Any of you who have followed us for any length of time, or, actually, who has read at least one post, knows that we take a lot of pictures. We like to chronicle our travels for both ourselves as well as for our fans, followers and supporters. In order to do this, we need a reliable camera.
14 months ago, in May of 2015, we looked for a camera that was water-resistant or waterproof, had an optical zoom, had a small form factor and was shockproof. We did research, read many reviews and we landed on one particular camera that seemed to fit all of the requirements. It was the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and had the following features:
- Waterproof to 50 ft.
- Shockproof to 7 ft.
- Freeze proof to 14° F
- Crushproof to 220 LBF
- 21mm Ultra-wide lens with 5x optical zoom
- 180 degree tilting LCD
- Sportcam mode (60p movies, High-Speed movies, Time-Lapse movies)
- Art Filters and in-camera sweep panorama capabilities
- Built in Wi-Fi & GPS
We were really impressed with this device. We took it into the water (both lake and in the rain). It performed in cold and hot weather. The Wi-Fi worked like a charm. And the 180 degree tilting LCD screen made it easy for selfies as well as for perfect positioning from in front of the camera. We wished we had a slightly bigger optical zoom. But, short of that, we loved the camera. And it served us well for over a year.
Recently we went to Mount Rushmore. I was furiously snapping away and the camera was performing as expected. Then, I sat the TG-860 on a table so I could take a picture of the whole Nomad Clan. When I flipped the 180 degree tilting LCD up so that I could position the camera properly, the screen went black. I thought it was a glitch, so I flipped it back down and back up. Nothing. Still black. I took the battery out and put it back in. Nothing. Still black. So, I put it away and used my phone. This was the beginning of my camera problems.
When I got back to home base, I contacted the company I bought it from on Amazon (Focus Camera). They gave me a couple sentence response stating that the warranty was over (12 month warranty) and that I needed to contact Olympus. I had to send another request back to them for Olympus contact info or how I should progress. This is something I would have expected in the initial email. I did write a review about it. Look for the one written by NothingButChase.
I contacted Olympus. Any idea what they told me? Basically a repeat of what Focus Camera told me. Sorry. The warranty is over but we can fix it for $100. Now, mind you, they had no idea what was wrong with it before they quoted me the price to fix it. Now, if it was any other camera, I may have paid the $100 and had it repaired. However, this one was supposed to be tough. It is in the name of the camera. It was supposed to be able to withstand all manner of less than optimal treatment. But, I never dropped it or mistreated it. So, I did not want to pay for the repair only to have it last a few months and them reply with another “sorry.”
That camera had so much potential. Too bad the service was horrible from their authorized reseller and the manufacturer. Their poor service actually caused both of them to lose a customer for life. Side note, this camera broke faster than any other camera I owned in the past. And none of them were rated for waterproof, shockproof or crushproof. If a camera with Tough in the name is not actually tough, I would advise against purchase from either the reseller or manufacturer. Safe travels.
Hi. May I ask, did you found out, what was the problem?
I have the same camera, and exact the same situation with it, now I thinking about repair it our buy new one.
Sergey – The result on this camera never changed. I tried to work it out with the manufacturer. And even though it was just over the warranty, they would not work with me in any manner. So, I recycled the camera. I did not want to repair it because I was worried about this happening again. My suggestion is to buy a new one and get an extended warranty from a company with a great track record for service.
Mine just did the same thing. Was working fine then flipped the screen up and it went dark… not sure if my year is up yet.
Chad – Hopefully your year is not up. As I said, I was just outside of warranty (2 months) and they would not budge. It was so disappointing since it seemed that the camera part still worked. The screen simply stopped functioning.
Because of this I left Olympus and never went back. Their “tough” model would not operate under delicate conditions with common wear and tear. Imagine how it would operate if it was actually dropped, placed in heat and cold conditions, etc.
I personally replaced it with the Fuji Finepix XP90. It takes great pix, good video and has operated great for me thus far. Been in desert, forest and urban areas with it in my back pocket and have had no issues.
Just happened to mine, will check out the Fuji, how do u like it so far? Hope it is waterproof!
Brian – Sorry that happened to you. I know how it feels. Obviously. As for the Fuji…it works like a charm. Have taken it into pools and into the ocean without problem. If you check out this link you will see some pix I took in a pool – https://livingnomadstyle.com/living-4-states-4-weeks/.
My camera recently went through the same thing while I was only 2 days in to my vacation. was very upset about this. I bought the camera a couple years ago, but I rarely even used it. I’ve only used it only a handful of times. Atleast I know now that I’m not the only one having the same problem
Anna – I know what you mean. We just arrived at Mount Rushmore. We were not there more than 15 minutes and it crapped out. You are not alone. I replaced it with a Fuji Finepix XP90 and it has worked great.
The exact same screen failure happened to us while on vacation in Mexico. We’ve had the camera for two years and it worked great. Day five of vacation….it just stopped working.
Jim – Exactly. Ours was working earlier that day and then it just quit. No rhyme or reason. Did you get a replacement?
I don’t have any doubts that any owner of this camera will have the same problem sooner or later and this is connected with the cable which connects LCD screen and a camera. It can be easily broken if you flip screen often and it is not easy to fix, which is sad because I really like my camera before this happened. I also don’t have any doubts that Olympus is quite familiar with this common problem, therefore they gave you a quote of $100. They will simply replace the cable so the screen will work but be aware with time the same thing may happen again. I don’t know if Olympus did take this problem seriously making new TG-4 or TG-5 models.
Don – I think you are correct. And it is sad because the camera worked great. It seems that a lot of people are experiencing this same issue. So, it is not isolated. The way Olympus handled it is a shame as they have lost quite a few customers over a design flaw in their own equipment. Thank you for your comment and have a great day!
I bought 3 of these for my daughters. They loved them so much! Then each of them had the exact same issue, exact same result! I may try Nikon version or Fuji. Never Olympus!
That is so sad what happened to you Kim. I bet your daughters were bummed. I felt the same way. I loved how it worked. The screen issue is a serious flaw and their customer support afterwards was abysmal. I migrated to Fuji and the model I have has served me very well.
Same thing with mine, this is the second Olympus to die within the first couple years, poor warranty for such an expensive waterproof sports camera. Think I’m done with Olympus!
I was done after the first one. My Fuji has been great. Hope you find a better camera with better service than Olympus!
Just got back from a 3 week trip to Italy to get married. Was planning on setting our TG in the corner to video the ceremony. Same EXACT thing happened to mine 3 days into the trip. I’m about 6 months or so past the warranty. TOUGH my 4$$ !!. Never again. I will check out the Fuji you’ve recommended.
So sorry to hear about that on your trip. Hopefully you had a backup. And, congratulations on the marriage.
You replicate my feelings exactly. It is a camera I wanted to love. But, when you advertise as tough and something as small as this happens, it is definitely a let down. And, their customer service after the fact was horrible.
That Fuji I got is still alive and kicking with zero issues. Let me know what you ultimately do. I always like to know how these things turn out.
Thank you for this post i have just had my screen go blank. i loved this camera so much we go snorkeling all time and it has been great underwater. My daughter takes it camping does a lot of selfies like teens do and its black. Still turns on and makes sounds but nothing on the screen.
It was great for me underwater and hiking. Really loved that camera. I replaced it with a Fuji.
I think my 3 year old camera has just suffered the same issue.
Using it fine, brought out of bag to use a few hours later- screen dead.
I actually thought I’d accidentally left it turned on and drained the battery.
Gutted this has broken just before I’m due to go on holiday and can’t afford to replace it.
That is horrible to hear Kate. Truly. And, so far, we have not heard from Olympus about them changing this or addressing it. I left and have been very happy with my Fuji. Hope you still have a great holiday!
Mine, bought in 2015, failed less than 18 months later in 2017, and I paid $150 for the repair…that lasted until this week, less than 4 years from the repair, which must be a world record of longevity. Never abused or submersed, kept in a camera case, which was inside a dry bag since day one. not a mark on the camera or screen. Use the flip screen rarely, maybe 12 selfies a year. Contrary to Olympus’ website which says they repair out of warranty cameras for 7 years, they stopped repairs of this one in 2021, six years after it’s release. I’m waiting to hear from a large private repair shop, the same one which repaired it in 2017, to verify that they can do it again, this time for $175. Terrific camera when it worked, lots of options on lighting and format. Rotating screens are common on camcorders, some larger format cameras, so I’m surprised Olympus couldn’t figure out something that was more durable for this one. If anyone has DIY or lessor cost repair option, reply away.