The OM-System Tough TG-7 is the latest in their line of IP6X rated go-anywhere compact cameras. The TG-6, which also works inside the NA-TG7 housing, was a huge hit amongst underwater photographers as it was able to capture even super-macro images without any need for diopters. The TG-7 is a clear example of Olympus' drive to create a camera that rises to meet the ever-evolving needs of the traveling compact camera user.
The OM-System Tough TG-7 Camera
The Olympus TG-7 shares the same 12MP BSI CMOS sensor with the TruePic VIII quad-core processor. The camera itself is IP6X rated to be waterproof up to 50ft (which is actually IPX8 spec!) as well as crushproof to 220lbf and freezeproof to 14º F and features an upgraded rear LCD screen. The feature that made the TG-5 a true macro game-changer was the 1cm minimum focus distance. For the TG-6, this feature has seen stronger implementation through the ability to use it outside of the dedicated Microscope Mode.
Key Camera Specifications
- 12MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Waterproof to 50ft
- 4K/30p UHD Video Capture
- 1080/120p FHD High-speed Video Capture
- Selectable Underwater White Balance Modes
Selectable Autofocus modes
On the TG-5, in order to take advantage of the camera's ability to focus at a mere 1cm from the lens to capture true super-macro images, the camera needed to be set to the dedicated Microscope Mode which forced the camera into a wider-open aperture. The resulting images had impressive magnification but there was no control over the depth-of-field and significant ambient light intrusion. With the TG-6, there is now a selectable Super Macro Focus mode available in Aperture Priority Mode. This gives the shooter complete control over the Aperture. Combined with the added ability to set a minimum shutter speed as high as 1/500sec and limit the maximum ISO, it is possible to regain control over both the depth-of-field and render clean black backgrounds free of ambient light.
Underwater White balance Setting
The TG-7 allows for even greater differentiation with depth-specific preset white balances. for shallow, mid-depth, and deep. These can be used inside the Aperture Priority mode and are helpful when shooting scenes lit purely by ambient light.
Video Perfocmance Upgrades
The 4K/30p video option can now be selected from the Quick Menu as opposed to switching the cameras Mode Dial over to Movie Mode. This combined the with the dedicated Super Macro Focus mode brings all the benefits listed above for still images to 4K video capture as well, all within the underwater-friendly Aperture Priority mode.
(Setup example)
The Nauticam NA-TG7 Underwater Housing
Nauticam has supported the Olympus Tough series continuously since the TG-3. Despite the camera being waterproof on its own, the addition of a machined aluminum Nauticam housing transitions the TG-7 into a true underwater image-making platform. Access to essential controls is not only translated into the housing but improved with large well-placed and clearly labeled buttons and dials. The NA-TG7 is compatible with both the TG-6 and TG-7 camera models.
Integrated Bayonet Mount
The NA-TG7 comes with an integrated Bayonet Mount which will work with all previous Bayonet Mount accessories as well as the new WWL-C Wet Wide Lens for compact camera systems. The WWL-C is designed to bring true underwater-specific ultra-wide angle performance to 24mm equivalent lenses such as that found on the TG-5 and TG-6 cameras. The WWL-C in a low-profile wet-mate corrective optic that delivers 130º field-of-view with full zoom-through capability. The lens can easily be removed underwater when macro situations arise and securely stored with one of the Nauticam Bayonet Mount storage Solutions.
Accessory Mounting Options
With the Nauticam NA-TG7 there are both a cold-shoe and M10 threaded mounting point on the housing. These can be outfitted to support a variety of lighting accessories. If even more flexibility is needed, the housing ships with a set of stainless steel stiffening brackets and a shutter release extension for use with the Nauticam Flexitray II system. The addition of the tray, an Adjustable Right Handle and optional Strobe Mounting Balls (NA71311) creates an even more stable shooting platform with up to four accessory mounting locations.
NOTE: When using with NA71207 Flexitray II, the baseplate must be rotated 180º and the handles adjusted accordingly.
Flash Triggering
The NA-TG7 is able to transmit the camera's internal flash to supported external strobes via Nauticam Universal Fiber Optic Cables which plug directly into the Sea&Sea style bulkheads on the front of the housing. The included diffuser can also be attached to use the internal flash as the primary light source.
LDC Magnifier
The NA-TG6 can be outfitted with Rails (NA25123) above and below the rear LCD display window that can accommodate the LCD Magnifier with Dioptric Adjustment (NA25106). The magnifier not only functions as a shade to assist in bright shooting conditions it can magnify the screen to help judge critical focus. The magnifier features a dioptric adjustment to set the focus for your vision, even when using a prescription mask.
(Setup example)
