TG-6 review: Shoot and enjoy

Kawika Nui wrote:

RetCapt wrote:

I have an earlier iteration of your TG-6, the TG-4, and I agree with your assessment.

I too have found the image quality to be outstanding, despite the assertion of some here who categorically conclude that small sensors cannot deliver decent images. I think those posters may be unintentionally revealing their own levels of photographic skill.

Or they are revealing their higher standards for image quality. Personally, I am very happy with the IQ of my small-sensor FZ50. Same size sensor as the TG series. But I do not delude myself into thinking that the TG series generates images of equal quality. The details simply are not there. It's probably due to the folded optics and extra layer(s) of glass in front of the lens and sensor, but it's a fact. The TG's are good for what they are, but the most definitely do not generate images as good as non-waterproof small-sensor cameras. I've had two or three of the TG models. I currently have a Panasonic TS-6 because it has an EVF which is a godsend in bright light. The Pany IQ is even worse than the TG series because Pany decided to cram more pixels onto the sensor. Oly is to be commended for keeping the count at 12mp. If Oly ever makes a TG with an EVF, I'll buy it.

I routinely print to 11X14". On the wall they are indistinguishable from prints from my APS-C system. I have even done one to 13X19" (the limit of my printer), a night shot no less, and it turned out outstanding.

Since it appears you are new to the TG cameras, I am going to pass on several tips that may be useful to you. We live in a mountainous area, are very much outdoor oriented, so the camera sees use under potentially adverse environmental conditions.

I have a silicone sleeve on my TG-4. It gives more grip traction and protects the surface of the camera from scuffs and scratches. I purchased the lens adapter CLA-TO1 so I could use a lens cap to protect the front glass. Subsequently I purchased a polarizing filter and the tele lens converter TCON-TO1, and the adapter is necessary to use either of these.

I carry my TG-4 in a Pelican micro case, and the case is attached to a strap that I wear. Using an Olympus wrist strap, I can tether the camera because the thin thread of the camera end of the strap is small enough to fit between the rubber/plastic edges of the Pelican case. The other end of the wrist strap is loosely attached to the body strap so it can be slid up and down the strap. This set up allows rapid access, an additional level of protection, and prevention of possible loss if the deck starts rolling when you are taking photos and you lose your grip on the camera.

For bright situations where the LCD screen is washed out a Hoodman loupe is perfect. I carry mine in a separate pouch in the strap, and it too is tethered to the strap.

I hope you (or others) may derive some use from my experience. Given its photographic capability and toughness in a package the size of a deck of cards, it really is an amazing piece of equipment.

Haven't stopped by the forum in a few weeks,  so this is a bit late but the topic is interesting. G6  I have to agree about image quality versus larger sensors but when conditions are right, you can take great images with a TG camera. In fact I have more fun with the TG-6 than any other camera I own. But it is not a level playing field in terms of results.

I like shooting the TG-6 mainly because of the challenge of overcoming the limitations of the camera.

The biggest issues to me are 1) lighting conditions with a wide range of bright light and dark shadow.  I do use the HDR mode but the images are a bit bland. Graduated filters might be the next step and 2) poor detail in complex landscapes.  The camera is very good with subjects up to 20 feet away, but complex landscapes (lots of trees for example) just don't work well in my experience.