For the latest addition to its range of rugged snappers and videocams, Olympus has revealed a feature-packed pocket toolbox for active types called the Stylus Tough TG-Tracker. The actioncam marries an ultra-wide angle lens with 4K video recording capabilities, is able to measure temperature and altitude, and can keep tabs on a user's location. With the help of a companion mobile app, it can also provide a detailed overview of outdoor adventures.
The TG-Tracker sports a 204° wide angle F2.0 fixed focus fast lens (that's wider than the human eye can see), a 1/2.3-in, 8 MP backlit CMOS sensor, and a TruePic VII for 4K image processor for UHD video capture at 30 frames per second. Naturally, lower resolutions are also available, including 1080p at 60 fps and 720p at 240p (for those must-have slow motion sequences).
The actioncam packs an impressive array of field sensors, including GPS (with GLONASS and QZSS functionality), a barometric pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an e.Compass and a 3-axis accelerometer, capturing data such as location, altitude, depth, g-force and temperatures in air or water. When the TG-Tracker is plunged half a meter underwater, the actioncam will automatically switch to the optimal mode for underwater shooting.
As you might expect from the Tough line, the TG-Tracker has been designed to operate in extreme conditions without the need of protective housing. Sand or surf, Olympus has you covered thanks to a sealed construction that keeps it watertight to a depth of 100 ft (30 m), while also keeps dust out. The cam is able to withstand a drop from 7 ft (2.1 m) thanks to a dual-layer chassis, fight the chill to work in temperatures as low as 14° F (-10° C) and is crushproof up to 220 pounds of force (100 kg of force).
Elsewhere there's a 1.5-in tilt-out LCD display that shows captured footage and images in 4:3 aspect at 115k dot resolution, 128 GB of internal storage with microSD card expansion, and recorded footage and data logs can be viewed simultaneously via the company's Image Track app over cooked-in Wi-Fi.
Low-light shooting support comes in the shape of a 60 lumen LED headlight integrated into the actioncam's body and, though the TG-Tracker boasts digital 5-axis image stabilization for shake compensation, it also comes with a Steady Grip attachment to help keep frame wobbles to a minimum. The supplied Li-ion battery is said to be good for 95 minutes of continuous shooting for every 3 hours on charge.
Today's actioncam market is already fairly well populated, of course, but this new effort from Olympus seems to tick all the right boxes for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a logging tool that won't faint at the first ski jump or wave the white flag when faced with a swim beyond the shallows.
The TG-Tracker will be available from next month for an estimated street price of US$349.99.
Product page: Stylus Tough TG-Tracker