DPReview TV: Waterproof Compact Camera Roundup 2019 (Ricoh WG-6, Olympus TG-6, Panasonic TS7 / FTZ)

Summer is here, which means it's time for Chris and Jordan's roundup of new waterproof cameras for 2019: the Olympus Tough TG-6, the Ricoh WG-6, and the Panasonic TS7. Find out which one is right for your next vacation.

Want more information about waterproof cameras? Watch Chris and Jordan's 2018 Waterproof Camera Roundup, which includes several models still on the market:

Or, read our recently updated Waterproof Camera Buying guide:

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[Durio_zibethinus]

Chris: "...but it goes to just beyond..."
Olympus: 5:30
Chris: "however..."
Olympus: 5:39

[rbrtmllr]

A few comments from my experience, because there is a big market for these cameras outside of sports and family activities.

Building inspectors often shoot 100s of photos on a daily basis and are known to go through a couple point and shoots every year. Unless you have a camera like the TG. I have shot on the same TG for four years. That’s substantial. It shrugs off the abuse that ends a regular point and shoot in 6-12 months.

Of course, the photos IQ is very important for professional reports, studying building conditions from the office, and even the capacity to capture images in challenging conditions.

For starters, an f/2 lens and a good sensor for low light is critical. Buildings often have dark areas: crawl spaces, attics, no power, mechanical rooms, etc. The TG excels at this.

Another great feature is the wifi remote. I often collect photos using the camera mounted on a long stick which enables excellent reach, as well as a safe workspace because I can often avoid ladders.

Dial controls are also critical. I have developed was way of shooting using the custom modes where I can alternate between C1 and C2 for flash on and off. It’s fast and easy with gloves on. If I switch to macro mode for a data plate, my familiar settings are still readily available. I can’t say enough good things about the TG, and highlighted it’s advantages at various presentations for professional technical photography such as the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors.

Excellent camera.

[pranavtripathi]

Bee Roll is probably the best opening line to a review in quite some time honestly!

[benfarrar]

The video zoom on the Olympus made me laugh out loud 😂

[ArneuTube]

I issued both the TG-6 and TS7 at my work. They get used up to 12 hours a day to take photos of machines. I have taken both of them out of rotation because the plastic cover on the lens gets scratched easily when putting the camera away (in safety vest or tablet chest pack) making the photos unusable. The manufacturers also do not replace the covers, it is cheaper to buy a new camera. The cameras get used in extreme conditions around dirt, sand, and grease which they are not really made for. I am currently buying up all old and refurbished stock of the older TS5 which for us was a superior camera. We are currently testing some of the ruggedized Nikon's and will add the Ricoh to the list but I think it will suffer from the same issues. Love your reviews, thank you!

[legomandk]

Not a single shot under water,
Take them out snorkeling, and show us the results 😊

[vicibox]

There just is something unique about Olympus Mju cameras. Honestly, I dont really care which camera is best overall I just always carry an Olympus Mju. In 1994 I bought the Mju II which survived being dropped down a mountain. Fantastic image quality and a perfect second camera to my heavy Nikon kit when I didnt want to risk the expensive kit. In 2004 I went digital with a 3MP Olympus Mju Stylus 200. This camera got replaced 5 years ago by my current gorgeous red TG-3. This provides an indestructible zoom lens to compliment my Panasonic with a prime lens. I know I will always carry an Olympus Mju and they have never let me down once in all that time; they always get the shot and its always useable which isnt something I could say about my Nikons; hence I now shoot Panasonic; on holiday the TG-3 out performed my D7100 and I never used it again. Say what you like about image quality but, regardless of quality a camera always has to deliver a useable image and the D7100 fell a long way short of the TG3 on that holiday, my holiday folder gave the nod to Olympus ;-)

[andriusadamovicius]

We use TG-4 in vehicle repair workshop to photograph cars (damages and etc.) and it's used by 20 different people, camera gets droped alot and abused in many different ways, TG-4 survived 4 years now and only issue is cable port on the camera already worn (not always connecting) due to frequent connecting to PC to transfer files so we will change it to TG-6. We tried simple camera with 1 inch sensor (for better quality) and it survived few months and was broken to the point where no repair was possible.

[rayspencer]

I love my new TG-6 for those times when the weather has gone to hell, but I still want a photo and for under water. The macro features are astounding, and not even covered in this review! And I do use RAW files.

[jessejohnson]

Chris: [does a complete narration about the cam]
Olympus: yall mind if I just

[DreamwalkerFilms]

Your videos are so great. You always have a very concise, informed and scientific way of comparing videos which so many of us appreciate when making our decisions. Thank you!

Although it's funny, I was keeping all 3 options in close debate on this one...until near the end when you mentioned the Olympus was the only one that shot RAW. Made the decision real easy. Haha

[dbpike]

I have an opportunity to buy a Panasonic TS7 at a good price. I’m still not sure if it is the best camera for me. However this review was extremely well done and helpful. I like “seeing” the differences rather than just read about them. Thank you!

[TL-xwfh]

As a fun camera, the Olympus TG-5 is well specced and a great camera. I borrowed one early this year for a long weekend away, and was very surprised by it's capabilities. I can literally shoot anything, anywhere and whatever I want, from really small insects (great macro), rain (we have lots in the UK), mud, etc. 12MP is more than enough even for cropped A3 sized prints. The RAW capabilities simply is great as I can easily post edit the images.

[ezzezeins]

Just what I needed! I will be at the beach a lot more this summer! Thanks for the review guys, great as always! Love from Sweden.

[fc]

Love the EVF on the Panasonic, but I don't ever shoot a camera without RAW. Olympus it is then

[lmc]

this is one of the best review videos of any type of product i have seen in a long time, and i have seen a lot!, very thorough review, and the reviewer is quite handsome and naturally well spoken. Man love for the presenter LOL

[TheGaryMarkShow]

I've had the TG5 since it came out and like it a lot. It's not my everyday camera but the one I take when I think the elements are going to be rough, wet, or "extreme." It's a nice little camera. I have no plans to upgrade to the TG6.

[REZrblde]

Holy crap that olympus zoom is abysmal. What are they using for zooming motors, angle grinders?

[artistjoh]

I have the TG-6. In black. I think of it as a GoPro with zoom and incredible macro. It is not quite as rugged as a GoPro, but overall it is a lot more versatile than the GoPro. Out in nature, both zoom and macro are incredibly useful.

[adrinathegreat]

The optical zoom is the only reason I'd use one of these over a phone, my phone has optical zoom but it uses a smaller sensor to do this and the image quality is noticeable.
I know using the larger main sensor for optical zoom on a phone means an impractical lens system.
Myself I'd opt for the lumix because it's Orange and can be easily seen if dropped.
Plus it's got an evf and other features