Olympus Tough TG-4 Released

Olympus Corporation (President: Hiroyuki Sasa) is pleased to announce the Olympus Stylus TG-4 Tough, scheduled to go on sale from the end of May 2015. In addition to the five Tough capabilities of waterproof^*2, dustproof^*3, shockproof^*4, freezeproof^*5, and crushproof^*6, this model boasts a high-speed f2.0^*1 lens perfect for shooting in low light conditions, an advanced Macro System, and a rich lineup of new features for advanced users, making it the perfect compact digital camera for outdoor shooting.

Sales Outline

Main Features

1. A high-speed f2.0^*1 lens makes high-quality images with reduced blur possible even in low light conditions
2. 5 Tough capabilities: waterproof capability down to depths of 15 m^*2, dustproof^*3, drop/shock-proof to 2.1 m^*4, freezeproof down to -10℃^*5, and crushproof to 100 kgf^*6
3. Variable Macro System for diverse macro shooting
4. Wi-Fi^*7 with smartphone linkage function, and high-precision GPS^*8
5. A rich lineup of new features for advanced users such as RAW recording and AF Target selection

The Tough series is a model equipped with five Tough capabilities, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof, pursuing the concept of worry-free shooting underwater, mountain climbing, and other harsh environments that other cameras could not endure. The Olympus Stylus TG-3 Tough, the flagship model of the Tough series is popular for its powerful Tough performance, f2.0^*1 high-performance lens, full-featured macro functions, and high image quality even in harsh environments. In addition to the features available on the TG-3 Tough, the Olympus Stylus TG-4 Tough features Variable Macro System that is even easier to use, and new features for advanced users such as RAW recording and AF Target Selection, making it the ultimate outdoor camera for capturing photos and videos that were not possible before.

Main Features -Details

1. A high-speed f2.0^*1 lens makes high-quality images with reduced blur possible even in low light conditions

1) High-speed f2.0^*1 lens
The f2.0^*1 aperture produces an extremely bright lens. This enables shooting at a lower ISO speed in woodlands and underwater, or even poor weather conditions, and other situations where there is insufficient light, resulting in beautiful images with minimal noise. The shutter speed can also be increased so that even moving subjects can be captured sharply.

2) High-quality image coverage for normal-usage regions from wide-angle to telephoto
This lens boasts a wide-angle 25mm^*9 to a mid-telephoto 100mm^*9, the optimal range for nature photography. The pride of Olympus lens technology, represented by the DSA (Dual Super Aspherical) lens, and the same materials used in Olympus interchangeable lens cameras generously used in the lens of this camera. The DSA lens boasts a high refractive index and powerful aberration compensation capabilities in a single lens. In addition, HD (High Refractive Index & Dispersion) and HR (High Refractive index) lenses are used to suppress color bleeding which tends to occur in bright, wide-angle zoom lenses.

3) TruePic VII image processor for Interchangeable Lens Camera
This model is equipped with the same high-performance TruePic VII image processor as the Olympus flagship interchangeable lens camera, OM-D E-M1, providing the ultimate in image quality when combined with the 16.0 megapixel^*10 back-lit CMOS sensor.

2. 5 Tough capabilities: waterproof capability down to depths of 15 m^*2, dustproof^*3, drop/shock-proof to 2.1 m^*4, freezeproof down to -10ºC^*5, and crushproof to 100 kgf^*6

1) The ultimate Tough performance in the series
With waterproof capabilities down to depths of 15 m^*2, this camera can be used to shoot underwater at beginners diving depths without an underwater case. Additionally, with drop/shock-proof to 2.1 m^*4, you can rest assured that the camera will be fine even if dropped. Because camera operation is guaranteed to -10ºC^*5, shooting possibilities are wide open, from colder climates to mountains, and everything in between. As the forerunner of developing these capabilities in a camera, Olympus can provide the ultimate Tough performance in the Tough series flagship model.

2) The balance between easy operation and premium design
Along with a focus on the hold for the grip, the large and easy-to-press buttons were laid out in the optimal positions and angles for ease of use in outdoor situations.

To enhance durability and reliability, a large metal ring was attached around the lens, taking inspiration from divers’ watches. The finger hold grooves on the ring were cut one by one for a beautiful and durable component. This design balances excellent controls with a high-grade feel when held.

3. Variable Macro System for diverse macro shooting

1) Microscope mode
This mode lets you shoot subjects from up to 10 mm away from the end of the lens, and at a focal length of 100 mm^*9 magnify subjects up to approximately 6.9x^*9, and at Super Resolution Zoom up to approximately 13.8x^*9. Using digital zoom together, you can magnify a subject that is only 1 mm in size up to a maximum of approximately 44.4 mm when displayed on the rear LCD screen, which is almost like viewing the world through a microscope. The shooting range when Microscope mode is set, which used to be between 10 to 100 mm on previous models, has now been expanded to between 10 to 300 mm for easier use and a greater degree of freedom in composing shots. Capture images of the microscopic natural world that cannot be seen with your eyes, such as insects, veins on a leaf, and snowflake crystals, making outdoor photography all the more enjoyable.

This feature also turns objects in everyday life into new discoveries: a slice of a fruit or vegetable, or close-ups of human skin. Additionally, slow synchronization flash mode is now available during flash photography on the TG-4 Tough for better balance between the subject and background in photos.

2) Microscope control mode
This mode lets you confirm the display magnification factor on the rear LCD screen when the subject is 10 mm away. You can also switch the display magnification factor in steps from 1x, 2x, 4x, 1x, just as if using the objective lens in a microscope for variable magnification shooting. You can magnify 1 mm subjects for shooting up to a maximum of 44.4 mm. Also, with the zoom lever you can seamlessly change the display factor.

3) Focus stacking mode^*11
As the magnification factor becomes higher, the area in focus (depth of focus) becomes narrower, and the subject overall becomes less sharp. To solve this issue, this new function captures eight different shots continuously while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. Then, only the areas in focus are extracted and merged so that a photo with a deep focus is composed. Because this function lets anyone easily create photos that are encyclopedia quality, it is perfect for recording nature macro shots.

4) Focus bracketing mode
This function continuously captures multiple images while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. You can select the shift amount and number of shots ahead of time in three steps from the menu screen. This mode makes it easy to pinpoint a subject such as pistils on a flower for accurate focusing. Additionally, the LED Guide Light LG-1 (optional) assists in lighting subjects without casting shadows on them.

4. Wi-Fi^*7 with smartphone linkage function, and high-precision GPS^*8

1) Wi-Fi^*7
The camera can be connected to a smartphone using iPhone and Android compatible smartphone application OLYMPUS Image Share. You can easily upload images to the social networking services via smartphone. A smartphone can also be used to remote control the camera. Shooting in each mode, P, iAuto, and Microscope mode while viewing the camera’s Live View screen on a smartphone is possible.

For the initial connection, all you need to do is scan the QR code displayed on the camera screen with a smartphone. From the second time onwards, simply activate Wi-Fi^*4 so that the camera is automatically connected to a smartphone.

2) GPS^*8
The ability to record location information in images, as well as the route traveled to an SD card maximizes the enjoyment of documenting outdoor activities and travels. Not only is the TG-4 Tough equipped with the GPS, but it is also compatible with GLONASS and QZSS for high positioning accuracy. Additionally, the computer software (OLYMPUS A-GPS Utility) or the smartphone application (OLYMPUS Image Track) can be used to obtain satellite orbital information ahead of time via the Internet for drastically reduced times from the beginning of positioning until information is received.

5. A rich lineup of new features for advanced users such as RAW recording and AF Target Selection

1) RAW recording
It is possible to record as RAW images as well as JPEG images. When using the included software OLYMPUS Viewer 3, you can fine tune parameters such as exposure, contrast, white balance, and color balance. This function is designed to expand the possibilities of creativity that meets the needs of advanced users.

2) AF Target selection
AF Target selection is now included on the camera for more convenient macro shooting. Using the arrow pad, you can set your preferred focus area to enhance focusing accuracy. In macro shooting where tripod is frequently used, this feature lets you frame the shot, lock the camera in place, and focus on the main subject, providing a greater degree of freedom when shooting.

3) Activate custom settings from the mode dial
Two custom modes (C1, C2) are now available on the mode dial so you can save your favorite settings. Simply turn the dial to activate a customized setting for quick and intuitive controls when shooting.

4) Live Composite
The bright sections from multiple, sequentially shot images are extracted and composited to capture beautiful light trails of everything from the movement of the stars, to fireworks and city lights. You can also enjoy unique shots by creating light art with a pen light, writing or drawing in the air. Simply press the shutter button to start shooting and watch the results on the monitor.

5) Underwater HDR
Underwater mode is now available on the mode dial for powerful support when shooting underwater. The popular Underwater Snapshot, Underwater Wide 1 and 2, Underwater Macro, and new Underwater HDR can quickly be selected to match the scene in which you want to shoot. Underwater HDR effectively corrects underwater color tones and changes the exposure while shooting multiple images to create an underwater HDR photo. This feature enables capturing balanced subjects even in scenes with high contrast.

Other Features

• Time Lapse Movie^*12 for fixed-point observation shooting of flowers opening, the movement of people, and the movement of clouds.
• High-speed movie^*13 for shooing split-second movements in movies and playing them back in slow motion.
• Seven types of Art Filters for a variety of creative expressions
• CMOS Shift Image Stabilization equipped with algorithms of interchangeable lens camera

A rich lineup of optional system accessories such as waterproof converter lenses, LED light guide etc.

1) Underwater conversion lens (Available, optional)
With the lens of the TG-4 Tough located in the center of the camera, system accessories such as converter that can be attached to the lens are easier to use than before. When Fisheye Converter FCON-T01 is attached, the angle of view changes to an 18.5mm^*9 equivalent, and when Tele Converter TCON-T01 is attached, a 170mm^*9 equivalent telephoto angle is achieved. In either case, Converter Lens Adapter CLA-T01 is required. The camera body, converter, and converter lens adapter, are all equipped with waterproof functionality, making it possible to attach and remove them underwater. You can also attach the bundled lens cap, Protection Filter PRF-D40.5PRO, or other Ø40.5mm filter to CLA-T01.

2) LED Light Guide, LG-1 (Available, optional)
When shooting for true close-up with an interchangeable lens camera, a ring flash with an emitter around the lens is used to avoid casting shadows on the subject. The similar effect can be achieved with the LED Light Guide. The LED Light Guide, LG-1 can be attached to the lens of the TG-4 Tough, using the built-in LED light to evenly illuminate the subject, drawing out the best of the TG-4’s macro shooting abilities.

LED Light Guide, [LG-1]	[LG-1] + [TG-4 Tough] (Red)

3) Underwater Case, PT-056 (Available, optional)
This underwater case is pressure resistant down to water depths of 45 m, and features a black coating on the polycarbonate body to prevent light beam leakage. A dedicated underwater converter lens can be attached externally to this accessory.

Underwater Case, [PT-056]

4) Silicon Jacket, CSCH-122 (Available, optional)
This is a silicone jacket for exclusive use with the TG-3/TG-4 Tough that protects the surface of the camera body from scratches. This accessory also improves grip performance so you can hold the camera more securely. LED Light Guide LG-1 can be used with the silicone jacket attached to the camera.

[TG-4 Tough] (Red) + [CSCH-122]

5) Mesh Camera Case, CSCH-121 (Available, sold-separately)
This is a camera case for the Tough series. The main section is made of silicone rubber, and features a mesh design. This design makes it easy for water to drain to keep it dry. Because this case uses absolutely no metal parts, including the carabiner, you never have to worry about rust when the case becomes wet.

Mesh Camera Case [CSCH-121] (Blue, Red, Black)	[CSCH-121] Image cut

6) Sport Holder CSCH-123 (New, optional)
This holder secures your camera to a backpack or belt horizontally or vertically, and can be easily removed with a single hand. Because the power button and shutter button can be used with the holder attached to the camera, you can easily take photos in sports scenes that require both hands. The holder includes a carabiner and spiral cord to prevent drops so you never have to worry about camera falling. This accessory can be used even in the rain or seawater, making it an absolute necessity when shooting in harsh outdoor environments.

Spot Holder [CSCH-123] (Light blue, Orange) + [TG-4 Tough]

Accessory Pricing and Launch Date