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OM System Tough TG-7 Review

The Olympus Tough TG-6 was an incredibly popular waterproof action camera with outdoor enthusiasts, families and content creators who want a portable photo and video-capable camera, which can go anywhere. That’s all changed with OM System taking the helm of both interchangeable micro four thirds cameras, and the compact Tough-series of digital action cameras.

Our OM System Tough TG-7 review explores what’s new for this generation model and how an ultra-compact camera weighing just 249g can take your content from both above and below water to the next level.

When did the OM System Tough TG-7 come out?

The OM System Tough TG-7 launched on 13 September 2023, following the Olympus Tough TG-6 spring 2019 release. The newer camera is priced at £499 for both the TG-7 black or TG-7 red, which is £50 more than the £449 RRP of the earlier models.

As you discover the extensive array of technology packed into this lightweight action camera, you'll likely find the added cost to be more than justified. Of course, we encourage you to examine the list of features for yourself below to decide whether this is the perfect go-anywhere camera for your needs.

Sample image taken using the TG-7 Microscope Mode

OM System Tough TG-7 key features

The new Tough TG-7 combines the best technology from the previous TG-6 with all-new features and upgrades to make it a more rounded all-in-one compact action camera, which you can take anywhere.

• 12 megapixel 1/2.3" backside illuminated CMOS sensor with TruePic VIII processor
• f/2 (wide) f/4.9 (tele) zoom lens with 25-100mm equivalent focal width and 4x optical zoom
• 1cm microscope macro mode (above and below water)
• 2.5 EV sensor-shift image stabilisation
• 3.0-inch 1,037k dot LCD monitor
• Tough features include IPX8 Dust-proof, Freeze-proof to-10°C, Crushproof to 100 kg-f, Shockproof from 2.1m and Waterproof to 15m
• New interval shooting with exposure smoothing and optional 4K time-lapse creation
• New Construction modes for professional building industry content with CALS format
• Improved video with 4K 30p, 120fps in Full HD, up to 480fps in standard definition
• New vertical video mode for social media sites
• Improved RAW focus stacking mode for post processing control
• Upgraded USB-C connectivity
• Improved ergonomics with non-slip secure grip pattern and improved colour for the LCD
• Improved ProCapture with up to 10fps before fully pressing the shutter button
• New remote control compatibility when using the optional RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control

Sample macro photo from the TG-7 camera

OM System Tough TG-7 macro modes

The Tough-series of compact action cameras are known for providing excellent macro capabilities and the next generation OM System Tough TG-7 camera introduces four different macro modes for capturing the world’s tiniest details, as close as 1cm from the lens.

1. Microscope mode allows you to place the front of the lens 1cm from your subject as if looking through a microscope
2. Microscope control mode enables you to switch between 1x, 2x and 4x magnification at the touch of a button, up to a maximum 44.4x magnification equivalent, when combined with the zoom lever
3. Focus stacking mode merges between 3 and 10 images in-camera, helping to achieve front to back sharpness, which is essential if you want a small object close to the lens to be in focus
4. Focus bracketing mode will capture up to 30 frames with different focus points for post processing

Shooting underwater with the waterproof TG-7

Tough TG-7 underwater capabilities

Many photographers and adventure seekers will opt for a waterproof camera, as it enables them to capture unique images and video, which most regular cameras are unable to achieve without additional waterproof camera housing. The Tough TG-7 dives to 15m in order to capture everything you see underwater with five different shooting modes.

1. Underwater wide mode is optimised for recording darker scenes, which you would find while diving or snorkelling around 10-15m
2. Underwater microscope mode replicates the same feature as shooting above water, with close-ups just one 1cm from the end of the lens
3. Underwater macro mode is ideal for close-ups of small subjects
4. Underwater HDR mode increases contrast and reduces shadows, which is ideal for darker environments found in the ocean
5. Underwater snapshot mode uses the natural light found higher up, in a pool or anywhere were you’re nearer the surface in shallow water

The light changes colours underwater and these modes cater to various depths, allowing you to shoot natural, vivid and atmospheric underwater subjects and scenes.

TG-7 GPS and data features

OM System’s Tough TG-7 has a sensor system, which records environmental data that is activated by a simple lever. This useful addition logs location, temperature, water depth and compass direction. These can be loaded into OM System’s image share app to relive the moment.

Interval shooting and time-lapse

The TG-7 sees the addition of interval shooting of up to 299 images, enabling you to photograph for longer and create engaging time-lapse sequences. Exposure smoothing or equalisation is also available to help compensate for exposure changes such as when a cloud blocks light or any other situation where sudden exposure changes occur.

OM System Tough TG-7 for video

There are a host of video speeds and qualities in the Tough TG-7 camera for video creation, up to 4K 30p. As well as 4K you can record high-speed movies including Full HD 120fps to 480fps in standard definition, enabling you to capture slow motion video of fast moving subjects.

Focus stacked macro shot from the Tough TG-7 camera

Scene modes for any subject

Capturing various types of shots and different scenes is easy with the OM System TG-7 camera thanks to six different scene modes on top of macro and underwater modes. The table below showcases scenes which are automatically handled, for brilliant results in various scenarios.

New Construction mode

Construction mode is a new type of scene mode, which is aimed at construction professionals. The first mode 1 eliminates dust spots, while mode 2 is useful for very dark building sites (including tunnels), and mode 3 is for contrasty situations, which is common where the sky is visible.

Other options are aimed at night construction sites, capturing documents and drawings through binarisation or thresholding, plus more.

Best TG-7 accessories

There are a host of existing and new action camera accessories for the Tough TG-7 camera, which will help you create different types of content more safely when combined with the camera.

• FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter – capture unique 130º ultra-wide images
• FCON-T02 Fisheye Converter – additional fisheye lens converter
• LG-1 LED Light Guide – Illuminate close-up shots using this ring flash with an emitter around the lens
• LB-T01 Lens Barrier For TG-6 – Protects the lens from dirt and scratches and is backwards compatible with the previous generation action camera
• PT-059 Underwater Housing – dive down as deep as 45 metres underwater with this case
• UC-92 Battery Charger – Charger for Olympus LI-92B battery
• FD-1 Flash Diffuser – redistributes light from the camera flash to evenly illuminate closeup subjects
• CLA-T01 Lens Converter Adaptor – enables the easy attachment of the FCON-T01 fisheye converter lens or the TCON-T01 teleconverter lens
• RM-WR1 Wireless Remote Control – allows you to trigger the shutter without disturbing the camera and provides additional control for group shots, time-lapse, self portraits and more
• PRF-D40.5mm Pro Protection Filter – clear filter designed for general protection for your lens
• CSCH-128 Silicone Case for TG-7 Camera – exclusively designed to protect the new body from accidental damage

OM System TG-7 video review

The new generation Tough TG-7 action camera is compact and easy to travel with, waterproof to 15m, and extra tough to handle almost any shooting environments. It comes packed with advanced technology and a bright lens for capturing beautiful photos and videos above and below water, whilst a range of accessories are available to enhance your shooting experience even further.

Whether you’re heading to sun, sand or snow, pick up your own OM System Tough TG-7 Compact Action Camera Black or OM System Tough TG-7 Compact Action Camera Red to capture some of the most engaging outdoor content ever.

If you’re upgrading from a Tough model, or have other unwanted gear, why not grab a free trade-in quote for your camera, and use the money to offset against the cost of the TG-7.

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By Nick Dautlich on 13/09/2023