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The Olympus Tough TG-6 and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III are two digital compact cameras that were released within two months of each other in May 2019 and July 2019, respectively. The cameras have different body types; with the Olympus TG-6 being a waterproof camera 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Canon G7 X Mark III being a large compact camera with a 20.0MP 1-inch sensor. Nevertheless, since the cameras are released within roughly the same time period, we expect a fair comparison regarding technology level.
Here is a brief side-by-side comparison of both cameras’ specifications before we get into detail:
| Olympus Tough TG-6 | Specifications | Canon G7 X Mark III |
|---|---|---|
| $379 | MSRP | $749 |
| 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens | Fixed Lens | 24-100 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens |
| 12MP – 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor | Sensor | 20MP – 1-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor |
| 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 | Video Resolution | 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 |
| Sensor-shift Image Stabilization | Image Stabilization | Optical Image Stabilization |
| ISO 100 – 12800 | ISO Rating | ISO 125 – 12800 (expands to 25600) |
| 3″ LCD fixed screen (nontouch-sensitive) | Screen | 3″ LCD tilting touchscreen |
| Built in, Wireless | Flash Control | Built in, Wireless |
| 20.0fps continuous shooting | Continuous Drive | 30.0fps continuous shooting |
| No | Built-In Bluetooth | Yes |
| Yes | Built-In GPS | No |
| Yes | Waterproof | No |
| 340 shots per battery charge | Battery Life | 235 shots per battery charge |
Going beyond this table of key features and characteristics, what are the differences between the two cameras? Which one should you buy?
Olympus Tough TG-6
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is built for adventure. Delivering performance that is waterproof to 15m, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof to 100kg, anti-fogging and freeze-proof to -10°C, this camera can endure all extreme environments you love exploring.
Advantages of Olympus TG-6 over Canon G7 X Mark III
- More Affordable – MSRP is considerably cheaper than the Canon G7 X Mark III
- Live Composite Mode – great help and more effective in long-exposure photography
- Battery Life – longer battery life; up to 105 more frames than the Canon G7 X Mark III in a single charge
- Weight – only weighs 253g, 51g lighter than the 304g Canon G7 X Mark III
- Focus Bracketing – able to take multiple points with shifting focal points
- Focus Stacking – stacks pictures in-camera to maximize depth of field
- Waterproof – sealed better and can be used for underwater photography up to 15m (Double protection when using a housing)
- Geotagging – features an internal GPS to log localization data
- Minimum Focusing Distance – The TG-6 has a very unique lens and built in microscope mode than can focus at less than an inch away. This makes it a mean macro machine, no external diopter required.
Canon G7 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7 X III is the third in a series of 1″-type sensor compacts aimed at smartphone camera upgraders and enthusiast photographers looking for a small second camera.
Advantages of Canon G7 X Mark III over Olympus TG-6
- Tilting LCD Screen – flexible shooting positions, can be rotated to take selfies & vlogs, as opposed to the fixed type screen of the Olympus TG-6
- Touch Screen – easier control of camera functions
- Max Sensor Resolution – 20MP, up to 66% more pixels than the 12MP Olympus TG-6 (Makes Cropping much easier and somewhat covers for the less attractive macro abilities)
- Max Aperture: Wide – faster lens at wide
- Max Aperture: Tele – faster lens at tele
- Continuous Drive – 30.0fps vs 20.0fps; 10fps faster than the Olympus TG-6
- Manual Mode -Full DSLR like manual controls for Aperture and Shutter Speed.
- Sensor Pixel Area – almost 150% larger pixel area (Combine this with the Aperture and you get far better low light capabilities than the TG-6)
- Built-In Bluetooth – able to connect to other devices via Bluetooth
Conclusion
If we only base on the number of relative strengths above, the Canon G7 X Mark III clearly is ahead of the Olympus TG-6. However, the TG-6 has some important advantages, macro being the number 1 and double protection comes after.
If you are looking for a more portable camera with a longer battery life that you can take in harsher or wet environments, you can get the Olympus TG-6.
If you are looking for a camera with better image quality and full manual controls that you can learn from , practice with and grow towards something better , then get the Canon G7 X Mark III.
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1 comment
A big factor I would include is that although the TG-6 has a lower resolution, this is beneficial for low light operation.
The TG-6 CCD is optimized to low light conditions that we encounter frequently in diving and I found it makes a huge difference well compensating for the lost resolution.
Folks frequently ignore this benefit, another good example being the Canon R6, lower resolution is a trade off to provide superior low light operation.