OM System has just announced the newest edition to their shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof camera line: the OM System Tough TG-7 Digital Camera. The TG-7 is a pocketable, super-rugged camera with a multitude of features that can benefit many different types of creators. Its lightweight and compact body is meant to be taken to the most extreme environments but can also be used for content as simple as day-to-day photos.
Key Features of the OM System TG-7 Camera
- FullHD 12MP image sensor
- 100-12,800 ISO
- Waterproof up to 50 ft.
- Shockproof up to 7 ft.
- Crushproof up to 220 lbs.
- Freezeproof up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit
- Vertical video and interval shooting available
- High resolution f/2.0 lens
- RAW recording
- 4K/30P high speed video
What’s New About the OM System TG-7 Camera?
New upgrades to this model include a change to the charging port, remote control capabilities, vertical video and interval shooting modes, and a slightly lighter build.
Build & Durability
This camera is undoubtedly the most waterproof of its kind. Its ruggedness makes it possible to shoot in virtually any conditions, which helps it compete with the impressive action camera market. OM System also offers a number of accessories. This includes wide-angle and fisheye lenses, wireless flashes, and underwater housing that allows you to take the camera 15 meters deeper
The camera is also freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit, shockproof to falls from 7’, crushproof to withstand up to 220 lbs of pressure, and dustproof IP6X rated to protect internal components of the camera. To put it more simply, this camera will not fail even in the worst of conditions.
4x Optical Zoom Lens
The lens has a 4x optical zoom, equivalent to 25-100mm F/2.0-4.9, with built-in stabilization and a bright f/2 maximum aperture to help when working in low-light conditions. The 2x digital teleconverter quickly achieves a maximum 8x zoom. The 25mm view of the TG-7 showcases a slight fisheye effect when shooting at its widest focal length.
12MP BSI CMOS Sensor and TruePic VIII Processor
OM System continues to use the 12MP BSI CMOS sensor in order to keep the camera light and compact. The BSI design offers a cleaner image quality, up to 12,800 ISO, to reduce noise when working in darker environments. The sensor’s cover glass has an anti-reflective coating to suppress lens flare and ghosting when working in brighter conditions. The camera also has 20fps continuous shooting rate in RAW as well as the ability to record in 4K30p video and high-speed Full HD 1080p up to 120fps.
Field Sensor and Built-In Wi-Fi
Being able to transfer and backup files while in the field is essential for some creators. The Field Sensor System includes a GPS module, compass, and temperature sensor. Metadata, photos, and video can be transferred to a smartphone via Wi-Fi. Additionally, the photos and videos can be searched for using recorded metadata. The built-in Wi-Fi also allows you to remotely control the camera and share images to a linked smartphone or tablet.
Impressive Shooting Modes
The TG-7 has five separate underwater modes that are available to produce clearer shots when working in or near water. This include Underwater Wide, Underwater Macro, Underwater HDR, Underwater Snapshot, and Underwater Microscope. The camera also has three underwater white balance modes.
Pro Capture Mode will sequentially shoot from .5 to 10 seconds before the shutter is pressed to ensure you never miss a shot. Meanwhile, interval shooting and in-camera time lapses can be recorded with 1-second to 24-hour intervals for up to 299 consecutive images.
The TG-7 brings back four macro shooting modes that allow you to get up close and personal with your subject. These include Microscope, Microscope Control, Focus Stacking, and Focus Bracketing modes. With any of these, you are able to photograph subjects as close as one centimeter.
Who Should Try the OM System TG-7 Camera?
This camera is great for underwater or dive photographers who want to dive deeper and use off-camera flashes without the need to carry massive underwater housing. Along with the underwater shooting modes, the TG-7 can capture images that larger mirrorless cameras can’t, simply because of its software.
This camera is built for toughness and meant to be used by those looking to capture subjects in harsh conditions. Though this camera is perfect for hikers, divers, skiers and other thrillseekers, everyday shooters and those looking for something more durable than a smartphone will find this camera to be useful and fun to use. The image stabilization makes it perfect for anyone looking for a tool to capture moments on the go.
TG-7 vs TG-6 Comparison Chart
The predecessor to this camera is still a great option for those looking into this camera line. The TG-6 offers almost every spec that the TG-7 minus the USB-Type C port, remote controller, vertical video mode and interval shooting.
| TG-7 | TG-6 | |
| Image Quality | 12MP / ISO 100-12800 | 12MP / ISO 100-12800 |
| Video | 4k 30p | 4k 30p |
| Vertical Video | Yes | No |
| Interval Shooting | Yes | No |
| USB Jack | Type-C | microB |
| Weight | 249g | 253g |
| USB Jack | Type-C | microB |
| Monitor | 3.0-inch, 1037k dots | 3.0-inch, 1037k dots |
| Durability | Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof | Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof |
The TG-7 is undoubtedly the most capable underwater camera currently on the market. If you are looking for a durable, waterproof camera that can fit in your pocket and record 4k/30p video for a good price, this camera is a great option.
