High Performance in a Durable Package
This camera wasn’t built with simply underwater photographers in mind—it was built for anyone who enjoys getting the most out of the wild spaces on Earth. From extreme desert temperatures to the deepest depths of the ocean, the OM System Tough TG-7 is a rugged and ultra-compact camera with tons of features for everyone.
It fits perfectly into a jacket pocket or a small backpack compartment without a worry if it happens to fall.Long battery life allows users to take over 500 photos before needing to charge, but for underwater purposes, changing the battery after every dive is not a bad idea.
Tough is an Understatement
The first thing you’ll notice about the TG-7 from its impeccable marketing is that it’s waterproof to 50 feet (15 m), dust-proof, shock-proof from a 6-foot fall, crush-proof, and even freeze-proof to 14 F (-10C). If that wasn’t enough, it comes standard with an anti-fog lens that prevents the need for separate moisture packets inside the underwater housing.
Double-lock construction on both the camera and underwater housing ensures users don’t open the device accidentally, saving the headache of a broken camera while abroad.
We can’t always get as close to our subjects as we’d like, but a 4x optical zoom immediately fixes that problem for all but the most elusive creatures. Use the built-in flash topside or to control external flashes underwater. There are even accessories you can use to modify the flash for macro subjects, so shoot those little bugs to your heart’s content.
As mentioned before, rugged durability was at the forefront of design and the improved textured grips make handling the camera even easier than the previous model. Its updated USB-C port is a huge selling point over the micro USB that came standard on the TG-6. You can use this to both charge the camera and offload footage after a long day in the field.
Feature-rich Software
Designers fully listened to users of the TG-6 when designing the software for the TG-7. An easy-to-navigate menu system that even the most novice camera enthusiast can quickly learn sets the stage for a host of features and options.
The camera also includes environmental sensors such as GPS, a compass, thermometer, barometer, and an altimeter/depth gauge, which you can add into the metadata of your photos for review back at home base. There’s even a specialized construction mode for professional contractors.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi come standard, allowing users to connect to a smartphone in seconds. The Wi-Fi even allows you to remotely control the camera for skittish wildlife or in conditions the camera can handle but you may not want to endure. One of the main features for underwater shooters are the four macro modes, which allow the camera to focus up to 1 cm from the lens for the tiniest of critters.
Photo & Video Quality
Although the underwater community expected vast improvements in the sensor quality realm over its predecessor, image quality remains similar to the TG-6. The color accuracy is definitely better than the previous model, however.
Just like the TG-6, this camera boasts a fast autofocus that allows users to zoom from 25mm to 100mm with the touch of a button. The TG-7 also offers the same microscope mode—just make sure to get as close to the subject as possible and zoom all the way in.
A few features to note in the new software include an aperture priority mode for more creative control and the ability to shoot in RAW, offering more editing flexibility.
A time-lapse mode allows videographers to create time-lapse videos in-camera. Sometimes 30fps just isn’t enough, so the TG-7 allows shooting at up to 120 fps in 1080p for high-speed subjects you need to slow down during editing.
One qualm I found in shooting underwater is that the camera has trouble in low-light situations, so definitely pick up some video lights or an underwater flash. ISO 800 is about as high as you can comfortably go for usable images that are still somewhat sharp.
Underwater Features
Again, for underwater video, the amazing macro modes are perfect for filming small critters underwater. If you’re unsure of what environments you’ll be exploring, the TG-7 boasts five underwater modes to accommodate for varying conditions and bring back color tones normally lost at deeper depths.
Accessories
The OM System housing allows users to attach a wide-angle lens for more versatility. along with some other accessories. But, as with most underwater cameras, accessories become a must for top-notch quality. Using items such as a tray, gorillapod and/or lights significantly improves video performance, and can even make the color in stills “pop.”
Similar to the TG-6, this new camera model allows for a wide range of accessory attachments from the OM System, such as a macro-flash ring. Another cool addition is a lens ring to attach a wide-angle or telephoto lens for topside use. Probably the handiest item for land-based activities is a lens cover to protect your camera in transit.
Price/Quality Ratio
In the realm of all-weather compact and action cameras, the OM System Tough TG-7’s feature-rich menus, rugged design and superb image quality beats all of its competitors by a mile. Not to mention, those upgrading can still use all the accessories from the TG-6 and even some new ones added into the Tough line. Although a bit more expensive than the former model, the feature and durability upgrades make this a no-brainer for adventurers and avid divers.
You may be able to find compact cameras with more zoom capability or higher megapixels, but none of them can hold up to the tank-like durability of the TG-7 and a full line of accessories to truly take your images to the next level. This may be the last all-sport compact camera users need—that is, until the TG-8 comes to market.
Do we recommend the OM System Tough TG-7?
This camera offers the best possible value with a host of bells and whistles, accessory ecosystem, and durability—all at a reasonable price point.It’s perfect for the avid traveler who would like to capture their memories to share with family and friends.
Both above and below the water, the TG-7 is a better option than putting your fragile smartphone in a plastic bag. Its stills and sharp macro videos, with true-to-life colors, will make everyone envious of your adventures and leave them asking how you captured such unique moments.
If an all-weather, all-terrain compact camera is what you’re looking for, the TG-7 foots the bill with room to spare. So grab a camera, take it on the next adventure and use the standard Wi-Fi to upload and share to your heart’s content. You’ll be surprised at the durability in such a small package and may even win an award for that macro video of a nudibranch swaying in the surge.
Specs & Features
| Dimensions | 4.49” W x 2.6” H x 1.3″ D (11.4 cm W x 6.6 cm H x 3.3 cm D) without housing |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.8 ounces (250 g) without housing |
| Image Quality | 12 megapixels |
| Video Quality | 4k 30fps |
| Depth Rating | 50 feet (15 m) without housing; 148 feet (45 m) with housing |
| Display | 3-inch TFT LCD |
| Bonus Feature | specialized macro video modes |
Take a moment to look at this.
