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Olympus TG-6 Comparison Review

The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a fixed lens compact camera that was announced in May 2019 and is equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. It offers a resolution of 12 megapixel.

camera

Is the Olympus TG-6 a good camera? The TG-6 has a Camera Elo of 2204. This rating puts the TG-6 among the top 30 percent of all travel zoom compact cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (small sensor cameras), the TG-6 ranks among the top 10 percent. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 4.5-star performance rating.

Headline Specifications
Olympus TG-6
Fixed lens compact camera
25-100mm f/2.0-4.9
12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video
ISO 100 - 12 800
no viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
20 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization
Waterproof body (15m)
340 shots per battery charge
113 x 66 x 32 mm, 253 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The physical dimensions of the Olympus TG-6 relative to a credit card are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Olympus TG-6 vs credit card front
TG-6 versus credit card top view
TG-6 and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Olympus TG-6 alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus TG-6 113 mm 66 mm 32 mm 253 g 340 Y May 2019 449 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX740 110 mm 64 mm 40 mm 299 g 265 n Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm XF10 113 mm 64 mm 41 mm 279 g 330 n Jul 2018 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus TG-5 113 mm 66 mm 32 mm 250 g 340 Y May 2017 449ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus TG-4 112 mm 66 mm 31 mm 247 g 380 Y Apr 2015 379ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus XZ-1 111 mm 65 mm 42 mm 275 g 320 n Jan 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
OM System TG-7 114 mm 66 mm 33 mm 249 g 330 Y Sep 2023 549 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FT7 117 mm 76 mm 37 mm 319 g 300 Y May 2018 449ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh WG-6 118 mm 66 mm 33 mm 246 g 340 Y Feb 2019 399 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony HX99 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 242 g 370 n Aug 2018 449ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Olympus TG-6 was launched in the US market at a price of $449. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check TG-6 price at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Olympus TG-6 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Olympus TG-6 among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design.

Olympus TG-6 sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of alternatives.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus TG-6 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p20.712.2112752
2.
 
Canon SX740 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1105051
3.
 
Fujifilm XF10 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/15p24.013.4184483
4.
 
Olympus TG-5 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p20.511.993450
5.
 
Olympus TG-4 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.211.673747
6.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
7.
 
Olympus XZ-1 1/1.7 10.1 3664 2752720/30p18.810.411734
8.
 
OM System TG-7 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30004K/30p20.912.7155354
9.
 
Panasonic FT7 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.612.1102851
10.
 
Ricoh WG-6 1/2.3 20.2 5184 38884K/30p20.712.2110452
11.
 
Sony HX99 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.1105851
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The TG-6 indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the TG-6 can use is 4K/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Olympus TG-6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus TG-6none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/2000s 20.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Canon SX740none n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/3200s 10.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Fujifilm XF10none n3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
4.
 
Olympus TG-5none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 20.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus TG-4none n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/2000s 5.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus XZ-1optional n3.0 / 614 fixed n 1/2000s 2.0/s Y Y
8.
 
OM System TG-7none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/2000s 20.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic FT71170 n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/1300s 10.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Ricoh WG-6none n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 1.0/s Y n
11.
 
Sony HX99638 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the TG-6 is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus Tough TG-6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus TG-6-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Canon SX740-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
3.
 
Fujifilm XF10-stereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Olympus TG-5-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus TG-4-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus XZ-1Ymono / ---mini2.0---
8.
 
OM System TG-7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic FT7-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Ricoh WG-6-mono / mono--micro3.0---
11.
 
Sony HX99-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
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It is notable that the TG-6 offers wifi support. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The TG-6 has a zoom lens built in (4.5-18mm f/2.0-4.9), which, in full frame equivalent terms, provides a focal length range from 25 to 100mm. The camera is, hence, ready to shoot, while remaining more compact in size than an interchangeable lens camera with an optic that offers similar focal length and aperture specifications.

Further information on the features and operation of the TG-6 can be found in the free online Olympus TG-6 Manual or on the Olympus support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the TG-6 handle or perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus TG-64/5+ +4.5/576/1004/54/5 May 2019 449 amazon.com
2.
 
Canon SX740..+3.5/5..4/54/5 Jul 2018 399 amazon.com
3.
 
Fujifilm XF10....4/575/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2018 499ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus TG-5..+ +4.5/5..4/54/5 May 2017 449ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus TG-4..+..79/1004/54/5 Apr 2015 379ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus XZ-14/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
OM System TG-7............ Sep 2023 549 amazon.com
9.
 
Panasonic FT7..+....3.5/53.5/5 May 2018 449ebay.com
10.
 
Ricoh WG-6........3.5/53.5/5 Feb 2019 399 amazon.com
11.
 
Sony HX99........4/54.5/5 Aug 2018 449ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check TG-6 price at
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Olympus TG-6 FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the TG-6.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Olympus TG-6 based on?

The camera has a BSI-CMOS (Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

Which image processing chip is used in the Olympus TG-6 to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Olympus equipped the TG-6 with the TruePic VIII image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Olympus TG-6?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Olympus TG-6?

No, the Olympus Tough TG-6 has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Olympus TG-6?

The TG-6 offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Olympus TG-6 feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

Does the Olympus TG-6 support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Olympus TG-6 use?

The camera gets its power from the LI-92B (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Does the Olympus TG-6 support geotagging?

The TG-6 has a built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) module and can embed location information in the EXIF data of the captured image.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Olympus TG-6
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 25-100mm f/2.0-4.9
    Launch Date May 2019
    Launch Price USD 449
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4 000 x 3 000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.53 μm
    Pixel Density 42.74 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 12 800 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic VIII
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type No viewfinder
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 1040k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 20 shutter flaps/s
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Geotagging GPS built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWaterproof body (15m)
    Battery Type LI-92B power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 113 x 66 x 32 mm
    (4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 253 g (8.9 oz)

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