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We had a little bit of time to try out the new Olympus Tough TG-5 prior to its launch, in and around the waters of Seattle. As the weather improves, we’ll look to update this gallery with additional underwater samples and a range of samples from various lighting conditions. For now, wet your whistle with these.
See our Olympus Tough TG-5 Gallery
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Olympus has announced its latest ‘tough’ camera, the TG-5. It’s the follow-up to the TG-4, one of our favorite rugged cameras, and features a new sensor and processor, advanced tracking capabilities, 4K video capture, Wi-Fi and more.
Where the TG-4 used a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, the TG-5 has dropped to 12MP, in order to improve image quality (according to the company). It uses the same TruePic VIII processor found in the E-M1 Mark II. The 25-100mm equiv. F2-4.9 lens is mostly the same, although Olympus has added dual panel glass to prevent ‘foggy’ due to rapid changes in temperature. The lens can still focus down to 1cm/0.4in in its ‘microscope’ mode.
The body has been strengthened. It’s now hermetically sealed and its waterproof rating is now 15m/50ft. It can survive a drop from 2.1m/7ft or having 100kg/220kg of force applied to it. It’s also freezeproof to -14C/+14F and dustproof. The design of the zoom controller is now more traditional, though in initial use we found that even a grain of sand can cause it to stick. A control dial has been added to the top of the camera, as well.
The TG-5 inherits quite a few features from Olympus’ TG Tracker action camera, with the ability to log location, temperature, pressure and direction with the flip of a switch. The recorded info can be viewed in the O.I. Share app via maps and charts.
Video-wise, the TG-5 can capture UHD 4K video at 30p or go ‘high speed’ at 120 fps when shooting Full HD movies.
A number of accessories are available, including waterproof tele and fisheye conversion lenses, an LED Light Guide and flash diffuser and an underwater housing that functions down to 45m/147ft.
The TG-5 will be available in June for $ 449. You can choose from an easy-to-find-when-it’s-at-the-bottom-of-the-ocean red or a slick-looking black.
We’ve put together an initial gallery of photos from the TG-5. More to come soon!
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Press Release:
High-Speed f2.0 Lens, High-Speed BSI CMOS Image Sensor and the Latest TruePic VIII Image Processor Deliver High-Quality Images in a Rugged Design
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., May 17, 2017 — Olympus builds on the outdoor shooting and tracking capabilities of the Tough product family with the new Tough TG-5, a compact digital camera designed to capture outstanding images in the most challenging conditions. The Tough TG-5 combines its high-speed f2.0 lens with advanced technologies, including a new high-performance backlit 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor, Olympus’ latest high-speed TruePic VIII Image Processor and a Field Sensor System that records movement and environmental data. With the Tough TG-5, users are able to tell immersive stories using brilliant videos, stills and data captured from their extreme adventures.
The new Olympus Tough® TG-5 touts the widely praised bright f2.0 lens found on previous premium Tough models. Boasting a wide-angle 25mm to a telephoto 100mm (35mm equivalent) focal length, this lens works in concert with the new high-speed backlit CMOS image sensor and the dual quad core TruePic VIII Image Processor to deliver the highest image quality of any Tough model to date.
The built-in Field Sensor System, consisting of a GPS sensor, manometer, compass and temperature sensor, records movement and environmental data independently or in conjunction with still images or videos. Data logs can be simultaneously displayed with images and videos using the Olympus® Image Track app, enhancing the experience of reliving and sharing outdoor adventures.
The Tough TG-5 excels in extreme conditions. In addition to being waterproof to 50 feet (15 meters), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 meters), freezeproof down to 14°F (-10°C) and dustproof, the camera now includes Anti-Fog Lens Cover Glass. This allows the Tough TG-5 to capture amazing action shots on the slopes, underwater and in other uniquely challenging environments where other cameras can’t perform.
New video functions include 4K Movie to capture Ultra HD video at four times the resolution of Full HD, allowing users to record beautiful scenery in amazing detail. Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie lets users easily capture stunning slow-motion, and 4K Time Lapse automatically creates short videos of long periods of time.
Pricing and Availability
The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-5 will be available in red and black beginning in June 2017 with an estimated street price of $ 449.99 USD and $ 579.99 CAD. For a complete list of specifications, visit the Olympus website: getolympus.com/digitalcameras/tough/tg-5.html.
Main Features
1) High-speed f2.0 lens, new high-performance BSI CMOS image sensor and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII Image Processor deliver high-quality images in all lighting conditions.
The high-speed lens works in concert with the image sensor and processor for a powerful synergy resulting in improved high-quality images, even in low light or underwater.
a) High-performance BSI CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII Image Processor
The Tough TG-5 features a high-speed f2.0 lens, a newly developed high-sensitivity, high-speed backlit 12-megapixel CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII Image Processor used in the Olympus flagship OM-D E-M1® Mark II camera. The new technology produces better image quality at standard and higher sensitivity ranges. The processor is capable of more complex calculations to improve resolution in low-contrast areas, especially when shooting at low ISO sensitivity. A maximum ISO sensitivity of 12800 and RAW capture are also available, covering a wide range of shooting situations.
b) High-speed f2.0 lens with a 25–100mm focal length (35mm equivalent)
The bright f2.0 lens supports faster shutter speeds when shooting underwater or in other challenging conditions to capture fast-moving subjects with minimal blurring. Superb Olympus optical technology is incorporated into the lens, including DSA (Dual Super Aspherical), HD (High Dispersion) and HR (High Refractive Index) lenses to deliver high-quality images while reducing aberrations throughout the entire zoom range.
2. Field Sensor System adds tracking data to images and videos for reliving the moment.
The Tough TG-5’s Field Sensor System consists of built-in sensors, including GPS, a compass, a temperature sensor and a manometer for altitude or depth. Tracking data may be recorded simultaneously with images and video or independently using the camera’s Data Log Mode. Tracking data may be viewed on the camera’s monitor or on a smart device. Users are able to press the INFO button to display current real-time data, even when the camera is turned off. Using the Olympus Image Track app to simultaneously display images, videos, and tracking information, lets users tell the story behind their shots.
a) Field Sensor System
b) Olympus Image Track App
Pairing the camera and a smartphone with the TG-5’s built-in Wi-Fi® enables the simultaneous display of images, video, and tracking information, delivering a unique way to relive users’ experiences. A data overlay can be applied to images or video for posting adventures to social media. The resizing of images and videos is also available with the app.
Reliable Tough performance: waterproof to depths of 50 feet (15 meters), shockproof from 7 feet (2.1 meters), crushproof to 220 pounds of force (100 kilograms of force), freezeproof down to 14°F (-10°C), dustproof and Anti-Fog Lens Cover Glass.
Hermetically sealed construction provides waterproof performance for worry-free shooting underwater. This sealing also provides superb dustproof performance so that users can feel comfortable using the camera in dusty and dirty environments. The Tough TG-5’s shockproof performance is made possible via its floating construction that suspends key components inside the housing of the camera, enabling the camera to clear drop tests of up to 7 feet. The Tough TG-5’s robust construction also withstands loads of up to 220 pounds of force. Reliable operation is assured down to 14°F, making it possible to use the camera in cold environments where other digital devices may fail. In addition, the Tough TG-5 features Dual Pane Protective Cover Glass over the lens, preventing condensation caused by sudden changes in ambient temperature.
Video functions now include 4K Movie and Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie.
The Tough TG-5’s 4K Movie makes it possible to shoot Ultra HD video at four times the resolution of Full HD video, ideal for recording beautiful scenery in amazing detail. Full HD 120fps High-Speed Movie is also included to capture split-second moments with playback in stunning slow motion.
Other Features
1) Variable Macro System easily captures microscopic subjects.
The Tough TG-5 is equipped with four macro modes with a maximum shooting
magnification of 7x for capturing microscopic subjects difficult to see with the naked eye. Accessories such as the LG-1 LED Light Guide and the FD-1 Flash Diffuser expand shooting possibilities by enabling proper illumination of macro subjects.
a) Four Specialized Macro Modes
2. Superb controls allow for smooth shooting even in rugged environments.
The Tough TG-5’s grip’s shape and thickness have been improved to provide for a more secure hold, and the camera’s controls may be easily operated even while wearing gloves. A new control dial helps users easily adjust shooting settings such as exposure compensation. An Accessory Lock has been added to the front of the camera to secure Tough system accessories, including Tough converter lenses and the LG-1 LED Light Guide. Movie Modes are now readily accessible via the primary Mode Dial, and a variety of shooting settings may be registered to the two Custom Modes for instant use. Together, these features make the Tough TG-5 easy to use in any environment.
System Accessories
There is an extensive lineup of system accessories available for the Tough TG-5 for expanded photographic applications.
With Tough converter lenses, users can enjoy different angles of view while maintaining the brightness of the camera lens. Attach the FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter lens to enjoy shooting with fisheye effects with an ultra-wide 130° angle field of view. Attach the TCON-T01 Teleconverter lens to shoot at a telephoto 170mm focal length (35mm equivalent). Both lenses are waterproof and may be attached and removed underwater. The CLA-T01 Adapter is required to use these lenses. Users may also attach the bundled LC-40.5 lens cap and the PRF-D40.5 PRO Protection Filter (sold separately) to the CLA-T01.
The LG-1 LED Light Guide uses the camera’s built-in LED light to evenly illuminate subject up to the closest focusing distance of 1cm for superb macro shooting. The FD-1 Flash Diffuser evenly diffuses the light of the camera’s built-in flash. This helps reduce subject blur and camera shake that tends to occur during macro shooting in low-light situations, and enables the use of lower ISO sensitivity. It also makes it possible to darken the background all subjects to better stand out in photos. Both lighting accessories enable users to easily obtain creative macro shots that rival those of an interchangeable lens camera.
The PT-058 Underwater Housing is waterproof down to 147 feet (45 meters), and features black coating on the front of the body to prevent unwanted reflections. This housing enables use of the Control Dial for exposure compensation while underwater. There is a wide range of accessories available, including the UFL-3 External Flash for dual-unit underwater flash photography. The external PTWC-01 Underwater Wide Converter Lens and PTMC-01 Underwater Macro Converter Lens may also be used with this underwater case.
Other Accessories
This customized silicone jacket protects the surface of the camera body from scratches and improves grip performance so that users can hold the camera more securely. The LG-1 LED Light Guide and FD-1 Flash Diffuser may be used with the silicone jacket attached to the camera.
This case is made of silicone rubber and features a mesh design that makes it easy for water to drain to keep the camera dry. Because this case contains no metal parts (including the carabineer), users don’t have to worry about rust.
This holder secures your camera to a backpack or belt horizontally or vertically and can
be easily removed with a single hand. This accessory makes it possible to capture POV video and includes a carabineer and spiral cord to prevent the camera from falling.
| Price | |
|---|---|
| MSRP | $ 449 |
| Body type | |
| Body type | Compact |
| Body material | Metal |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 12 megapixels |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VIII |
| Color space | sRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-12800 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 12800 |
| White balance presets | 8 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Image stabilization notes | Up to 2.5 stops |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine, normal, basic |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Focal length (equiv.) | 25–100 mm |
| Optical zoom | 4× |
| Maximum aperture | F2–4.9 |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X-4X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Normal focus range | 10 cm (3.94″) |
| Macro focus range | 1 cm (0.39″) |
| Number of focus points | 25 |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 460,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| External flash | No |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye reduction, slow sync, redeye slow sync, fill, manual, off |
| Drive modes |
|
| Continuous drive | 20.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 secs, custom) |
| Metering modes |
|
| Exposure compensation | ±2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | LI-92B lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 340 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz) |
| Dimensions | 113 x 66 x 32 mm (4.45 x 2.6 x 1.26″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | Built-in |
| GPS notes | GPS, compass, manometer, thermometer |
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Taiwanese manufacturer HTC today launched it latest flagship smartphone, the HTC U11. The new model’s stand-out features is called Edge Sense. It lets you squeeze the phone’s edge in order to execute specific actions, for example take a picture.
The main camera specification looks similar to the HTC 10 but the 12MP BSI CMOS sensor with 1.4 micron pixel size has been updated. Light is captured through a fast F1.7 aperture and optical image stabilization is available as well. The camera also features a dual-LED flash and 4K video recording. In video mode the U11 offers 3D audio recording which is powered by 4 microphones. The front camera comes with a 16MP sensor and F2.0 aperture.
Images can be composed and viewed on a 5.5-inch QHD Super LCD 5 display that is covered with Gorilla Glass 5 for protection. The Android 7.1 OS is powered by a Snapdragon 835 chipset and 4GB of RAM. 64GB of on-board storage are expandable via a microSD-slot. The U11 comes with a 3,000 mAh battery, which supports Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 as well as a power saving mode. Unfortunately the new HTC has to make do without a 3.5mm headset jack, though.
All the technology is wrapped up in a body with a reflecting glass back and IP67 certification for water and dust resistance. The new device will be available in Amazing Silver, Sapphire Blue, Brilliant Black, Ice White, and Solar Red worldwide from May 2017. In Europe the U11 will set you back €749 (US$ 825). No pricing information for the US has been released yet.
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With an overall score of 90, the newly announced HTC U11 is the highest-rated smartphone camera ever tested by DxO and has taken the top-spot in the DxOMark Mobile ranking from the Google Pixel.
The U11 scores impressively well across all categories and in particular offers very low noise levels and a fast autofocus. The testers also found the U11 images to have a pleasing look, with good color rendering. Outdoor scenes show vibrant colors and tones, good detail and very low noise. Flash exposures are very even across the frame and feature good detail preservation and color rendering.
The DxOMark team were also impressed by the HTC’s efficient optical image stabilization system, although it can occasionally leave some residual evidence of motion. You can read the full report on DxOMark.com.
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Swiss camera and adapter manufacturer Alpa has introduced a new device that allows Nikon and Canon users to mount some of their lenses on digital medium format backs and have access to aperture controls. The Alpa Silex control unit works with the company’s 12 series bodies and brings aperture control to electronically operated lenses from Canon and Nikon, as well as Contax, Hasselblad and Rollei. All Canon EF lenses can be controlled but only Nikon E lenses, with electromagnetic diaphragm mechanisms, will work.
With a Silex in place compatible lenses can be used to record images on a wide range of digital medium format backs. The A12 cameras accept digital backs of a variety of ages, so users don’t necessarily need the latest, and the image area will depend on the size of the sensor used and the covering circle of the lens.
The Silex not only allows aperture adjustments but also AF control in most Hasselblad H, Canon EF and Nikon E lenses, and web access means the device can be handled remotely over a server.
Initially presented at Photokina 2016 the Alpa Silex is available now for $ 3600/CHF3355. For more information see the Alpa website.
Press release
The control unit ALPA Silex is a brand new, central element of ALPA’s extended modular photographic system. Photographers and soon even videographers will be able to combine ALPA cameras with digital backs of various manufacturers and lenses from Canon, Contax, Hasselblad, Nikon or Rollei. A variety of functions and operating modes are available to the user.
Handy and flexible – Silex is the Swiss pocket knife of the control units. Under this claim, ALPA presented the product at the Photokina 2016. The name Silex itself, however, goes much further back: it reminds us of the material for the all-purpose tools of the stone-age. ALPA Silex is the new all-purpose tool in the ALPA system. It can be used to convert any model of the classic ALPA-12 series into an electronic camera.
The basis for the development of ALPA Silex is the ALPA 12 FPS, introduced at Photokina 2012, with electronically controlled focal plane shutter. The integrated controller was separated as a standalone module and all functions except for the slot shutter were taken over. All known digital components from Hasselblad, Phase One / Leaf and Sinar can be synchronized and the electromechanical diaphragms of Canon EF, Contax, Hasselblad H, Nikon E and Rollei can be controlled. The leaf shutter in Hasselblad HC / HCD (up to 1/800s, “orange” line even up to 1/1000s) and Rollei 6000 (up to 1/500s) can be used, as well as the focus control of many of the lenses from Canon, Hasselblad H and Nikon E. The integrated web server allows remote control in networks without software installation. The future support of Sinar eShutter systems is already prepared.
Together with existing camera models from ALPA, the photographer can use a vast number of third party lenses and, depending on the available image circle, also perform shifts (shifting and stitching). In the future, our back-end adapters will also make it possible to use ALPA cameras for video recording in conjunction with the corresponding digital backs.
Available now:
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One update after another has given Instagram, the Facebook-owned image sharing app, a look that resembles Snapchat. And here we are, the day we knew was coming: the day that silly augmented reality filters arrive on Instagram. Instagram version 10.21 for iOS and Android enables a set of eight face filters for the front and rear cameras. The ability to adorn photos with hashtag ‘stickers’ is new as well. Like it or not, it’s just a matter of time before you see someone wearing adorable bunny ears in your Instagram feed.
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Sony has released a new machine vision CMOS sensor, and though it’s destined for assembly lines and robots, it’s still interesting to us. Like the chip in the RX100 V, the IMX382 is a stacked, backside-illuminated chip capable of 1000 fps imaging. And, like that sensor, its stacked design includes signal processing circuitry in the chip. Unlike the RX100 V’s sensor, though, the 1.27MP IMX382 conducts video processing and subject recognition in parallel, so that it outputs both a ‘viewing’ stream and a ‘sensing’ stream simultaneously.
The sensing processing uses color and brightness information obtained from the sensor, enabling incredibly fast subject identification and tracking at 1000 fps. You can see what that looks like in the video below:
At a little over 1 megapixel this sensor is not destined for a smartphone or camera. And of course those applications get more complicated since they also have to re-focus a lens to keep up with a moving subject, but it’s interesting to see what levels of recognition and tracking possible when you bring signal processing to the chip itself.
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In 2015, Oregon-based company Under a Foot Plant Co. filed a lawsuit against Maryland-based competitor Exterior Design Inc. over the latter company’s alleged copyright infringement. According to the lawsuit, Exterior Design used 24 of Under a Foot Plant Co.’s copyrighted photographs without permission, resulting in 133 instances of copyright infringement. Under a Foot Plant Co. had created the photos to market a product line called Stepables, while Exterior Design used them to market a competing product called Treadwell Plants.
According to the lawsuit, Exterior Design’s infringement of Under a Foot Plant’s copyrighted images began in 2011 and continued through 2014. The legal document claimed that Exterior Design was engaging in ‘copyright infringement, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and unjust enrichment.’ Though Exterior Design denied the allegations, the legal matter proceeded and, after the better part of two years, has reached its conclusion in Under a Foot Plant Co.’s favor.
Per the jury’s decision, Under a Foot Plant Co. can choose to be awarded either $ 300,000 in statutory damages or $ 900,000 in actual damages, but isn’t allowed to receive both.
Via: PDN
A new video shows the a9’s Eye AF (in AF-C) tracking working remarkably well with a single subject, tracking the subject’s eyes all the way to the edges of the frame. Here are three reasons we’re impressed, and a couple reasons we’re still left ambivalent:
Be robust enough that when the camera no longer detects the eye of the original subject, focus just hangs around the general vicinity of the subject. This should be easy as the camera has distance (phase) information indicating the distance of the general subject matter around the eye its been tracking – but now lost – hasn’t radically changed.
Furthermore, retain some remembrance of the facial features when Eye AF is initiated so as to re-attain eye focus when the subject looks back at the camera and re-recognizes the initial eye (pattern) after having lost it. This is how Nikon’s 3D subject tracking works.