Not so tough, not that bright

Andrei L wrote:

Having to choose between an underwater housing and a 'proper' rugged camera, looking at the specs and positive reviews, I decided to give TG-4 a go. After all, it's quite pricey, so it must be good, right?

First impression was OK, since it is a very snappy camera and also easy to control. This is also helped by the no-nonsense menu system, very appropriate for such a model.

Had lots of fun with the Microscope mode. Wow, it really works. By the way, grab the circular light for it, unless you want to constantly be put off by the longer shutter speed you have to select in order to compensate for the lack of light at such proximity. I almost feel like that ring should be included in the box.

Totally agree so far

Alas, my biggest two complaints: IQ and ruggedness. See, checking the captured imagery on a proper screen reveals just how little detail this camera is able to solve. It's true, when light is aplenty, it does nice exposures, if a tad on the neutral-cold side, but they always fail closer scrutiny. When light goes dim, however, don't be fooled, that F2 lens and integrated flash unit never result in any decent photos. It's downright horrible for a dedicated camera, be it rugged or not. Had much better results from pocket models which used to cost 1/2 to 1/3 of TG-4's price on their launch. Yes, you can use longer tripod exposures, but detail still falls short of even many mobiles. In fact, there are lots of better mobile options, at least if you're willing to live without a zoom.

You don't explain here if you mean underwater or normal shooting. When I compare it while zooming on my PC screen (1920x1280) vs my m43 or 1" cameras, yes it resolves much lower detail. But if you don't zoom and just print the photo, then quality is pretty decent. Another plus is that both above and underwater water it does have great SOOC colors (better than my Panasonic GX7).

A negative that you could mention is the very low DR of its sensor which practically makes the RAW capability pretty useless.

Ruggedness: two dips into seawater and the same amount of appropriate clearing / drying procedure later, the glass in front of the lens showed peeling. It was the hydrophobic coating. Same for parts of the LCD. Mind you, the Black Sea isn't exactly as salty as the Greek Aegean and it was submerged for a matter of minutes.

Havent noticed that but was also washing the camera with tap water everyday after snorkeling in Syros and Karpathos (Aegean see).

On the plus side, it looks like a good pool companion. I'm not sure, however, why you'd pay so much for a pool/rafting camera.

Pluses:

- Extremely snappy, decent exposure in good light

- Easy one-handed control, intuitive and simple menu

- A plethora of modes, underwater color balance excellent

- Feels pretty solid

Agree

Minuses

- Horrible image/video quality in all but the best possible light

Yes, it is not that good, but you expect that when buying such a small sensor camera. From another perspective, think if you are willing to risk a much more expensive 1" camera with a housing... And also think about the size. The TG4 can fit in my swimsuit pocket, so I can swim with my both hands. Forget that with any housing...

- Lots of highlight clipping

- Color rendering options limited, JPEG curve profiles not very attractive (subjectively)

Haven't noticed that.

- Hydro coating started to peel off after just two dips, in spite of appropriate maintenance and protection. LCD scratched easily. Tough luck, huh?

Overall:

Cannot recommend it at all. Not that tough, stunningly bad IQ in all but good light, detail smearing even at the lowest possible ISO values.