaning I can bring it to the beach and not worry about the sand getting into the camera.  Shockproof and crushproof - this camera is built to be able to withstand drops from a height of 2.1m and crushes with a weight of 100kg.  So, I have no worries when my sons handle the camera.

The 180° flip-up monitor is something unseen of for cameras with the features mentioned above.  But, with almost everyone taking selfies and wefies, this is really very useful!  It also helps with shooting in narrow spots and at high-angle and low-angle shooting.

You can read all about its features and specifications here but let us look at the unedited photos (except for some cropping) and our views.

Disclaimer : I am posting photos mostly taken using the Auto mode because I am quite a noob with camera functions.  Thus, if you are someone who has better camera knowledge, I am sure the photos will turn out even better.

We went Escape Theme Park in Penang on a morning.  Photos under bright natural light look as good as many compact cameras. 

 

 

 

Not fast enough.  Which actually is a common complain for compact cameras users.  That's why you need a DSLR.

 

D took this photo.  His first try at the camera.  Not bad, right?

 

 
Time to test the flip-up monitor.  A selfie with the children behind.

 
This photo makes me question the camera.  Although I think it is not fast enough at times (like the jump shot in one of the photos above), I took this while we were sliding down the slope using the flip-up monitor and it came out not too bad!  I am not hesitant about using the Tough for this shot because I know it is tough enough to be held up while we goes down the slope.  And that if I were to drop it, it will still be good.  Another good point about TG-860 is that I can shoot it with either hand using either of the face button on the left side of the camera. 

Pardon my expression.  :D

Here comes the crucial part.  I thought the underwater photos look pretty decent!  Maybe I am easily pleased, you will think.  Another good thing about the flip-up monitor (yes, I like the flip-up monitor) is that I can angle it such that my head need not go into the water and yet still take the underwater shots.  Cool for parents / people who do not swim or hates submerging their head into the waters or getting their hair wet.

 

 

On Auto mode under orange light indoors, photos of my subject were just not up to my expectations.  Maybe I should have played with the functions.  Maybe it will help.  Maybe.

This camera is good for outdoor shots.  With an ultra-wide optical 5x zoom lens starting from 21mm, it is one of the widest zoom lenses in compact cameras.  Together with natural bright lights, it is quite impressive considering its many features.

Taken while seated on a moving trishaw. 

 
2 moving trishaws at the same time...

 
One of my best photos.  Lovely, isn't it?

Selling at S$398 now at authorised retailers, it is pretty value for money.  With built-in WiFi as well, it is a decent compact camera (just don't shoot it in low light) which can be used underwater.  All children love water plays and how often we have very little photos of them at one of their happiest times because we are afraid of getting the DSLR, expensive compact cameras and phones wet.  And for that little child who is suddenly into photography, this is the camera that parents need not be worried about them dropping it. 

Disclosure: We had the Olympus TG-860 on loan to us for 3 weeks for the purpose of this review.  No monetary compensation was received.  All photographs and opinions are true to my own.

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