The Tide Is Out

Underwater Camera Review: Olympus Tough TG-6

Recently I’ve had some questions about my photos and the camera I use for tide pool photography. I currently use the Olympus Tough TG-6 for all my macro underwater photos. Since you all seem interested, I’ll give a quick review here. Let me know if you are interested in seeing a more in-depth review of specific features or a how-to-use guide for modes or settings.

Without a doubt, the TG-6 is one of the best compact (not DSLR or SLR) underwater cameras on the market. It has a load of features, and the majority of tidepoolers I know personally also use this camera. When it comes down to it, it’s the photographer, not the camera, that creates excellent shots. But if you can’t focus on your subject, you aren’t going to get the photos you want no matter how good a photographer you are. Although a bit on the pricey side, TG-6 is absolutely worth it (or worth putting on your wish list) if you’re serious about taking stunning intertidal images.

Pros

Awesome Macro

For intertidal photographers, the macro features of the TG-6 are unmatched in the compact camera world. With enough light, it can focus on an object literally touching the glass on the lens. With a standard macro and a microscope mode, you can capture details far too small for the unaided eye to see. It also has an image stack mode (to increase your depth of field) and underwater microscope mode to fit for optimal underwater lighting. The clarity, focus ability, and zoom for macro are excellent, and it makes those tiny nudibranchs look like they’re three feet long. I have yet to see any other compact camera perform as well in macro modes as the TG-6

Great Durability

The Olympus “tough” part of this camera really lives up to its name. It is waterproof, freeze-proof, drop-proof, dust-proof, and crush-proof. Before getting the TG-6 about two years ago, I had a previous version of the Olympus Tough for over 10 years. And I was not careful with that camera. I wrapped the strap around my foot while kayak-surfing, carried it in freezing temperatures while skiing, and took it underwater hundreds of times. It never failed, never leaked, and never stopped taking great photos, despite having a low-quality flash compared to new cameras. My family has tried other brands of compact water-proof cameras and none of them had the longevity of the Olympus.

Good Video

The TG-6 takes 4K video. For a small compact camera, it comes out great. There is no built-in stabilizing feature, but I have no other complaints. The camera does just as well video macro subjects as it does in classic modes. The video is also a great option for when a subject is too far away to be reached by a flash, but you can’t focus without the extra light. Be aware, however, that the depth of field in macro mode is very small so if you’re subject moves while being videoed, it may move out of the focus zone if you don’t move with it.

Great Variety of Modes and Accessories

Flash modes, timers, single shots, stacking, continuous shooting, you name it (almost), this camera has it. Along with many pre-set modes for “sunset” or “beach,” you’ll find more advanced settings like aperture and white balance that feel similar to a full manual camera. There are also great accessories for this camera. The flash diffuser makes a world of difference in macro photos. I have color filters, mini external lenses, a light ring, and tiny tripods as well. 

Ease of Use 

The TG-6 is easy to use. If you don’t want to go into the weeds, just turn it on, flip to a pre-set mode, and click the shutter. But if you’d like to learn more about what it can do, there is a ton to discover. 

Underwater Distance Photographs

In addition to great underwater macro, this camera also does well underwater at a distance. I find that the underwater settings for shallow water have good white-balance pre-sets to correct your colors, and the clarity even at some distance is good. 

Compact

The TG-6 is a compact camera, which means it doesn’t have interchangeable lenses or a mirror like traditional DSLR cameras. While this has some drawbacks, its small size is an advantage for tidepoolers who often find tiny animals in compact spaces. No DSLR could hole to fit into a tiny tidepool; the TG-6 can (usually). 

WiFi Ability

I do most of my editing and storage on my laptop, so this doesn’t have as much of an impact on me. But I have heard other tidepoolers rave about the WIFI features of this camera. Seamless contact it to your phone and choose which photos you want to import. The feature works great, but it can take some time, especially to transfer videos.

Cons

Average Above Water Distance

While great for underwater macro and distance, the “action” or “landscape” shots on this camera are less than stellar. I will usually pull out my phone for these kinds of shots instead of my TG-6.

Lack of Complete Manual Mode

For those of us who enjoy photography beyond tide pooling, the lack of a manual mode can be a little restricting on this camera. I have often wished I could control both the aperture and shuttle speed to adjust my depth of field and available with slow-moving subjects.

Small Zoom 

With a 4x zoom, the TG-6 has a good range for macro photos, but I’ve found myself wanting more zoom for larger subjects. 

Price 

The TG-6 is pricey for a compact camera. Even with a newer version available, the TG-7, you’re still looking at nearly $400 for this camera. 

Conclusion

Overall, the TG-6 is a great pick if you’re looking to get into intertidal and underwater photography in general. I LOVE this camera and can’t say enough good about it. If you aren’t sure you’re going to make tide pooling a serious hobby or don’t want to make such a large investment, housing for smartphones and other compact cameras might be good options. In addition, if you want an all-around compact camera that performs great at a distance and doesn’t need extra durability for extreme activities, there might be better options for you. Let me know if you want to see more reviews about photography equipment for tide pooling!