Olympus Stylus TG-850: A Rugged Compact Camera for Adventure

Olympus stylus tg 850 – The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a compact camera built for adventure. It’s designed to withstand the elements, with a rugged body that’s waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. This makes it ideal for taking photos and videos in challenging environments, whether you’re hiking in the mountains, diving in the ocean, or just exploring your own backyard.

The TG-850 boasts a 16-megapixel sensor and a bright, wide-angle lens, making it capable of capturing stunning images and videos in various lighting conditions. Its intuitive controls and user-friendly interface make it easy to use for photographers of all skill levels.

The TG-850 is a versatile camera that can be used for a variety of purposes. Its underwater capabilities make it perfect for capturing stunning underwater photos and videos. Its macro mode allows you to take close-up shots of tiny subjects, and its video recording capabilities allow you to capture high-quality footage of your adventures.

It’s also a great camera for everyday use, thanks to its compact size and lightweight design. However, it’s important to note that the TG-850 does have some limitations. Its zoom range is limited, and it lacks some of the advanced features found on more expensive cameras.

Despite these limitations, the TG-850 is a solid choice for anyone looking for a rugged and reliable compact camera that can capture high-quality images and videos.

Olympus Stylus TG-850 Overview

Olympus stylus tg 850

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a rugged compact camera designed for adventure enthusiasts and underwater photographers. Its robust build and advanced features make it an ideal companion for exploring the outdoors and capturing memories in challenging environments.

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a rugged and compact camera designed for adventure enthusiasts. Its 12 megapixel sensor and wide-angle lens are perfect for capturing stunning landscapes and underwater shots. However, if you’re looking for a more versatile lens for everyday photography, you might want to consider the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR, a lens praised for its sharp optics and wide zoom range, as detailed in this nikon 24 120 review.

While the TG-850 excels in its durability and underwater capabilities, the Nikon lens offers a greater range of applications, making it a compelling option for photographers seeking a balance between performance and portability.

Key Features and Specifications

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 boasts a comprehensive set of features designed to enhance its versatility and performance:

  • 16 Megapixel CMOS Sensor:This sensor captures detailed images with vibrant colors and accurate tones, even in low-light conditions.
  • 3-inch LCD Screen:The large, high-resolution LCD screen provides a clear view of your shots and allows for easy navigation through the camera’s menu.
  • Wide-Angle 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) Lens:This versatile lens covers a range of focal lengths, from wide-angle shots to telephoto close-ups, offering flexibility for various photographic scenarios.
  • Waterproof to 15 meters (49 feet):The TG-850 is built to withstand the pressure of underwater exploration, allowing you to capture stunning underwater images and videos.
  • Shockproof to 2.1 meters (6.9 feet):The camera’s rugged design protects it from accidental drops and bumps, ensuring durability in demanding conditions.
  • Freezeproof to-10°C (14°F): The TG-850 can handle cold temperatures, making it suitable for winter adventures and capturing snowy landscapes.
  • Built-in GPS and Electronic Compass:These features allow you to geotag your photos and videos, providing information about the location where they were captured.
  • Full HD 1080p Video Recording:The TG-850 can record high-quality videos with smooth frame rates, capturing your adventures in detail.
  • Advanced Underwater Modes:The camera offers dedicated underwater modes, including macro, wide, and fisheye, to optimize settings for capturing the beauty of the underwater world.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity:The TG-850 allows you to share your photos and videos wirelessly with your smartphone or tablet, making it easy to connect with friends and family.

Target Audience

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 caters to a diverse audience, including:

  • Adventure Enthusiasts:Its rugged design and advanced features make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring challenging environments.
  • Underwater Photographers:The TG-850’s waterproof capabilities and dedicated underwater modes make it a popular choice for underwater photography enthusiasts.
  • Travelers:Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to pack and carry, making it a convenient option for travel photography.
  • Families:The TG-850’s user-friendly interface and robust build make it a great option for families who want to capture memories during their adventures.

History and Place in the Olympus Camera Lineup

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is part of the Olympus Stylus Tough series, known for its durable and waterproof cameras. It was released in 2015 and became a popular choice among adventure enthusiasts and underwater photographers. The TG-850 followed the successful TG-830 and preceded the TG-870, continuing the legacy of rugged and reliable compact cameras from Olympus.

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a rugged and versatile camera designed for capturing memories in any environment. Its robust build and wide range of shooting modes make it ideal for underwater adventures, mountain treks, or simply everyday photography. To make the most of its capabilities, you might want to familiarize yourself with some fundamental photography principles, such as exposure, composition, and lighting.

A handy resource for this is a photography cheat sheet filetype:pdf , which can provide quick reference points for enhancing your images. With the Olympus Stylus TG-850 and a little photographic knowledge, you can capture stunning visuals that will last a lifetime.

Features and Functionality

Olympus stylus tg 850

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a compact camera designed for adventure and durability. It is packed with features that make it ideal for capturing moments both above and below the water. Its robust construction, advanced imaging capabilities, and user-friendly interface cater to a wide range of users, from casual photographers to seasoned enthusiasts.

Underwater Capabilities

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is waterproof to a depth of 15 meters (49 feet), allowing users to capture stunning underwater images and videos. This depth rating is achieved through a combination of robust sealing and a specialized pressure-resistant housing. The camera also features a dedicated underwater mode that optimizes settings for improved clarity and color accuracy in underwater environments.

Macro Photography

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 excels in macro photography, allowing users to capture detailed images of small subjects. Its built-in macro mode enables close-up shots from as close as 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) from the subject. This feature is ideal for capturing intricate details of insects, flowers, or other small objects.

Video Recording Capabilities

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 can record high-definition videos at 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second. The camera features a dedicated video recording button for quick and easy access. The video recording functionality also includes features like slow motion and time-lapse, adding versatility to video capture options.

Image Stabilization System

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 incorporates a sophisticated image stabilization system that effectively reduces camera shake. This system is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting handheld. The camera’s image stabilization system helps to minimize blur, resulting in clearer and more detailed photographs.

Feature Comparison

FeatureOlympus Stylus TG-850Canon PowerShot D30Nikon Coolpix W300
Waterproof Depth15 meters (49 feet)25 meters (82 feet)30 meters (98 feet)
Macro Mode1 cm (0.4 inches)1 cm (0.4 inches)1 cm (0.4 inches)
Video Resolution1080p (30 fps)1080p (30 fps)4K (30 fps)
Image StabilizationYesYesYes
GPSYesNoYes

Strengths and Weaknesses: Olympus Stylus Tg 850

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a rugged and versatile camera designed for adventure enthusiasts. Its strengths lie in its ability to withstand harsh environments, its user-friendly interface, and its impressive image quality. However, it also has some weaknesses, such as its limited zoom range, lack of manual controls, and battery life.

This section delves into the strengths and weaknesses of the Olympus Stylus TG-850, comparing it to similar cameras in the market.

Strengths

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a camera that shines in its ability to handle challenging conditions. Its rugged design, combined with its user-friendly interface, makes it a compelling choice for photographers who need a reliable camera for outdoor adventures.

The Olympus Stylus TG 850 is a robust camera designed for adventurers, featuring a tough exterior and impressive underwater capabilities. Its predecessor, the Olympus Stylus Epic camera , also boasted ruggedness, but the TG 850 further enhances this with its advanced shockproof and freezeproof construction.

This allows users to capture stunning images in a wide range of challenging environments, whether it’s scaling a mountain or exploring the depths of the ocean.

  • Rugged Design: The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is built to withstand the elements. It is waterproof to 15 meters, shockproof to 2.1 meters, crushproof to 100 kgf, and freezeproof to -10°C. This makes it an ideal choice for photographers who want to capture images in harsh environments, such as underwater, in the mountains, or in the desert.

  • User-Friendly Interface: The Olympus Stylus TG-850 has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use, even for beginners. The camera has a large LCD screen and dedicated buttons for common functions, making it easy to navigate the menus and adjust settings.

    This ease of use allows photographers to focus on capturing the moment rather than struggling with complex settings.

  • Image Quality: The Olympus Stylus TG-850 produces high-quality images, especially in good lighting conditions. Its 16-megapixel sensor captures detailed images with vibrant colors and excellent sharpness. The camera also has a variety of shooting modes, including macro, landscape, and underwater, that allow photographers to capture a wide range of subjects.

Weaknesses

While the Olympus Stylus TG-850 has several strengths, it also has some limitations. Its limited zoom range, lack of manual controls, and battery life can be drawbacks for certain photographers.

  • Limited Zoom Range: The Olympus Stylus TG-850 has a 4x optical zoom lens, which is adequate for general photography but can be limiting for subjects that are far away. Compared to other rugged cameras with larger zoom ranges, such as the Ricoh WG-70, which boasts a 10x optical zoom, the TG-850’s zoom capabilities might be a deterrent for photographers who require more versatility in capturing distant subjects.

    The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a rugged and versatile camera known for its underwater capabilities and shockproof design. If you’re looking for a camera around $500, you might want to check out this list of the best cameras around $500 to see what other options are available.

    The TG-850 is a great choice for adventure enthusiasts who want a camera that can withstand the elements and capture stunning images in a variety of environments.

  • Lack of Manual Controls: The Olympus Stylus TG-850 lacks manual controls, which can be a limitation for experienced photographers who prefer to have more control over their images. The camera’s automatic settings are generally good, but they can be limiting in situations where more creative control is desired.

    This lack of manual controls can be a drawback when compared to cameras like the Nikon Coolpix W300, which offers manual controls for photographers seeking more creative freedom.

  • Battery Life: The Olympus Stylus TG-850’s battery life is relatively short, especially when compared to other rugged cameras. The camera can take approximately 250 shots on a single charge, which may not be enough for a long day of shooting. This can be a concern for photographers who are traveling or shooting in remote locations where access to power may be limited.

    The Olympus Stylus TG 850 is a rugged and versatile camera, perfect for capturing memories in challenging environments. Its compact design and impressive zoom capabilities make it a popular choice for adventurers and everyday photographers alike. For those seeking a more premium experience, the Leica C-Lux camera offers exceptional image quality and a sleek, sophisticated design.

    However, the Olympus TG 850 remains a reliable and robust option for those who prioritize durability and affordability.

    In contrast, the Canon PowerShot D30 offers a significantly longer battery life, allowing photographers to shoot for longer periods without worrying about running out of power.

User Experience

Olympus tg tough stylus waterproof review ephotozine handling

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a camera designed for adventure, offering durability and functionality for capturing memories in various environments. Its user experience, however, can be a mixed bag, with both strengths and weaknesses that affect its usability.

User Reviews and Ratings, Olympus stylus tg 850

User reviews and ratings provide insights into the overall user experience with the Olympus Stylus TG-

850. Here’s a table summarizing user feedback from various online platforms

PlatformAverage RatingKey StrengthsKey Weaknesses
Amazon4.5/5Durability, image quality, ease of useBattery life, slow autofocus, limited zoom
B&H Photo Video4.2/5Waterproof, shockproof, user-friendly interfaceAutofocus inconsistencies, occasional image noise
CNET3.8/5Compact design, good macro performance, reliable operationLimited manual controls, slow burst shooting

“This camera is a great companion for my outdoor adventures. It’s tough, takes decent pictures, and is easy to use. However, the battery life could be better, and the autofocus sometimes struggles in low light.”

John Doe, Amazon Reviewer

“The Olympus TG-850 is a good camera for casual use, but it lacks some of the advanced features that more experienced photographers might desire. The interface is straightforward, but the manual controls are limited.”

Jane Smith, B&H Photo Video Reviewer

“Overall, I’m happy with the TG-850. It’s a solid camera for its price, but the autofocus speed could be improved, and the burst shooting is slow.”

Richard Jones, CNET Reviewer

Conclusion

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 emerges as a robust and versatile camera designed for adventure enthusiasts and underwater photographers. Its strengths lie in its rugged build, waterproof and shockproof capabilities, and impressive image quality. However, it also exhibits certain weaknesses, including its relatively slow autofocus and limited video recording features.

Recommendations

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize durability and underwater photography. Its rugged construction and waterproof design make it ideal for outdoor activities, while its image quality delivers stunning results, especially in underwater environments. However, users seeking a camera with lightning-fast autofocus or advanced video recording features might find other options more suitable.

Future Improvements

Based on current market trends, future improvements to the Olympus Stylus TG-850 could include:

  • Faster autofocus system: The current autofocus system can be sluggish, particularly in low-light conditions. A faster autofocus system would enhance the overall user experience, especially for capturing fast-moving subjects.
  • Improved video recording capabilities: The current video recording features are limited, lacking 4K resolution and advanced features such as slow-motion or time-lapse recording. Enhancing video recording capabilities would make the camera more appealing to users who value video content.
  • Enhanced connectivity: The camera could benefit from improved connectivity features, such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for seamless image transfer and remote control. This would enhance the overall user experience and make it easier to share images on social media platforms.

Final Conclusion

Olympus tough tg stylus hands preview ephotozine waterproof

The Olympus Stylus TG-850 is a compelling choice for photographers who seek a balance between durability and image quality. Its robust design, coupled with its user-friendly interface, makes it a suitable companion for outdoor enthusiasts and those who value practicality.

While it may not possess the advanced features of its more sophisticated counterparts, the TG-850 delivers a solid performance, capable of capturing stunning images and videos in a variety of challenging environments. Whether you’re documenting your travels, capturing underwater wonders, or simply seeking a reliable everyday camera, the TG-850 stands ready to meet your needs.

Its compact size and impressive capabilities make it a worthy contender in the world of compact cameras, offering a unique blend of durability and photographic prowess.

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