Olympus TG-2 iHS Review

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Review posted 07/01/2013

Quick Take
Pros
  • iAuto shooting mode is accurate and easy in all situations
  • Dedicated Video Capture Button is always ready to record
  • "Tough" features: Waterproof, Dustproof, Shockproof and Freezeproof protect the camera
  • Very Fast AF
  • Excellent image quality 
  • Sensor-Shift optical image stabilization keeps images sharp
  • High Res, Bright 3.0-inch OLED
  • Great shooting performance
  • Good Battery Life
  • HDMI output
Cons
  • No external battery charger to keep a spare ready
  • Buffer on camera fills quickly
  • Overwhelming noise at higher ISO settings
  • Screen can be hard to see underwater
  • Higher end price wise for a tough camera
Bottom Line
Olympus's Stylus TG-2 is their new leader in the "tough" or "lifeproof" camera category. Sporting a 12-Megapixel CMOS and powerful processor, this camera will also perform as well just about any other compact digicam. Add its stylish and very protective body and you have a camera that can handle just about anything. Read more in our Full Conclusion.
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Building on the success of the TG-1 iHS, Olympus introduced their 2013 Flagship tough series camera, the TG-2 iHS. This model takes everything we loved about last year's model -- the f2.0 lens, iHS (intelligent, high-sensitivity and high speed) technology, and Full HD 1080p video recording -- and improves it. The waterproof rating has been bumped up ten feet to a full 50ft (15M). Combine that with specs like Freezeproof down to 14°F, Shockproof up to a 6.6ft (2M) drop, Crushproof up to 220 pounds, and Dustproof, and you've got one tough point-and-shoot, ready to go wherever you need to take it.

Much like last year, we've got a 12-megapixel BSI CMOS image sensor with a 4x optical zoom lens that can even shoot stills at 60 frames-per-second (at a 3-megapixel resolution). The f2.0-4.9 lens allows for optimum control over low light shooting conditions and even feature a Manual Aperture Priority mode for DSLR-like precision.

In addition to fun features like 11 Magic Filters, which help stylize your photos, the TG-2 also boasts a built-in manometer, which records depth, elevation, and even warns you if you get too close to the camera's 50ft depth limitation. GPS and e-compass functionality also help with geo-tagging and, in a pinch, finding your way.

Olympus TG-2 iHS Features
  • Waterproof to 50ft (15M)
    • Optional PT-053 underwater housing improves depth rating to 135ft (45M)
  • Shockproof to 7ft (2.1M)
  • Freezeproof to 14°F
  • Dustproof
  • Crushproof up to 220 pounds
  • 12MP BSI CMOS image sensor
  • 4x optical zoom f2.0 lens
  • 25mm wide angle
  • TruePix VI Image Processor
  • Full HD Video Recording
  • 3.0-inch OLED display
  • Low Light Mode
  • Super Sport Mode
  • HDR Backlight
  • Shadow Adjustment Technology
  • 11 Magic Filters
  • In-Body Super Macro Zoom
  • Multi-Motion Movie IS
  • Built-in Manometer
  • GPS
  • e-compass

The Olympus TG-2 iHS is available in black or red with an estimated street price of $379.99 USD. Click on our lowest price button at the top right of this page for the most current online pricing.

What's in the box?:
  • TG-2 Camera
  • LI-90B Battery
  • F-2AC AC Adapter
  • Strap
  • USB Cable CB-USB8
  • Lens Ring (one black, one red)
  • Warranty Card
  • Set-Up Manual & Instruction CD
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Waterproof Insertion



Additional Product Views
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TG-2_RED_TOP.jpg

Next: Specifications

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