TG-4: photos, user comments, comparison with E-P5 with 12-40 2.8

Here are some photos and comments about the Olympus TG-4, plus I took similar photos with the E-P5 with 12-40 2.8 for comparison.

First, better start off with the only genuine problem I've found. Unfortunately the lock on the HDMI door is loose. I'll be sending it to Olympus for repair. The lock on the battery door is nicely firm.

I'd double check the lock on the HDMI door, if you can, before buying the TG-4.

My next observation is that the lens has a lot going for it at the wide (f 2.0) end, but loses clarity at the long (f 4.9) end.

I think this is borne out by the wide angle shots standing up reasonably well against the E-P5, but the long shots being noticeably mushier.

Personally I'd rather sacrifice zoom and retain aperture. Cropping is my zoom. I'm a Prime user more than anything, so I would say that.

Now this camera fits in my pocket, and can come swimming with me, and get dropped by my kids 100 times a day and still come up flashing. So I know it's got that going for it. Which is why I bought it. But, I can't help but dream of a m43 Tough 17mm 2.0.... actually, when I'm really dreaming, the camera also has an iPhone built into it.

Anyway, I wander.

Bit weird that the TG-4 doesn't have a lens cover. But that seems to be the way the TG-n roll. I'd prefer a retractible cover to keep coins, keys, sand and smudges off that front element.

But it's internal zoom which was a pleasant surprise.

One thing I'd say is that the spot (for spot metering and spot focus) is more a zone than a spot. Which I think is borne out by the exposure of some shots you'll see below. The E-P5 seems to nail better exposure, and my impression was that when I tried to expose off a bright spot on the TG-4, it wasn't really able to expose from a small spot. Hope that makes sense.

Edit: BUGGER, just realised I was using ESP metering for the TG-4. No wonder.... thought I'd put it on spot.

Like the feel of the controls, although the mode dial sticks out the side a little and gets changed when put in/out of pocket. But similar issues with E-P5 too. I wish these cameras have locks on main dials.

Price seemed reasonable for the TG-4. $409 in Australian dollars. Given that is first week of availability.

Anyway, some photos. Everything is out of the camera JPG. Will post some RAW to a gallery when I can, though seems over the top to me.

Side by side, using my iPhone

TG-4 wide end

from same position, zoomed in

TG-4 night shot

tg-4 night, dr (not much)

zoomed from same spot. Not so good.

tg-4 wide, sporting off the white building at right end

The TG-4 stands up well at the wide end, compared to the E-P5 with 12-40. If I zoom in I can tell the difference in resolution though (obviously), the E-P5 has much more detail.

E-P5 wide, same spot

TG-4, same spot, zoomed in

E-P5 zoomed, much more clarity (look at person fishing from end of rocks)

TG-4, suffers from the ESP metering (my bad) but resolution lacking when you crop too

E-P5 same view, heaps more detail in the distant objects (der, sensor much bigger)

I hope this adds some value. I've ended up with one of those posts where I used different settings (ESP metering on the TG-4). Was hard enough making time to post this, will see if I can redo.

If you want a tough camera, the TG-4 will do great things for you. Just check the locks on the doors and don't expect too much from the zoom.