Do you want to capture every moment of your next daring exploits? The best action cameras are the actual game-changer when it comes to capturing videos and stills. No other camera can beat them in quality. Here we select two top and best action cameras the GoPro Hero 9 and Olympus tough TG-tracker for comparison. The Olympus TG-tracker is older than the GoPro camera. We explore is their age difference makes a noticeable difference, and which one is better for you?
Let’s quickly look at the side-by-side feature of GoPro Hero9 and TG-tracker in the table before getting into their detailed comparison!
GoPro Hero 9 vs Olympus Tough TG-Tracker: Side By Side Comparison Chart
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GoPro Hero 9 vs Olympus Tough TG-Tracker – Similarities
The action camera is essential for shooting your adventures. Otherwise, how does everyone know what you have been up to? In the recent era, ac
modern features that make capturing a simple and enjoyable experience.
tion cameras are gaining popularity and emergence not only among travelers but in sports sectors, adventurers, filmmakers, and photographers. Early models have quite limited features but now the action cameras have innovative design and modern features that make capturing a simple and enjoyable experience.
Unquestionably, GoPro and Olympus are two leading brands in the action cam marketplace. Both the Hero 9 from GoPro and TG-tracker from Olympus are some of the best and top models available today. Let’s look at the things these action cameras offer in common!
Both Cameras Are Easy To Use And Durable
The GoPro Hero9 and the Olympus Tough TG-Tracker are intelligently designed and toughened action cameras. They are dust, impact, and water-proof so can survive harsh environments and weather conditions. Besides, they are easy to use and carry.
Both are compact and lightweight and can carry along everywhere and all time. You can catch the moments effortlessly in the ocean, through the air, on the ground, and even tunneling underground with any of these cameras. Besides, both provide a user-friendly shooting experience.
Image Stabilization Of Hero9 And TG-Tracker
It is one of the headline features of both action cameras that helps you to create stable and professional photos and footage. Image stabilization minimizes vibration and jarring and captures sharp and high-quality videos even when you’re moving, or your cam is moving (adventures are rarely still).
Do They Have App Compatibility?
Almost every smart device has a mobile companion app in this age of smartphones. Fortunately, the Hero9 and the TG-tracker also offer app compatibility to remotely access and capture your videos and still images. You can use Olympus Image Track (OI. Track) mobile app to sync your smartphone with the Olympus action camera. Similarly, the GoPro app connects your smartphone with the GoPro action camera.
Differences Between GoPro Hero 9 And Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
Now, we look at the subtle difference lie between GoPro Hero9 and Olympus TG-Tracker. Once, you understand their differences and distinct features, you can choose the right action camera that suits you best and proceed to a wise purchase. So, let’s get into their differences without any ado!
GoPro vs Olympus TG- Design & Display
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The GoPro Hero9 has an innovative and new design. It comes with some striking additions including a 1.4-inch front display. Besides, it also features a large 2.27-inch, rare touchscreen display with an improved interface and buttons. So, you can even record your videos, take selfies, and live stream using the front-facing display. It appeals to selfie artists and bloggers.
Furthermore, its foldable fingers allow you to attach the cam to different mounts and accessories effortlessly. Besides, you can access the battery, USB-C port, HDMI port, and card slot by opening the side door. The Hero9 has plastic-free packaging and a removable lens cover (another great improvement). Although it is a bit heavier than the TG tracker, its travel case makes it a practical option.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
In contrast, the Olympus TG-Tracker comes with a more compact design and resembles a mini camcorder. Besides, its ruggedized casing makes it super solid. It can withstand a 7-feet fall, 14°F low temperature, and up to 220lb. force. Besides, the Tough cam comes with an underwater lens protector.
Moreover, It comes with easy-to-use control buttons and a 1.5-inch flip-out display. So, you can look at what is being recorded. A small LED video light directly above the lens is one of the great additions. So, you can capture clear videos and images even at night and in low light. Additionally, you can access the batter, ports, and Micro SD card slot by opening the tow-stage locking door located on its back.
The Winner Is: GoPro Hero9 Waterproof Action Camera
Which Camera Provide Better Video Performance?
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The Hero 9 action cam is known for its higher-resolution video quality. It comes with a 23.6 megapixels sensor that can shoot video clips up to 5K @30fps. Besides, it allows you to capture 4K footage @60fps, Ultra-HD, and HD clips. It has a new Max Lens Mode that enables 155° FOV (field of view).
Additionally, the HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization, 360° camera style, and auto horizon leveling allow you to take high-end, wider, stabilized, and smoother video. It further comes with various presets including action, standard, and 8x Slo-Mo. Besides, it also features an HDR mode. Overall, no other camera gives you such high quality as you get with a GoPro camera.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
Although the tough TG-Tracker doesn’t support the 5K video format, its video quality is still excellent and top of the line. It has an 8Mp sensor that can capture 4K videos at 30fps. Besides, It supports 1080p full HD, 720p HD, and lower video formats. Additionally, it has an ultra-wide lens with 204° FOV to take clear and crisp video in any environment. So, you can capture a broad swath of landscapes without compromising on video quality. All in all, you get amazing results with this tracker camera.
The Winner Is: GoPro Hero9 Waterproof Action Camera
Image Quality of Both Cameras
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The GoPro cameras are mainly popular for video shooting. However, you get amazing still image results with the hero9 action camera. It supports HDR and RAW photos. So, you can capture pro-quality pictures with it. The SuperPhoto mode allows you to take 20Mp still photos. Additionally, the GoPro hero 9 offers linear, wide, and fixed narrow modes with a shutter delay option.
Moreover, the LiveBrust (motion images), Brust (25 pictures per second), and nigh photo mode give you a chance to try your photographic skills. Above all, its save frame features playback your desired video on the app ad save a 14.7MP photo on your phone with a single click.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
Action cameras are roundly overlooked when it comes to photographic gadgets. However, this is not the case with these both the GoPro hero9 and Olympus TG-tracker. This action camera also provides you with excellent image quality. But it can take only 8MP still photos that are relatively low-quality than the counterpart.
The Winner Is: GoPro Hero9 Waterproof Action Camera
How Far They Can Go Underwater?
GoPro HERO 9 Black
We know that both action cameras are waterproof. But to how far? This distance defines the limit up to which you can shoot underwater without any sort of protective case or housing. The GoPro can go down underwater (waterproof) up to 33 feet/ 10m only. This is not as amazing as it should be. However, you can purchase protective housing to shoot underwater down up to 196 feet.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
The Olympus Though TG-Tracker camera outshines in this category as it is waterproof to down 100 feet or 30m without protective casing. This means it has 3 times better water-resistant than the GoPro action camera. Thus, it is an excellent choice for scuba divers and for those who want to capture every activity of their underwater adventure.
The Winner Is: GoPro Olympus TG-Tracker Waterproof Action Camera
Which Action Camera Offers More Useful Features?
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The Hero 9 waterproof action camera offers a bulk of handy features. We highlight some of them in the above headings. The rest are here. TimeWrap 3.0 is its latest feature that blends time-lapse and GoPro’s motion stabilization for the best smoother results. It also improves the speed ramp. Hindsight is another great feature that captures and saves up to 30s video before you hit the shutter button (don’t miss the shot on starting late).
Moreover, you can set up automatic recording using Schedule Capture and specify the video’s length using its Duration Capture Modes. Besides, you can use it as a webcam and stream in 1080p and 720p. This versatile camera also allows you for live streaming on your social accounts like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook in HyperSmooth enabled Ultra-HD resolution. Thus, you get a complete package and all bells and whistles with this top-notch GoPro action camera.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
Although the Hero9 has a bulk of features, the Olympus Tracker offers plenty of useful features. It comes with a healthy dose of competitive tech features and action track sensors that automatically record data to complement your clips and take them beyond the standard video capabilities.
The motion sensors include GPS, e-Compass, accelerometer, temperature sensor, and barometric pressure sensor. Besides, the Data Log Mode activates these sensors for an extended period. Overall, you get quite reasonable features with this long-standing camera.
The Winner Is: GoPro Hero9 Waterproof Action Camera
Are They Have Long Battery Life?
GoPro HERO 9 Black
The GoPro hero9 comes with better battery life. Its battery is rated to last 30% longer than the previous models of GoPro. It roughly lasts for 1.5 to 2 hours in ideal conditions. In practice, it can shoot videos for more than an hour whether you use time-lapse or standard modes.
Olympus Tough TG-Tracker
On the other hand, the TG Tracker also has a quite long battery life. In ideal situations it battery can last for 1 hour and 38 minutes on a full charge. However, you practically shoot 4K videos for a little more than an hour. Then, the camera triggers a low-battery warning and shoot for roughly 7-10 minutes before shutting off. Although its battery life is great, the activity sensors drain out the battery more quickly.
The Winner Is: GoPro Hero9 Waterproof Action Camera
[i2pc show_title=”true” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”GoPro Hero 9 Black” cons_title=”Olympus Tough TG-Tracker” ][i2pros]Pros:
Large rear touch screen and all-new front color display (Dual-screen).
Intuitive user interface.
5K detailed videos and 20MP photos.
30% Improved battery life.
Removable lens and excellent video stabilization.
Innovative and handy shooting features/modes.
Rugged and waterproof.
Stable connection to your smartphone.
Cons:
Expansive.
Relatively heavier.[/i2pros][i2cons]Pros:
Flip-out LCD & case-free design.
4K high-quality video capturing.
Offer 3 times better water-resistant than GoPro.
Great image stabilization.
Built-in LED light to capture night vision.
GPS and four other motion sensors.
Cons:
The display doesn’t rotate.
Software and app need improvements.
Fog builds up on the lens rarely. [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GoPro HERO9 black waterproof?
Yes! The GoPro Hero9 is rugged and waterproof out of the box. It can capture videos underwater down to 33 feet.
Does GoPro Hero 9 have night vision?
Yes! Almost all GoPro models (specifically the latest ones) can work well in low-light scenarios and capture exceptional night footage.
Can GoPros take pictures?
Yes! Typically, GoPro cameras are popular for video capturing. However, they can certainly shoot still images. This latest Hero9 action camera can shoot RAW as well.
Is the Olympus Tough a good action camera?
Yes! The Olympus tough waterproof and rugged camera has all bells and whistles that you may expect from a high-range action camera. You will never disappoint with its performance.
What’s the shutter speed on the Olympus TG-tracker?
The Olympus TG tracker can focus approximately 20cm close to the subject and its slowest shutter speed is 1/2 seconds and the maximum shutter speed is 1/24000 seconds.
Is the Olympus Tough TG tracker waterproof?
Yes, the TG-tracker is a waterproof camera and can survive and shoot in rigorous and harsh environments.
Final Verdict
To sum up, you can’t go wrong with any of these action cameras as both offer excellent quality and their distinct features. The tough tracker offers you plenty of features while the GoPro hero9 offers all bells and whistles in a bulk. Thus, it is totally up to you to decide which action camera perfectly matches your budget, expectations, and photography preferences.
In our opinion, the GoPro Hero 9 is the ultimate winner and will be your best bet as it is a hard-to-beat, powerful, and versatile action camera that is worth your extra bucks.