Olympus Tough TG-5

THERE will always be times when you want to take your equipment off limits, but doing so can involve a high risk of damage to your prized camera and lenses. If you’d like a hard-wearing, pocket-sized camera that’s built like a tank and lets you shoot at ease in the most inhospitable conditions, look no further than the Olympus Tough TG-5.

It’s a great all- round model that lets you shoot stills in the highly versatile raw format and videos in 4K at 30p – features that many other tough compacts lack. If it slips from your hand you can rest easy knowing it’ll survive being dropped, and the way it can be used underwater to a depth of 15m without the need for a waterproof housing makes it an ideal candidate for beach holidays, travelling and casual diving. It’s quick to respond, delivers vivid colours both above and below the water and produces a good level of detail from its 1/2.3in 12MP BSI CMOS sensor up to ISO 1600.

Olympus’s TG-series of tough compacts have only become better with age, and the TG-5 is undoubtedly the best yet. It’s capable of surviving practically anything that’s thrown at it, accepts a range of lens converters and accessories for endless creative possibilities, and most importantly delivers great images in the types of environment where you wouldn’t dare use your best camera. All in all, it’s a great choice for when the going gets tough.