ZombieCake
Well-known member
Olympus have announced a new tough camera to replace the TG-4, the TG-5, just as I was about to get a TG-4. Most interestingly they've replaced the 16MP sensor with a 12MP one. Supposed to be better in low light with an extended ISO range. I was soooo close to buying a TG-4 when I saw the blurb for this one. At current prices the TG-5 is ?100 more (?399 vs ?299, give or take). So an interesting dilemma. The lower megapixel count is not as bad as it seems: I've a few 12 MP cameras and they do take nice pics. For example the Leica D-Lux 109 (PanasinicLX100) is pretty good in low light and has an interesting 16MP sensor that only gives 12MP images as it has a physical aspect ratio switch (1:1, 16:9, 4:3, 3:2) to preserve 12MP at the different aspects. Can just about at times get away with 3200 or 6400 ISO. https://uk.leica-camera.com/Photography/Compact-Cameras/Leica-D-Lux-Typ-109 Similarly the Pentax MX-1 at also 12MP takes a nice photo up to about 1600 ISO. https://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentax-mx-1 (and seems to share Olympus DNA (or the other way around). Not unusual lots of manufacturers make parts for each other's devices) Problem is that neither are weather sealed. I solved the problem of the MX-1 making fizzing noises after it got damp by putting silica gel sachets in the battery compartment and leaving in a warmish place for a few days...
Sony do a 12MP camera for about ?2500 rrp (which I don't have) https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7sm2 but can push to a much higher ISO than the TG-5 and has a full frame sensor to boot so would be better at seriously low light. They also knock out 42MP toys. I guess the larger pixels equal less noise at higher ISO ratings. Unfortunately I don't have the cash for that or fast glass to affix on it, and is kind of missing the point of a compact.
So 16MP will give a better theoretical larger printed image, but 12 MP could perhaps give a better quality one in the conditions it's likely to be used in. Piccies from Old Ruminator and others do show the ace quality of the current TG-4, and some gadgets on new toys are less likely to be used (e.g. 4k video for me). Fewer MP's on a smaller sensor seems a good idea as they'll be larger and so less noisy, but either way pushing to 12800 ISO is probably better for marketing rubbish than image quality.
So what to do TG-4 or TG-5 ??!!?? And then either a black one or a red one! Or are there other super tough cameras I've missed?
Sony do a 12MP camera for about ?2500 rrp (which I don't have) https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras/ilce-7sm2 but can push to a much higher ISO than the TG-5 and has a full frame sensor to boot so would be better at seriously low light. They also knock out 42MP toys. I guess the larger pixels equal less noise at higher ISO ratings. Unfortunately I don't have the cash for that or fast glass to affix on it, and is kind of missing the point of a compact.
So 16MP will give a better theoretical larger printed image, but 12 MP could perhaps give a better quality one in the conditions it's likely to be used in. Piccies from Old Ruminator and others do show the ace quality of the current TG-4, and some gadgets on new toys are less likely to be used (e.g. 4k video for me). Fewer MP's on a smaller sensor seems a good idea as they'll be larger and so less noisy, but either way pushing to 12800 ISO is probably better for marketing rubbish than image quality.
So what to do TG-4 or TG-5 ??!!?? And then either a black one or a red one! Or are there other super tough cameras I've missed?