OM System TG7 with Backscatter Mini Flash 2 Review

Over the past nine months in Inside Scuba, we’ve explored a wide range of topics in underwater photography, but I wanted to dedicate an article specifically for budget-conscious photographers. With this in mind, I reached out to the team at Backscatter to borrow a compact camera setup for an upcoming trip to the Bahamas. They generously sent me a full demo package: the OM System TG7, Backscatter Mini Flash 2, and OS-1 Snoot Underwater Photo Package, which you can view here. They also included an extra Mini Flash 2, a Backscatter M52 81° Air Lens, and a Backscatter M52 120° Wide Angle Lens, along with upgraded arms and clamps instead of the standard flex arms. The conveniently included M52 120° Wide Angle Lens mount which was attached to the top of the tray, allowed me to securely store the lens when I wasn’t using it, adding to the setup’s flexibility underwater. If you plan to take any wide-angle photos, I would recommend getting either the 81° Air Lens or the 120° Wide Angle Lens (you don’t really need both) and if your budget allows, a second strobe.

The first thing to notice about this system is its portability: the entire setup fits into a case measuring just 15" x 9" x 11" (38 x 23 x 28 cm), making it compact enough to carry anywhere and small enough to fit under an airplane seat.

Since I hadn’t previously shot with a compact system underwater, I was excited to see how the TG7 would perform—especially considering that the entire setup with all the bells and whistles costs less than my camera body (a Nikon D850). To prepare for my trip, I watched a few instructional videos on Backscatter’s website, which provided insights on configuring the camera and strobes both on the boat and during the dive. The “on-the-boat” settings were mostly handled using the TG7’s custom settings (C1 and C2), which were configured for wide-angle and macro shooting modes. This setup allowed me to quickly switch between styles mid-dive, which proved invaluable on several occasions.

Backscatter also encouraged me to test the SC (Smart Control) feature on the Mini Flash 2’s, which works in conjunction with the TG7’s RC (Remote Control) flash mode. This setting, designed with beginner photographers in mind, offers a more advanced form of TTL (Through The Lens - a feature that automatically adjusts the flash’s power based on the amount of light coming through the camera lens). To use this feature, you simply set the camera’s flash mode to RC and then set the dial on the Mini Flash 2 to the correct SC mode.

There are two SC modes on the Mini Flash 2, one for Super Macro and one for wide-angle. In my experience, it worked very well for macro shots, delivering balanced lighting. I also managed to get some decent shots when shooting close focus wide angle (CFWA) as you can see in the shot of the lionfish. However, for wide-angle scenes, the Mini Flash 2’s are not specifically designed to handle wider lighting needs and I could definitely see that these wider scenes were insufficiently lit. If you want to use the TG7’s RC mode to capture wider scenes, Backscatter recommends using the SC mode on their Hybrid Flash instead, which is better suited to handle the demands of wider compositions.

In the water, I followed a streamlined approach based on what I wanted to shoot. If I was going for a wide-angle shot, my first focus was on composition and positioning the strobes effectively. For lighting, I would start in SC/RC mode (TTL) to see if I could achieve even lighting across the frame, and if the result wasn’t what I wanted, I would switch to manual strobe mode for finer control. Adjusting the exposure compensation was also key to achieving the desired blue background: more negative (-2.0) for a darker, richer blue, and closer to 0 for a lighter, softer blue. I even tried an ambient light shot by turning off the strobes and boosting the exposure compensation to +1.5 to get more of the blue ambient light to show through.

Backscatter’s recommended settings for wide-angle are to set the camera to auto-ISO allowing the camera to choose the appropriate setting anywhere between 100 and 400 (this is configurable). It worked well but I found that at ISO 400 there was some noise introduced which can be seen when you zoom in on the image. This is to be expected of a compact camera with a smaller sensor. Lightroom’s denoise functionality helped reduce some of the noise in post-processing.

For macro shots, I’d get as close to the subject as possible and then use the TG7’s zoom to frame the shot. The compact Mini Flash 2 strobes were a big advantage here, as their smaller size made them easier to maneuver in tight spaces compared to larger strobes. I could position them very close to the subject, experimenting with different angles and strobe positions to create various lighting effects and shadowing.

One minor drawback is the camera’s auto-off function, which activates after a few minutes of inactivity. When powered back on, the TG7 reverts to manual flash mode, which can be a surprise if you’re expecting it to stay in RC mode. I missed a few shots early on due to this switch, as the strobes didn’t fire when I pressed the shutter.

Overall, this setup is an excellent option for macro photography. The compact Mini Flash 2 strobes are easy to position in tight spaces, offering flexibility for intricate shots. For wide-angle, I found the Backscatter MF2’s somewhat limiting. To experiment, I swapped the MF2’s for my Retra strobes for one dive while keeping the rest of the setup intact. With the Retra strobes, the TG7 was capable of capturing impressive wide-angle shots, revealing the camera’s potential with more powerful lighting.

Conclusion

In summary, the Olympus TG7 paired with Backscatter’s accessories provides a surprisingly capable setup for underwater photography, particularly for those new to the craft or seeking a budget-friendly option. This system is compact and versatile, making it easy to carry along for dive trips without the hassle of large cases and heavy gear. While the Mini Flash 2’s excel in macro settings, they have some limitations for wide-angle shots. However, for those interested in primarily macro photography or as a compact travel setup, this system is an excellent choice that can produce impressive results. For those who want to shoot larger wide-angle scenes, getting a pair of more powerful strobes such as the Backscatter Hybrid Flashes would be recommended. The ability to switch between wide-angle and macro mid-dive is a significant advantage, adding value to this affordable package.

For those considering an entry-level underwater camera setup, the TG7 combined with Backscatter’s Mini Flash 2 system offers an accessible and portable solution, providing a fantastic starting point for underwater photography. If this is something you are considering, check out the package online or give the guys at Backscatter a call to discuss your options.