Exploring the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS: The Ultimate Adventure Camera

In this blog post, we dive into the features and benefits of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, a professional-grade camera built to withstand extreme conditions and capture stunning images. From its rugged design to its advanced shooting capabilities, we'll explore why this camera is a must-have for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS article cover photo

Key Features

Jun 28 2013

Announced

12 megapixels

Resolution

BrandOlympus
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight230g
MSRP$379USD

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Overview of the Tough TG-2 iHS

Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves to explore the great outdoors, the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS is a camera that should be on your radar. This rugged and reliable device is built to withstand harsh conditions and capture stunning images in any environment. From deep-sea diving to mountain climbing, the Tough TG-2 iHS has the tools and features needed to get the perfect shot every time. But what sets this camera apart from the rest? Join us as we dive into the world of adventure photography and explore the incredible capabilities of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS.

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Waterproof up to 50 feet
Shockproof up to 7 feet
Good low light performance
High-speed shooting up to 60 frames per second
GPS functionality for geotagging photos
1080p HD video recording
12 megapixel sensor for high-quality images
Wide-angle lens for versatile shots

Cons

Small sensor size may result in less sharp images
Limited zoom range at 4x optical zoom
Limited manual control options
Small buttons can be difficult to use, especially with gloves on
Price may be higher than other cameras in its class
Battery life is not as long as other cameras
No viewfinder, relying only on LCD screen for framing shots.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS

Weather sealed
Dimensions111 x 67 x 29mm
Weight230g
Thickness29mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
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Weather Sealing

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Tough TG-2 iHS is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution610k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 610k dots. This makes the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Tough TG-2 iHS camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS has a 12MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jun 28 2013

Announced

100 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution3968 x 2976 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Tough TG-2 iHS is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

Storage
Battery Life350 shots
Battery ModelLi-90B
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS supports undefined with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS uses the Li-90B model of battery pack. This is rated for 350 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS?

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS weather sealed?

Yes the Tough TG-2 iHS does have weather sealing.

When was the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS announced?

The Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS was announced on Jun 28 2013

Does the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Tough TG-2 iHS does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS?

The Tough TG-2 iHS has a native ISO range of 100-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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