Olympus Tough TG-5, Compact Digital CameraEquipped with the Field Sensor System, a high-speed lens and a new image sensor

June 9, 2017
Updated: February 27, 2018


Olympus Tough TG-5 (Left: Red, Right: Black)


Olympus Corporation (President: Hiroyuki Sasa) is pleased to announce the Olympus Tough TG-5, scheduled to go on sale from June 23, 2017. This model is equipped with a high-speed f/2.01 lens, a new high-performance image sensor, the TruePic VIII which is the latest high-speed image processor, and also the Field Sensor System2 and reliable Tough performance for capturing high-quality images under tough shooting conditions.

Sales Outline

Category Product Name MSRP Launch Date
Compact digital camera Olympus Tough TG-5 (Red/Black) Open Price June 23, 2017

Main Features

  • The high-speed f/2.01 lens, new hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor, and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII image processor deliver high-quality images
  • The Field Sensor System2 adds tracking information to images for reliving the shooting experience
  • Reliable Tough performance: Waterproof down to depths of 15 m3, dustproof4, shockproof to 2.1 m5, crushproof to 100 kgf6, freezeproof down to -10 °C7, including new anti-fog8 capability
  • Movie shooting functions including 4K Movie and Full HD, 120 fps High-speed Movie9

The Tough series is a model equipped with the reliable Tough performance, waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof, aiming for worry-free shooting underwater, while mountain climbing, and in other harsh environments. The new Olympus Tough TG-5 includes the high-speed f/2.01 lens which was highly rated on previous models, along with the new hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor, and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII image processor which deliver images with higher quality than ever before. It is also equipped with the Field Sensor System2, which records tracking information, full-featured Tough performance including the new anti-fog8 feature, and movie shooting functions such as 4K Movie. The controls have been modified to make these new features even easier to use. This is the ultimate Tough camera for capturing high-quality images of split-second moments under tough shooting conditions.

Main Features -Details

1. The high-speed f/2.01 lens, new hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor, and the latest high-speed TruePic VIII image processor deliver high-quality images

A synergy between the lens, image sensor, and image processor results in improved high-quality images and the ability to capture photo opportunities in harsh environments.

1) Hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII image processor
This model features a high-speed f/2.01 lens, a newly developed fast, high-sensitivity hi-speed back-lit CMOS image sensor and the latest TruePic VIII image processor used on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II flagship model. Noise level has been reduced by 1 step for shooting in the standard ISO sensitivity range as well as for shooting in darker areas, providing even higher image quality. The high-speed image processor enables more complex calculations, which improves the resolution in low contrast sections, especially when shooting at low ISO sensitivity. The maximum ISO sensitivity is ISO 12800 and RAW recording is also available, covering a wide range of shooting needs.

2) High-performance lens with a high-speed f/2.0 at wide-angle settings1, and a focal length coverage from 25mm10 to 100mm10
The high-speed lens enable to select a faster shutter speed when shooting underwater or other tough shooting conditions. It is possible to capture even moving subjects with minimal blurring. Superb Olympus optical technology is incorporated into the lens, including DSA (Dual Super Aspherical), HD (High Refractive/High Dispersion), and HR (High Refractive Index) lenses to enable high-quality images while reducing aberrations across the entire zoom range.

2. The Field Sensor System2 adds tracking information to images for reliving the shooting experience

The Field Sensor System consists of a variety of sensors included on the camera which are used to display tracking information on the camera or on a smartphone along with recorded images in the Olympus Image Track (OI.Track) app. Sensors include GPS11, manometer, temperature, and shooting direction, which are used to record tracking information simultaneously with images. Simply press the INFO button even when the camera is off to display current acquired data. Use the OI.Track Ver 2.2 smartphone app to simultaneously display images and tracking information, letting you relive the shooting experience.

1) Field Sensor System

  • GPS11
    In addition to GPS, longitude and latitude are calculated from GLONASS and QZSS satellite signals for higher precision positioning. The Assist GPS11 function significantly reduces the amount of time required from the start of positioning until information is acquired.
  • Manometer
    Altitude and water depth are calculated based on atmospheric pressure and water pressure information.
  • Temperature sensor12
    This measures air and water temperature, and is designed to minimize the effects of heat generated within the camera.
  • Compass
    This measures the direction the camera lens is pointed in.

2) Olympus Image Track Ver 2.2, Smartphone app
Linking the camera and smartphone enables simultaneous display of images and tracking information, delivering a rich way to relive the shooting experience. Overlay editing can be used to post images with embedded tracking information to social media. Resizing images and streaming playback are also available.

3. Reliable Tough performance: Waterproof down to depths of 15 m3, dustproof4, shockproof to 2.1 m5, crushproof to 100 kgf6, freezeproof down to -10°C7, including new anti-fog8 capability

A hermetic sealing body construction provides waterproof performance down to depths of 15 m for worry-free shooting underwater. This hermetic sealing construction also provides superb dustproof performance so you can feel comfortable using the camera on the beach and in dusty mountainous areas. The excellent shockproof performance is made possible by adopting a floating mechanism. The main parts in the body float so that the camera clears drop tests up to 2.1 m, and is strong enough to withstand loads up to 100 kgf. Operation is guaranteed down to -10°C, making it possible to use in cold environments where other digital devices usually hard to withstand. In addition to these features, the Olympus Tough TG-5 features a dual-pane protective glass construction inside the lens, preventing condensation caused by significant temperature differences.

4. Movie shooting functions including 4K Movie and Full HD, 120 fps High-speed Movie9

With 4K Movie it is now possible to shoot at four times the resolution of Full HD. This feature makes it possible to record beautiful scenery in high definition. High-speed Movie is also included for recording Full HD movies at 120 fps for recording split second moments usually impossible to see with your eye in high quality and playing back in slow motion.

Other Features

1. Variable Macro System for recording microscopic subjects

The Olympus Tough TG-5 is equipped with four macro modes with a maximum shooting magnification of 7x10 for capturing microscopic subjects that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Accessories such as the LED Light Guide LG-113 and Flash Diffuser FD-114 expand shooting possibilities. It is also possible to connect the camera to a large-screen monitor via HDMI to observe tiny subjects in high-quality images.

1) Four macro modes

  • Microscope mode
    This mode lets you shoot subjects from up to 1 cm away from the end of the lens and use the optical zoom to enlarge and shoot subjects. This feature is perfect for shooting parts of an insect, the veins in a leaf, snowflake crystals, and other details of the natural world that cannot be seen with your eye.
  • Microscope control mode
    This mode uses the rear LCD monitor to magnify and display microscopic subjects. For example, 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 monitor. You can also check the display magnification on the LCD monitor when the subject is 1 cm away from the end of the lens. In addition to switching the magnification factor with the zoom lever, the arrow pad can also be used to switch between 1x, 2x, and 4x with the press of a single button as if changing the objective lens on a real microscope.
  • Focus stacking mode15
    The depth of field becomes shallow in macro shooting. Focus stacking mode, however 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 full pixel (12 million pixel16 equivalent) photo with a deep depth of field is achieved. This function lets anyone easily create photos that are encyclopedia quality.
  • Focus bracketing mode
    With a single shot, this function captures up to 30 images while shifting the focus from the foreground to the background. You can select the shift amount and number of shots in three levels. This mode is convenient for focusing on low contrast subjects such as flower petals that consist of a single color only.

2) HDMI connection for viewing high-quality images on a large screen
The HDMI connection makes it possible to view images (live view image) on a large screen. With the LED Light Guide, LG-113, it makes it possible to observe a subject on a flat surface with the camera covering the subject


Image of shooting scene using TG-5 + LG-1

2. Superb controls for smooth shooting even in tough situations

The grip shape and thickness were fine tuned to provide a better grip on the camera. This new design makes it possible to smoothly operate the controls even in difficult outdoor environments and while wearing gloves. A new control dial is included, making it easy to adjust shooting settings such as exposure compensation. An accessory lock button is equipped on the front of the camera to prevent attached system accessories from falling off the camera, such as converter lenses and LED Light Guide LG-113. A Movie Mode is now available on the mode dial. A variety of shooting settings can be registered to the two popular Custom Modes for instant use. These features all combine to make this camera easy to use outdoors.

  • Underwater mode for easy and beautiful underwater photos
  • Grid display convenient for checking and deciding on a composition
  • Highly versatile micro USB connector
  • Newly equipped with Focus Peaking and MF assistance convenient for manual focusing
  • Pro Capture Mode enables to capture the precise moment without any time lag
  • Live Composite perfect for shooting fireworks and star trails
  • HDR shooting delivers a rich range of tonal expressions by merging multiple images
  • Olympus Image Share Ver 3.1 equipped with expanded remote shooting features
  • 14 different types of Art Filters for enhanced photographic expressions

A rich lineup of system accessory that expands shooting possibilities

There are a variety of accessories available for the Olympus Tough TG-5 for expanded photography, anytime, anywhere.


1. Underwater Converter Lenses (Separately available)

These are converter lenses that expand shooting possibilities for the Olympus Tough TG-5. With these lenses, you can enjoy a different angle of view shooting while maintaining the brightness of the lens. Attach the Fisheye Converter FCON-T01 to enjoy shooting with fisheye effects at a diagonal 130°. Used with Tele Converter TCON-T01, you can shoot at a 170mm10 equivalent telephoto setting. Both accessories are waterproof, and can be attached and removed underwater. Tele Converter Adapter CLA-T01 is required to use these lenses. You can also attach the bundled lens cap LC-40.5 and the separately available Protection Filter PRF-D40.5 PRO to CLA-T01.


Fisheye Converter, FCON-T01


Tele Converter, TCON-T01

2. Macro shooting lighting accessories (Separately available)

The LED Light Guide LG-113 uses the camera's built-in LED light, and its thickness is designed to evenly illuminate subjects even up to a closest focusing distance of 1 cm away for superb macro shooting. Flash Diffuser FD-114 evenly diffuses the light of the camera's built-in flash. This helps reduce subject blur and camera shake that tends to occur during macro shooting in low light situations, and enables the use of lower ISO sensitivity. It also makes it possible to darken the background to make the subject stand out in photos. These lighting accessories can be used to easily obtain creative macro shots that rival those of an interchangeable lens camera.


LED Light Guide, LG-1


Flash Diffuser, FD-1


TG-5+LG-1


TG-5+FD-1

3. Underwater Case17 (New, separately available)

This Underwater Case PT-058 withstands pressure to a water depth of 45m, and features black coating on the front of the body to prevent unwanted reflection. This underwater case enables use of the Control Dial for exposure compensation even underwater. There is also a wide range of dedicated accessories available including the External Flash UFL-3 for dual-unit underwater flash photography. The external Underwater Wide Converter Lens PTWC-0118 and Underwater Macro Converter Lens PTMC-0118 can also be used with this underwater case.


Underwater Case, PT-058

4. Other accessories

1) Silicone Jacket, CSCH-12619 (New, separately available)
This is a silicone jacket for exclusive use with the Olympus Tough TG-5 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 Guide Light LG-113 and Flash Diffuser FD-114 can be used with the silicone jacket attached to the camera.


Silicone Jacket, CSCH-126


TG-5 (Red) + Silicone Jacket, CSCH-126+FD-1

2) Mesh Camera Case, CSCH-121 (Separately available)
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

3) Sport Holder, CSCH-123 (Separately available)
This holder secures your camera to a backpack or belt horizontally or vertically, and can be easily removed with a single hand. This accessory makes it possible to quickly and easily capture action sports scenes that were difficult before. The holder includes a carabiner and spiral cord to prevent drops so you never have to worry about camera falling.


Sport Holder, CSCH-123 (Light blue and Orange) + TG-5

Sales Outline for Separately Available Accessories

Product Name MSRP Launch Date
Underwater Case, PT-058 Open Price June 23, 2017
Silicone Jacket, CSCH-126 3,400 yen
(3,672 yen incl. tax)
June 23, 2017
Fisheye Converter, FCON-T01 14,400 yen
(15,552 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Protection Filter, PRF-D40.5 PRO 3,500 yen
(3,780 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Tele Converter, TCON-T01 12,200 yen
(13,176 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Converter Lens Adapter, CLA-T01 2,400 yen
(2,592 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
LED Light Guide, LG-1 6,300 yen
(6,804 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Flash Diffuser, FD-1 7,500 yen
(8,100 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Underwater External Flash, UFL-3 Open Price Already Available
Underwater Wide Converter Lens, PTWC-01 52,000 yen
(56,160 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Underwater Macro Converter Lens, PTMC-01 20,000 yen
(21,600 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Mesh Camera Case, CSCH-121
(Blue, Red, Black)
4,000 yen each
(4,320 yen incl. tax)
Already Available
Sport Holder, CSCH-123
(Light blue, Orange)
4,700 yen each
(5,076 yen incl. tax)
Already Available

1 At the wide angle of a focal length of 25mm (35mm equivalent).

2 Because the GPS and other field sensors are not intended for use as strictly accurate measurement functions, under no circumstances are measured values (such as: longitude and latitude, shooting direction, temperature) guaranteed. Additionally, information may differ from actual circumstances due to effects of events such as natural disasters.

3 Waterproof performance is JIS/IEC protection class 8 (IPX8) equivalent. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.

4 Dustproof performance is JIS/IEC protection class 6 (IP6X) equivalent. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.

5 The Olympus Tough TG-5 is provided with shockproofing to 2.1 m (compliant with MIL-STD810F). These models cleared drop tests under Olympus in-house testing conditions, however Olympus does not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions. Olympus in-house shockproof testing conditions: Drop height: 2.1 m, Drop surface: Plywood (lauan laminate), Drop orientation: A total of 26 directions for each surface, each side, and each corner, Number of drop times: Drop test was performed once for each direction.

6 Kilogram-force (kgf) is the unit for measuring force exerted on an object. All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions, and do not guarantee protection from damage or malfunction under all conditions.

7 The number of recordable still images is reduced at low temperatures.

8 All measurements are according to Olympus testing conditions.

9 Movie size: 120 fps (1980x1080), 240 fps (1280x720). Movie recording time is limited.

10 35mm equivalent

11 To use GPS Assist data, information must be updated via the internet. A PC or smartphone with an internet connection is required. GPS Assist Data must be updated every 2 weeks. Depending on the country/region of use, different laws and regulations may be applicable regarding the use of the GPS function. Be sure to follow local laws and regulations. Be sure to turn off the GPS function in places where its use is forbidden or restricted, such as inside airplanes. The camera is not equipped with a navigation function. GPS is a positioning measurement system that uses signals received from orbiting satellites. For better reception, avoid locations where signals can be blocked or reflected. Use the camera in as open location as possible where the sky is clearly visible. It may not be possible to obtain positioning information, or positioning information may be incorrect in the following locations: Indoors, underground or underwater, in forests, near tall buildings, near high-voltage lines, inside tunnels, near magnets, metal, or electronic appliances, near mobile phones that operate in the 1.5 GHz band.

12 Available only in Log Mode.

13 The camera does not clear Olympus shockproof and crushproof tests when this accessory is attached to the camera. The LG-1 uses the camera's LED light and cannot fire on its own. The camera flash is not available when the LG-1 is attached. The LG-1 cannot be used underwater.

14 The camera does not clear Olympus shockproof and crushproof tests when this accessory is attached to the camera. The FD-1 uses the camera's flash and cannot fire on its own. The camera LED light is not available when the FD-1 is attached. The FD-1 can be used underwater.

15 Use of a tripod is recommended. Processing may take longer than usual.

16 Effective pixels

17 The Field Sensor System will not operate properly when the camera is installed in the underwater case. Make sure to set the Log Lever to the off position when using the case. Use together with silica gel for best results.

18 Step-up Ring PSUR-03 is required for use with this accessory.

19 Because the silicone has an anti-slip texture, it may not be possible to use other camera cases.

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