The OM System TG-7 camera is built for conditions that would destroy most photographic gear. Waterproof to 15 m, shockproof from 2.1 m, crushproof up to 100 kgf, and freezeproof to −10 °C, it is the latest in a line of rugged compacts designed to go anywhere. Whether you’re documenting coral reefs, trekking through snowfields, or recording data in the field, the TG-7 delivers reliable performance in environments where a traditional camera would never survive.
Built for the Wild: This is not a fair-weather camera. The TG-7’s sealed body, textured grip, and glove-friendly controls make it ideal for outdoor expeditions and underwater adventures. It serves hikers, divers, paddlers, and scientists equally well, pairing portability with resilience.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|
| Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 12 MP effective |
| Lens | Fixed 25–100 mm equiv. zoom, f/2.0–4.9 |
| ISO range | 100–12,800 |
| Video | 4K up to 30p, Full HD up to 60p, High-speed modes up to 480 fps (SD) |
| Connectivity | USB-C, HDMI Type-D, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Battery life | Approx. 340 shots (CIPA) |
| Dimensions / Weight | 113.9 × 65.8 × 32.7 mm / 249 g (with battery & card) |
OM System TG-7 Special Features
- Microscope Mode: Focus from 1 cm with up to 4× digital magnification.
- Underwater Modes: Presets tailored to depth, including underwater HDR.
- Field Sensors: GPS, compass, manometer, and thermometer for logging environmental data.
- Focus Stacking & Bracketing: Extends depth of field in-camera.
- Pro Capture: Records frames before shutter press to catch fleeting moments.
Design & Performance
The TG-7 retains the classic Tough series look — compact, armored, and unapologetically practical. Large buttons, a positive mode dial, and a bright 3-inch LCD (1.04M dots) make it easy to operate even in bright sunlight or with gloves.
- Autofocus: Contrast-detect AF, modes include Face Priority and Tracking; focus down to 1 cm in Microscope mode.
- Burst shooting: Up to 20 fps (electronic shutter), 10 fps mechanical. Pro Capture mode buffers images before shutter press.
- Image quality: Solid color reproduction, decent dynamic range for small sensor; RAW capture available.
- Low-light: Bright f/2.0 wide aperture helps, but small sensor limits high ISO performance.
Connectivity, Workflow & Power
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer and remote shooting via OM Image Share app; USB-C for charging and data; HDMI Type-D output for external displays.
- Workflow: Uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; UHS-I supported. RAW+JPEG options; in-camera RAW editing.
- Power: LI-92B lithium-ion battery, USB-C charging (~3 hours); optional UC-92 charger available.
Verdict
The OM System TG-7 is for adventurers who value reliability in the field over ultimate image quality. It’s not built to replace a larger-sensor camera in controlled conditions, but in places where your gear is constantly wet, cold, or knocked around, it will keep shooting. For divers, hikers, or anyone working where a protective housing would normally be required, it’s a dependable, compact, and surprisingly versatile companion.