Oct. 12--Name: Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860
What it is: a tough hybrid 16MP camera that shoots full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second. The dustproof TG-860 is waterproof to 50 feet, shockproof to 7 feet, freeze-proof to 14 degrees Fahrenheit and crush-proof to 220 pounds of force. It has a wide-angle lens, image stabilization and a 180-degree adjustable LCD monitor that is helpful for selfies. GPS and Wi-Fi are built in. A free iOS and Android app helps you share images with your smartphone. An optional sport holder ($34.99) transforms the Tough into a wearable action camera. The Program setting lets you adjust ISO, white balance, etc. Other modes shoot sport videos, selfies, panoramas, underwater shots, night and macro shots. Art filters include pop art, grainy film and dioramas. Available colors are orange, black and white. The TG-860 weighs only 7.7 ounces.
The good: This camera has made me a selfie shooter, because they are so easy to snap. The adjustable LCD monitor lets me see what I'm getting. Also, this camera seems tougher than a Timex. I have accidentally dropped it a few times, and it keeps on snapping. This multitasker shoots portraits, panoramas and action, so I quickly began leaving my wearable cam and Canon SLR at home or at my hotel and just explored with the versatile TG-860. I have not managed to scuba-dive with it, but it has gone fishing and swimming with me. My old Olympus Tough camera could dive only to 40 feet.
The bad: A minor quibble; I wish the LCD screen could pivot or open to the side.
Cost: $279.99
Available from: www.getolympus.com, www.bestbuy.com and www.bhphotovideo.com
Terry Gardner is a freelance reporter.
