TG-5 is famous among divers and is one of the best compact cameras available in the market for underwater photographers. With a new image sensor and TruePic VIII image processor that deliver significant image quality improvements as well as video underwater. It has a Field Sensor System that records various field data, allowing the divers to recreate the shooting experience on their smartphone.
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Functions and steps on using TG-5 for underwater diving
When it comes to taking underwater photos with this camera, the mode dial is the most important tool in a TG-5 camera. It will determine how much control you have on your underwater photography.
In auto mode, the camera has complete control over your photos. Even if you will get good quality results in modes that give you more control, this works great if all you want to do is point and shoot. Check the next section of your settings. And if you found anything grey on your menu, ignore it.
The aperture and shutter speed are automatically selected in program mode. It is very similar to automatic mode, but automatic mode goes a step further by also selecting the ideal mode.
For C1/C2 mode, you can set custom modes to quickly access predefined settings in case you need to switch between different shooting situations, such as macro and wide angle. By going into the menu and then clicking shooting menu 1, you can assign custom settings.
The Olympus TG-5’s primary mode for shooting video is Movie mode. This is a popular mode among underwater photographers. It enables you to get close to your subject and take stunning macro photos. To take macro photos with the TG-5, you must be in microscope mode. The TG-5 camera uses different settings for different scenes. They do not recommend using these modes while submerged.
Benefits of using TG-5 underwater
Better image quality, video quality, burst shooting, and controllability have all seen significant improvements, making the TG-5 step up to the next level.
TG-5 cameras all have the best specs for better image and video shooting. These specs can be found in other types of TG-5 camera. Although there are a variety of types of TG-5 camera, most of their specs are just the same.
12MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor optimized for low light (4000×3000 image resolution)
Olympus TruePic VIII image processor
Waterproof (50ft without housing), shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof
Fast f/2.0-4.9 lens with 4.5mm – 18mm focal length (equivalent to 25mm – 100mm)
Sensor-shift image stabilization (up to 2.5 stops)
Minimum working distance 1cm (in super macro mode)
ISO range 100 – 12,800
25 autofocus points with Single AF and Tracking
4K@30p video recording (approx. 102 Mbps bit rate)
High Speed Movie mode with 1920×1080@120fps / 1280×720@240 fps / 640×360@480fps
4K timelapse video
Pro Capture mode for 20fps image capture
Shutter speed 4 sec to 1/2000 sec
Custom white balance (4 slots)
Built-in flash
SD storage (SD, SDHC, SDXC)
RAW and jpeg shooting
WiFi capabilities, including camera control via smartphone
Action track sensors record location, temperature, direction and altitude data
Weight (approx): 250g / 8.72oz with battery & memory card
Dimensions: 113mm x 66mm x 31.9mm (4.43in x 2.6in x 1.23in)
Battery life (CIPA): 340
Advantage and disadvantage of TG-5
The TG-5 camera is the most recent version of Sony’s flagship digital SLR camera, and it includes a variety of new features such as better image quality and the ability to use a minimum shutter speed when using flash. Shallow (down to 3m), Mid-range (3-15m), Deep (-15m), and Deep (+15m) underwater WB modes have been added.
When used with strobes, one notable disadvantage of the TG-5 is that the internal flash recycle time can only last up to 4 seconds at maximum power; it means you need to wait that long in between taking photos with the strobe. However, the flash should not always be firing at full power, which means that there should be less time between shots.
Precaution
Important reminder; when used with strobes, one notable disadvantage of the TG-5 is that the internal flash recycle time is approximately 4 seconds at maximum power (meaning you will have to wait that long in between taking photos with the strobe). However, the flash should not always be firing at full power, which means that there should be less time between shots. Having good maintenance in using your TG-5 camera will make the device last for a long period of time. Keep your TG-5 camera in a storage where no one can broke it and no other things that can damage your device.
Conclusion
The TG-5 camera is the most recent iteration of the tough point-and-shoot camera. It has a 12MP sensor, which is a step back in terms of resolution but a step forward in terms of low-light image capture. The camera also has very fast shooting at close to 20fps even in Raw format, as well as 4K video capture. It’s durable, capable and waterproof, and it’s our Editors’ Choice for rugged models.