Catching up with the new waterproof Panasonic Lumix TS3 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS geotagging cameras, Olympus has just announced the addition of built-in GPS to one of it’s new waterproof cameras in their Tough lineup.
The soon to be released Tough branded Olympus TG-810 GPS camera offers many of the same features as the new Lumix and Pentax waterproof GPS cameras.
It’s particularly pleasing to me to see so many rugged waterproof cameras being introduced with built-in GPS. If you don’t mind the data merging process and extra steps that are necessary, a standalone GPS datalogger is still the most versatile and best choice for geotagging. However, when enjoying wet and/or potentially violent activities, having GPS built in to a waterproof “tough” camera definitely provides advantages.
I’ve not yet seen a standalone GPS datalogger that claims to be waterproof and impact resistant. And even if there were rugged GPS dataloggers, I’m less likely to want an extra little piece of gear dangling around when whitewater kayaking, climbing sheer rock columns, or engaging in other adventurous outdoor activities.
Built-in GPS geotagging capabilities are inevitably coming to all camera categories from all the major camera manufacturers in the near future, but the rugged category is the one where it will be most appreciated by me. Building GPS into waterproof and impact resistant cameras like the Olympus Tough TG-810 is a brilliant progression in the world of photography.
Main Features of Olympus TG-810 GPS Camera
- GPS with nearby landmark information in camera
- Waterproof to 33 Feet
- Shockproof up to 6.6 ft. drop
- Crushproof up to 220 pounds of pressure
- Freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit)
- Dustproof
- Dual Image Stabilization (sensor-shift and digital)
- Electronic Compass
- Manometer (water and air pressure for depth and altitude monitoring)
- 720p Video
- HDMI output
- LED Illuminator – Assist for Macro, Underwater, and Low-light closeups.
- In-Camera Panorama Photos
- 3D Photo Mode
- Autofocus Tracking (including a pet mode for dogs and cats)
- 3 inch 920,000 dot LCD
- 28mm 5x Zoom Lens (28mm – 140mm)
- Price: $399.99
I’ve written about the upcoming waterproof Lumix TS3 GPS camera here. The Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS camera post includes a comparison of the main features of the new Pentax and Lumix. Soon I’ll create a more detailed overview post with all of the currently available Waterproof GPS cameras comparing their features side by side.
Images: First – Olympus Tough TG-810 GPS camera in silver. Second – Top of black TG-810. The 810 will be offered in silver or black. Third – Front of black TG-810. Fourth – The Olympus TG-810 features a 3 inch screen with 92o,ooo pixels.
