OSP’s Top Camera Recommendation no.3 : Olympus TG-5-6 & 7 – Pocket-Sized, Adventure-Ready, and Practically Indestructible

5 minute read.

When you think “Tough Camera,” you might picture a digital tank like the E‑M1X – big, bold, and ready for battle. But sometimes, adventure comes in a much smaller package. Enter the Olympus TG‑series: the TG‑5, TG‑6, and OM System TG‑7. These are pocket-sized powerhouses built to survive the rough stuff – without weighing you down or making you look like you’re on assignment for National Geographic.

Don’t let the compact size fool you: the TG’s are fully waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and basically klutz‑proof. Where the E‑M1X is made to crush pro assignments, the TG‑series is perfect for throwing in your pocket before a bike ride, a rainy hike, a kayak trip, or even a tumble into the mud. In short, these cameras are proof that serious adventure doesn’t always require serious bulk.

I’ve been using the TG series for quite a while now—and to be honest, I currently own four different models, and yes, they’re all fantastic. The TG-320? It’s simply the smallest one, perfect for slipping in any pocket. The TG-3 is about to be handed down to the youngest grandkid, while the TG-4 is already in use by my older grandchild – because, let’s face it, these are the only cameras I actually trust in the hands of a kid. Kidproof? Absolutely.

I picked up my first TG, the TG-6, back in early 2021. I was on the hunt for a camera that could handle water and, more importantly, take a proper beating. I looked at all the alternatives—Pentax WG, Nikon, Lumix, you name it – but honestly, nothing matched the specs (or the sheer indestructibility) of the Olympus TG series. And to this day, that’s still true.

Whether you choose the TG-5, TG-6, or the latest OM System TG-7, you’re getting more or less the same unbeatable package. These three are virtually interchangeable when it comes to everyday adventure, and right now, they’re the only cameras I know that you can confidently throw at almost any situation – except, of course, hardcore wildlife photography with monster telephoto lenses, because you’re working with a fixed 4x zoom. But honestly, for everything else? They shine.

Street photography in the rain? No problem. Want to sneak a few shots in a museum, discreet and silent? The TG slips right in. Taking a plunge in a cold river in the Ardennes or off on an urban exploration trip? These cameras are built for it. Fancy some macro work, getting so close it’s almost at microscope level? The TG series has a microscopic mode that’ll blow your mind.

The real magic is in their go-anywhere, do-anything spirit. Wet, dusty, dropped from a cliff, banged against rocks during a climb – it doesn’t matter. These cameras are up for it and ready to capture every second of your adventure. You can dive into a river, end up a meter underwater, and the TG will still be working, ready for the next shot as if nothing happened. In short: wherever you go and whatever you do, the TG-5, 6, and 7 won’t just survive – they’ll thrive, and they’ll make sure you bring home the memories.

What makes them stand out? First, total peace of mind. Waterproof to 15 meters, drop-proof from over two meters, crushproof, freezeproof, and yes – idiot-proof. You don’t need a special case or extra padding: just grab and go. The controls are glove-friendly, the GPS and field sensors log your adventures, and the lens is surprisingly sharp for a compact. There’s even RAW support, underwater shooting modes, and a powerful macro mode that makes bugs look like monsters.

And the best part? You never have to baby these cameras. They’ll bounce around in your bag, survive a rainstorm, or join you under a waterfall. The TG-series is a true “take it anywhere” camera that turns rough treatment into a badge of honor. Whether you’re an outdoor nut, a parent, a kayaker, or just someone who’s dropped a camera before – this is the pocket-sized sidekick that doesn’t know how to quit.

Ranked at number 3, the TG isn’t what I’d call the ultimate one-and-only camera. Instead, it’s the kind of camera you always want in your bag – shirt/jacket pocket : a trusty backup or everyday companion. Sure, I’ve said before that my Leica D-Lux Typ 109 is my perfect everyday shooter – mainly because it’s sort of pocketable with a large sensor. But let’s be honest: it’s about as weatherproof as a soggy sandwich. If there’s even a hint of dust or rain, my Leica stays safe at home, curled up in its little camera pouch.

No, if you want a camera that’ll stick with you through thick and thin, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, the choice is easy: go for an Olympus/OM System TG-X. You can pick one up for anything from €250 to €600, depending on whether you’re buying new or second-hand and what kind of deal you find. There are bargains out there if you keep an eye out.

Get it because this is the one for Always !

Target Audience :

• Those who want a true go-anywhere camera – small enough for a pocket, tough enough for real-life bumps, scrapes, and splashes.
• Hikers, bikers, travellers, and day-trippers who value compactness over carrying a lens arsenal.
• Parents, kids, and anyone who wants a camera they don’t have to baby – drop it, dunk it, dust it off, keep going.
• Creatives looking for a simple, reliable tool to capture the moment, not chase megapixels or superzooms.
• Urban explorers and storytellers who shoot up close: street, architecture, snapshots, or spontaneous adventures.
• Fans of the classic compact: think old-school point & shoot, but with modern tech, better colors, and a serious build.
• People who just want to enjoy photography – no fuss, no stress, just point, shoot, and smile.

In short:
Perfect for anyone tired of “serious” cameras that weigh as much as a brick. This is the compact with guts – made for the real world, and ready for whatever you throw at it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
OSP 5-Star Pick

This article was written by Marc R.
While I primarily speak Dutch and have some knowledge of English and a little French, ChatGPT helps ensure my writing is grammatically correct. I often mix Dutch and English in my drafts, and ChatGPT steps in to translate and correct.