Olympus TG-870 Review

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Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Olympus Tough TG-870
Resolution:	16.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	1/2.3 inch (6.2mm x 4.6mm)
Lens:	5.00x zoom (21-105mm eq.)
Viewfinder:	No / LCD
Native ISO:	125 - 6400
Extended ISO:	125 - 6400
Shutter:	1/2000 - 4 sec
Max Aperture:	3.5
Dimensions:	4.4 x 2.5 x 1.1 in. (113 x 64 x 28 mm)
Weight:	7.8 oz (221 g)
Availability:	04/2016
Manufacturer:	Olympus
Full specs:	Olympus TG-870 specifications

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16.00 Megapixels	5.00x zoom	1/2.3 inch size sensor

Olympus TG-870 Review -- First Impressions

by Zig Weidelich
Posted: 01/05/2016

Updates:
06/09/2016: First Shots with production model posted

A relatively minor refresh of last year's TG-860 model, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 is quite similar to its predecessor, yet it offers some useful upgrades and enhancements, as well as some cosmetic changes.

The rugged Olympus TG-870 is waterproof down to 50 feet (15m), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1m), crushproof up to 220 pounds (100kgf), freezeproof down to 14° F (-10°C) and dustproof; all identical ratings to its predecessor.

And it still features a rare (for a rugged camera) hinged LCD like its predecessor, but the 3-inch screen's resolution has been doubled from 460K to 920K-dots, and Olympus says brightness has also been increased by about ten percent, for improved visibility in sunlight and underwater. Like its predecessor's, the LCD is capable of flipping up all the way to 180 degrees and when combined with the customizable button on the front of the camera, which can serve as a second shutter release, the TG-870 makes it easy to take selfies and low-angle shots, as well as high-angle shots by shooting upside down (an orientation sensor keeps the preview image upright). As with the TG-860, it’s worth noting the rugged aspect of the camera only remains intact when the screen is closed against the camera.

Olympus also kept the same ultra-wide 21-105mm equivalent 5x zoom lens with a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.7, and the optical image stabilization system designed to reduce blur due to camera shake. Coupled to the lens is a 16-megapixel, 1/2.3-inch type, backside-illuminated CMOS image sensor paired with a TruePic VII-branded processor -- the same setup as in the Olympus TG-860. From this pairing, you get the same sensitivity range of ISO 125 to 6400.

As with its predecessor, the TG-870 can shoot at up to 7 frames-per-second at full resolution, but only provides a seven-image buffer. If you reduce the capture rate to 2.5 frames-per-second, you can increase that buffer size to 200 images. If you want an even faster speed, you can shoot at both 20 and 60 fps for up to 60 frames, but your resulting images will only be 3-megapixels in size.

Exposure mode dial settings include Intelligent Auto, Program Auto, Super Macro, Scene, Art Filter, Sportscam, Panorama and Self Portrait, the same as on the TG-860.

Scene modes include Portrait, e-Portrait, Landscape, Interval Shooting, Live Composite, Hand-held Starlight, Night Scene, Night + Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Documents, Beach & Snow, Under Water Snapshot, Under Water Wide1, Under Water Wide2, Under Water Macro and Backlight HDR.

The Olympus TG-870 expands on the TG-860's seven Art Filters by adding six new ones: Vintage, Key Line, Watercolor, Light Tone, Cross Process and Gentle Sepia to the existing Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone filters. And as mentioned above, the camera now includes Olympus' cool Live Composite Mode for dramatic nighttime photos of cityscapes, star trails, light painting and more.

Also as previously mentioned, the TG-870 retains the dedicated Sportcam position on the mode dial introduced in the TG-860, which allows for fast and easy access to Full HD 60p Movie, High-Speed Movie, Time Lapse Movie and Sport Burst modes, providing options similar to those offered by popular action cams.

The Olympus TG-870 also continues to shoot high definition video at 1,920 x 1,080 resolution -- as well as 720p and 480p -- all at a rate of up to 60 frames per second. If you prefer speed over resolution, the TG-870 offers up high-speed modes, which capture 120 frames per second at 854x480 (16:9) or 640x480 (4:3). You can further bump is up to 240 frames per second at 640x360 (16:9) or 480x360 (4:3) resolution. Movies are saved in as a .MOV file with H.264 compression.

And like its predecessor, the TG-870 continues to include built-in Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity. After pairing the camera to an iOS or Android mobile device with the help of a QR-code displayed on the screen, users will be able to wirelessly transfer movies and pictures to their smartphone or tablet, as well as directly upload to websites and social media accounts via the free Olympus Image Share app. Additionally, a connected device can be used as a remote control with a live preview.

The TG-870's built-in GPS is said to be "next generation," which Olympus says is faster to synchronize than the TG-860, at under 10 seconds for three satellites. And the Olympus Image Track (OI.Track) app allows users to update the TG-870’s GPS assist data and transfer GPS logs and images from the camera to a mobile device for simplified viewing and management.

As you'd expect, the optional accessories announced alongside the TG-860 are compatible with the new TG-870 as well. The PT-057 underwater case extends the TG-870's dive capability down to 147 feet (45m), while the UFL-3 underwater strobe provides improved illumination. An optional CSCH-124 silicone jacket protects the TG-870 from scratches on land, while an optional CSCH-123 sport holder allows you to attach the TG-870 to backpack straps or a chest harness, enabling hands-free operation during extreme sports.

Priced at about US$280, which is the same list price as its predecessor at introduction, the Olympus TG-870 is set to ship from April 2016. Color schemes available will be Gunmetal Metallic, Metallic Green or Pure White instead of orange, black or white.