Olympus Olympus Tough TG-5

I think one should weigh the importance they are assigning to image quality and toughness/waterproofness.

Is the camera going to be one's MAIN camera or used mainly as a back-up in rough conditions. What is one willing to spend BASED on one's answer to the first question.

I don't disagree with you which is why I am considering the TG-5 as a "special purpose" camera, i.e., it is the camera I take with me bikepacking, bicycle touring and bushwalking, it will not be my main camera which is an Olympus E-M1 (mind you the E-M5ii is getting more and more love). In all instances when engaging in outdoor activities I aim to travel light to ultralight, I have limited space for equipment and I am out in all weather (well no snow here) and conditions. Taking my Olympus E-M5ii or Olympus E-M1 plus lenses is simply not practical net alone ideal.

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Holland Track Day 2: Salsa Mukluk at Granite Rock Outcrop
by Andrew Priest (Aushiker), on Flickr

For example bikepacking [BTW the bike is setup for five days of riding so you can see the limitations in space], the camera has to go into the bag on my top-tube [this is a larger sized bag as it is but it cannot take the E-M5ii with anything other than a pancake or similar sized lens and then it is a bit of a hassle getting it in and out. Adding to is the risk of damage when I come off and that happens a bit to often :). I have even come off in "lakes" on tracks so not only exposed to physical damage but water damage as well.

I have used my Panasonic DMC-LX100 bikepacking but again the lack of waterproofness and lack of robustness where a concern and hence I will sell it and replace it with most likely the TG-5.
 
I don't know how you use your tough cameras but if you plan on putting your FT-4 in the water, remember to have the gaskets replaced first. The makers of these cameras tell us to replace the gaskets every year, which can run into money. I wonder how many of us actually do it? I guess it depends on how many of us actually use our cameras underwater. I currently have a TG-870 and I use it simply as a camera I'm not afraid to break in rough conditions.

I do not go diving/snorkelling so rain protection is my focus in-terms of waterproofness. That said this camera wouldn't warrant an upgrade of the gaskets anyway so if it does not cope with the little bit of use it is getting now it will be retired.
 
How about an OMD EM5 with the 12-50? I picked one up refurb for $500 (US) a year ago. I bet you could do better today.

Downsides: bigger than LX100.

Pluses: Can withstand rain showers, internally zooming lens is less likely to suck up dust, you can get at the sensor to clean it.

I love the idea of the TG5, but I really, really, really wish it had a viewfinder.

Just a thought . . .

Cheers, Jock
 
if I were into biking in a style that meant falling off into bodies of water and against rocks like you CLEARLY are from that photo, I'd get the TG-5....unless saving a few hundred bucks and using an older model is acceptable.
 
ya know....that post of mine right above makes me sound like an old grumpus. I think maybe these kinds of cameras just aren't for me. Feel free to disregard just about everything I said if you like these kinds of cameras.

Luke,

Old grumpus? Nah. Your experience aligns with mine. I bought an XP90 to use while kayaking. The IQ is decent when the light is good, and I love that it is ready to go about a nanosecond after you press the power button, and it's pocket sized. I think overall, the IQ is on a par with my Olympus D-550, but none of the rugged cams has a viewfinder, and there are times when composing off the rear screen gets to be very problematic. I even emailed Leica to see if their external OVF could be fitted to their rugged camera. Answer: yes, but the lens would be in the way of composing the shot.

It just occurred to me that maybe I don't think you are an old grumpus because I am an old grumpus. Hmmmm.

Cheers, Jock
 
I have used my Panasonic DMC-LX100 bikepacking but again the lack of waterproofness and lack of robustness where a concern and hence I will sell it and replace it with most likely the TG-5.
That's a heck of a bike setup, Andrew. I like to carry my X-T1 in a small bag slung on my fat bike's handlebars, and a triangular bar bag for my keys, wallet, and a few other odds & ends. I keep my tripod and water bottle in a backpack, along with a few tools, my lunch, first aid kit, rain wrap, and a few other essentials. Then again, my excursions are all day trips; I've never tried overnight bikepacking. I don't even know where I could do that in these parts, though I'd like to try an overnighter. As for the TG-5, it does look appealing, but I'm not sure I could go back to a truly small sensor camera.
 
if I were into biking in a style that meant falling off into bodies of water and against rocks like you CLEARLY are from that photo, I'd get the TG-5....unless saving a few hundred bucks and using an older model is acceptable.

I have been watching the TG-4 prices on eBay and they are selling for not a lot less than new prices at the moment and given I am really keen on the RAW aspect I think I will hangout for the TG-5. My next bikepacking "expedition" which will include some river crossings, beaches and wilderness riding is not planned till November so plenty of time to pick up a good deal, well I hope :)
 
I have been watching the TG-4 prices on eBay and they are selling for not a lot less than new prices at the moment and given I am really keen on the RAW aspect I think I will hangout for the TG-5. My next bikepacking "expedition" which will include some river crossings, beaches and wilderness riding is not planned till November so plenty of time to pick up a good deal, well I hope :)


Seeeeeeeeeeeeea Liiiiiiiiiiiffffffffffffffffe... :D
 
I didnt realise that it was only 12Mp... makes it more usable for me. I tend to prefer lower Mp sensors where possible. Also, having RAW is a definite advantage. So, in spite of the lower res screen, I'll probably grab one at some time. I was also considering the Nikon W300 which has some nice specs, but when looking at the rear panel, it just doesnt seem as ergonomically easy as the Oly. Easier to hit buttons you dont want, accidentally.
 
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