Olympus expands its compact lineup with two new models: the TG‑3 Tough, engineered for extreme conditions, and the SH‑1 Advanced, offering a 24‑x zoom in a stylish design.
By Stan Horaczek | Published Apr 1, 2014 2:20 AM EDT
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Compact camera releases have become infrequent, but Olympus continues to push the envelope. The TG‑3 Tough brings enhanced macro capabilities to a rugged platform, while the SH‑1 follows the familiar PEN‑series aesthetic with an impressive zoom range.
The TG‑3 retains all the Tough attributes consumers expect: waterproof to 50 ft, shock‑proof from 7 ft, and crush‑proof up to 220 lb of force. It also operates in temperatures as low as 14 °F and is dust‑sealed for added protection.
Its standout feature is advanced macro support. Built‑in focus bracketing and stacking enable detailed close‑ups, and the camera can focus as close as 10 mm in microscope mode. An optional ring light accessory surrounds the lens, drawing power from the built‑in flash for evenly lit macro shots.
From an imaging standpoint, the TG‑3 is solid: a 16‑megapixel 1/2.3‑inch BSI CMOS sensor, a 3‑inch LCD with 460,000 dots (non‑touchscreen for durability), and a 4× optical zoom lens (25‑100 mm full‑frame equivalent) with an aperture of f/2‑f/4.9. It is slated for release in June at $350.
The SH‑1, while less rugged, offers a sleek design reminiscent of Olympus’ PEN series. Its highlight is a 24× zoom range, delivering a 25‑600 mm full‑frame equivalent field of view in a compact body.
It features a 1/2.3‑inch BSI CMOS sensor and a 3‑inch touchscreen LCD. The SH‑1 will launch in May for $400.
