Olympus releases waterproof Tough TG-5 compact camera sensor system

Olympus announces a new waterproof compact camera in its Tough series. The TG-5 is equipped with GPS, a thermometer, a compass and a manometer. The data from those sensors can be placed on a map along with the photos.

The new model can be used underwater up to 15 meters, has to survive drops from a height of up to 2.1 meters and can withstand temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius. Those specifications are the same as with the previous model, the TG-4. New is the 4k movie function, with a recording speed of 30 fps. In full HD resolution, you can film at 120fps and the sturdy, waterproof camera takes photos at a maximum of 20fps.

Like the Tough TG-Tracker action camera that Olympus announced last year, the TG-5 has sensors to measure temperature, pressure, direction and location. The data from the sensors can be saved for later display on a map.

Olympus used a sixteen-megapixel sensor in its predecessor Tough TG-4. In the new model, the resolution is twelve megapixels lower, but the sensor size is the same at 1/2.3″. The larger pixels of the TG-5 should provide a higher light output and better quality in low light. It is also possible to to shoot photos in raw format.

The lens with a range of 25-100mm in 35mm equivalent, aperture of f/2.0 in the wide-angle position and f/4.9 in the telephoto range is unchanged. Olympus does say that it has added double glass to prevent fogging of the lens due to temperature changes.

Olympus will release the Tough TG-5 in red and black in June for a suggested retail price of 479 euros.