Bethlehem, PA—OM Digital Solutions announced the OM System TG-7 point-and-shoot compact camera. The latest addition to the company’s Tough series, the rugged camera features dustproof and shockproof capabilities along with dedicated underwater shooting modes.
Tough TG-7 Key Features
The new P&S is shockproof enough to endure falls from up to 6.9 feet as well as resist forces up to 220 pounds. The Tough TG-7 also offers underwater shooting modes that complement its waterproof abilities to depths of 49 feet. Moreover, it remains functional in freezing temperatures down to 14°F. In addition, you can use the camera with the optional PT-059 underwater housing for shooting at depths of 148 feet.
The TG-7 features sealed construction throughout its entire camera body. This is complemented by a dual-lock mechanism on crucial openings, like the battery cover, to guarantee waterproof performance and safeguard the camera from sand and dust particles. It also boasts a protective glass on the front lens for antifogging. And adventure photographers will appreciate its nonslip grip for a secure hold even in wet conditions.
Like other models in the Tough lineup, this new compact’s field sensor system automatically acquires location (latitude and longitude) and environmental data. This data includes temperature, water temperature, altitude (water depth) and shooting direction tracking data. It does so with built-in GPS, air pressure, shooting direction as well as temperature sensors. You can load this information into the OM Image Share (OI.Share) smartphone app to link and display your traveled route along with the altitude (water depth) in recorded images.
The Specs
Beyond its Tough features, the TG-7 boasts a 12.7-megapixel, back-lit CMOS image sensor and an 4x optical zoom, 25–100mm-equivalent f/2.0 high-speed zoom lens. The lens’s f/2.0 aperture allows for fast shutter speeds and reduced subject blur, even when capturing fast-moving subjects. The 7-group, 9-element lens incorporates advanced optical technologies, including a DSA (dual super aspherical) lens. This is complemented by AR (antireflective) coating on both sides of the sealing glass, to suppress ghosting and flaring. 
Additionally, the camera employs the same TruePic VIII image-processing engine found in the company’s interchangeable-lens cameras. Consequently, the camera supports RAW recording with in-camera RAW processing. It also enables RAW image-editing and processing on a computer using the free OM Workspace software.
Furthermore, the P&S has a variable macro system that transcends human visual limits with close-up capabilities as close as 0.4 inch from the edge of the lens. Plus, it offers a maximum image magnification of 7x (35mm equivalent). Alongside microscope mode, microscope control mode, focus-stacking mode and focus-bracketing mode, the variable macro system enhances macro shooting with two optional accessories (see below).
Macro Shooting Features
Microscope mode facilitates the capture of subjects as close as 0.4 inch from the lens’s edge with a 7x maximum image magnification when the optical zoom is set to the telephoto end. Moreover, microscope control mode lets you switch between 1x, 2x and 4x magnifications with the touch of a button. As a result, the camera mimics the experience of using a microscope to observe and photograph subjects. Additionally, the rear 3-inch, 1.04M-dot LCD monitor allows for subject magnification of up to 44x.
Further, focus stacking mode shifts the focus position while capturing multiple shots. This mode selectively extracts and merges only the areas in focus, resulting in a single image with an extensive depth of field. It’s a solution for macro shooting scenarios with shallow depth of field and limited focus areas. Additionally, you can select the number of shots, ranging from 3 to 10.
What’s more, focus-bracketing mode alters the focus position while capturing up to 30 shots. It also offers three levels each for focus shift and the number of shots, tailored to the subject and shooting conditions. It’s particularly useful for quickly focusing on subjects like flower petals and insect wings. Images taken using this mode are also editable using the OM Workspace app to create a single image simulating the effect of the focus-stacking mode.
Underwater Features
The camera supports different underwater shooting styles with five shooting modes. Its native waterproof performance to a depth of 49 feet makes it an option for aquatic activities such as snorkeling and riverside fun. The optional PT-059 underwater housing, which extends operation to depths of 148 feet, accommodates two external flash units. Thus, it creates a compact multiunit flash system for underwater flash photography.
The camera’s five underwater shooting modes optimize settings for various scenes. They are underwater wide, underwater snapshot, underwater macro, underwater microscope as well as underwater HDR. Additionally, the underwater shallow, underwater midrange and underwater deep white balance modes automatically adjust based on the underwater shooting mode. However, manual adjustments are also possible.
Additional Features
Notably, the camera also supports vertical video. That means that videos recorded in the vertical orientation on the camera are saved as vertical video files. As a result, they are easier to post on social media without the need for any editing software. The TG-7 can record up to 4K UHD video.
Another beneficial feature is pro capture mode. It begins recording 0.5 second before the full shutter press and continues sequential shooting at 10 frames per sec. It’s aimed at capturing shots that are difficult to time, such as flying insects and birds. In addition, the camera’s interval shooting function captures 299 shots. After shooting is complete, a time-lapse movie is automatically generated. You can set shooting interval priority and exposure equalization processing to deal with sudden changes in exposure between frames.
Furthermore, the camera has a USB Type-C terminal to charge the battery inside the camera body. Plus, the optional RM-WR1 wireless remote control enables remote shooting and features IP57 class dustproof and splashproof performance. A power-saving design is achieved via Bluetooth Low Energy communication. The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.
The OM System Tough TG-7 will launch late September 2023. It will have a suggested retail price of $549.99.
Optional Accessories
OM System is also making a host of accessories available to augment the TG-7’s shooting experience. They follow along with their SRPs.
- CSCH-128 Silicone Jacket: $39.99
- UC-92 Battery Charger: $69.99
- Wireless Remote RM-WR1: $99.99
- CHS-09 Float Strap: $16.99
- PT-059 Underwater Housing: $299.99
- FCON-T01 Fisheye Converter: $125.99
- FCON-T02 Fisheye Converter: $204.99
- TCON-T01 Telephoto Teleconverter: $115.99
- For Macro Photography
These accessories compensate for inadequate subject brightness that can occur in close-up shooting. Both accessories attach to the camera and don’t require an external power source.
- LG-1 LED Light Guide: $40.99
- FD-1 Flash Diffuser: $51.99
