This post is part of my Ritz Camera Ambassadorship and contains affiliate links. Images are unedited for the purpose of the review; all opinions are my own.
When it comes to exploring the outdoors, we want a camera that delivers high-quality images and video, is easy to throw in a backpack or pocket, and is tough enough to handle freezing temperatures, water, dust, and maybe an accidental drop or two. Did I mention we want all these features for under $500?
I am thrilled to share our trial run with the Olympus TG-4 thanks to Ritz Camera. We’ve been searching for a family-friendly point-and-shoot camera that is easy to use, rugged, and can keep up with us on any adventure.
Why did we want to test out the Olympus TG-4?
The answer is pretty simple; the features include everything we’ve been looking for in a multi-use family-friendly point-and-shoot camera. Let’s take a look:
- 16MP high-quality image capture
- 4x Wide Optical Zoom
- 55MB internal memory
- Waterproof to depths of 50ft (15m)
- Freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C)
- Shockproof to 7ft (2.1m)
- Crushproof to 220-pound feet (100kgf)
- Dustproof
- RAW Capture provides you with higher quality and creative control in image processing
- 1080p HD Video
- WiFi/GPS/e.Compass
The e.Compass option includes Information such as latitude and longitude, atmospheric and water pressure, altitude and water depth, and date and time.
The Easy-to-Use Features of the Olympus TG-4
Right out of the box, the shiny red camera is begging to be used, just pop in the battery and an sd memory card and ensure the seals are free of debris and tightly shut. With numerous scene modes to choose from, there is a perfect one for every situation.
Underwater shots with the Olympus TG-4
Image not taken with the Olympus TG-4 but you can see it underwater!
First up is the pool! Every girl dreams of swimming like a mermaid so why not make that a reality? Cheyenne put on her mermaid tail and was happy to do an underwater shoot with us. I have to admit I was a little nervous about putting the camera in the water; I like how the camera reminds you to check the seals to make sure they are free of debris and closed properly.
Underwater shooting modes include HDR leaving you with crisp underwater shots. We were impressed with the quality of the images especially the bubbles underwater.
Cheyenne took this photo underwater looking up at the palm tree
Sport Mode with the Olympus TG-4
Next up Monster Jam Freestyle Finals, why not try out some action shots and video mode in a football stadium full of fans and monster trucks. This was the perfect opportunity to let Dustin use the camera to take some shots of his favorite trucks as they competed in the finals.
With the sport mode feature, you can rapidly take multiple shots, ensuring you capture the perfect moment of the big game or competition.
The video modes allow you to capture everything from time-lapse to 240fps high speed, all in 1080p HD quality. I am impressed with the quality of the video, we were near the top of the bleachers, and the event happened in the evening, so we had to depend on the stadium lighting for our images and videos.
4x Optical Zoom Shots of the Olympus TG-4
To slow things down after some much-needed rest we headed to the Container Park for some of the best BBQ in Las Vegas and shops full of local artisan products. Frank was happy to carry the camera in his pocket allowing me to leave my purse at home! I love the compact size of the Olympus TG-4.
This is a before-and-after photo using the zoom function of the girls on the upper deck of the Container Park.
If these features aren’t enough you can also use the built-in Wireless LAN and free Olympus Image Share app that enables you to:
- Easily share files with iOS and Android mobile devices
- Geotag photos with GPS location information from iOS and Android mobile devices
- Remotely compose the shot, adjust camera settings, and trip the shutter, all from an iOS or Android mobile device
- Apply custom signatures, Art Filters, and stamps
One thing you need to be aware of is fingerprints off the lens; we had to clean it a few times because we were getting a big smudge in the middle of our photos.
The Family Friendly Olympus TG-4 Camera Review
With a retail value of $379.99, the Olympus TG-4 offers the full package when it comes to a family-friendly point-and-shoot camera. Not only can it keep up with us but the quality of the images is fantastic.
This camera is the perfect addition to any family who needs a camera that is tough enough to keep up with their adventures. I love how the kids can find their creative eye in photography with this camera because I have peace of mind that if they accidentally drop it or take it in water the camera will stand up to the challenge.
I had to share this image because a couple of hours out of Las Vegas on our drive back towards Montana we got caught in a freak snowstorm. It was crazy we went from swimming in the pool the night before to clearing snow off this sign to check out the history of the Pony Express.
I'm a fan of this camera because it is easy to use, can keep up with our family adventures and we were able to get all the features we wanted at an affordable price. If you're looking for a tough waterproof camera, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the Olympus TG-4.
2 Comments
What a most cool camera! I love that its waterproof until a certain point! It would be great to take up island with the famjam!
Thanks for sharing the review. I am looking for a secondary camera, but still kind of torn in between Olympus and Fuji… But that freezeproof, shockproof and waterproof seem perfect for my butterfingers.