Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR 5.5x Telephoto Zoom Lens Review Roundup


Olympus Announces 16 Megapixels SZ-31MR 24x SuperZoom Camera Priced $400


Olympus Announces 12 Megapixels TG-820 Waterproof Compact Priced $300

2012-02-08 04:09
Average Camera Review Rating [4 reviews]
Olympus today announces the TG-820 iHS rugged compact camera, replacing the existing TG-810 model. The TG-820 features a 12 Megapixels BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor, TruePic VI image processor (originally developed for DSLR cameras), a 28-140mm equivalent 5x optical zoom lens and 3-inch 1,030,000-dot anti-reflective scratch-proof HyperCrystal III LCD. 

Same as the previous TG-810 model, the camera is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters), shockproof to 6.6 feet (2 meters), freezeproof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius) and crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds (100 kilograms). The new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) family of technologies comes with a quick autofocus and HDR Backlight Adjustment takes a collage of separate photos and blends them into one perfectly exposed image. There is also the Multi-Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization) mode that records blur-free videos even when you're moving and the Enhanced iAuto that enables the camera to automatically detect 34 different scenes (portrait, landscape, macro, etc.) The Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS will be available in March and listed for $299.99 in Silver, Black, and Blue colors. Check out the following press announcement for more details:


Show full Press Release

NEW OLYMPUS TG-820 ihs IS TOUGHER ON the OUTSIDE AND SMARTER ON THE INSIDE for incredible image quality anywhere

iHS Technology Brings Intelligence, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed Performance to Active Families and Adrenaline Junkies Alike So They Can Focus on Fun

CENTER VALLEY, Pa., February 7, 2012 - The Olympus digital camera line-up for spring features a next-generation Olympus TOUGH compact that sets a new benchmark for Waterproof, Shockproof, Freezeproof, Crushproof and Dustproof performance. Combining proven durability with superb image quality courtesy of the new iHS (Intelligent, High-Sensitivity and High-Speed) family of technologies, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS has both brains and brawn. iHS harnesses the power of a new 12-megapixel BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) CMOS sensor and the TruePic VI image processor (originally developed for DSLR cameras) to dramatically improve low-light performance, speed up camera response time, enhance scene and subject recognition and double zoom magnification without losing image quality.

Whether you're using it at a neighbor's pool party or snorkeling near a tropical reef, out-and-about at your local park or hiking Yellowstone, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is the perfect travel companion for active families and adventurers looking for a camera that delivers outstanding image quality with a worry-free guarantee. Advanced iHS technology ensures that even people with an action-packed lifestyle can capture brilliant photos and 1080p Full HD Videos, no matter how fast their subject is moving or how poor the lighting is.

iHS powers a number of new Olympus features that take all the work out of capturing difficult shots. A blazing quick autofocus and HDR Backlight Adjustment takes a collage of separate photos and blends them into one perfectly exposed image regardless of difficult lighting. Multi-Motion Movie IS (Image Stabilization) records virtually blur-free videos even when you're moving. The versatile lens on the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS pulls out wide or zooms in twice as close with its 10x Super-Resolution Zoom that digitally extends the range of the optical zoom with nearly no loss of image quality. Capture beautiful images and videos effortlessly; Enhanced iAuto enables the camera to automatically detect 34 different scenes (portrait, landscape, macro, etc.)

While the new imaging technology delivers optimal results with fast-moving subjects, night scenes and other tricky shots, the Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS is also Waterproof to 33 feet, Shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14 °F and even Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds*1. Focus on fun, without worrying about damaging your camera's high-grade components like the OLYMPUS 5x Wide-Angle Zoom Lens (28 mm-140 mm*2). The 3.0-inch, 1,030,000-dot HyperCrystal III LCD offers super high-resolution with scratch-resistant, anti-reflective coatings for added protection and better visibility in bright and low light.

When you're back from your adventures, the camera's HDMI Control makes playback a breeze. Simply connect the camera to an HDTV with an optional HDMI cable and use your HDTV's remote to control playback functions and navigate the camera's menus from the comfort of your couch.

*1 Waterproof according to IEC standard publication 529 IPX8. Shockproof figures equivalent to MIL Standard (Olympus test conditions). Freezeproof according to Olympus test conditions. *2 35 mm camera equivalent.

U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Tough TG-820 iHS will be available in March and ships with a Wrist Strap, USB Cable, A/V Cable, USB-to-AC Adapter (F-2AC), Lithium-Ion Battery (LI-50B), Quick Start Guide, Instruction Manual on CD-ROM, a software CD-ROM featuring [ib] (Windows) and OLYMPUS Viewer 2 (Win/Mac), and a Warranty Card.
Estimated Street Price: $299.99 (Available in Silver, Black, and Blue)

For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: http://olympusamerica.com/cpg_section/product.asp?product=1592

Olympus TG-820 Sample Photos on Flickr



Olympus TG-820 Camera Reviews Roundup


digitalcameraHQ: "Initial impressions of the TG-820's image quality are a bit mixed. Olympus has chosen to make the images pop, and in so doing has boosted contrast and sharpness to garish levels that spoil images. It's difficult to achieve "natural" looking photographs with the TG-820, with most appearing over processed and a bit fake. Blacks tend to block up unpleasantly and sharpening halos ring high-contrast edges. Thes..." - Jun 26 2012 More »
LetsGoDigital: "Generally, in outdoor cameras there is less attention to image quality. The robust cameras must be well protected from the elements, they must be indestructible and shoot fun everyday snapshots. With the new Olympus Tough TG-820, you no longer have to choose between robustness and image quality, this flagship is the first Olympus waterproof camera that is equipped with iHS technologies (Intelligence, High Sensitivit..." - Jun 03 2012 More »
Trusted Reviews: "Image quality is actually pretty good for a camera of this type, with the TG-820 able to deliver, on the whole, quite punchy images. Metering is generally quite accurate, with the option to switch between centre-weighted and full-screen balance (ESP). Used in iAuto mode the TG-820 delivers vibrant images with pleasing levels of colour, contrast and tonality. The TG-820 produces clean, noise-free images at lower sens..." - Mar 31 2012 More »
ePhotoZine: "The Olympus Tough TG-820 produces images which are really well exposed with very pleasing colour reproduction. Detail is good a both ends of the lens, with some purple fringing in high contrast areas. There are three different modes for close-up shots, macro, super macro and super macro LED. In super macro mode the camera has a minimum focusing distance of just 1cm, allowing detailed close-up shots to be taken. Ther..." - Mar 14 2012 More »

Olympus TG-820 Reviews Roundup [Total 4 Reviews] »



Olympus TG-820 Camera Recent User Reviews

Great camera for tough conditions!, Cleta Polk - May 05 2013
I have tried many Olympus 'Tough' camera versions through the years for adventure trips without fear of hurting my camera, and they just keep getting better!...


Wow! Unexpectedly Great Camera!, Quercus Alba - May 04 2013
My previous camera was a Samsung TL-100, which was an okay point-and-shoot that served me well for 3 years (doing primarily outdoor photography, including some fast traffic and sports) before it finally went belly-up. I was looking for a better point-and-shoot that was also tougher (more water, dust, shock-resistant). I researched, and bought, this Olympus TG-820. Wow...


Most under=rated camera, Capt Patt Meara - May 04 2013
A retired photojournalist, I was photographing rough water action in the Virgin Islands with a Canon digital SLR and very expensive lens. The man standing next to me was using a TG-820, waterproof, small, and rugged. Comparison of the final photos from the two cameras displayed little difference between similar images. I ordered the camera the next day and carry it with...


Great camera!!, Emma Leblanc - Apr 30 2013
I'm a big fan of the olympus stylus cameras! This new model has some cool new features and much quicker taking photos. As soon as you snap, its ready for the next picture. My only complaint is the camera is quite a bit bulkier than previous models. I would think they would be able to keep it slim. It barely fits in my camera case. Oh, one more complaint is the dire...


More Olympus TG-820 User Reviews »


DSLR Photography Latest Posts





Cameras In The Article