OM System TG-7 in Ikelite Underwater Housing for Olympus Tough TG-6, T

By Jean Rydberg

We've waited four years for a new Tough-series camera and in October 2023 OM System finally gave us the TG-7. Let's talk through whether you should upgrade to the new camera and whether it will work in your existing housing for Olympus Tough TG-6 and TG-5 cameras.

New Features in the TG-7

If you're already shooting a TG series cameras, then there aren't any compelling reasons to upgrade. The new camera features a USB-C charging port and some updates to the timelapse feature. It's the same sensor, and there's still no manual exposure mode. They've made some esthetic changes to the grip, including the new OM System’s badge. All of this comes at a price that's about $50 higher than the previous model. That's really it.

Using the TG-7 in a Housing for TG-6, TG-5 Cameras

tg7 lanyard update info for ikelite underwater housing

If you look closely, you'll see a minor change to the profile of the side of the camera around the lanyard ring.

So now let's talk about fitting it in the Ikelite housing.

The change to the profile around the lanyard ring is going to cause some interference if you go to place the new camera into an older housing originally designed for TG-5 and TG-6 cameras. In our testing, we find that the camera can be fit into the housing, but it's very tight to get it in and out.

Please be aware that the TG-7 camera is not usable in housings produced for TG-1, TG-2, TG-3, or TG-4 underwater housings.

Options for Updating Older Housings

New housings we have produced since October 1st, 2023, are modified to make a comfortable fit for all three cameras. But if you have a housing produced before that date and you want to use the new camera, you have a few options.

Option # 1

Option number one is to just press really hard to get the camera in. I can see this causing some wear and tear on the side of the camera over time.

Option # 2

Send the housing in to us to be modified.

Option # 3

Modify the housing yourself. You can use a pair of strong clippers to remove the lower right hand support rib when looking in from the back of the housing. Please be very careful not to accidentally scratch or damage the O-ring sealing surface when you go to do this.

ikelite tg-7 housing update indicating o-ring surface

The o-ring sealing surface is indicated in this photo in blue. You'll want to be extra cautious not to damage this area if making a modification on your own.

Warning: The information in options # 1 and # 3 is provided for use at your own risk. The housing's limited warranty does not cover damage to the camera or housing due to unintended use or modification by anyone outside of our factory service center.

Haven't bought a system yet? The Ikelite ULTRAcompact Underwater Housing # 6233.06 has been updated as of October 1, 2023 to fit the newer OM System TG-7 camera. Housings serial number UC68463 and higher feature the update. Learn more.

Always reach out to us by email if you have any questions regarding fit or conversion. Happy shooting!

Jean Rydberg, daughter of Ike Brigham, became President & CEO of Ikelite in 2006. Prior to that, she wisely pursued a degree in Astronomy & Astrophysics to prepare herself for the challenges of running a technology-driven manufacturing business with global distribution. Jean fully embraces the need to travel outside of her hometown of Indianapolis to experience good diving. She believes that any camera is capable of amazing results in the right hands, and anyone can become a great photographer given the right advice. When she's not working she's spending time with her husband, cats, and two daughters (though not necessarily in that order).