I own 2 Olympus TG-6 cameras, we bought the first unit for UW photos in insular regions in S. America which under the right conditions, it performs well out of the box.
UW photos aside where the TG-6 really shines for us is being a simply waterproof camera. Here in the sierra, for a fraction of the year it is essentially guaranteed to rain a least once or twice a day, if we are on the coast, the humidity and sea spray is so intense it would damage most of our (personal) DSLRs.
My partner used DLSRs for many years and shoots everything nearly exclusively on a TG-6, primarily documenting plants and insects, but she also gets fantastic landscapes and candid shots as well, something I really value about this unit, you can go from macro shots of insects or tiny crabs, to taking photos of family at lunch after a long hike.
The nondescript appearance of this camera is invaluable, with nearly no sound emitted from the shutter, it’s small size and discreet appearance, you can take photos in a lot of places someone (responsible) wouldn’t dare bring a DSLR for security reasons, because it at first glance to the layman, it appears to be an inexpensive “point and shoot”.
While the TG-6 isnt without flaw I think it does what it needs to well. It has the same weakness as any UW/wet camera, with a watertight body, there is often issues with “fogging” on the inside of the lens, (usually caused when the camera is cold and you bring it outside into the heat or it’s hot from the boat and you jump into very cold water) of which can be avoided by properly acclimating the unit to the ambient air temperature a few hours prior to use in the warm sun…
Battery life isn’t the strong point, especially if you’re cranking the zoom, or using GPS tracking) however the aftermarket 3-pack of batteries with a charger is very inexpensive, and for the most part has been working well for the past 3 years, (full disclosure: I have purchased other batteries for other cameras from this supplier with less-than-stellar results)
If you are working in areas with high humidity, saltwater, and/or variable conditions, I can’t recommend the TG-6 enough, especially if you like to shoot while hiking on rough trails, the TG-6 can take a hit if you slip and fall or even drop it to the ground.
We would not have a fraction of the shots or observations, my partner especially, were it not for the freedom the TG-6 system offers.
For the functionality and programmability it offers I think it is a nearly perfect camera for general field observations.
Happy to provide examples of anything upon request as we have no shortage of observations utilizing this system with minimal editing.
Cheers!