Critical Assessment of OM System TG-7: A Comprehensive Evaluation
Fresh Take: A Disappointing Upgrade – OM System TG-7 Review
After the widespread acclaim of the Olympus TG-6 in 2019, especially among underwater photographers, we anticipated a groundbreaking TG-7 that offered a revamped and reimagined successor. However, the TG-7 turned out to be quite the letdown for many TG-6 users – a repackaged, minorly upgraded version of its predecessor, now marketed by OM System (formerly known as Olympus, now under Japanese Industrial Partners).
The new pricing for the TG-7 has sparked controversy, since it retails for $549.99 – a significant increase over the TG-6 while offering only minor enhancements. Opposition to this price escalation grows as it makes professional-grade APS-C cameras increasingly competitive. Compare, for instance, the entry-level Canon R100 at $479 – quite the steal in contrast.
Although TG-7 sample images will mirror those seen in Olympus TG-6 reviews, we dove with the TG-7 to present real-world results in our review. Go through the full TG-7 review below to see our underwater test shots in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii.
OM System TG-7 Underwater Housings
One positive change from the new camera is its compatibility with current Olympus TG-6 housings. Take a look at Bluewater Photo's rundown of TG-7 underwater housing options for a better understanding. Consider, for example, the Ikelite TG-7 housing, Marelux TG-7 housing, Isotta TG-7 housing, Kraken TG-7 housing, Nauticam TG-7 housing, and Olympus PT-059 housing.
Ikelite TG-7 Housing & Inon Accessories
We'd like to extend a shoutout to Ikelite and Inon for equipping us with the housing and accessories for this review. Our dives in Hawaii with our new diver and photographer, Avyay, showcased Ikelite's fantastic housing. This compact set-up is perfect for beginners; its buttons are labeled, and it's simple to place the camera in the housing, shut the latch, and get started! The back of the housing is completely clear, ensuring easy visibility during the dive. The Ikelite housing is the only one that can accommodate the FCON-T02 fisheye lens, offering a wide-angle setup for the camera. Read our review of the FCON-T02 and Ikelite housing for more details.
In the Pacific Northwest, I had the opportunity to test out Inon's latest accessories, including the Inon S220 strobe, Inon mega float tube, Inon telescopic arms, and Inon wide lens.
Shop at Bluewater Photo for OM System TG-7 Camera and Housings!
Ikelite Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Housing
Nauticam Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Housing
Isotta Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Housing
Olympus TG-7, TG-6, TG-5 Underwater Housing PT-059
Our Top Olympus TG-7 Underwater Bundles and Packages:
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Snorkel Package
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Macro Package
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Video Package
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Ultimate Package
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Housing and Strobe Package
Olympus TG-7, TG-6 Camera and Housing Bundle
Great Value Package for the Olympus TG-7, TG-6
TG-7 Specifications
- 12 megapixel, 1/2.33" sensor (smaller than the Canon G7X Mark III and RX100 VII, leading to less dynamic range)
- Olympus TruePic VIII image processor
- Waterproof (50ft without housing), shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof
- Fast f/2.0-4.9 lens with 4.5mm - 18mm focal length (equivalent to 25mm - 100mm)
- Sensor-shift image stabilization (up to 2.5 stops)
- Minimum working distance 1cm (in super macro mode)
- ISO range 100 – 12,800
- 25 autofocus points with Single AF and Tracking
- 4K@30p video recording (approx. 102 Mbps bit rate)
- High Speed Movie mode with 1920x1080@120fps / 1280x720@240 fps / 640x360@480fps
- 4K timelapse video
- Pro Capture mode for 20fps image capture
- Shutter speed 4 sec to 1/2000 sec
- Custom white balance (4 slots)
- Built-in flash
- SD storage (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
- RAW and jpeg shooting
- WiFi capabilities, including camera control via smartphone
- Action track sensors record location, temperature, direction, and altitude data
- Weight (approx): 249g / 8.72oz with battery & memory card
- Dimensions: 113mm x 66mm x 32.7mm (4.43in x 2.6in x 1.23in)
- Battery life (CIPA): 330
What's New? The TG-7 vs. the TG-6
The main differences between the TG-7 and TG-6 are fairly minimal:
- The TG-7’s charging and data transfer port has been updated to USB-C.
- The TG-7 will automatically rotate your video vertically if you take vertical videos for social media.
- A new construction mode has been added for workers needing to bring the camera to sites.
Image Quality
The TG-7 features the same 12 megapixel, 1/2.33" sensor as the TG-5 and TG-6, resulting in the same excellent image quality. Dynamic range isn't as extensive as that offered by 1" compact cameras, but for macro images that require less dynamic range, it performs admirably.
Body and Build Quality
Engineered with the same sturdiness as the TG-6, the TG-7 is frost-free to 14F/-10C, crush-free to 220 pounds/100kg, and shock-resistant from 7 feet/2.1m. The camera is also waterproof to 50ft, providing a decent margin of safety for underwater shooters.
Battery Life
The TG-7's battery life is estimated to last 330 shots. While we found the TG-6 battery to hold up well, we recommend replacing it with a new battery after each dive or every other dive for the TG-7. Keep in mind that the TG-7's battery life might still hold up for three dives under the right conditions.
Strobes and TTL/RC Capability
Strobes are essential underwater accessories that bring color and detail back into photos. Through-the-lens (TTL) is a strobe setting that utilizes your camera's light metering to control strobe power. The internal flash trigger can transmit signals to your strobes using fiber optic cables, and your strobes fire accordingly. The TG-7 supports optical TTL when using fiber optic cables with the Sea & Sea YS-03 Solis strobes, YS-01 Solis strobes, Inon S220 strobes, Apollo 28 strobes, and Apollo 33 strobes. TTL functionality is possible in all modes – P, A, and auto.
Conclusion
The excitement surrounding the OM System TG-7 announcement waned when it became apparent that the new model offered minimal changes from the TG-6. Despite being a private equity firm, OM Systems seemed intent on inflating the price and generating additional sales from unsuspecting customers. They may have overreached with this tactic, and we take pleasure in exposing their questionable business practices.
In the realm of underwater photography, the OM System TG-7, while marketed as a revolutionary successor, turned out to be disappointingly similar to its predecessor, the TG-6, offering only minor upgrades despite a significant price increase.
The new TG-7 is compatible with current TG-6 housings, such as the Ikelite TG-7 housing, Marelux TG-7 housing, Isotta TG-7 housing, Kraken TG-7 housing, Nauticam TG-7 housing, and Olympus PT-059 housing. Ikelite and Inon provided us with the housing and accessories for this review, showcasing the ease of use and versatility of these gadgets.
Comparatively, the entry-level Canon R100 retails for $479, making professional-grade APS-C cameras increasingly competitive in terms of pricing. Nevertheless, we had the chance to test the TG-7 underwater in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii, presenting real-world results through our review.
The TG-7 features a 12 megapixel, 1/2.33" sensor, offering an excellent image quality suitable for macro images, albeit with a limited dynamic range. It boasts a fast f/2.0-4.9 lens, sensor-shift image stabilization, and 4K video recording capability.
Minor changes between the TG-7 and TG-6 include an updated USB-C port for charging and data transfer, vertical video support, and a construction mode for workers. Despite its inflated price tag, the excitement surrounding the TG-7 announcement has faded, leaving many worried about OM System's questionable business practices.
For underwater photographers, the TG-7 offers impressive image quality, but its limited changes and significant price hike raise concerns about its value. The addition of strobes can significantly enhance color and detail in underwater photos, with the TG-7 supporting TTL functionality with various strobes, including Sea & Sea YS-03 Solis strobes, YS-01 Solis strobes, Inon S220 strobes, Apollo 28 strobes, and Apollo 33 strobes.
In conclusion, the OM System TG-7 offers similar features to its predecessor, the TG-6, while increasing in price, leading to a letdown for many users. As underwater photographers scrutinize the TG-7's performance and OM System's business strategies, they wait to see if future iterations will truly revolutionize the underwater photography market.
