Complete Guide to Olympus TG-5, TG-6 and TG-7: Underwater Settings and AOI Strobes

The Olympus Tough series cameras (TG-5, TG-6, and TG-7) are among the most popular in the world among divers for their extraordinary ruggedness, native waterproofing, excellent image quality, and incredible macro capabilities. Since the TG-6 and TG-7 models directly derive from the TG-5 with targeted updates, the basic and advanced settings are almost identical.

While they do not offer complete manual control over exposure (simultaneous free control of shutter speed and aperture), these cameras allow you to achieve extraordinary results underwater, both in automatic mode and by using advanced configurations with external strobes ideal for the Olympus system, such as the AOI Q1RC and their advanced evolution AOI Q1i.

1. Mode Dial Analysis

The mode dial is the main tool to decide how much control autonomy you want underwater:

• Auto: The camera manages everything independently. Great for an immediate "point and shoot" approach. If some menu items appear grayed out, it means they are not modifiable in this mode and can be ignored.
• P Mode (Program): Automatically selects aperture and shutter speed. This is the ideal and recommended option when using an external strobe for the first time.
• A Mode (Aperture Priority): Offers the highest level of control possible on Olympus TG-series cameras. This is the preferred mode to get maximum image quality and manage depth of field.
• C1 / C2 Mode (Custom): Allows you to store quick configurations (accessible from Shooting Menu 1) to switch on the fly from a macro to a wide-angle setup.
• Movie Mode: Dedicated to videos on the TG-5. On the TG-6 and TG-7, you can instead record videos in any mode.
• Underwater Mode: Recommended solely for surface snorkeling without a housing and without an external strobe. Not recommended for scuba diving or when using strobes.
• Microscope Mode: The favorite of macro photographers for tiny subjects. On the TG-6 and TG-7, you can achieve the same result (Super Macro AF) in any shooting mode, whereas on the TG-5, selecting this mode is mandatory for extreme macro.
• Scene Mode: Not recommended for underwater use.

2. Settings to Configure Once (Set Once and Forget About It)

Access the menu by pressing the Menu button and configure the following fundamental parameters:

• Setup Menu: Format the memory card before dives (beware of data loss), set the time, time zone, and language. Keep monitor brightness at default 0 and set Rec View display time as preferred.
• Custom Menu - Section C (Essential for Wide-Angle): Set ISO-Auto Set with Upper limit at 400, Default at 100, and minimum shutter speed (Lowest S/S) at 1/160 (to handle dark backgrounds and reduce ambient light). Noise Filter to Standard for JPEG or Off for RAW. Noise Reduction to Auto for JPEG or Off for RAW.
• Custom Menu - Section D & E: White Balance (WB) to Auto if using a strobe. WB Auto Keep Warm Color option of your choice (On if you prefer warmer, reddish tones, Off for a neutral balance). Color space to sRGB (unless advanced editing requires otherwise).

3. Settings for Beginners and Auto Mode Lovers

If you want to use the camera with an immediate "point and shoot" approach:

• Turn the dial to Auto, press the OK button, and set: WB Auto, Autofocus (AF), and aspect ratio 4:3.
• Image Quality: LF (High Quality JPEG), RAW, or LF+RAW.
• Video in 4K 30p | Stabilizer S-IS ON.
• Flash on Auto, flash compensation at 0, single shot, ESP metering, accessories OFF.

4. Recommended Settings for Aperture Priority Mode (A mode)

The ideal mode to get maximum quality and control. Turn the dial to A mode, press OK, and select:

• Picture Profile: Vivid (delivers better red tones; applies only to JPEG files).
• ISO: ISO 100 in clear tropical waters; ISO 200 – ISO 400 in darker waters.
• White Balance (WB): Auto.
• Autofocus (AF): Standard AF mode. Use AFS (super macro) for macro photos (natively available on TG-6 and TG-7). Remember to zoom all the way in (maximum optical zoom) when using AFS super macro.
• Aspect Ratio: 4:3.
• File Format: LF for high-quality JPEG, RAW for Lightroom/Photoshop, or LF+RAW for both options.
• Video: 4K 30p for high-definition footage.
• Stabilization (S-IS): On.
• Flash Mode: Select "fill in" for most standard flashes. Use "RC flash" if using dedicated TTL converters (like the RC1 or Ikelite RC1) paired with compatible strobes.
• Flash Compensation (+/-): 0.
• Drive Mode: Single frame.
• Metering: Spot with flash; ESP without flash.
• Face Priority: Off.
• Accessories (ACC): OFF.
• Aperture Control: Use the top dial to set aperture. The camera will automatically set shutter speed and ISO (in Auto ISO mode). Higher f-stop values mean a larger portion of the image in focus.

5. Usage and Configuration of AOI Strobes (Q1RC and Q1i)

Pairing Olympus Tough cameras with AOI underwater strobes guarantees a perfect match. The AOI Q1i model represents the direct and most advanced evolution of the Q1RC, introducing smart InTeLi technology (with optimized i-Macro mode for close-up subjects):

• AOI Q1i and Q1RC (Olympus RC TTL Protocol):
  Both models natively support Olympus RC (Remote Control) mode via fiber optic cables, allowing the camera to manage automatic TTL exposure without external converters. The evolution of the Q1i offers even greater precision and responsiveness in automatic light control.
  Configuration: In the camera's flash menu, select RC mode (Group A, Channel 1). On the AOI strobe body, set the mode to RC TTL. Connect the flash to the housing using quality multi-core fiber optic cables for TTL control signal transmission.
• Manual Mode Usage:
  For total creative control, you can set the camera's built-in flash to manual (reducing power to a minimum to avoid backscatter) and select manual mode on the AOI strobe body, adjusting power via the convenient rear dial.

5-bis. Hybrid Solution: Photos and Videos with a Single Setup

If you are looking for a solution that works well for both underwater photography and video, we have designed the ideal compromise. You can pair it with specialized lights such as the Weefine Solar Flare 4500, which is ideal for creating impactful videos and features an integrated strobe function, giving you a versatile hybrid system to shoot both photos and videos in a single setup.

6. Video and Snorkeling

The cameras record great 4K videos. On the TG-6 and TG-7, simply press the record button at any time, while on the TG-5 you must select Movie mode. Using the Vivid color profile and M-IS ON video stabilizer is recommended.

For those doing Snorkeling without a housing and without a flash: TG-6 and TG-7 offer dedicated white balances in aperture priority (menu WB -> Underwater: Shallow for shallow waters, Mid Range or Deep for greater depths). The TG-5, lacking this function in A mode, can benefit from the Underwater Snapshot scene.