Anyone have a good or bad opinion of Olympus Tough TG-6. Apologies if I have previously asked here. Thanks

I own one, though it is about 4 or 5 years old. It does a pretty good job of making me look like a photographer. I bought it at a time when we were going to the Caribbean every year, and I wanted a camera that I could use when snorkeling. If you do take it under water, follow the cleaning instructions to the letter. If you go to the birdwatchers forum, there are a couple of pics that I used this camera to take.

Well, I tried to post a video of a stingray that I observed while snorkeling, but it said that it was too large. Also works good at water parks.

For some time now I have used either a large bulky SLR that I have to worry about getting wet, and then later a point and shoot of some kind, that I still had to keep fairly dry. I have also been known to fumble a camera now and then, usually when I was fumbling myself as well. Thanks for your input. MB

Hi Mossback,
I just went through a waterproof camera search myself. The TG-6 and the Nikon W300 were among the top contenders. Both seem to be good cameras; water and shock resistant and able to fit in a pocket. Downsides were the weight (for a shirt pocket camera) and the lack of telephoto range and small sensor compared to a other non-waterproof pocket cameras. I figured that this camera will be with me on the water most of the time, so it seems a good tradeoff.

I ended up with a different camera: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30. It is smaller, lighter, less expensive (got it for less than $160), waterproof to 26', shock resistant and close to the same zoom range as the Olympus and Nikon. I just got it the day before Christmas and so far I am happy with the results. It will not replace my big camera, but it will be with me more often!

If you might want to take a look at one if you want a small waterproof pocket camera.

I have had the Olympus Tough for a number of years and I can attest to the toughness of this camera. I am pretty much a point-and-shoot photographer and this camera has served me well. It has been on many trips with me and has survived an inadvertent swim and several drops, one on the Canadian shield. The rechargeable batteries last about 1 week each.

I bought the Olympus Tough TG-6 after reading recommendations received on this messageboard. In a 1:1 comparison to a good iphone or a DSLR, without question, the Olympus image quality lags. It's just too punchy. Peace of mind, though, more than makes up for the difference. In my opinion, the #1 reason to buy is its waterproof toughness. Lack of a huge zoom rang may actually be a blessing. Paddle quietly closer to your subject. Patience. Select the right time. Snap! Sort of like the old days!!!!!

I have the older TG-2, which I'd actually like to sell at some point and update to the TG-6, but for relatively minor reasons. It's great for the mantra of "the best camera is the one you have with you" - it may not have quite the quality of a bulky SLR, but you'll carry it lots of places you wouldn't take anything else, and it's nice for a regular point and shoot.

SouthernKevlar: I ended up with a different camera: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30. It is smaller, lighter, less expensive (got it for less than $160), waterproof to 26', shock resistant and close to the same zoom range as the Olympus and Nikon. . . . If you might want to take a look at one if you want a small waterproof pocket camera."

I had a Panasonic Lumix, an older version. It ended up in the lake and wasn't working at all so I replaced it with another Lumix (DMC ZS25). A month later I tried the drowned camera and was surprised to find that it worked perfectly and the photos were as clear as ever. So I don't recommend dropping cameras in the water, but if you do, there's a possibility that all is not lost!