Is this the Toughest Camera For Outdoor Use?
Picture the scene: You’re in the most beautiful mountain surroundings you can imagine. But the weather looks like it’s starting to turn. You bring out your phone to take some photographs before the rain and clouds swallow you up.
But there’s a problem. Your phone cost several hundred pounds. Are you going to risk getting it wet as you feel the rain on your face?
Or worse: What if you drop the phone, shattering the screen on a rock? That’s going to ruin your walk.
And your week.
Do you risk it and take the snap or instead rely on your memory alone to capture this epic view?
There has to be another way.
The Olympus Tough TG-4 is A Rugged Camera For Outdoor Use
I recently reviewed the Garmin Oregon 650 handheld GPS which is a truly excellent, hard wearing piece of kit.
But what do you do when you want to take a photograph or movie without the fear of breaking or damaging your camera? That’s where the Olympus Tough TG-4 comes in.
I use the TG-4 for outdoor shots when waving my phone around is a risk I’m unwilling to take. Which is often.
The tough and rugged design is also great for my kids. I don’t have to worry about them breaking the camera if I want to give them a try or let them see the photos we’ve just taken.
Other features include:
- Crushable to 100 kilograms (220lbs) means you don’t need to worry about sitting on it by accident
- Waterproof and snowproof makes it perfect for winter or water sports
- Small and lightweight (245g) for easy carrying
And more…
But a camera wouldn’t be much use if it didn’t take great pictures. Which is why I’ve peppered this review with shots I’ve taken in the last week using my TG-4.
I love the crispness of the landscape mode and the built in ‘dramatic’ filter adds a bit of atmosphere to an already epic view.
The automatic ‘Landscape’ mode takes crisp, detailed pictures.
A built in ‘Dramatic’ filter adds a touch of atmosphere to a morning view of the Scottish countryside.
This ancient cherry tree was so old, it had twisted and rotted but was still standing!
A Tough Camera is a Solid Investment for Outdoor Adventurers
Let’s be real – I’m not going to win a photography competition any time soon so I need all the help I can get.
But I do love to take pictures when I’m out and about on my own or with the kids.
The TG-4 is an investment at around £350 new (Amazon) however this is roughly 1/3 of a new iPhone 7 and half a top of the range Samsung/Android phone so could end up saving you money if you’re a clumsy butter fingers like me…
I’ve lost digital cameras to water damage before (thankfully I saved the memory card) so spending a little extra on a camera like the Olympus Tough that can keep up with my lifestyle is a must.
Neil
P.S. I only review items that I own and love (no sponsored content or shill reviews here).
