Olympus Stylus Tough TG-3 Pro Reviews

The Olympus Tough TG-3 is a rugged waterproof camera with full HD video recording, a bright f/2.0 lens, and an extremely impressive macro mode. The camera gives some level of manual controls with an aperture priority mode. Images are good, with excellent colour reproduction, although detail is not as good as it could be. We were also disappointed by the lens noise picked up during video recording. The camera responds quickly, and has 5fps continuous shooting at full resolution. Rather uniquely the camera can also use adapters including a fish-eye, or 1.7x telephoto convertor lens giving additional shooting options. The Olympus Tough TG-3 includes a number of improvements over the previous model, a 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, built-in Wi-Fi, advanced macro features, including focus stacking (in-camera), as well as focus bracketing. The HDR mode has been updated to shoot at the full 16 megapixel resolution, something we mentioned in our TG-2 review. It's also possible to get better macro illumination with the optional ring LED flash adapter, another complaint from our TG-2 review. Olympus has also resolved another of our complaints, with a much improved panoramic mode. Improved battery life is welcome, although the predecessor wasn't too bad. If you are looking for a tough waterproof camera, and would like to have the option to expand your kit with adapters, or love taking close up macro photos, then the Olympus Tough TG-3 is recommended.

The TG-3 doesn't stand out significantly from the tough camera competition in any one area, but its combination of superb toughness, extensive action-orientated features and ease of use are good enough to give it the edge over its rivals. Image quality is unremarkable but pleasing at lower sensitivities and acceptable up to ISO1600 if you're not too picky. All this quality and versatility doesn't come cheap though, as at £349.99/$349.99 the TG-3 is pricier than all its rivals. However, if you need a camera that's built and equipped for life well off the beaten track, the Olympus TG-3 is worth the money.

The Olympus Tough TG-3 is a worthy successor to the TG-2. Despite some image noise, it's still the best rugged camera we've tested.