Olympus TG-4 Review

In-camera features and simplified controls make this an easy tool for hobbyists to enjoy. The Olympus TG-4 does list that it offers manual focus, but with a confusing path to a digital focus styling, it’s nowhere near as simple as turning a focus ring on a lens. Meanwhile a lack of touch screen interface and articulation prevent this camera from reaching a fully-realized, user-friendly status. Aside from this, the camera does stand strong for its own functionality with regard to the typical needs of this specific camera.

Underwater and through all degrees of duress, the Olympus TG-4 still works great. Basic camera issues create discrepancies in quality though with AF features lacking by comparison and not quite the ruggedness of the GoPro; it still manages incredible performance under scenarios not otherwise designed for typical cameras.

Occasional wants more typically associated with a DSLR camera like a viewfinder or an articulated screen leave you occasionally remiss about what could be, but overall if you need a portable camera to take quality photos on your vacation, the Olympus TG-4 has got you covered.

Amazon offers a 3-4 year warranty option for purchaser through their site.

Having no features on the body itself, you will have to control the camera remotely via your cell phone, which can be a frustrating, multi-step hassle for people who are used to tactile control of their cameras. There are few buttons on the camera itself, which draws some users into thinking it’s simple, but because one button can be the power button, the cycle left, and right and a different button be the activation button, it is really a camera whose function will never feel intuitive.

GoPro is a proud brand which has continued to maintain its standards of excellence in under some of the most trying conditions. What it does, it does well and there’s no denying the endless possibilities of this little action camera. As a photographic camera though you really would be lacking when going for aspects you specifically want or need. There’s no viewfinder or screen, and the size of it just makes you feel like you’re playing with a toy rather than framing up for a shot.

The GoPro camera is all you get when you buy and as a result it does not even include a screen. For this reason, it can feel a bit thin in the provisions department and loses out as a result to other cameras on this list like the Olympus TG-4. It scores points for its incredibly small design but the initial excitement of having such a small device, the remainder of the glamor will fade to frustration when you’re trying to do something specific with it.

You can buy warranties with Amazon but GoPro also offers quality coverage for most reasonable scenarios.

For functionality, this camera hasn’t made much of a leap from it’s Olympus TG-4 counterpart. Largely the same body, most of the enhancements come with internal picture quality. As a result of some of the same issues also follow including an attached screen without touch functionality and no viewfinder.

With higher ISO range, better video quality and a larger pixel area, the Olympus TG-5 makes efforts to out-do the Olympus TG-4 in nearly every degree of performance. Where it falls short is in megapixels, which dictate very little in this day and age but comes across as a degradation in quality to some consumers. Overall it is something hard to stress about in a compact camera as it’s unlikely these prints will ever be large enough for it to be necessary to have so many extra pixels.

This camera mirrors the Olympus TG-4 in so many ways that the design itself is close to indistinguishable. The TG-5 is 3 grams heavier and about a millimeter longer and wider, but this is unlikely to cause too many issues for space or portability.

Amazon.com provides quality 3 and 4-year warranties for this model.

Outer camera dials and obvious settings make this camera a grab-and-go essential that won’t stir up too much controversy in the functionality department. With optical image stabilization to counter for hand held work and a weather sealed body you’ll have every degree of function whenever you need it.

Nikon allows for premium video quality and adds only a little to what we would expect from the compact camera market. In particular where it stands out against the Olympus TG-4 is that is has an internal viewfinder. Otherwise it still offers the same variable features with a high enough degree of fidelity to ensure this camera utilizes all that modern technology has to offer. Other additions are a faster top shutter speed (1/4000svs) and a top 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed.

Largely the same as the Olympus TG-4, the only real differences are that this camera is just a little smaller than its competitor. Again the viewfinder stands out here as a bonus for shooters during daylight conditions. Meanwhile, with a screen resolution that can reach 921k dots, you are much more likely to clearly understand the photo you are taking well before you get into any degree of post work.

Amazon provides 3 and 4-year warranties on this model camera.