The waiting time, number of shots and focus steps can be set after selecting in the sub mode. In (Shooting menu 2), select Focus BKT.

While the image quality from the TG-6 is fine, modern smartphones will surpass it in most situations, though once downsized to social media resolutions, it's less noticeable. But, remember, your phone isn't exactly rugged. While out-of-camera JPEGs have pleasant colors *, the lens just isn't very sharp and too much noise reduction is applied. Turning down the 'noise filter' option helps a bit, but if you're up to the challenge of processing the results, shooting Raw is the way to get the most out of the TG-6. When the mode dial is already set to (Underwater mode), press the arrow pad Left button to select other sub modes.

When the pictures are taken with the Date Stamp function set to On, the date and time is imprinted on the captured pictures. The number of shots and the length of time the camera waits before shooting starts can be selected. Pop Art (I, II), Soft Focus, Pale&Light Color (I, II), Light Tone, Grainy Film (I, II), Pin Hole (I, II, III), Diorama (I, II), Cross Process (I, II), Gentle Sepia, Dramatic Tone (I, II), Key Line (I, II), Watercolor (I, II), Vintage (I, II, III), Partial Color (I, II, III) Suitable for shooting underwater in dim light, optimizing flash mode, auto focus and white balance for the appropriate settings.

The camera is up and running from cold in a couple of seconds, and finds focus with a half-press of the shutter-release button in the blink of an eye – as with most compact cameras nowadays. Of course it’s possible to manually dial down exposure or adjust the ISO setting if you realize this at the time of shooting, although bright conditions also affect the visibility of the LCD screen, which doesn't help matters.

Unrivaled macro system for excellent close-up shooting capabilities up to 1 cm from the subject

Lastly, the TG-6's host of close-up features not only allow for capturing subjects 1cm (0.4") away: the 'digital microscope' mode lets you zoom in up to four times more, though with a reduction in image quality. Olympus sells a ring light and flash diffuser to add flexibility to your macro photography.

Image quality is reasonable for a camera with a 1/2.3-inch sensor, although overexposure and blown highlights can be seen in some images, and there's a loss of detail at the telephoto end of the lens. Colors are nice and rich, though, and the inclusion of raw shooting gives you the option to fine-tune your images later. iPhoneXSmax has two cameras with fixed lens at 26, 52mm equivalent, Oly's zoom power is 100mm equivalent. But you could use a 2x add on lens to reach that with your iPhone and keep much better IQ than the Oly. For those in the first group, the TG-6's auto mode can handle just about every situation, and its numerous scene modes are well organized. Going underwater? Just choose the 'fish' spot on the mode dial, where you'll find five choices that match the situation you're in. It is a shame that Olympus did not create a simplified version of its menu system for more novice users, who are likely to be overwhelmed by the options and organization. When the mode dial is already set to (Microscope mode), press the arrow pad Left button to select other sub modes.

At the end of his review Jeff Kellers conclusion is "Not good for those who want smartphone IQ or better...", completely agree. You can change the magnification level to 1x, 2x or 4x by pressing the arrow pad Right button. Up to 44.4x (35 mm equivalent: 28x) is possible when using the zoom simultaneously.