Just in time for summer adventures, Olympus is introducing a first-of-its kind premium waterproof, shockproof camera, the 12-megapixel TG-1. The new Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS includes Olympus’ iHS technology, which makes it faster and gives it better image quality. But Olympus took quality a step further than any previous waterproof point-and-shoot by giving the TG-1 a super-bright f/2.0 aperture lens. Most rugged, waterproof point-and-shoot cameras have much slower (“slower” meaning they let less light in) lenses, in the neighborhood of f/3.5 to f/6.0. The TG-1’s 4x 25-100mm f/2.0-4.9 zoom lens sets it apart from the competition – way apart. The faster aperture means better low light photos and based on the way the Olympus reps are talking about the camera, I’m also hoping for better optical quality. I’ve been a fan of waterproof pocket cameras since they first hit the market, 9 or 10 years ago. They’re the best for rainy mountain bike rides, skiing deep powder days, and incriminating hot tub photos. But I’ve always been frustrated by the overall compromised performance and image quality. With the TG-1 iHS, it looks like Olympus may have finally built the waterproof, outdoor camera I’ve been waiting for!
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