Is TG-6 an upgrade from E-PL1?

[jameseg]

I currently have an old E-PL1 setup which includes an Inon S2000 strobe, a ZEN wide angle lens and a macro diopter and have gotten some really nice pics from it (often after a bit of Lightroom work).

I'm interested in the TG-6 as a potential replacement. Main reasons are 1) bigger and better LCD screen, 2) ease of use (changing ports on the E-PL1 can be a bit of work), 3) slightly smaller form factor, 4) no more worrying about springing a small leak, 5) easier macro setup, and 6) newer (better?) processor.

Would love to get some feedback on that last point - i.e., would this be an upgrade, a lateral move or a downgrade in terms of picture quality? I currently shoot manual, but I wouldn't say that I'm an expert at it - some trial and error involved to get really good shots. I've appreciated the times on a night dive where I've put it in AP mode and everything seems to come out well. So I expect I can live with the more limited control I would have with the TG-6, as long as the picture quality is there, and I've read some of the info online that describes how to dial in basic settings for best results.

I enjoy shooting a wide range of stuff, from macro to wide angle. My next trip is to Rangiroa, so definitely want to be able to shoot really good wide angle for dolphins. If I get the TG-6 I would definitely get a wide angle lens.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/experience.

 

[Dann-Oh]

Here is a quick comparison of the EPL1, TG6, EPL10:

Side by Side Comparison Olympus TG-6 vs. Olympus E-PL10 vs. Olympus PEN E-PL1: Digital Photography Review

I considered getting the TG6 when I upgraded from the Sony RX100Va but I eventually went with the Olympus EPL10. Honestly for me, I decided that I make better photos when I am able to focus on 1 type of image per dive day (macro or wide angle, not both) which is what pushed me over to the EPL10.

In a really quick summary between the TG6 and the EPL1, the TG6 has these benefits:
macro mode
image stabilization
more focus points
larger screen
various burst modes
better video options
gps function for phototaging
usb charging
more durable camera body

 

[jameseg]

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Dann. Would be an easier cost/benefit analysis if my existing ZEN dome could be used with the new camera, but clearly that's not the case.

 

[Wisnu]

I dont think EPL-1 to TG-6 is an upgrade. I used the EPL-1 until 2013 and then upgrade to OMD EM-5 and then OMD EM-1 Mark 1 until to date.
I was very happy with EPL-1, great image quality - always shoot in manual mode, give me lot of flexibility. Indeed I have to decide what lens to use; and very few occasion was regret with my lens selection, ie. cute dolphin approached me when i put 60mm macro or mating nudis when i was with 7-14mm.
The reason I upgraded was mainly due to lack of-shutter speed.
Last year, I have an opportunity to dive with TG-6 of my friend. Honestly, I was frustrated with the lack of manual control. The 25mm (equivalent) is not wide, particularly with flat port. To be wider, heavy WA wet lens is required, but i dont think can compete with 7-14mm (equi. 14 - 28) or 8mm FE.

Few shots below taken with EPL-1 with Inon D-2000 type-2 more than a decade ago.

bumphead 2 by Wisnu Purwanto, on Flickr

Yawning frogfish by May by Wisnu Purwanto, on Flickr

Anthias & Dawn by Wisnu Purwanto, on Flickr

Ceratosoma trilobatum by Wisnu Purwanto, on Flickr