6 Best Olympus Underwater Camera: (2023 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on September 5, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Underwater photography is an exciting and challenging art form that must be noticed more.

It captures the beauty of nature in a way that we can’t see on land—and it does so in a way that isn’t restricted by the limits of our vision.

Underwater photographers must be able to use their knowledge of how light refracts in water, how different colors interact underwater, and how to capture images without turning out blurry or distorted.

It’s also essential for underwater photographers to work with subjects willing to spend time waiting for the perfect shot and things that are comfortable being photographed underwater.

Doing this job well takes patience and creativity, but the results are worth it!

It motivated me to write down my share of using the best Olympus underwater camera!

Which is the Best Olympus Underwater Camera?

Here are my recommended top 6 Best Olympus Underwater Camera:-

Olympus TG-6: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

I have always been interested in underwater photography.

I used to go on vacation and visit the beach, and I loved the idea of being able to capture all those beautiful ocean creatures.

But, I only had experience with underwater photography.

Then, one day, I was at the beach with my family, and we saw a group of people taking pictures of each other underwater.

My first thought was, “How do they do that?”

Then, later that night, I saw an ad for Olympus TG-6 on TV, which looked very easy to use.

I decided to buy one to start taking underwater pictures finally!

Features

  • 12MP – BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 12800
  • 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Fixed Type Screen
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K at 30fps and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 253g. 113 x 66 x 32 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

I bought this camera because I wanted to start taking underwater photos.

I’d been using a DSLR for years, but it was too bulky and heavy to bring on a snorkeling trip.

This camera is perfect for my intended purpose: it’s lightweight and compact, so it’s easy to carry with me anywhere.

And it has all of the features I need for underwater photography: a zoom lens (which is essential for close-up shots), an ISO range of 100-12800 (so you can adjust your settings depending on how bright or dark the subject is), and shutter speeds from 1/2000th of a second up to 30 seconds (which helps get rid of blurriness).

It also has cool features, like GPS tracking, so you know exactly where you took your photos, and video recording capabilities that allow you to take videos in 4K resolution!

Aperture/Field Of View

I knew the aperture was f/2.0, a perfect aperture for underwater photography.

It allowed me to capture fantastic images at a depth of up to 40m (130 feet).

The field of view was 3x zoom with a 35mm equivalent focal length of 24-72mm in a 35mm film format.

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

It is a great underwater camera with an excellent white balance and frame rate.

The white balance is set to “auto” by default, so when you take a picture, the lighting will automatically adjust to ensure the colors look accurate.

That is helpful if you’re shooting underwater since the light changes quickly and dramatically depending on your depth.

The camera also has a high frame rate (12 fps), which means it can quickly shoot many photos without slowing down or freezing up.

It can be helpful when shooting underwater because many small details and movements happen in one scene that would be impossible to capture with only one photo—you need multiple shots at different angles to get everything right!

Why is this camera the best? 

I chose it for underwater photography as 1st experience because it is compact and easy to carry.

It also has good image quality, which I need for my first underwater photography.

I enjoyed using this camera, especially diving in a coral reef.

The pictures turned out great, and all my friends were amazed.

Conclusion

Overall, it is the best Olympus underwater camera for people who want to take pictures underwater, especially beginners.

It is an excellent camera for those looking for something that is easy to use and has good-quality views.

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • Tough, waterproof build.
  • Add-on lenses and macro lights are available.
  • Sharp rear LCD.
  • Wide aperture lens.
  • 4K video.
  • Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Not a touch screen.
  • LCD can pick up scuffs and scratches.

Olympus TG-5: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

I went swimming in Greece with my family last summer.

It was so beautiful!

I was in Santorini, and it’s incredible how clear the water is.

It felt like you could see forever.

It’s a place you need to visit if you still need to.

If I ever wanted to retake underwater photos (and try some snorkeling), I’d need a waterproof camera to handle different conditions.

The Olympus TG-5 seemed like it would be perfect for me because it’s small enough that I could carry it everywhere without feeling like I’m lugging around extra weight—but also big enough that all of its features would be useful when taking pictures.

Features

  • 12MP – BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 12800( expands to 100 – 12800)
  • 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Fixed Type Screen
  • 20.0fps continuous shooting
  • 4K at 30fps , FHD at 60fps and HD at 120fps Video Recording
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 250g. 113 x 66 x 32 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

It has proven to be an excellent camera for my needs, and I am thrilled with it.

The camera is also very compact and lightweight, which makes it perfect for traveling.

The first thing I noticed when purchasing this camera was its ISO setting.

The camera has an Auto ISO option, which allows me to set the maximum ISO value from 100 to 12800.

This feature is handy when shooting underwater because it will enable me to increase my shutter speed without increasing my aperture or decreasing my shutter speed too much.

Aperture/Field Of View

The most important spec for me was the aperture/field of view because it determines how much light can enter the lens and reach the sensor or film in your camera.

The larger the gap, the more light will pass through and hit your subject; this is important when shooting underwater because there is less available light than on land.

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

The most important thing to know when using this camera is its white balance setting.

The Olympus TG-5 has a white balance mode called “auto,” which will automatically adjust the white balance according to the lighting in your environment.

For example, if you’re shooting underwater, you should use the auto white balance setting so that your photos don’t look blue or yellow because of the water’s effect on light waves.

Another key feature is frame rate: how many frames per second can each still image take?

By default, this camera takes 30 frames per second for every shot; however, other settings are available, such as 60 or 120 fps!

If you want to slow down your video footage (and make it look more cinematic), try one of these high frame rates instead!

Why is this camera the best? 

I have used this camera for a few months and love every minute!

It’s small enough that it doesn’t take up much room in my bag when I’m on vacation.

It’s also rugged, so I don’t have to worry about getting damaged if something accidentally gets knocked over or dropped.

I take this camera everywhere with me now—even when no water is around!

It’s great for capturing moments with friends and family and landscapes and other scenery you might want to remember forever (or share with others who aren’t with you).

If you want to shoot memories on your next trip or vacation (or even around town), this camera is for you!

Conclusion

It won’t be wrong to declare it the best Olympus underwater camera.

It’s a great little camera that can take some stunning underwater shots.

The price is also very reasonable for what you get—you can’t beat it!

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • Tough, waterproof build.
  • Wide aperture lens.
  • Quick focus.
  • Excellent macro capability.
  • 20fps burst shooting.
  • Raw support.
  • 4K video capture.
  • GPS and Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • Rear screen can pick up scratches.
  • 4K footage is cropped.
  • No full manual mode.

Olympus Tough TG-4: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

It was time now to step up my game.

I wanted a camera to capture the underwater world in all its glory.

I was particularly interested in taking photos of sea creatures and wanted to ensure my camera could handle being submerged for extended periods.

I also needed a camera to take excellent low-light pictures since I often scuba diving at night.

I purchased an Olympus Tough TG-4, which was perfect for me.

Features

  • 16MP – BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 6400
  • 25-100 mm F2.0-4.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Fixed Type Screen
  • 5.0fps continuous shooting
  • and FHD at 30fps Video Recording
  • Built-in Wireless
  • Built-in GPS
  • 247g. 112 x 66 x 31 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

I know the specs of my camera well.

I know my camera is waterproof up to 50 feet, and you can use it in temperatures as cold as 14°F.

Its ISO range of 100-1600 means it can take photos in low-light conditions.

It also has a shutter speed of 1/2000 seconds, which makes it great for shooting fast-moving subjects like animals in motion.

Aperture/Field Of View

I decided to use it for underwater photography because of its ruggedness and waterproof body.

The camera is durable and can withstand an impact of 1.5 meters and water pressure up to 10 meters deep.

The camera also has an external flash that you can use underwater.

The camera has a fixed lens with a focal length of 30 mm, an aperture range of f/2.0 to f/4.9, and a zoom capability of 4x optical zoom with digital zoom up to 8x (equivalent).

That means it will be able to capture images at a wide angle with a good depth of field or close-ups with a shallow depth of field, depending on the situation needed by the user.

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

I knew I needed to have a white balance specific to the water.

I set my camera’s white balance underwater to get the correct color balance.

That ensured that all of my pictures’ colors were just right.

The frame rate is another important spec for underwater photography.

When shooting underwater, it is crucial that your camera can capture images quickly enough so that they don’t blur out due to movement in the water.

It has a burst mode of 5 frames per second, perfect for capturing these fast-moving subjects!

Why is this camera the best? 

It is the best waterproof camera for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers.

It has a tough, waterproof body can handle shock, cold, heat, and dust.

The camera’s low-light capabilities are so good that you can shoot photos underwater in dark caves without any additional light source.

And if you want a rugged point-and-shoot camera to take on your next trip, this new version is an excellent choice.

Conclusion

It is the best Olympus underwater camera for divers, snorkelers, and swimmers.

It has a tough, waterproof body can handle shock, cold, heat, and dust.

The camera’s low-light capabilities are so good that you can shoot photos underwater in dark caves without any additional light source.

And if you want a rugged point-and-shoot camera on your next trip.

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • Wide aperture f/2 lens.
  • Waterproof to 50 feet.
  • Protected against freezing, dust, drops, and crushing.
  • Speedy autofocus.
  • Microscope macro mode.
  • 5fps burst capture.
  • Raw shooting support.
  • Works with conversion lenses and macro light accessories.
  • Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi.
Cons
  • JPG output could be better.
  • Short zoom range.

Olympus STYLUS TG-860: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

I have always loved taking underwater photos.

It is one of my favorite things to do because it differs from normal photography.

So, when I decided to take my underwater photography to the next level, I knew I needed to find a camera to help me accomplish this goal.

After researching different cameras and comparing them, I decided that the Olympus STYLUS TG-860 was the best option because of its quality and ease of use.

The camera has so many features that make it perfect for underwater photography, and it was easy for me to learn how to use them all.

After using this camera, it is one of the best cameras on the market today because of its high-quality photos and ease of use.

Features

  • 16MP – 1/2.3′ CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 – 6400
  • 21-105 mm F3.5-5.7 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Tilting Screen
  • 7.0fps continuous shooting
  • and FHD at 60fps Video Recording
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 224g. 110 x 64 x 28 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

It was a great idea, so I bought one.

When I came home, I looked into its features and specs to see how it would work underwater.

I discovered it had an ISO range of 125 – 16400 and a shutter speed range of 1/2000 – 30 seconds.

That means it can take pictures in dark environments or bright days without a problem!

Aperture/Field Of View

The “aperture” of the camera is f/2.0, which means that it can take in more light than other cameras with a higher aperture number (like f/4.0 or f/5.6).

It is essential because underwater scenes are often very dark, and you want your camera to be able to adjust so that you can get great shots even when there isn’t much light.

The “field of view” of the camera is 8x zoom, meaning it can zoom in on things without losing quality.

Many cameras with a higher field of view can’t zoom in as much without losing quality, so this is a huge plus when shooting underwater scenes!

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

The best thing that attracted me to this camera was its white balance.

The white balance allows you to choose what color temperature you are shooting in, which is especially useful for underwater photography.

Another thing that I love about this camera is its frame rate.

It can take up to 30 frames per second, perfect for capturing action shots like fish or dolphins swimming by you while diving in the ocean.

Why is this camera the best? 

That is the best camera for underwater photography because of its features and overall performance.

First, it has an underwater mode that limits the maximum shutter speed and ISO to allow more time to capture those shots.

It also has a built-in flash, so you don’t have to worry about losing lights while shooting underwater.

And lastly, its small size makes it easy to travel and store.

Conclusion

So, it is the perfect Olympus underwater camera for taking pictures and is one of the best all-around cameras.

That is the one for you if you’re looking for an affordable but high-quality camera that brings great photos above and below water.

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • 21mm wide-angle lens.
  • Waterproof to 50 feet.
  • Hinged rear display.
  • Super Macro shooting mode.
  • Integrated Wi-Fi and GPS.
  • Dual tripod mounts.
Cons
  • No dedicated battery charger included.

Olympus OM-D E-M1: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

I’ve been an underwater photographer for a long time.

I’ve had my fair share of cameras, but in the end, they could have been more suitable for the job.

I needed something small, but it still has high-quality images.

I wanted a camera that could take incredible photos in low light situations and clear shots at night or in common lighting conditions.

I also wanted something easy to use and didn’t require too much setup time before shooting an image.

Finally, I needed something that could withstand submerging in water without damage.

After trying various other cameras and models, I finally settled on the Olympus OM-D E-M1.

It’s small enough to fit into any bag or backpack but has incredible quality and performance capabilities—making it perfect for any situation!

Features

  • 16MP – Four-Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 – 25600
  • 5-axis Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Tilting Screen
  • 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
  • 10.0fps continuous shooting
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 497g. 130 x 94 x 63 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

The foremost thing that struck me was the image quality.

It has an ISO range of 100-25600 and a shutter speed of up to 1/8000s.

The high ISO range is useful when shooting in low-light situations, such as underwater.

These specs allow you to capture images with a shallow depth of field without losing any detail in your subject or background.

You can also shoot faster shutter speeds if needed for moving subjects or at night when light levels are low.

Aperture/Field Of View

It had everything I needed to take amazing photos and videos, but a few things stood out.

One was the size of the aperture: When underwater, you want a small gap to get more light into your lens.

The smaller the f-stop number (f/2.8), the bigger the opening in your lens, letting more light through.

And with this camera, it’s possible to go up to f/1.2!

That means you can get incredible shots even if it’s dark outside or in areas without much light—and with some editing afterward!

Another thing that stood out about this camera is its field of view (FOV).

It’s wide; it’s almost as wide as what you’d find on a full-sized DSLR.

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

When I think about using this camera underwater, the feature that comes to mind is white balance or frame rate.

White balance is essential to underwater photography because you must ensure your photos are clear and not blurry.

Everything will be blurry and unreadable if the white balance isn’t right.

Luckily, this camera has a great white balance setting that works perfectly for underwater photography, so you don’t have to worry about getting the shot right!

Why is this camera the best? 

It is an exceptional camera that offers outstanding image quality and versatility.

It could be a better camera, but it’s an excellent option for anyone who wants to use an interchangeable lens camera underwater and needs something rugged to handle the conditions.

Conclusion

Well, it is the best Olympus underwater camera on the market today.

I know there are many other great cameras out there, but this is the one I would choose if I bought one myself.

It could be better, but it does everything you need to do and more!

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • Impressive image quality, even at high ISO settings.
  • Dust-proof, splash-proof design.
  • Solid build quality.
  • Excellent ergonomics.
  • Best-in-class EVF.
  • Wi-Fi.
  • In-camera art filters and color control.
  • Robust time-lapse feature.
  • Quick autofocus.
  • 10.5fps burst shooting.
  • In-camera image stabilization.
  • Sharp, tilting touch screen.
Cons
  • No built-in flash.
  • No support for 60fps video.

Olympus TG-810: (Best Olympus Underwater Camera)

I was searching for a new camera and wanted to try underwater photography.

I didn’t want to spend too much money on my first underwater camera because I wasn’t sure how much I would use it.

After doing some research and talking with friends who were photographers, I settled on the Olympus TG-810.

It was well-reviewed online, had good battery life (important for underwater photography), and was affordable.

I preferred to go for it and bought it from Amazon.

It came with a waterproof case, which was great because I didn’t have to get one separately.

My first experience using it underwater was amazing!

The photos were clear and sharp, even though you took them at depths up to 30 meters deep.

Features

  • 14MP – 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 – 1600
  • 28-140 mm F3.9-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00″ Fixed Type Screen
  • 1.0fps continuous shooting
  • Built-in GPS
  • 215g. 100 x 65 x 26 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

ISO/Shutter Speed

It has a 16MP sensor and an ISO range of 80-1600.

That means you can take photos in any lighting condition, from bright sunlight to darker areas like caves or shipwrecks.

The shutter speed ranges from 1/4000th of a second to 60 seconds, allowing you to capture fast action shots and slow-moving objects like jellyfish drifting through the water column.

Aperture/Field Of View

Before buying, I searched the internet and discovered that it has a wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/2.0 and a focal length of 1.8 to 4.9mm.

It also has a 1/2.3″ sensor size and 16-megapixel resolution.

I was curious if this camera could do the job, but I decided to try it out since the price was very low.

After testing it with several different lenses and settings, I discovered that this camera is perfect for underwater photography as long as you have enough light in your area.

White Balance/ Frame Rate 

When I decided to use it for underwater photography, I was surprised that the white balance and frame rate were not adjustable in video mode.

To compensate for this, I had to ensure that I stayed at a relatively small depth so that the light from above would not affect the color of my footage.

This camera can record at 5 fps (frames per second), which is pretty fast compared to other cameras on the market today!

Why is this camera the best? 

It is the best camera for underwater because it’s compact, easy to use, and takes stunning photos.

Its incredible depth rating of 100 feet means you can use it in any outdoor activity.

Conclusion

So, it is a fabulous Olympus underwater camera for its price and quality.

The camera is easy to use, has excellent image stabilization, and takes impressive photos.

That is one to consider if you’re looking for an affordable waterproof camera that you can use in any situation!

So, buy it now!

Pros
  • Tough as old bricks.
  • Good screen.
  • It has decent image quality for a tough camera at low ISO levels.
Cons
  • GPS takes a long time to get a signal.
  • The joystick can be fiddly.

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best Olympus Underwater Camera?

Is there a camera you love using for underwater photography that I didn’t mention in this article?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

Related post:

Best cameras for underwater photography:

2 thoughts on “6 Best Olympus Underwater Camera: (2023 Guide & Reviews)”

Leave a Comment