Is this really the WORST travel camera? Olympus Tough TG-6

[@airstreamer]

Embrace the noise. There’s nothing wrong with a little noise, or film grain, adds personality. Really good to see you out and about! - Jim

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Jim. Most folks will still probably prefer the results they get from their smartphone, but I tend to find those images a little oversharpened and HDR, The Olympus has more of a natural look, IMO.

[@paulcookphotography]

Nothing wrong with the quality of those images Andrew! Sounds like a gear-diva just commenting to hear themselves talk to me. I'd be happy with any of those travel photos! A great video as always my friend! Have a great rest of the week!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Much appreciated, Paul. Thanks for watching. I guess it's more a camera for divers, not divas. 😀 I hope you're still enjoying the Appalachian Spring - it's not done anything but rain this week over here 😞 .

[@dalevalentine9008]

Absolutely. It’s not designed to be a professional camera for landscape and travel photography. It’s designed to be easy to use and indestructible for outside adventures. Perfect for that use.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Agreed, it goes in my travel bag or rucksack, and I can take it hiking or to the beach without any worries.

[@thissidetowardscreen4553]

Great review! Nice travel camera! Thanks for sharing!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching TSTS. 🙂

[@TheBroacher]

Did anyone ever look at a dip fountain pen and say, 'This is a terrible instrument to write poetry or plays with, right Mr. Shakespeare?'

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and a great analogy 😀

[@yasminshikingmission]

Great review Andy 😊 seems a good little camera to me. Lovely beach views and artwork to see, especially liked that sea turtle.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

It's a good little camera, it nearly came to Grimwith 🌧 with me but the weather changed for the better. Drop proof, weather sealed, dust proof - It's a go pro of the compact camera world.

[@martinhommel9967]

Thanks for your thoughts. It's quite versatile and good to have with you in certain situations. I find there are a lot people that criticise products without bothering to learn how to use them properly in the first place. I bought the TG-6 for taking under water pics and at the beach or hikes when I don't feel like taking a bigger camera with me. It's also much better ergonomically than any smartphone. If you use the macro flash attachment or the flash diffuser you will get good results in any light conditions.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

@martinhommel9967 Thanks, Martin. I still prefer a 'real camera' to a phone too. I like the rugged nature of the TG-6, although I've not tried mine underwater yet. I do have the LED light for macro shots, which is great.

[@VictorReynolds]

Yes, the TG-6 has its limitations; and I don’t expect mine to act like a DSLR. However, you can still get decent photos from it, plus it’s rugged as hell.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

I don't expect my TG-6 to act like a dslr either, the chap who I referred to had some serious expectations, I think. I love the fact that I can take the TG-6 anywhere without worry. I hope to have a new TG-6/Olympus Tough series video soon as I've picked up some accessories for mine.

[@kolpejna1503]

"Michaelangelo! Great statue! You must have a REALLY good chisel!"

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Great analogy. The most important part of the photo is the photographer behind the camera. The gear just helps with the results.

[@numbersix8919]

❤

[@numbersix8919]

Andy you're a fine photographer! More power to you sir.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thank you. 😊

[@numbersix8919]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography 👌

[@openmindedwonderer]

That was a great review 👍🏻

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks, Cara.

[@NZCycletherapy]

I have one, I use it for a pocket camera for mountain biking and on/off road motorcycle riding adventures…let’s see you take your expensive large heavy pro camera set up and still have fun…the guy’s just fishing for clicks, or he’s an idiot. Nice photos by the way.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Guy. I think you hit the nail on the head. Its purpose is to take photographs in extreme situations and to enhance your outdoor experience not to compromise your day out.

[@HereToCheers]

Everyone wants something different in a camera I think, that's why there are so many different ones. Budget, size, ease of use and quality of images all have to be balanced out. So many people use action cameras for vacation camera and there's so much you can't do with those. Definitely having something that fits in your pocket for traveling is a plus. Macros are so much fun , its a way to discover a world we over look so much. Great shots IMHO.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching Robert. I agree that most cameras are dedicated to a particular function. This one is a jack of all trades (and perhaps some might say a master of none). I still think for a rugged pocket camera, it is pretty great, but it isn't ever going to be the DSLr, the youtuber who made the original video so desperately wanted it to be.

[@lens-writer]

Nice review! You covered a lot of good features. Yes, it has a few limitations for it being a compact camera. Overall it is a good travel camera. I enjoyed your photos and composition work. The TG-6 is snappy, versatile and durable.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, Dave. I agree as compact cameras go, I don't think the TG-6 is a bad one, especially when you consider the tough features.

[@chrisbrown6432]

Thanks for this. I have a TG6 and I think it is wonderful. I watched a video by Thomas Eisel who said the Tough TG7 was his favourite street camera. he gave his set up for street photography and I used all his settings for my TG6. He also said that the TG7 could shoot finer detail in macro photography than bigger sensor cameras and proved it. as the TG7 is almost the same camera as the TG6 I was delighted. I have just started following you. By the way the noise on the TG6 is fined grained and looks fine to me. Like a film camera look.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for following the channel, Chris. I bought my TG-6 as a rugged camera I could take out anywhere as most of my other cameras aren't weathersealed. I've tried to use it for all sorts of types of photography, including macro, which it excels at.

[@Robert-Bishop]

You certainly had some better weather over there than here Andrew! 😂 Interesting stuff - I'm off to Norway soon and I'm going to be doing a video on a lightweight travel setup. I'll be taking my Z7 and a superzoom, I think - but I can really see the benefits of something like this, that you can just slip into your pocket. Great that it's waterproof too. Really nice images as always, and some really good creative compositions. 👌

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks, Robert. There are so many features packed into this little camera. The only thing it doesn't have is a long zoom because it needs to be a sealed unit. It still manages a 10x zoom though, which is great in microscope mode (macro). Great for diving/snorkelling, has GPS for hikers, freezeproof, drop proof....I could go on 😀

[@czamprofly]

Hi Andrew I bought the CLA-TO1 adaptor but I can't find the polarazing filter . Could you tell me what tipe you use ?

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Claudio, I use a Hoya MC plus CPL 40.5mm.

[@oneperspective]

Nice review. I agree with You on this camera. There will always be some limitations. The beauty of using a proper camera like this over a smart phone is you have some control over the production of the image. The other advantages such as waterproof and durability are also a big plus. None of the distractions of a smart phone too, filling your day with distractions 😂

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

It's never going to be a full frame mirrorless or dslr, so I can't understand why anyone's expectations would be so high. I bought mine for taking with me when I didn't want to be taking a camera bag and gear. I have been really impressed with the macro capabilities, and I love the live composite mode. Add in the durability factor, and I think it's a great little thing.

[@oneperspective]

It’s a case of using the best tool for the job.

[@dalevalentine9008]

I love mine. Take it hiking or cycling or on the water all the time. It’s great for its intended use. Love it !

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks, Dale, it's a good all-around outdoor camera, in my opinion.

[@andygore1149]

As a very amateur photographer I thought that the images were more than passable for a compact camera, a very honest & unbiased review Andy, I think I can remember your thoughts on this camera in a review some months ago about the fantastic macro capabilities of this little gem which to me makes it worth the investment alone but HEY !! It does take good images, I think some people are a little bit picky sometimes in their criticism which is what makes things interesting, personally even I with my limited knowledge of the camera world have seen far far worse cameras than this, great review Andy 10/10 👍

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and your comments, Andy. I think a lot of photographers expect great image quality because that is what they get used to out of their high-end equipment. You can't expect Ferrari performance out of a Ford Fiesta. This camera has some qualities that you couldn't get out of some bigger, better cameras, such as its robustness and the fact you can take this underwater, etc. It's like comparing apples and oranges.

[@czamprofly]

Hi Andrew I have to say that every camera works well in your hands.. I have one TG6 and i'm worried a little cause some shots very very overexoposed during self timer shot I don't understand exactly wath happened . Thank a lot

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Was the camera in Live Composite mode when it was producing overexposed images?

[@czamprofly]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography no no it occurred during self timer shot sequence of 5 personalized.This morning I noticed that these overexposed shots had all been with unwanted flash..maybe that's the reason if you give me your email I'll send you a couple of examples. Can I ask you again if you can save both raw and jpeg on the card? Thanks and congratulations again for your shots

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

@@czamprofly It does sound like the flash may be causing the over exposure. I have to admit I tend to use aperture priority shooting with this camera in daylight with the flash set to permanently off. I tend to shoot in RAW format too.

[@mgs.915]

Here’s the thing with the tg6 in my experience…it’s not perfect but I don’t expect it to be for a small sensor point and shoot. What is is good at is knowing that no matter what creative itch I find it will be able to take a picture…water, cold, macro etc it can do a little bit of everything and that’s why I like to have it with me! I’m not worried about damage if it’s raining and for the hobby it takes good pictures with good colors! Great video and assessment of the camera!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

@mgs.915 My thought was that it's the Swiss army knife of cameras. A great all-rounder. Thanks for watching.

[@italogiardina8183]

It's more an action camera for when jumping off a boat or scaling a tree that could sit along side the OM-1 in a travel kit.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

It's certainly a handy camera when travelling light.

[@deebo8885]

If you dont need the ruggedness or water proofing I'd go for a different camera, but as someone who spends half their free time in and around the water this thing is perfection.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

I agree. There are better cameras for taking photos in ideal conditions, but for those times, you are taking a camera into the worst of conditions it's pretty much the best option. Yestersay, we visited Polperro in Cornwall on the wettest day of the week. The TG-6 performed faultlessly in conditions that would have finished off my other cameras.

[@theoldunsshot1005]

I viewed this on a screen that is roughly the same size as an A3 sheet and I enjoyed the photos. I never noticed any purple fringeing or soft corners, so my opinion is that the camera is perfect for travel and it would take a dedicated pixel-peeper to find any faults. Great shots, great public art and that's a thumbs up from me. keith

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks, Keith, I was able to remove the purple fringing in camera raw in photoshop. It's not a bad little camera, only 12 megapixels, but sometimes that is better than too many pixels on these small sensors.

[@colinmatheson832]

I have one and think it is superb. I also have other Olympus OM-D cameras but this is my go to for adventures such as skiing and climbing (not to mention snorkeling).

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Colin. It's an ideal camera for taking pretty much anywhere.

[@dennismurray703]

Some really great images Andrew, they do fantastic street art in Spain! The TG-6 seems to perform very well, but I would just point out that here in Australia it retails for $700+ which is a lot of bucks for my meagre budget, and I think that for most of the travel shots I take I am more than happy with my Moto G9 phone jpegs (remarkably good at times) - which retails for less than half the cost of this camera. Of course I do want more versatility in certain situations but that's when I am prepared to lug the redoubtable FZ-80 with me!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Hi Dennis, thanks for watching. I didn't realise it was such an expensive camera down under. How did OM systems pitch the new TG-7? Here in the UK, they undercut the price of the old camera. I decided to leave the old fz82 at home for this trip and took this camera and the fz1000, but the images from the fz1000 will be another video.

[@lorikresse7172]

I've had mine for over 10 years. I got it for under water snorkeling! It takes fantastic pictures!!!

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

I'd love to take mine snorkelling, but for now, those duties go to a cheap action camera that I don't like very much. Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂.

[@tomfenn7149]

Crikey! If some believe the TG-6 is the worse travel camera in the world, wait until they get a load of the Ricoh GRD, which is considered by many (including me) to be one of the best alternatives to a Leica M even though it's 12 years old, fixed lens, not weather sealed but has shot brilliant street art around the world including almost everything shot by legendary photographer Daido Moriyama.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching, sadly some photographers are two wrapped up in technical specs and the need to have the latest and greatest gear to realise it is just a tool to capture images. I'm sure the chap in question would have hated the GRD too.

[@tranvinhckm]

Nice shot ❤

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching. Which shot was your favourite?

[@tranvinhckm]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography 6:42

[@martinhommel9967]

I find that you need to use the flash with these types of cameras in low light situations.

[@PhilipOlsen11]

Hi Andy. You get what you pay for. As you say it’s not a full frame DSLR so you can’t expect it to be perfect. As far as I was concerned you got some great photos out of it 👌

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks, Phil. I often refer to TG series as a Swiss Army knife of cameras. It does a bit of everything to a degree. I think there are some excellent features on this camera, namely the long exposure and macro shooting modes. As for a travel camera, I think it does OK and for the occasional hiker/traveller who wants a pocketable camera that will still work after getting it soaked, frozen, dusty, or dropping it, there is no better (well maybe the TG-7) 😀 Thanks for watching and have a great week.

[@johnlehane8303]

Very enjoyable review.... Some nice shots and angles I failed to find when I was there myself. For me the camera's main strength is being waterproof.... A dive off a boat, feed the fishes I'd love to have it to hand. I've seen it do some surprisingly good macro. Great for fun in the pool. Apart from that I guess to be terribly honest I could get by with my phone. It would be ludicrous to compare it to a DSLR. But personally I wouldn't roll around in the sand with a DSLR. It has it's place but for £500 it's a bit steep for a possibly one trick magician. It will be the perfect camera for someone but sadly not for me.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching and commenting John, I really appreciate it. I've not had the bottle to take the TG-6 underwater yet. I have seen that more serious divers buy the fisheye conversion lenses and a waterproof housing, oh and lights! That sounds expensive! I might take it snorkelling though. It is advisable to have a bucket of freshwater to dunk it in after it's been in saltwater though, hence my reluctance. I do have a Samsung S22 smartphone which I do a good bit of video with for this channel, it takes great snaps but it can't do macro and it certainly can't do long exposure like the tg-6 - if I had a top of the range smartphone...

[@johnlehane8303]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography Your S22 trumps my OnePlus9. Yeah snorkeling would be good... Plenty of fish and variety jumping in off a boat between Corralejo and Lobos. Lights and cases are beyond my budget. Photography can be expensive. My wishlist for indoor sports is eye watering at least for me. I've resigned to the fact that I can't have it all. Nowhere near it. Summer is coming outdoor sports may have to do.

[@wendingourway]

My goodness, there is certainly plenty to take in there!! Really great images to me. Really, most of us use our cameras to capture memories. If one wants top quality images to sell, I am sure that there would be more professional equipment for that purpose.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Indeed, Bruce. I am not sure what the other reviewer was really expecting to get out of this camera given its spec and price point. There are better cameras than this for sure but not many in such a robust, compact, package. Thanks for watching and have a great week. 👍

[@xfontan66]

Depending on the use of the pictures. For social media like instagram the pics are fine and there will be no problem with image quality, another thing is if you want to print big size. thanks for the video .

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

@xfontan66 Yes, I agree, that's the case with many cameras, part of the reason for the decline of compact cameras and the rise of the phone camera. Social media is the main way people share their photography. How many people even print large images these days, mainly professionals and landscape photographers?

[@xfontan66]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography professionals I imagine, but even in my local camera club with very good photographers not many people print nowadays, we pass our photos in a large screen for review. I am basically macro photographer with OMD camera plus diffuser, flash, raynox, etc and I am thinking of this small camera for for macro video and some a little of everything is a pocketable camera. But again not planning to print anything nowadays. all the best

[@Koji-888]

Your video quality is superb. Can’t you just take a frame from that.? Why do you need a Camera. When you get home from your trip. Just watch video on your computer and take the frames you want. Is that not possible. I don’t get it.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

You could take a still image from the video if all you ever wanted was an image to share on social media. I shoot video at either 1080p or 4k using a Samsung S22. The video is not as high in resolution as the stills on the phone. The camera's RAW files offer more options to edit the images in post production, and there is none of the pixel 'fudging' you get with a phone. This camera has some benefits with its ruggedness over a smartphone. Lastly, I find shooting still images with a camera preferable to taking images with a phone. The camera has many more options than my s22 has.That preference a personal thing and I understand phone photographers may disagree.

[@Koji-888]

@@AndrewWaltonPhotography Thank you so much. I appreciate you explaining this. I really didn’t know. Just getting into photography with a used Olympus E-P3 4/3. Im hiker.

[@bamsemh1]

Only 1 test needed. Underwater without housing. Gl making your real camera survive that 😉 but it's not good for astrophotography and aurora 😬

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

I did try it for the Aurora, but it wasn't any better than a phone. I do plan to try it for star-trails as I now have the wide-angle adaptor.

[@bamsemh1]

@AndrewWaltonPhotography be sure to have some light in the foreground. 1 thing this series seriously need, is manual mode. Sadly olyjip ignored it on the tg-7, even though several thousand people requested it in forums. But live composite is great 😊 be sure to play on new year 😊

[@InitialP_Photography]

Not that bad at all, even had some nice bokeh depth on close up shots

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Cheers, Phil. It is a good macro camera, too.

[@mauroferrari394]

I’m sorry but I disagree about the usability of this camera since any modern phone can take much better photograph and if you’re not planning to run over it with you car or throw it down front the third floor it’s just a matter to protect it with a robust armored cover. I own a t6 since several years and I do really prefer iPhone it’s really in my opinion an aged camera concept and as you said the sensor is poor and not an option anymore today.

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Each to their own. I don't own an iPhone. I've already cracked the screen protector on my Samsung, so perhaps I'm more suited to a tough camera.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

A very fair and honest appraisal Andrew - whilst watching on my iPhone the images looked pretty good for the camera IMO. One can always find negatives with any kit but let’s look at the positives and as a wise man once said “the best camera is the one you have with you !”

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Indeed, Andrew. One of the reasons I bought this camera is that none of my kit is weathersealed, so the TG-6 is ideal for the best of the British weather. I'm itching to get out in the rain and use it for some wet weather night images and light trails. Thanks for watching.