Olympus Stylus TG-850 IHS 16 MP Digital Camera (White) - International Version

A worthy buy for rough use. Let me give a jist of what this camera is made of. The black Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 Digital Camera is a water, crush, shock, freeze, and dustproof point-and-shoot camera capable of operating in areas where a normal camera would fail. It features a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, a 5x optical zoom lens, and the TruePic VII image processor in order to create detailed, high resolution images. Additionally, this camera is capable of capturing video with 1920 x 1080 recording at up to 60 frames per second. The Olympus TG-850 is built to withstand the elements and impacts. It can shoot underwater to a depth of 33' as well as being able to survive drops as high as 7' and crushproof to 220 pounds. It is even able to shoot and maintain all function in temperatures as low as 14°F, well below freezing. It also has a protective sealing that makes it dustproof, keeping fine grains like sand and other obstructions from ruining your camera. The lens on the TG-850 is a 5x optical zoom that provides the focal length equivalency of 21-105mm in the 35mm format. At 21mm, you have a wide-angle lens that can shoot expansive vistas and inclusive group shots and at 105mm it is a telephoto length that can magnify distant subjects or shoot creative close-ups. A Super Resolution Zoom function is also available extend that reach if necessary. Image Stabilization offers clearer images by reducing the blurring effects of camera shake when shooting at telephoto lengths and in low light situations. And there are also very extensive interval shooting capabilities that can be easily accessed. A 3.0" 180° tilt LCD display allows you to easily adjust the view for shooting self-portraits and other difficult to frame images. Also, the screen makes it very simple to change settings and review your images. Intelligent Auto mode helps with these settings by automatically selecting what options and modes are ideal for the current scene. 16MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS Sensor The 16MP sensor in the TG-850 provides richly colored, detailed images with fine low-light performance and fast autofocus capability. TruePic VII Image Processor The image processing engine on the TG-850 offers fast transfer and performance speeds and allows the camera to shoot both high resolution photos and Full HD video with accurate colors and minimal noise. Waterproof and Damage Resistant The TG-850 is designed to be used in inclement weather and is able to shoot underwater and withstand the bumps and drops that other cameras cannot. It is waterproof to 33', shockproof to 7', crushproof to 220 lb, freezeproof to 14°F, and dustproof. 5x Optical Zoom Lens With a focal range that runs from 21-105mm in the 35mm format along with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.7, the lens on the TG-850 provides great image quality at shooting lengths from wide-angle to telephoto. The wide-angle allows for expansive vistas and the telephoto lengths can bring distant subjects closer. Because this camera is meant to be used in all weather conditions, the lens is provided with a water-repellent coating to keep rain drops and condensation from clouding-up the image. 1080p Full HD Video at 60 Frames Per Second Record full high definition video at up to 60 frames per second due to the combination of processing power and image sensor technology. 3.0" Tilting LCD Display The 460k-dot 3.0" tilting LCD display allows you to easily see what you are doing and makes framing self-portraits and other difficult to shoot scenes much simpler. Dual Image Stabilization Dual Image Stabilization combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images even in low-light situations. ISO Range 125-6400 An ISO range up to 6400 offers accurate color reproduction and low-noise imaging even in low light situations. Interval Modes The TG-850's interval shooting feature allows you capture each step of an action sequence, or you can set the camera for longer intervals and stitch the images together into a time-lapse movie. Intelligent Auto and Scene Modes In iAuto mode, the camera automatically detects the subject, lighting and situation to identify the scene you're shooting and adjusts the settings for ideal results. Scene Modes include Portrait, Beauty, Landscape, Night, Night + Portrait, Sport, Indoor, Self Portrait, Sunset, Fireworks, Cuisine, Beach & Snow, Documents, Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Wide 1, Underwater Wide 2, Underwater Macro, and others. Hand-Held Starlight Mode At night and in low-light situations where image blur is more likely to occur, Hand-Held Starlight mode captures multiple images and stitches them together into a single, crisp photo. Panorama Mode Capture panoramic vistas all in one frame with the touch of one button, by simply panning the camera across the scene. AF Illuminator An LED Illuminator on the front of the camera acts to enhance focus and exposure for macro shooting. It also works in conjunction with the flash to help illuminate your subject in low-light conditions.

There is no such thing as a perfect camera, right? Always tradeoffs and limitations at most any price. I was not expecting anywhere near perfect with this one, just wanted a "tough" camera at a modest price with better photos and videos than my 4 year old cell phone. The rating is relative to the price (man. refurb $160) and expectations so overall I was pleased. If I had paid list price $250 I would have to drop a star since there have to be better cameras at that price. Attempting to pack light for a theme park trip, I took this camera (with Toshiba flashair 2 16gb card) and iPhone 4 with Olympus Image Share app installed. I could get through most of the day taking pictures, videos, reviewing shots while time permitted and occasional wifi transfers to phone before battery was done. Yes this camera does seem to eat through the battery especially with video use BUT I was using the camera a lot even though I may have only taken 75 photos and a few videos. I may get a second battery if planning another all day trip. Since wifi was set to off except for one or two photo transfers to cellphone I am going to assume that the Flashair was not responsible for battery consumption. Did not attempt to "setup" the Flashair card so left the password at default and popped it in the camera. In the camera menu settings I set wifi to manual start and stop. After connecting from the iphone wifi settings, the Olympus app worked first attempt. It created an album OLYMPUS in the Photos app. I was quite pleased everything worked first try even though maybe not as convenient as with other cameras. I bought a refurb hoping the seal issues were fixed but not planning any heavy use underwater. Just to test the seals during the return period I tried it under a foot of water for a short period of time while tilting lcd, turning dials, zooming and taking pictures. No problems. Really just wanted water splash proof so have not deep pool tested yet and may not tempt fate with this one. Floating strap is nice addition. It seems most of the bad reviews were due to leaks. ==Overall: Majority of photos and videos taken were "good" without much effort - maybe 10 percent were duds because of camera limitations and another 10 percent duds due to operator error. Photos were very useable and were able to crop (a bit) for computer or 4x6 prints without much noticable noise. Pixel peepers will hate this camera but for normal snap-shot use very nice jpegs. The AWB colors were mostly accurate without over-saturation at the "natural" setting. The Adobe PS Express app was able to correct underexposed shadows and clean up glare on a few photos. Fastone Image Viewer software on the computer is also useful and good freeware. Many more features yet to try. I would have to say this is a fun camera. I guess the more specialized GoPro cameras are the way to go if wanting the best action videos but roller coaster handheld videos using the TG-850 will capture the experience even if a bit shaky. And you don't have to worry about dropping your smartphone. ==Really Liked: Wide wide angle - not concerned if some distortion or not perfectly clear on edges. Image stabilization worked well at any zoom. Could get decent handheld night shots at 1/6 sec at wide zoom. Wifi worked first try Flip-up LCD along with wide angle lens and wrist strap made taking 4 person selfies easy even on roller coaster (only attempted when moving slowly at end of a ride). Tilt LCD surprisingly useful for videos and ground level photos. Fun with SCN and Art modes. "Dramatic" setting makes for some interesting photos but can do similar effects in Olympus App after transfer a photo to iPhone. Underwater (outdoor, daytime) colors using the WB "underwater" setting were good. Reasonably fast AF and capture. Much better than older iPhone. Was able to disable AF assist light. Just had to remember to turn it back on for when needed in lower light. Video sound was surprisingly good at reasonable loudness - Video of street bands did not overload mics and fairly stable level with acceptable highs and lows. May not be able to handle concert level sounds without automatically muting highs or distorting. Did not check for hiss in low sound levels yet. ==Wish was better (but since when do we get everything we want): Not much exposure range - typical for p&s small chip cameras. Was able to edit darker shadows acceptably on a few photos. No manual aperature and shutter settings but did have exp compensation setting when needed for a few photos. Definitely not a low light camera. Can not capture moving subjects at dusk lighting without blur. However a creative photographer may be able to exploit this as a feature and make some interesting effects. Noisy photos in lower light and in shadows. I expected some of this in SCN and Art modes but got more than expected in normal shooting. Guess the $350 Olympus with the better chip and lens will be the better choice if this is critical. Aquarium (indoor, lower light) colors were good but noisy photos. Clicking handling noise in videos - will have to be careful with this. Tilt LCD that could flip down for holding camera overhead. It will take some practice to get fill flash to work with bright background. Thought I had read the 720 video would be 60fps but looked more like 30fps in some videos. Panorama chops of what you would think would have been the last frame. Have to keep shooting past what you want to capture.

Update 2/12/2015: Back in October I mentioned the recall notice from Olympus. When I finally got around to sending it in Olympus returned it amazingly fast. Having worked in the photo retail industry for years I remember how long some camera companies took to deal with repairs. Olympus had a turn around of about 3 days to fix the camera and returned it cleaned and tested. I had no problems with the camera pre-recall but decided to have the mode dial issue fixed prophylactically, I've not had any problems with it after. It's still functioning 100%, and I'd recommend it (although I see they now have the tg-860 coming out, with GPS! Update 10/1/2014: I recently received a recall from Olympus - apparently many people that experienced flooding issues may have experienced them due to a defect. I still have not had any problems with the camera and I must say the battery life is excellent. Despite not yet having any issues I do intend to send it to Olympus to have whatever fixes they've made implemented. I own many cameras. In buying the TG-850 I hoped to get a "go everywhere" point-and-shoot that would do the same job as the Olympus Stylus Epic and Olympus XA 35mm cameras I've carried in the past. While I haven't snorkeled or gone kayaking in years I wanted a camera that I could confidently take with me while cycling without too much concern about exposure to the elements. Something I think many people don't realize with "underwater" cameras is the level of care necessary to keep them functioning as such. Despite the fact that these modern digital "life-proof" cameras have only one sealed door for battery, media and I/O ports that is still their achilles heel. Any microscopic grain of sand or even a human hair can be enough to defeat the seal thus flooding one's camera with water; in the case of salt water the threat is even greater since it takes only a bit of moisture to completely foul the circuitry permanently. Since I am generally using this camera on dry land please view my review in that context. Before buying this camera I compared it to the Fuji XP-200 (only had 1080i video, good but not great) the Sony TX-30 (touch screen only? yuck) the Olympus TG-630 (well reviewed, but hey there's one with a higher model number!!) and the Panasonic, the name of which escapes me at the moment. The TG-850 had 2 deal-breaking features that set it apart - the tilting LCD screen and the wide-angle zoom lens (a 21mm equivalent). These two features are excellent in tandem, if you've never used an articulated screen on a camera I suggest you try it, you'll find that you're able to get angles and compositions previously impossible. Since lens allows "zooming-out" to an ultra-wide angle you can shoot from a truly unique perspective. As with all tiny point-and-shoots low light performance leaves something to be desired. I really wish that instead of trying to jam 16 million pixels on to a 1/2.3" sensor they'd work on making a low-noise 6MP model. As it is there is quite a bit of detail and accurate color reproduction, but if you view your images at 100% you will see the "smudging" effect typical of these cameras. The macro mode works well and flash metering is excellent, even close-up when taking "selfies" with the screen flipped up. My only real disappointment with this camera was that the ubiquitous "snap-sort" which ranks so highly on Google when the camera is searched insists that this camera has an external mic port - I've yet to find one and there is none mentioned in the manual. This is a good buy, I'd say it could replace all but the most "pro-sumer" of point-and-shoots. It's not as quick as my X100s or D600 but like the old saying goes "the best camera is the one you have with you" and a truly durable and compact camera such as this is sure to be with you all the time.

I'm not comfortable taking pictures in our kayak with the GH2 or D-Lux 6. I was interested in a rugged camera without GPS, WiFi, altimeter, compass and other futilities. My 10y-old son is using a Tough 3000 and my 8y-old got a TG-820 for Christmas. I pre-ordered the 850 in January because of its two good features: 21mm and tilt-screen. I received it end of March . The next day I returned it. First disappointment is the feeling. Although the camera looks nice, the black sides are not rubber but hard plastic. Second is the ergonomics: Have the Olympus engineers taken pix with gloves or cold fingers ? They put the three buttons in line on-off / shutter / W-T zoom right next to each other. I'm 100% sure you will hit the zoom when you want to press the shutter or you will take a pix when you need zooming. Third is the image quality: I always take a topographic map as test. Ten shoots between 21mm@ 3.5 and [email protected]. It's never crispy, it's ok in the center, bad on the corners. Hard to believe there are 16 MP. On my 27" iMac, 800 ISO is the limit of acceptable quality. Fourth is the 460k screen. Like the TG-830, it's a step back with the 920k on the TG-820. So still three stars for this camera because the AF is excellent, it is well build, the macro mode is pleasant. Maybe the climbers will appreciate the 5-axis stab for video (although they will choose a GoPro). I paid $189 for a the TG-820 five months ago. Now it's almost $300. I'm almost sure the 850 will be under $200 in July. Dear Olympus, put the TG-2 lens in the 850 body and keep only the features of a CAMERA, not of a cellphone. Thanks for reading.

After destroying our prior point-and-shoot camera with beach sand, we decided to go with a "tough" camera that is both waterproof and sand-proof. Several makers fit this bill but the Olympus had the highest "bang for the buck" ratings on several techie websites. We were not disappointed. This rugged camera has an incredibly fast recycle time -- as fast as you can push the shutter button it will take photos. We were warned that photo resolution is lower on rough or tough cameras but we have not found that to be true. This 16MPix camera snaps extremely sharp images outdoors and the LED flash help produce acceptable indoor shoots (although indoors is not its specialty). We like the auto mode, the sports mode, and the panorama mode but don't have much need for the many artsy modes. It also takes nice HD videos. The variable angle flip up LCD viewfinder is a great feature for taking nature photos and it even inverts for selfies. Battery life is good but we did buy an additional battery and freestanding charger for longer days. The camera uses standard SD memory cards (inexpensive) and two 16GB SanDisk card will last us all day (easily a 750 photos). Remember the battery and memory card door has two locks -- use both when going in the water. There was a recall on earlier models due to door failures, so suggest you google that and immediately check your serial number on receipt. The only negative (and we knew this going in) is the modest zoom range although is does have a great wide angle 'unzoom' range. If you shoot a lot of images at long range you might wish to look at other brand. We'd buy again.

So the first camera had a bad LCD screen right out of the box and I figured, hey it happens right? It was all dancing bars and white noise. When the replacement came, I took some pictures with it, learned the functions, and was liking it a lot. It takes great pictures! And then I took it on vacation to Cancun (the reason I bought it). And on day 2 the LCD screen started doing the exact same thing - cutting in & out, dancing bars . . . so water got into the hinge? or it's just a bad hinge? The first one never touched water. The 2nd one did, but I had not opened the secured compartment at all since I initially charged it and put in the SD card. So . . . In my opinion it has an inherent bad design on the hinged LCD screen (possibly not even related to water usage???). I just squeaked in under Amazon's 30 day return policy and after the 2nd one am not willing to take a chance on a 3rd camera lasting a little longer and then forcing me to deal with olympus customer support. So, my current strategy is to wait until just before my next planned beach vacation and try another brand of waterproof camera. And if it fails then I'll be within the 30 day window and return it and will be done with waterproof cameras. On the plus side, it did appear to still work for a while (made the shutter noise) so I was still taking pictures during the visit to Xel-Ha. On the minus side, I couldn't see what I was doing really or change any settings and 1/2 through it stopped making the shutter noise and without an LCD screen couldn't tell what might be wrong. Just got back and it turned out the card was full but I did get a few usable pictures of part of the day. None of the amazing fish we saw while snorkeling though. Thanks Olympus you suck!!!!!

As a Youtube Creator (SailingandSuch) I have been through quite a few cameras. I bought this camera for filming my outdoor adventures after owning a few GoPro type cameras. I feel this camera is better suited for filming a camping/sailing/backpacking trip in a documentary style vs a first person style. I used it to film a 3-day kayaking trip down the Choctawhatchee river (Youtube - "A River, A Kayak, 3 Days - Choctawhatchee River, AL"). I experienced cold and rain and the camera did great. One day it rained all day long and the camera sat on my kayak deck getting wet the entire day and did well. The video quality was great in my opinion at 1080 and 30fps when used on a tripod. If you try to walk around with the camera to much it can distort the image so it needs something stable to film from like a tripod or a camera pole if you choose to hold it. It did fairly well in low light situations as well. Audio was really good as well and the wind noise reduction feature seemed to help. It takes great photos if you learn the different settings how to set things like the ISO and exposure. The reason I didn't give the camera 5 stars is that if you use the camera in video mode as I did it runs through batteries pretty darn fast. Before my trip I bought three extras and they were definitely needed. Overall I think I probably filmed 4 hours or so worth of footage and used almost three batteries. One morning I did notice fog on the inside of the lens cover but it quickly went away. I don't think it was caused by a leak of any kind but rather just the temperature/humidity. I didn't use it underwater but I plan to and I have faith that the camera will keep it's seal and not leak as some others have reported. I did stufy the seal carefully and it would be pretty darn easy to leave a piece of hair or something on the seal and allow a leak that will damage the camera. For $200 dollars I think this camera is an awsome value and I am considering buying another for different angles on my future adventure videos.

Just like some of the other reviewers said, all buttons except the shutter and power become totally unresponsive! Nearly ruined my Caribbean vacation! Purely by luck i brought my old fuji xp20 waterproof camera as back up which worked perfectly. When its out of the water for a while it seems to work again. The battery compartment was totally dry so it didn't fail there. I think somewhere else the camera waterproofing is failing, maybe the mode dial. That being said, when it would work it was awesome. The video was really good and clear. 60fps movie mode gives you great smooth video. The wide lens is great for scenery. The flip screen really helps u frame yourself in scenic shots. The battery died quick though. Since other people are reporting the same problem I'm just gonna have to pass on it and hope an improved model comes out later. As of right now I see the price go knocked down from 249 to 199 and this model just came out. I think that means the manufacturer knows this model has issues. They wouldn't discount it if it was doing well. Awesome concept, they just need to fix the problem.