Olympus 12MP TG-1 iHS Waterproof Camera Review by Pocket-lint With Rating 3/5

On May 8 2012, Olympus announced its top of the line rugged, waterproof camera with the new Olympus TG-1 iHS. This model is can support waterproof to 40 feet, shockproof to 6.6 feet, Freezeproof to 14°F and Crushproof to a weight of 220 pounds. This is the toughest Tough model to date from Olympus and it's an exceptionally high-speed performer with faster start-up time and quicker refresh rates. Olympus claimed it is the world's first high-speed bright f2.0 lens on a Tough camera with converter-lens compatibility.

"Waterproof cameras have to protect their precious innards, so protruding lenses aren't commonplace in any standalone models. This means the optics have to make best use of a confined space, but this is at the expense of image quality. For example, the TG-1's 25mm wide-angle setting is fine, but edge softness is apparent as are purple fringes from scenes with backlighting. The TG-1's 12-megapixel sensor can capture images from ISO 100-6400, but quality takes a dive from the mid-ISO settings. ISO 100 can capture acceptable images, but the aforementioned lens protector window must be absolutely clean and clear to avoid light-bouncing flare and inconsistent sharpness. Processing is rather crude, and fine detail areas often lack finesse. We struggled to get the camera to shoot upwards of ISO 800 (when set to auto) even in the darkest of conditions, though even at this setting colour is far more muted and detail lacks compared to the lower ISO shots. So while the camera will do just fine to capture images for online or small-scale use, its optical partnering and overprocessing make it nothing to write home about. Beyond standard stills there's a 1080p movie mode, 23 scene options and a batch of "magic filters" to spice up shots - whether pop art, pinhole, miniature or one of a handful of other settings. However, "P" (programme) is the most control a user has available to them, which can be rather limiting, particularly for more demanding users.

The Olympus Tough TG-1 does sell itself on the usual waterproof, dustproof, shockproof and freezeproof features, but it comes up a little short as a standalone camera. The f/2.0 lens may sound great but the lack of aperture priority or manual control detracts from its use. Zoom performance is also slow, and while autofocus is quick it's often inaccurate, while image quality is nothing to write home about. Then there's the £300 price tag. Add the adapter and fisheye converter and you'll need to add another £150 to the bill. It's not a cheap option and there's not a whole lot here that sells itself above and beyond the cheaper models out there. We had high expectations from this flagship model, but instead we're flying the flag half-mast with an extra half star for its specialist users that will find some good from this camera."

Great camera if you don't care about video, A. Fossum - May 06 2013
I purchased this camera last year for the waterproof features. It is a great little camera. The IQ isn't bad, but isn't as good as my Canon S95 either. Where it wins is speed - it's FAST! It also takes amazing macro shots... which I just recently discovered. The video is not very good at all. It is noisy with bad sound and very juttery....

Much better in low light, David K. - Apr 30 2013
I used to have an Oly tough 6000 and this one is much better and faster in low light. Does everything faster, from power on, to focusing to repeat shots. It is quite a bit bulkier though. Custom settings are awesome. Use them all the time. I was stunned that it didn't have a retractable lens shield like my lowly 6000 did! How tough is that? It didn't even come with a rem...

Fantastic, Percy R Bloodworth - Apr 24 2013
Very impressed with this camera, the features are easy to use the picture quality is excellent. The camera feels good to hold, well built. Only concern I have is there is no external cover over the lense, hasn't created a problem may have to do with the fact that the camera is waterproof. Work really good under water....

Olympus TG-1iHS, Charles C. Woodin - Apr 22 2013
great small camera with big features. Too bad this camera has been discontinued. Olympus make nice cameras. Very happy with purchase....