OM System Tough TG-7
OM System Tough TG-7
1. Introduction
From low-fi party shots to professional scientific applications, the OM System Tough TG-7 is able to cover many genres of photography with its unique capabilities found in no other camera on the market right now.
It is most likely the compact, go-everywhere indestructible digicam-companion many photographers have been waiting for.
2. Key Specifications
Sensor
Type: 1/2.3 inch BSI CMOS sensor
Resolution: 12 MP (effective)
Aspect ratio: 4:3
Sensor readout speed: approximately 20fps
Sensitivity range: ISO 100 to 5.000 (standard) / ISO 6.400 to 12.800 (extension)
Lens
Designation: OM System Lens 4x Wide Optical Zoom 4.5-18.0mm 1:2.0-4.9
Characterization: Parfocal achromatic zoom lens
Optical construction: 4x zoom with 9 elements in 7 groups
Focal length range: 4.5 to 18mm (35mm equivalent app. 25 to 100mm)
Magnification: 11.1x (35mm equivalent)
3. Scope of Delivery and Packaging
OM System did not include a battery charger and packed the camera in an environmentally friendly cardboard box.
4. Design and Handling
The Tough TG-7 is first and foremost an outdoor camera, and this shows. It is waterproof until 15m (IPX8), dustproof (IP6X), 2.1m shockproof, 100kg crushproof and freezeproof up to -10°C. The optical system is covered with a dual-pane protective glass with anti-fogging properties.
In addition to its ruggedness, the camera is exceptionally well made, competing with top-of-the-line professional cameras in that regard. The rugged metal-plastic camera body is confidence-inspiring, and every cover is safeguarded against accidental opening with a separate lock.
Compared to previous Olympus Tough models, the grip has been redesigned for better handling.
TG-7 with CLA-T01 and K&F CPL filter.
The Tough TG-7 is a truly pocketable camera for three reasons. First, it is small enough to fit even in a shirt pocket. Second, it will always be the same size as the lens does not extend even when zoomed. And third, it is sealed against any pocket lint and other debris that usually gets into every compact camera’s lens at some point in time.
Menu and Controls
The menu is based on previous Olympus menus, but has fewer settings and offers less control over certain shooting functions, like Live Composite. This makes perfect sense for a compact camera and speeds up the overall camera handling.
To change the most important camera settings, the TG-7 uses the Live Control menu in addition to the dedicated, non-configurable function buttons of the camera.
TG-7 Live Control Menu.
Performance
Powered by the TruePic VIII processor, which the camera inherited from the professional Olympus OM-D E-M1II camera, all camera functions exhibit extremely low latency. Even the Art Filter simulation is very speedy and mostly lag-free.
What I personally really like is the fast power-on after the camera went to sleep. This is almost instantaneous and very useful for street photography but also on events.
Overheating the camera is practically impossible during normal use. When used for videography, the camera can overheat in very specific corner cases. For example, at 20 degrees Celsius after consecutively recording 4k30P clips for about 35 minutes, the camera overheats and needs a cool-down period.
5. Imaging Performance
One of the strengths of the OM System Tough TG-7 is the interplay between the 4.5 to 18mm, f/2-4.9 zoom and the 12 MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, which I will examine in detail.
The parfocal achromatic lens with its 9 elements in 7 groups is well-known for its close focusing capabilities of up to 1 cm. This is equivalent to an 11.1x magnification.
The sensor-lens combination provides a field of view comparable to a 25 to 100mm lens on a 35mm film camera, covering a wide variety of shooting situations.
Edge of a 1-Euro coin, approximately 6x magnification. Captured handheld with the TG-7.
Resolution
The resolution values of the combination are not outstanding if you compare them to a Micro Four Thirds camera, but they are remarkable for a compact camera. I measured the highest resolution at 4.5mm f/2.8. Examining a neutrally processed RAW, the lens-sensor combination delivered up to 0.225 cycles/pixel at ISO 100.
For printing, this means that up to 8x10 inch (20x25cm), the camera will deliver as much resolution as most commercial printers can print, which is around 150LW/inch. However at regular viewing distances, a lower quality of around 80LW/inch is acceptable. This means that prints with a picture height of up to 15 inch (38cm) are possible.
It goes without saying that this is more than enough resolution for social media and web applications.
On side note, the lens did not exhibit any noticeable decentering.
TG-7 4.5 to 18mm f/2 to f/4.9.
Chromatic Aberrations
Lateral chromatic aberrations are present at all focal lengths and f-stops, mostly in the blue channel, which results in blue-yellow-colored aberrations. They can be relatively prominent at the edges at all apertures and focal lengths, at least when viewing uncorrected RAW-files.
Geometric Distortion
The lens exhibits a significant amount of geometric distortion. At the wide end, barrel distortion is present, while the long end, pincushion distortion is observable when examining uncorrected RAW-files. This is typical for a lens like this and nothing to worry about, as OM Workspace and the in-camera JPEG-engine correct these issues flawlessly.
Dynamic Range
For a compact camera, the dynamic range of the Tough TG-7 is very good. Of course, recording RAW is imperative to make full use of it.
Shadow areas captured at ISO 100 can easily be brightened by 2 EV in post production without any significant loss of fidelity.
In practice, I recommend paying more attention to the bright values of the separate color channels. It is way easier to clip highlights than to loose shadow details with the Tough TG-7.
Image Noise
Within the standard sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 5.000, the TG-7 produces images perfectly usable for most applications.
Image noise tolerance is a very subjective matter, but at least until ISO 800 even critical photographers should be happy with the results.
All in all, with the correct settings even the extension range from ISO 6.400 to 12.800 will get the job done, especially if the images are for electronic display devices only.
Bokeh
Due to the sensor size, the amount of background blur is limited, even at wide apertures. Be that as it may, the bokeh is quite characterful and can be utilized creatively, especially at the long end.
Tested at 4.5mm and f/2, the bokeh in the center is well rounded and exhibits a speckled pattern. In the extreme corners, the Bokeh assumes a triangular shape.
Tested at 18mm and f/4.9, the bokeh does not exhibit any distortion in the corner, which was to be expected because of the lens’s optical design.
Image Processing
In many ways, the image quality the Tough TG-7 delivers is way better than the sum of its parts might suggest. Why? Because of the OM System image processing engine powered by the TruePic VIII processor.
I’ve already mentioned how distortion and chromatic aberrations are corrected effortlessly, but there are many other things to mention.
The adaptive sharpening algorithm increases edge contrast and therefore the perceived resolution.
With the correct settings, the processing engine will effectively suppress false colors while leaving the organic looking luminance noise intact. The result is an image with a fine grain structure and good details, even at higher ISO settings.
To capitalize on that while simultaneously reducing time spent on post processing, using the in-camera JPEG engine or OM Workspace is imperative.
Unfortunately, the in-camera processing options are limited compared to models like the OM-1 and OM-5, but they are definitely sufficient.
TG-7 film simulation “Grainy Film II”.
6. Features
Image Stabilization
In the photography modes, the stabilized image sensor provides around 2.5 EV of stabilization according to OM System. In my experience, it seems to be more effective than that and allows for critically sharp images even in macro situations.
Shutter System
One of the most basic, yet most important features of the TG-7 is that it has a mechanical leaf shutter in addition to the electronic one. It opens up an array of possibilities, for example:
Artificial light flickering at high frequencies is handled with ease. Cameras without a mechanical shutter, like those in smartphones, often produce sensor readout banding in those situations.
It also allows the camera to perform in-camera pixel mapping, which is very useful in the long run.
Dark Frame Noise Reduction
Thanks to the mechanical shutter, the TG-7 can perform in-camera dark frame subtraction, called Noise Reduction by OM System. This is usually found only in professional cameras and will decrease image noise in the RAW and JPEG files even at low ISO settings.
Drive Modes for High Speed Shooting
The Tough TG-7 is capable of blackout-free 20 fps RAW burst shooting with the electronic shutter. After the first 20 frames, the fps will drop, but nonetheless, this is more than enough to capture the action.
Additionally, the TG-7 features the Pro Capture mode with 10fps. It keeps the last 5 images in the buffer as soon as the shutter button is half pressed. Once the button is fully depressed, those images are stored and all consecutive images until the shutter button is released. Pro Capture is very useful for capturing unpredictable action and usually only found in high-end OM cameras.
Interval Shooting
With interval shooting, up to 299 images can be captured and, if desired, composited to create a 4k time lapse video in-camera. As the camera allows for in-camera charging during operation, there is no limitation in regards of shooting time. The exposure smoothening-function prevents sudden jumps in brightness should the brightness change during the recording of the time lapse.
Focus Stacking
In-camera focus stacking can create a focus-stacked JPEG in-camera or save separate JPEGs and/or RAWs for post production focus stacking.
Live Composite
Although the controls are a bit more limited compared to professional OM cameras, the Live Composite mode is able to deliver. This mode is only found in OM System cameras. It records a base exposure and then only overlays brightness changes in the frame, making it well suited for light painting, star trails and creative photography.
Live Composite with the TG-7.
HDR
With firmware 1.0, the camera can only perform HDR1 in-camera, which expands the highlight dynamic range in the resulting JPEG by about one stop.
HDR can only be accessed via the SCN (Scene) menu found on the mode dial and no exposure compensation can be applied, limiting the usefulness of the feature for advanced photographers.
Flash Photography
The built-in flash of the OM System Tough TG-7 has a GN of around 2.8 at ISO 100 and the illumination it provides is wide enough to cover the complete focal length range.
On top of that, it doubles as an optical flash trigger to control other Olympus/OM System flashes remotely, with full TTL metering. This is very useful for professional macro photography, but also a nice option for the next house party. Just place a compatible flash on flash stand and get professional lighting. Simple and effective.
Built-in LED
The relatively powerful LED serves four purposes. First, it will act as the AF assist light if needed. Second, it can be used to illuminate a scene permanently. Third, it is a useful video light. And last but not least, it can even be enabled when the camera is turned off to serve as a pocket lamp.
Field Sensor System
The field sensor system of the TG-7 can record location data, temperature, altitude/depth (pressure) and heading, even when the camera is turned off in a separate log-file.
If you want to keep track of your expedition or your party night because you expect a black out from excessive drinking, this one is for you.
TG-7 LOG switch.
7. Autofocus and Manual Focus
It is very difficult to describe the autofocus system of the TG-7 to a photographer who never used this particular OM System compact camera.
In short, the contrast detection system gets 90% of all shots right out of the box.
To get the last 10%, you have to learn how the system works. Then, you will get quite incredible AF and face tracking performance for a compact camera as well as fast AF acquisition even in difficult circumstances.
This is in line with what I call the OM System experience: most AF systems of OM cameras take a while to master and understand. This is not a negative; it is simply more difficult to fly a spaceship than to drive a car.
Manual focus features include focus peaking and magnify (the latter works for photography only). I have used manual focus quite a bit for street photography and some ultra close-up shots. The experience was in line with other compact cameras like the Sony ZV-1.
8. Videography
For most basic applications that you would use a compact camera for, the Tough TG-7 is a capable video camera.
4k 30p recording with no crop delivers very pleasing quality but with a time limit of 5:27. FHD 60p comes with a time limit of 10:46.
The high speed recording modes are noteworthy. FHD videos can be recorded with a frame rate of 120p for a total playback time of 1:19. Even higher frame rates of 240p (HD) and 480p are available, but the latter applies a significant crop.
The built-in stereo microphone is quite sensitive and delivers good enough quality for basic video recording.
Overall, the video mode is tailored to fit both the user of an action cam and a more advanced user with specific needs, such as ultra macro video.
It takes a bit of learning to utilize the full capabilities of the video features, but mostly it takes trust. You cannot set everything like you can on a professional-grade OM-1, so you just have to trust the TG-7 to do the right thing. And most amazingly, it usually does.
For example, the video autofocus is very reliable and focus changes are very smooth. Even face detection works really well. However, you cannot make any configurations; you just have to use it as it is.
However, you cannot set the aperture, shutter speed or ISO. The later will be used by the camera to control the exposure and can only be adjusted at the beginning of the recording. There is no real flat profile, but the “Muted” picture mode offers a good baseline for post production grading.
The surprisingly effective digital image stabilizer (M-IS) as well as the option to record vertical video for social media round off what is a capable assortment of video features.
9. Connectivity
Connectivity is key for a camera that should accompany you everywhere you go.
First and foremost, the TG-7 can be connected to a power bank for in-camera charging.
But apart from that, the camera inherited the wireless capabilities of its bigger OM-1-brother.
This means that you can control the camera with your smartphone and transfer all images (RAW and JPEG) as well as video and log-files from the field sensor system via WiFi utilizing the reliable, convenient OM Image Share (OI.Share) available for both Android and iOS.
Image editing functions built into OI.Share are a little bonus.
What I really appreciate is that you can even connect the TG-7 with your PC via WiFi and transfer files utilizing OM Workspace. No need to constantly remove and re-insert the SD-card.
Charging the TG-7 during Interval Shooting (time lapse).
10. Accessory Ecosystem
The true extent of the Tough accessory ecosystem deserves a separate article, but it is important to mention it when reviewing the camera as this really sets this camera apart from any competitor and because it is a true force multiplier.
You can get the FD-1 flash diffuser which is a water proof ring flash attachment that can illuminate macro shots and create interesting effect shots at regular distances of your friends at the next party.
With the LG-1 ring light attachment, ultra close-up macro video at 7x magnification is possible. And of course it doubles as a video ring light.
From top left clockwise: FD-1, LG-1 and CLA-T01.
Other useful accessories are the CLA-T01 adapter which allows for the use of 40.5mm filters, like a CPL for example.
If you already own the RM-WR1 wireless trigger for your OM-1, you can use it for the Tough TG-7 as well.
Last but not least I’d like to mention the optional UC-92 charger with USB. It is very compact and can be attached to a power bank, so your spare battery charges in your backpack while you are on the go.
11. Conclusion
Even after this in-depth review of the OM System Tough TG-7, I still feel like there is more to say about this camera. For example, it has very solid battery life and you don’t need more than one backup battery for a day out.
Let me attempt to describe the OM System Tough TG-7 in a few sentences:
It is a truly pocketable digicam companion with class-leading build quality and environmental sealing.
With almost endless options and features it is ideal for the demanding specialist, those willing to learn and also for everyone who just needs a stylish, rugged camera with useful auto functions.
And let’s not forget, you get industry leading ultra macro capabilities coupled with versatile imaging performance for the price of a macro lens.
