Waterproof Cameras Group Test - Olympus TG-820

Olympus TG-820

Key Specs

• Street price - £240
• Sensor - 12.1MP, 1/2.3in CMOS
• Lens - 5x optical zoom, 28-140mm f/3.9-4.8
• ISO - 100 - 6400
• Movie - 1920 x 1080, 30fps
• Dimensions - 101.4 x 65.2 x 26mm
• Weight - 205g

When it comes to waterproof cameras, few have the heritage of Olympus. Its ‘Tough' series of compact cameras is several years old, while it has a basis stretching further back through various other monikers.

The TG-820 is one of its latest models and bears all the hallmarks with which the Tough series has become associated - the body features a tough metal finish and has a reassuring weight to it.

It features a 12MP backlit CMOS sensor which is combined with a TruePic VI image processor for improved low-light performance. The model also features a 3in LCD screen that boasts an impressive resolution of 1.03m-dots, making it the highest-resolution screen on test.

The TG-820's 5x optical zoom covers a focal range of 28-140mm and is supported by Olympus's dual image-stabilisation system. The TG-820 is one of the compacts on test to lack GPS, as well as several other advanced functions. Having said that, it does still offer HD video capture at a resolution of 1080p and 30fps.

The TG-820 features the best set of controls for shooting in difficult conditions, with strong raised buttons housed on the rear of the camera and a sturdy set of controls on the camera's top. The model's screen is also impressive, offering an accurate display even in harsh light.

It's not all roses with regards to design though - Olympus has built in a retracting lens cover, no doubt for added protection when the camera is switched off. This is a nice idea in theory, but the cover is prone to sticking either open or shut when presented with sand or suchlike. One saving grace is that the cover is normally readily freed with the application of fresh running water.

Images captured with the TG-820 display a good range of tones and also manage to strike a good balance between shadows and highlights. Unfortunately, fine detail does suffer from overprocessing but, on the whole, it's a fairly positive report on this front.