TG-4 vs TG-7

MikeK5117

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I have been wanting a pocked camera for a while and (somehow) I ended up buying both a TG-4 and a TG-7 from Ebay. The TG-4 was super cheap just over $100 while the TG-7 was about $350. The TG-7 has the 1-year Ebay warranty and is literally perfect mint condition while the TG-4 is in excellent condition with just a few scuffs on the lcd.

I already have 2 other Olympus kits, one Pen-F prime lens kit, and an EM1X kit with 3 pro zooms. So this is literally going to be a pocket/backpack camera in lieu of using my phone.

I am honestly leaning to keeping the TG-4 over the TG-7 but I thought I would check with those who possibly are still using their TG-4 and are happy, along with those who feel the upgrade is absolutely the best way to go.

PS I understand the differences in video, and I do like the jog wheel on the TG-7 but neither is a killer feature for my intended use.

TIA.

PS sorry I did see the TG-5 vs TG-7 thread and it was very useful. Any additional comments appreciated.
 
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I have been wanting a pocked camera for a while and (somehow) I ended up buying both a TG-4 and a TG-7 from Ebay. The TG-4 was super cheap just over $100 while the TG-7 was about $350. The TG-7 has the 1-year Ebay warranty and is literally perfect mint condition while the TG-4 is in excellent condition with just a few scuffs on the lcd.

I already have 2 other Olympus kits, one Pen-F prime lens kit, and an EM1X kit with 3 pro zooms. So this is literally going to be a pocket/backpack camera in lieu of using my phone.

I am honestly leaning to keeping the TG-4 over the TG-7 but I thought I would check with those who possibly are still using their TG-4 and are happy, along with those who feel the upgrade is absolutely the best way to go.

PS I understand the differences in video, and I do like the jog wheel on the TG-7 but neither is a killer feature for my intended use.

TIA.

PS sorry I did see the TG-5 vs TG-7 thread and it was very useful. Any additional comments appreciated.
I have the TG7 (my first TG) and it serves the same purposes as you outline. Some differences that may or may not matter to you, but do to me.

The TG 4 is 16mpx and the TG7 is 12 mpx. It has been noted that a Olympus may have reduced the resolution because 16mpx in that small a sensor was too much and image quality suffered.

Truepix 7 vs 8 means some later features.

Twice + as many dots on the LCD means better viewing.
 
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I have been wanting a pocked camera for a while and (somehow) I ended up buying both a TG-4 and a TG-7 from Ebay. The TG-4 was super cheap just over $100 while the TG-7 was about $350. The TG-7 has the 1-year Ebay warranty and is literally perfect mint condition while the TG-4 is in excellent condition with just a few scuffs on the lcd.

I already have 2 other Olympus kits, one Pen-F prime lens kit, and an EM1X kit with 3 pro zooms. So this is literally going to be a pocket/backpack camera in lieu of using my phone.

I am honestly leaning to keeping the TG-4 over the TG-7 but I thought I would check with those who possibly are still using their TG-4 and are happy, along with those who feel the upgrade is absolutely the best way to go.

PS I understand the differences in video, and I do like the jog wheel on the TG-7 but neither is a killer feature for my intended use.

TIA.

PS sorry I did see the TG-5 vs TG-7 thread and it was very useful. Any additional comments appreciated.
Hey Mike, since you just got the TG-7, can you please answer these questions for me I'm interested in the TG-7.

How's the AF? Is there face/eye AF? Is it fairly reliable for mostly static or slow-moving objects?

The geotagging aspect is very interesting. Is it possible to calibrate the compass to maintain accuracy? If I'm indoors and the camera can't get a GPS signal, will the TG-7 still at least record the directional data since the compass doesn't require GPS?

Are videos geotagged as well?

Can the TG-7 sync the time with GPS or via the mobile app?

Is there a long exposure noise removal feature?

I'm not sure if I understand DPR's preview about the aperture, but the lens is 25-100mm f/2-4.9, and yet I can only pick F2, F2.8, and F8? What's the longest focal length that will still allow me to use f/2.8?
 
I can't make a comparison since I don't have both.

I do have the TG-4, because that was the current model when I went TG series shopping (to supplement but not replace my 1030SW which I still have and use).

I recall when the TG-5 came out there were posters who claimed to see superiority in the 12mp sensor vs the 16mp sensor. But they could not produce any proof. Under such circumstances I suspect a placebo effect.



248ee9bfe2dc491db6f98f210bac07cb.jpg



My sole photographic product is the print I make and put on my or someone else's wall. My printer goes to 13X19", although I more typically hold to 11X14" due to lack of wall space. Unless I am convinced I will see an improvement in my prints (not 'might', but 'will') I am not interested in a speculative purchase.

The attached image is from downtown Radiator Springs at Disneyland.

This one is a 13X19" print in my 'Cars Land' display area inmy garage/shop/gym/man cave. Family members and friends have requested and been given the same size print because it depicts Radiator Springs so well.

Needless to say I am very satisfied with my TG-4.
 
I can't make a comparison since I don't have both.

I do have the TG-4, because that was the current model when I went TG series shopping (to supplement but not replace my 1030SW which I still have and use).

I recall when the TG-5 came out there were posters who claimed to see superiority in the 12mp sensor vs the 16mp sensor. But they could not produce any proof. Under such circumstances I suspect a placebo effect.

248ee9bfe2dc491db6f98f210bac07cb.jpg

My sole photographic product is the print I make and put on my or someone else's wall. My printer goes to 13X19", although I more typically hold to 11X14" due to lack of wall space. Unless I am convinced I will see an improvement in my prints (not 'might', but 'will') I am not interested in a speculative purchase.

The attached image is from downtown Radiator Springs at Disneyland.

This one is a 13X19" print in my 'Cars Land' display area inmy garage/shop/gym/man cave. Family members and friends have requested and been given the same size print because it depicts Radiator Springs so well.

Needless to say I am very satisfied with my TG-4.
For your TG-4:

The geotagging aspect is very interesting. Is it possible to calibrate the compass to maintain accuracy? If I'm indoors and the camera can't get a GPS signal, will the TG-4 still at least record the directional data since the compass doesn't require GPS?


Are videos geotagged as well?


Can the TG-4 sync the time with GPS or via the mobile app?
 
Sorry, but I can't help there, iluvphoto. I've never used those features.

My statement of satisfaction with my TG-4 is based on its photographic capabilities only.

As I said, the print on the wall.
 
I have been wanting a pocked camera for a while and (somehow) I ended up buying both a TG-4 and a TG-7 from Ebay. The TG-4 was super cheap just over $100 while the TG-7 was about $350. The TG-7 has the 1-year Ebay warranty and is literally perfect mint condition while the TG-4 is in excellent condition with just a few scuffs on the lcd.

I already have 2 other Olympus kits, one Pen-F prime lens kit, and an EM1X kit with 3 pro zooms. So this is literally going to be a pocket/backpack camera in lieu of using my phone.

I am honestly leaning to keeping the TG-4 over the TG-7 but I thought I would check with those who possibly are still using their TG-4 and are happy, along with those who feel the upgrade is absolutely the best way to go.

PS I understand the differences in video, and I do like the jog wheel on the TG-7 but neither is a killer feature for my intended use.

TIA.

PS sorry I did see the TG-5 vs TG-7 thread and it was very useful. Any additional comments appreciated.
Hey Mike, since you just got the TG-7, can you please answer these questions for me I'm interested in the TG-7.

How's the AF? Is there face/eye AF? Is it fairly reliable for mostly static or slow-moving objects?
The geotagging aspect is very interesting. Is it possible to calibrate the compass to maintain accuracy? If I'm indoors and the camera can't get a GPS signal, will the TG-7 still at least record the directional data since the compass doesn't require GPS?
Are videos geotagged as well?
Can the TG-7 sync the time with GPS or via the mobile app?
Is there a long exposure noise removal feature?
I'm not sure if I understand DPR's preview about the aperture, but the lens is 25-100mm f/2-4.9, and yet I can only pick F2, F2.8, and F8? What's the longest focal length that will still allow me to use f/2.8?
Regarding geotagging. First, I don't use the Olympus app so I don't have access to all the sensor data. GPS data does show up in my editor and it is correct. I don't know about videos for the same reason.

I can't confirm if the compass is separate from the GPS, There is a function to manually calibrate the altitude data to the known situation but it does not seem to be overly reliable seems to go off calibration pretty quickly.

Yes, I believe both models can be set to sync time with GPS.

The TG-7 is supposed to have some sort of dark-frame noise reduction I assume it works under low light conditions including long exposures. Needs to be turned on in the menu.

Since f-stop is a function of focal length, it changes as the zoom changes. I am not sure why they limit the manual aperture to 3 positions although I kind of wonder if they are using the leaf shutter as the iris and for maybe technical reasons had to limit it to 3. The only focal length where f2.0 is available is at the widest setting aka 20mm eq and the aperture visibly changes (when in aperture priority mode) as you zoom the lens.
 
I have been wanting a pocked camera for a while and (somehow) I ended up buying both a TG-4 and a TG-7 from Ebay. The TG-4 was super cheap just over $100 while the TG-7 was about $350. The TG-7 has the 1-year Ebay warranty and is literally perfect mint condition while the TG-4 is in excellent condition with just a few scuffs on the lcd.

I already have 2 other Olympus kits, one Pen-F prime lens kit, and an EM1X kit with 3 pro zooms. So this is literally going to be a pocket/backpack camera in lieu of using my phone.

I am honestly leaning to keeping the TG-4 over the TG-7 but I thought I would check with those who possibly are still using their TG-4 and are happy, along with those who feel the upgrade is absolutely the best way to go.

PS I understand the differences in video, and I do like the jog wheel on the TG-7 but neither is a killer feature for my intended use.

TIA.

PS sorry I did see the TG-5 vs TG-7 thread and it was very useful. Any additional comments appreciated.
Hey Mike, since you just got the TG-7, can you please answer these questions for me I'm interested in the TG-7.

How's the AF? Is there face/eye AF? Is it fairly reliable for mostly static or slow-moving objects?
The geotagging aspect is very interesting. Is it possible to calibrate the compass to maintain accuracy? If I'm indoors and the camera can't get a GPS signal, will the TG-7 still at least record the directional data since the compass doesn't require GPS?
Are videos geotagged as well?
Can the TG-7 sync the time with GPS or via the mobile app?
Is there a long exposure noise removal feature?
I'm not sure if I understand DPR's preview about the aperture, but the lens is 25-100mm f/2-4.9, and yet I can only pick F2, F2.8, and F8? What's the longest focal length that will still allow me to use f/2.8?
Regarding geotagging. First, I don't use the Olympus app so I don't have access to all the sensor data. GPS data does show up in my editor and it is correct. I don't know about videos for the same reason.

I can't confirm if the compass is separate from the GPS, There is a function to manually calibrate the altitude data to the known situation but it does not seem to be overly reliable seems to go off calibration pretty quickly.

Yes, I believe both models can be set to sync time with GPS.

The TG-7 is supposed to have some sort of dark-frame noise reduction I assume it works under low light conditions including long exposures. Needs to be turned on in the menu.

Since f-stop is a function of focal length, it changes as the zoom changes. I am not sure why they limit the manual aperture to 3 positions although I kind of wonder if they are using the leaf shutter as the iris and for maybe technical reasons had to limit it to 3. The only focal length where f2.0 is available is at the widest setting aka 20mm eq and the aperture visibly changes (when in aperture priority mode) as you zoom the lens.
Hi Mike, I wasn't asking about the app, but using the GPS on the camera. Can you please try to take a video with the camera's GPS on and see if it geotags the video? Is the compass information recorded as well?

Where in the menu can you use the GPS to sync the time?

Which option do you pick in the menu for the long exposure noise reduction?

I'm curious if there is a leaf shutter as well. Is anyone here able to confirm it? When you're zooming, does the screen show what the focal length is? If not, how does one tell? Does it show the zoom percentage when you're using it if it doesn't show the focal length?
 
Hi Mike, I wasn't asking about the app, but using the GPS on the camera. Can you please try to take a video with the camera's GPS on and see if it geotags the video? Is the compass information recorded as well?
No, it does not appear to tag any of the location or environmental information to a video. At least none of that appears in the info screen when previewing a video. Also, the manual does state the the geo information is saved with "picture files".
Where in the menu can you use the GPS to sync the time?
Just go into the time settings menu and there is an option for auto adjust time based on GPS.
Which option do you pick in the menu for the long exposure noise reduction?
Menu C Exp/ISO
I'm curious if there is a leaf shutter as well. Is anyone here able to confirm it? When you're zooming, does the screen show what the focal length is? If not, how does one tell? Does it show the zoom percentage when you're using it if it doesn't show the focal length?
It is mentioned in numerous reviews that there is a mechanical leaf shutter. It is limited to 5fps frame rate while the electronic shutter goes up to 20fps.

It does not show focal length but yes it does show a zoom ratio it 1.5x, 3x etc.
 
Since f-stop is a function of focal length, it changes as the zoom changes. I am not sure why they limit the manual aperture to 3 positions although I kind of wonder if they are using the leaf shutter as the iris and for maybe technical reasons had to limit it to 3. The only focal length where f2.0 is available is at the widest setting aka 20mm eq and the aperture visibly changes (when in aperture priority mode) as you zoom the lens.
As I understand it, the TG4 only has two actual f-stops. The third "aperture" is accomplished via a ND filter. So the third setting gives you the exposure of an f-stop without the DOF of an actual f-stop. I'm not sure which f-stop setting is from the ND filter. I expect that the TG-7 uses a similar mechanism.
 
Hi Mike, I wasn't asking about the app, but using the GPS on the camera. Can you please try to take a video with the camera's GPS on and see if it geotags the video? Is the compass information recorded as well?
No, it does not appear to tag any of the location or environmental information to a video. At least none of that appears in the info screen when previewing a video. Also, the manual does state the the geo information is saved with "picture files".
Where in the menu can you use the GPS to sync the time?
Just go into the time settings menu and there is an option for auto adjust time based on GPS.
Which option do you pick in the menu for the long exposure noise reduction?
Menu C Exp/ISO
I'm curious if there is a leaf shutter as well. Is anyone here able to confirm it? When you're zooming, does the screen show what the focal length is? If not, how does one tell? Does it show the zoom percentage when you're using it if it doesn't show the focal length?
It is mentioned in numerous reviews that there is a mechanical leaf shutter. It is limited to 5fps frame rate while the electronic shutter goes up to 20fps.

It does not show focal length but yes it does show a zoom ratio it 1.5x, 3x etc.
Hi Mike, which page in the manual does it say that? So the GPS is active and tracking and you confirm in the info page that a video doesn't have any geotag?

When you select auto-adjust time, what happens next? Can you try to incorrectly set your time and then select auto-adjust time? Does it set the time to your timezone or to UTC? Can you set the time zone?

I looked at the manual and it seems like there are only two grid options. It doesn't seem like either of them is the rule of thirds, but one does look close enough. Is it possible for you to select the 1:1 (square) aspect ratio and then this similar to a rule of thirds grid and rake a picture of it so that I can see what it looks like?

When using the sensor's non-native aspect ratios, can I recover the excess pixels in the RAW file in Lightroom?

Does the camera show 1.6x? Can you confirm at which zoom ratio f/2.8 is no longer available?

Thank you!
 
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I purchased a TG-6 a few years ago and had to send it to Olympus for service. Got a refurbished back and once again, needed to send it back, but they fixed it this time.

I stopped using it for sometime. When I took it out a couple of days ago and downloaded user's manual. Well, most of the things in manual did not match the camera menu, and the original TG-6 USB cable didn't fit the camera port. I just found out that I got a TG-4 as a replacement way back.

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
 
I purchased a TG-6 a few years ago and had to send it to Olympus for service. Got a refurbished back and once again, needed to send it back, but they fixed it this time.

I stopped using it for sometime. When I took it out a couple of days ago and downloaded user's manual. Well, most of the things in manual did not match the camera menu, and the original TG-6 USB cable didn't fit the camera port. I just found out that I got a TG-4 as a replacement way back.

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
I have decided to keep the TG-7 and sell on the TG-4. Since I just bought both I can get my money back or maybe make a little profit or at least cover my ebay fees selling the TG-4.

Both are great cameras. Both shoot raw photos if that is in your workflow. I like that the TG-7 charges with USB-C which is always with me including in my truck so keeping it charged up is easy. I agree that phones do great video but I do like the zoom control on the TG vs my phone and optical zoom out to 100mm aka 4x is nice. I am not a big macro shooter but I agree both do amazing extreme close ups.

The TG-4 is very capable and personally, with a few side by side comparisons I don't see a lot of difference in DR or pixel quality between the two. I am sure you should be quite happy with it and I would not worry about "upgrading" it.
 
I

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
That parallels my experience. I had been aware of and impressed with the TG series from the outset.

I had been in no rush to get one because I already had an Olympus 1030SW. It was my first ever digital camera. I still have and use that great little machine and it works perfectly. It was intended as a test to replace my film Nikonos 5 system. I am not a diver, but we live in a rugged mountain environment and I wanted to be able to continue to photograph in adverse environments. The 1030SW was/is ideal for that purpose, and that ended my use of film.

I was attracted to the TG series for a couple of reasons. The first, and major one, was the f2 (at widest angle) lens. The second was the ability to use accessories designed for this series, in my case the tele-converter.

I bought the TG-4 because that was the current model when I decided to buy. What pushed the decision was an upcoming trip to Disneyland.

Disneyland is extremely crowded, with the possibility of being inadvertantly jostled and colliding with people as well as inanimate objects. People are walking carrying drinks with the liklhood of splashing. Some of the rides do this too.

Disneyland is great fun at night, with the possibility of great night photos. I have one night photo from Carsland that I have printed to poster size that I have on my wall as well as family members and friends walls who are also fans of the film 'Cars'. The TG-4 really did its job. I could not have been more satisfied.

Despite its ruggedness, I also carry my TG-4 in a Pelican Micro case, carried cross body from my right shoulder down to my left hip. The camera itself is tethered to this strap. Maximum protection, quick access, light weight, portable. For my purposes an ideal rig.

So I have had no interest in later TG models.
 
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I purchased a TG-6 a few years ago and had to send it to Olympus for service. Got a refurbished back and once again, needed to send it back, but they fixed it this time.

I stopped using it for sometime. When I took it out a couple of days ago and downloaded user's manual. Well, most of the things in manual did not match the camera menu, and the original TG-6 USB cable didn't fit the camera port. I just found out that I got a TG-4 as a replacement way back.

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
I would agree that the similarities between the various TG iterations outweigh the differences. After I was loaned a TG6 for a week to try out the TG series, I decided to buy the 6. But, the TG7 went on sale for not too much more so I bought the TG7. I would have been totally happy with the TG6, it just made sense to get the latest model while it was on sale...... and it's continued to be at the same price ever since. :-O

All in, a TG7 is still not any more expensive than a lower priced consumer grade lens, and you get the camera body thrown in for free.
 
I purchased a TG-6 a few years ago and had to send it to Olympus for service. Got a refurbished back and once again, needed to send it back, but they fixed it this time.

I stopped using it for sometime. When I took it out a couple of days ago and downloaded user's manual. Well, most of the things in manual did not match the camera menu, and the original TG-6 USB cable didn't fit the camera port. I just found out that I got a TG-4 as a replacement way back.

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
I would agree that the similarities between the various TG iterations outweigh the differences. After I was loaned a TG6 for a week to try out the TG series, I decided to buy the 6. But, the TG7 went on sale for not too much more so I bought the TG7. I would have been totally happy with the TG6, it just made sense to get the latest model while it was on sale...... and it's continued to be at the same price ever since. :-O

All in, a TG7 is still not any more expensive than a lower priced consumer grade lens, and you get the camera body thrown in for free.
I'm happy with my TG-6 but am hoping the TG-7 will be on sale during Amazon Prime July 8-11. I'll gift my TG-6 to my son-in-law who is a Scout leader and always outdoors or in the water.
 
I purchased a TG-6 a few years ago and had to send it to Olympus for service. Got a refurbished back and once again, needed to send it back, but they fixed it this time.

I stopped using it for sometime. When I took it out a couple of days ago and downloaded user's manual. Well, most of the things in manual did not match the camera menu, and the original TG-6 USB cable didn't fit the camera port. I just found out that I got a TG-4 as a replacement way back.

Just about the start a TG-4 vs TG-7 thread here, what do you know ...

Anyway, my understanding is that the people who own TG-4 do not feel a need for a TG-7. Please let me know if I got it wrong. I'll be using it mainly for its macro capability, and my phone can do video better than the TG-7. What will I miss?
I would agree that the similarities between the various TG iterations outweigh the differences. After I was loaned a TG6 for a week to try out the TG series, I decided to buy the 6. But, the TG7 went on sale for not too much more so I bought the TG7. I would have been totally happy with the TG6, it just made sense to get the latest model while it was on sale...... and it's continued to be at the same price ever since. :-O

All in, a TG7 is still not any more expensive than a lower priced consumer grade lens, and you get the camera body thrown in for free.
I'm happy with my TG-6 but am hoping the TG-7 will be on sale during Amazon Prime July 8-11. I'll gift my TG-6 to my son-in-law who is a Scout leader and always outdoors or in the water.
If in the US check the OM Outlet on eBay, sometimes they run sales. My friend got a TG7 foe under $400, seems like new.
 
I'm happy with my TG-6 but am hoping the TG-7 will be on sale during Amazon Prime July 8-11. I'll gift my TG-6 to my son-in-law who is a Scout leader and always outdoors or in the water.
If in the US check the OM Outlet on eBay, sometimes they run sales. My friend got a TG7 foe under $400, seems like new.
Yes, I'm in the US, and I check the eBay outlet regularly. In fact, all of my Olympus/OMDS gear has come from the outlet. Never an issue. 🙏

The TG-7 is listed on the outlet today for $439.99.
 
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I'm happy with my TG-6 but am hoping the TG-7 will be on sale during Amazon Prime July 8-11. I'll gift my TG-6 to my son-in-law who is a Scout leader and always outdoors or in the water.
If in the US check the OM Outlet on eBay, sometimes they run sales. My friend got a TG7 foe under $400, seems like new.
Yes, I'm in the US, and I check the eBay outlet regularly. In fact, all of my Olympus/OMDS gear has come from the outlet. Never an issue. 🙏

The TG-7 is listed on the outlet today for $439.99.
I think my friend got his on a 20% off sale that brought it down to about $360. Not sure I wouldn't go the extra money to get a new warranted one for the extra $60.
 
Yes, I'm in the US, and I check the eBay outlet regularly. In fact, all of my Olympus/OMDS gear has come from the outlet. Never an issue. 🙏

The TG-7 is listed on the outlet today for $439.99.
I bought my TG-7 from MAP Camera (Japan) on Ebay. I have bought from them a few times and their items are always better than described often virtually new. They often give the Ebay 1 year warranty on their items. Mine was $370 shipped including warranty and it is like new not even any wear on the LCD.
 

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