Olympus TG-5 battery "problem": If this post helps just one person, it will be worth the time. Don't know whether this is specific to the TG-5 or else other Olympus cameras or even...

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Olympus TG-5 battery "problem"

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Mar 17, 2018 08:28:42 #

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

If this post helps just one person, it will be worth the time. Don't know whether this is specific to the TG-5 or else other Olympus cameras or even other cameras.

After less than four months of moderate use, my Olympus TG-5 battery started to "fail". Suddenly, I had to charge it daily. Not good.

I was about to contact Olympus to complain, but I first did some Google research. Turned out that I had inadvertently moved that LOG (tracking) switch to the ON position.

While the LOG switch is in the LOG position, the camera will log GPS and other sensor data.

However, it will continue to track location, etc., even while the camera's power is turned off, meaning that it will rapidly drain the battery.

So, make sure that your LOG switch is set to OFF when you don't need it.

Mar 17, 2018 09:13:06 #

Fotoserj Loc: St calixte Qc Ca

Same thing on my 7dII

Mar 17, 2018 09:37:21 #

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Good tip, markie1425, thanks!

Mar 17, 2018 09:41:31 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I too have a TG-5. Thanks for the tip.

I'm impressed with the camera. Of course it does not record big sensor files. But it takes great pictures and is loaded with features. I printed the instruction manual so I could wade through and figure it out.

Have you found the compass and flashlight?

Other than for mapping on a phone, I've not figured out how to use the log feature. Can the log file be used in a computer somehow?

Mar 17, 2018 10:59:04 #

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

bsprague wrote:

Those features are cake icing that I don't need. I know where I am and, in fact, most of my pictures are from within a mile of my home.

I did get this from the same instruction manual with reference to logs.

Mar 17, 2018 11:14:11 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Thanks. I've read the same instructions. It says nothing about using the log files on a computer. For example, if doing a video or slide show, it would be fun to have a a moving track clip of a travel route. So far, I've not found a way to get beyond the phone app to a computer.

Mar 17, 2018 11:23:16 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Turns out there apparently is a way to use the T-5 log files! They are in a text format that can be converted to a standard format from the marine navigation world.

https://blog.hambier.lu/post/olympus-gps

Mar 18, 2018 07:19:56 #

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Thank you for info I have the TG-5 summer is coming and I live at the Jersey Shore

Mar 18, 2018 13:01:12 #

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

markie1425 wrote:

If this post helps just one person, it will be wor... (show quote)

I don't own one yet, but I had heard the GPS sucks the life out of the battery of one does not turn it off after using it. Your information is further conformation of how true it is. Thanks.

Mar 18, 2018 13:17:35 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

wdross wrote:

I don't own one yet, but I had heard the GPS sucks the life out of the battery of one does not turn it off after using it. Your information is further conformation of how true it is. Thanks.

The GPS does not suck the life out of my battery! But, just in case, I have a spare that, so far, goes unused. I do use the logging function.

The logging function is optional and does use the battery to keep track of where you are going, even with the picture taking part off. The advantage to having the logging on is that it is a little quicker have location information stamped into the EXIF data.

Unlike other cameras I own, the camera is the charger and you plug it into any USB port. Just like a phone, you can plug it into one of those battery bank backups for power. Doing so allows for very long time lapse shooting.

There is also a menu choice to select battery conservation as a priority over GPS accuracy.

Mar 18, 2018 13:26:20 #

johneccles Loc: Leyland UK

Tracking, GPS and WiFi are all battery hoggers, mine will last all day usually, but I have bought a spare battery just in case, thus I do not have a problem.

Mar 18, 2018 14:01:18 #

markie1425 Loc: Bryn Mawr, PA

bsprague wrote:

The GPS does not suck the life out of my battery!

But if you shut down and leave the camera overnight, you 'll find that your charge has dissipated.

Mar 18, 2018 14:40:32 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

If you mean with the Log on, yes. But with the log off I don't get battery drain. With it on, I can walk around for a few hours and there is still plenty of battery for taking pictures. I suppose if I did a lot of burst of long video clips, it would certainly drain.

My point to johneccles is that battery drain is not a camera flaw in this model any more than other cameras.

Mar 18, 2018 16:18:02 #

banders26 Loc: Illinois

I have used the TG-5 on a couple of trips with no battery problems but the GPS tracking was off. AS I know were I was taking the pictures. I even used it under water.

Mar 18, 2018 18:39:12 #

ValliPride Loc: Lost in Florida

Thanks for the info, that also happened to me. Love this little camera it's with me on my kayak constantly. I just put a clear filter on it to save the lens. I will be out first thing in the morning YAking trying to capture the Dolphins playing 👍

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