Introduction
One space of the compact digital camera market has remained resilient towards the all-consuming smartphone, and that is the rugged or “powerful” sector. This sort of digital camera will be safely utilized in locations that your smartphone would undoubtedly perish in, providing you with scope to shoot all your adrenaline fueled adventures, or simply for added peace of thoughts on a day journey to the seashore. Olympus has lengthy been the market chief on this space, with its spectacular TG-6 being the most effective powerful cameras launched in recent times. The TG-7 is its OM System-branded successor following the Olympus digital camera buy-out, and whereas it is not an enormous advance over the earlier mannequin, it does not less than provide a number of incremental modifications that assist warrant its launch. Similar to its predecessor, the Powerful TG7 has a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch sensor, together with the identical 25-100mm (equal) f/2.0-f/4.9 4x optical zoom lens. By way of its powerful credentials, the TG-7 is waterproof down to fifteen metres, dustproof, shockproof as much as a top of two.1metres, crushproof as much as 100kg and freeze proof to -10 levels celcius. The digital camera has a spread of taking pictures modes which now additionally embrace in-camera timelapse motion pictures with publicity smoothing and vertical movies for the primary time. For superior customers, there’s additionally the power to seize photographs in uncooked format. The LCD display boasts improved color replica along with its decision of 1040k-dots throughout its 3-inch panel, though it nonetheless isn’t contact delicate. The USB connector is now a Kind-C port that can be utilized for charging, though sadly you’ll be able to’t energy the digital camera while utilizing it. Now you can management the Powerful TG-7 remotely, both through the use of the RM-WR1 wi-fi distant or the OM Picture Share app. Building Mode is selectable as one of many digital camera’s scene modes, which boosts photographs in tougher environments and is meant for producing skilled constructing business content material with CALS format assist. The OM System TG-7 is offered in purple or black priced at round £499 / $549, so it is a pretty hefty funding for a compact digital camera. It’s made in Vietnam. It is also costly when in comparison with different powerful fashions available on the market, such because the Fujifilm XP140, nevertheless it does provide some extra superior options than the XP140.
Ease of Use
Similar to its predecessor, not quite a bit has modified when evaluating the TG-6 to this new mannequin, with it being laborious to inform the distinction between them when positioned aspect by aspect.
The 2 outstanding screws on the entrance panel have moved from close to the hand-grip over to the opposite aspect, and the grip itself is barely bigger and has a extra textured, grooved design that is simpler to carry, particularly in the event you’re utilizing it underwater or with gloves.
The OM System TG-7 has a considerably utilitarian really feel to it, as is commonly the case with powerful or rugged kind cameras. That is not essentially a criticism, with the easy design little question serving to to maintain it as sturdy as attainable.
Regardless of this it is nonetheless very light-weight at simply 249g / 8.8oz and it measures 113.9×32.7×65.8mm in dimension.
Virtually all the buttons are discovered on the right-hand aspect of the TG-7, except for the GPS/Log change, which makes it simple to alter settings when utilizing the digital camera one-handed.
You will additionally discover that a lot of the buttons are barely raised from the floor, which once more makes it simpler to rapidly put your fingers on them once you’re utilizing the digital camera in additional inclement situations.
The one slight criticism right here is that the buttons are a bit on the small aspect, so in the event you’re utilizing thick gloves and even have massive arms, it’d current some issues.
On the highest of the digital camera there’s an on/off button, in addition to the shutter launch button which is surrounded by the zoom rocker change.
You’ll be able to transfer between the 1x extensive angle (25mm) and the 5x (100mm) optical zoom lens – the zoom would not transfer tremendous rapidly, however goes fairly easily from extensive to telephoto.
Simply subsequent to the shutter launch button is a small scrolling dial that controls totally different settings relying on the taking pictures mode that you simply’re in – for instance it’d management the aperture in the event you’re in that individual mode.
It is price mentioning the GPS change on the high of the OM System TG-7. This may both be set to “Off” or “Log”. Within the latter setting, the digital camera shall be repeatedly monitoring and recording its place, even when it is switched off.
If you want to preserve battery life, you may wish to think about turning this characteristic off, because it in a short time drains the battery.
Flipping to the again of the digital camera, there is a respectable array of buttons and dials to become familiar with.
There is a devoted video report button which is barely recessed simply subsequent to the textured thumb grip and is subsequently comparatively tough to unintentionally press in the event you did not imply to.
Beneath it is a small taking pictures mode dial which you need to use to selected between the totally different taking pictures modes obtainable with the TG-7.
There is a totally automated mode, in addition to scene, program, aperture precedence, microscope mode, film mode, underwater mode and area for 2 teams of customized settings, that are price establishing in the event you discover you constantly want fast entry to a sure configuration.
Though the OM System TG-7 offers you what seems to be some fairly superior taking pictures modes, it is price noting that these are reasonably restricted of their implementation.
Aperture precedence, for instance, truly solely offers you three apertures to select from – f/2.0, f/2.8 and f/8.0 when the lens is ready to 1x/25mm and f/4.9, f/6.3 and f/18 when the lens is ready to 5x/100mm.
Relatively bizarrely, there’s additionally no shutter precedence mode or totally handbook mode on the TG7, so you will not ever be capable of set the shutter pace your self.
The data button modifications the show when in taking pictures mode, or you’ll be able to press it to search out the taking pictures data in playback – the playback button is simply beneath the data button.
Subsequent is a 4 method navigational pad with an OK button within the center. Hitting the OK button brings up a fast menu the place you can also make modifications to a wide range of settings, equivalent to white steadiness, ISO, AF mode, facet ratio, switching on uncooked format and video body charges and resolutions.
What’s proven right here will change relying on the taking pictures mode you are working in. Both method, it saves you from having to delve totally into the prolonged predominant menu, which is accessed by way of its personal button simply beneath the d-pad.
The remainder of the navigation pad offers direct entry to totally different controls, once more which is usually depending on the taking pictures mode you are in.
The up button controls publicity compensation, the left button toggles the digital zoom on and off, the correct button offers you the totally different flash modes to select from, whereas the down button accesses drive mode and the timer choices.
The Powerful TG7 can shoot burst sequences at 20fps for as much as 46 RAW and 74 JPG information, though the main target and publicity are locked on the first body.
That is additionally the primary Powerful-branded mannequin to supply in-camera time-lapse motion pictures, which will be recorded at 4K/30p and consists of as much as 299 particular person frames. The digital camera will even clean the publicity between frames if there any huge jumps in lighting.
In case you’ve ever used an Olympus digital camera earlier than, you then could be aware of the OM System TG-7’s predominant menu system, which is split into plenty of totally different pages.
It is not at all times instantly apparent the place to search out sure settings, however in the event you persevere with studying it, you get to know its odd quirks. You will discover that some settings can solely be accessed by way of the short menu, equivalent to having the ability to change on uncooked format, which is initially reasonably complicated.
As it is a waterproof digital camera, it must be extraordinarily well-sealed. To that finish, with a purpose to get to the reminiscence card and battery slot, you may first have to unlock the door, then use one other locking mechanism to open it.
It feels very safe and virtually not possible to unintentionally open, as long as you keep in mind to reposition the locks once you’re achieved. The 2 locking mechanisms are very small and fiddly for anybody with even common sized arms, although, and are greatest operated utilizing a fingernail.
The identical type of mechanism will be discovered hiding the charging and HDMI ports. You’ll be able to cost the TG-7 by way of the brand new USB-C port, which is nice information for these taking it on their travels and so forth.
You are prompted on the display to decide on charging once you connect a USB cable. Sadly you’ll be able to’t use the digital camera whereas it is being charged, which implies that you could’t connect an exterior energy financial institution and use the TG7 on the identical time.
Meaning you may want to hold a spare battery or two, as a result of regardless of having an official life-span of 330 photographs per cost based on CIPA testing requirements, we discovered that it ran out properly earlier than that, particularly in the event you use the GPS/Log operate.
Picture High quality
All the pattern photographs on this overview had been taken utilizing the 12 megapixel Fantastic JPEG setting, which produces a median picture dimension of round 6Mb.
Noise
There are 8 ISO settings obtainable on the OM System TG-7. Listed here are some 100% crops which present the noise ranges for every ISO setting for each JPEG and Uncooked information.
JPEG
Uncooked
ISO 100
ISO 100
ISO 200
ISO 200
ISO 400
ISO 400
ISO 800
ISO 800
ISO 1600
ISO 1600
ISO 3200
ISO 3200
ISO 6400
ISO 6400
ISO 12800
ISO 12800
Focal Vary
The OM System TG-7 has a 4x optical zoom lens which begins at 25mm and zooms out to 100mm.
1x / 25mm
4x / 100mm
Chromatic Aberrations
The OM System TG-7 dealt with chromatic aberrations fairly properly through the overview, with some purple fringing current across the edges of objects in high-contrast conditions, as proven within the examples under.
Macro
The OM System TG-7 has a Supermacro mode on its command dial which you want to change to with a purpose to focus right down to 1cm. We discovered that the principle problem with this mode is getting sufficient gentle between the lens and the topic.
In case you do not use the Supermacro mode, the closest that the TG-7 will focus to is 10cm, which is not a helpful shut focusing end result. Nevertheless, it must be famous that the digital camera can focus to 10cm even at full zoom, which may be very helpful for sending backgrounds out of focus.
Vignetting
Mild fall-off is not actually a difficulty even when taking pictures pale scenes that fill the body extensive open at f/2 / f/4.9.
Distortion
On the entire, distortion may be very well-controlled at each ends of the 4x, 25-100mm focal vary.
Flash
With the flash turned off, the OM System TG-7 would not present any apparent indicators of vignetting at wide-angle or full zoom. Nevertheless, it does happen when the flash is on. Definitely at wide-angle, not less than. It is much less so at full zoom, however on a plain white wall, it is nonetheless noticeable.
Evening
The OM System TG-7’s most shutter pace is 30 seconds within the Guide taking pictures mode, which is nice information in the event you’re critically enthusiastic about evening images.
Image Modes
Olympus’ Image Modes are basically pre-set mixtures of saturation, distinction and sharpness, apart from the i-Improve mode that goals to optimise every picture individually. You’ll be able to tailor every Image Mode to your wants.
i-Improve
Vivid
Pure
Muted
Portrait
Monochrome
Artwork Filters
The OM System TG-7 gives 16 totally different Artwork Filters, which let you rapidly apply an inventive impact to a photograph earlier than taking it (JPEG photographs solely).
Pattern Pictures
It is a collection of pattern photographs from the OM System TG-7 digital camera, which had been all taken utilizing the 12 megapixel SuperFine setting. The thumbnails under hyperlink to the full-sized variations, which haven’t been altered in any method.
Pattern RAW Pictures
The OM System TG-7 allows customers to seize RAW and JPEG format information. We have offered some OM System RAW (ORF) samples so that you can obtain (thumbnail photographs proven under usually are not 100% consultant).
Pattern Films & Video
It is a pattern 4k film on the high quality setting of 3840×2160 pixels at 30 frames per second. Please be aware that this 10 second film is 86.4Mb in dimension.
It is a pattern 1080p film on the high quality setting of 1920×1080 pixels at 60 frames per second. Please be aware that this 10 second film is 37.4Mb in dimension.
It is a pattern 1080p film on the high quality setting of 1920×1080 pixels at 120 frames per second. Please be aware that this 12 second film is 39.4Mb in dimension.
It is a pattern 720p film on the high quality setting of 1280×720 pixels at 240 frames per second. Please be aware that this 21 second film is 37.7Mb in dimension.
It is a pattern VGA film on the high quality setting of 640×360 pixels at 480 frames per second. Please be aware that this 31 second film is 30.6Mb in dimension.
Product Pictures
Conclusion
The TG-7 is a really modest, OM System branded improve of a long-standing collection of powerful cameras that actually will face up to virtually every little thing that you simply throw at it.
That is actually the important thing issue for contemplating the TG-7, or certainly another powerful digital camera, because the tech inside them is now a number of generations previous – the essential promoting level is the safety and sheer peace of thoughts that they provide.
So in the event you’re off on the adrenalin-filled expertise of a lifetime, or simply need a digital camera that the children can fortunately use on the seashore and within the sea, the brand new Powerful TG7 undoubtedly has what it takes to outlive.
Speaking of latest issues, the TG-7 is not truly that totally different to its already well-regarded predecessor, so in the event you’re pondering of upgrading from a TG-6 and even TG-5 (all of them share the identical picture sensor and processor), we might advise to not hassle until you really need one of many cooler new options like vertical video or timelapse motion pictures.
What the TG-7 does have going for it’s a severe lack of competitors. With the discontinuation of the TG-6 and fewer rival fashions from the principle digital camera producers than ever earlier than, this actually is the very best powerful compact digital camera that you could buy in 2023.
Maybe recognising this shortage of alternative, the value of the TG7 has been hiked as much as £499 / $549, some £$50 greater than the earlier mannequin, so you actually do want to consider in the event you’ll profit from the additional safety {that a} powerful digital camera like this offers.
In case you do, although, and also you’d choose a extra conventional digital camera to one thing like a GoPro, or a devoted waterproof housing on your smartphone, then the OM System TG-7 stays our primary alternative because the go-everywhere, survive-anything compact digital camera.
Rankings (out of 5)
Design
4.5
Options
4.5
Ease-of-use
4
Picture high quality
3.5
Worth for cash
3
Principal Rivals
Listed under are a few of the rivals of the OM System TG-7.
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a model new powerful compact that may now shoot 4K video, the primary time for a Fuji XP digital camera. Its powerful credentials have additionally been improved, making it waterproof to 25m, shockproof to 1.8m, freezeproof to -10°C and dustproof, all on the identical sub-£$200 price-point. Is that this the very best powerful digital camera on your summer time holidays? Discover out now by studying our Fujifilm FinePix XP140 overview…
The Nikon Coolpix W150 is a brand new powerful digital camera that is been designed to be simple to make use of for all the household, no matter their age. Accessible in a spread of eye-catching colors and designs, the Nikon Coolpix W150 is priced at £149 within the UK and $159 within the US. Learn our Nikon Coolpix W150 overview, full with full-size pattern photographs and movies, to search out out if it is the correct vacation digital camera for you…
The Olympus TG-5 is a brand new flagship powerful compact digital camera for 2017. Boasting a 25-100mm equal f/2.0-4.9 lens with a brand new Anti-Fog Lens Cowl Glass, the 12 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor TG-5 additionally gives Uncooked file assist, a GPS sensor, manometer, compass and temperature sensor, built-in wi-fi and GPS connectivity, 4K film recording and a 3 inch OLED display. Learn our Olympus TG-5 overview to search out out what this powerful digital camera is able to…
The Olympus TG-6 is a brand new flagship powerful compact digital camera for 2019. New options for this 12 months’s mannequin embrace a higher-resolution rear LCD display, a brand new underwater mode, extra versatile macro choices, and high-speed recording modes for video. Learn our Olympus TG6 overview to search out out if that is the correct powerful digital camera for you and your loved ones…
The Panasonic Lumix FT7 is a brand new flagship powerful digital camera that’s waterproof right down to a depth of 31 meters / 102 toes. This 24 megapixel rugged compact is the primary ever powerful digital camera to characteristic an digital viewfinder, and it may well additionally report 4K video. Is that this the very best powerful digital camera that cash should buy? Discover out now by studying our detailed Panasonic Lumix FT7 overview…
The brand new Ricoh WG-6 is essentially the most shock, freeze, mud, water and crush proof digital camera that Ricoh have ever made. The Ricoh WG-6 additionally gives a brand new 20 megapixel back-illuminated CMOS picture sensor, 5x zoom lens, 3-inch LCD display, 4K film recording and built-in macro lights. Learn our in-depth Ricoh WG-6 overview now, full with full-size pattern photographs…
The Ricoh WG-70 is a brand new tough and difficult digital digital camera. Waterproof right down to 14 metres, shockproof to 1.6 meters, crushproof and freezeproof, this digital camera ought to survive the rigours of household life and way more. Is it a stable funding on your summer time holidays? Discover out now by studying our Ricoh WG70 overview, full with full-size pattern photographs and movies.
Assessment Roundup
Opinions of the OM System TG-7 from across the internet.
The OM System TG-7 compact digital camera is waterproof and almost indestructible, however dated tech and a sky-high worth imply you must weigh different choices.
Learn the total overview »
The OM System Powerful TG-7 is by far the very best powerful digital camera available on the market. The specs, nonetheless, are very deja vu, making this really feel extra like an replace and fewer of an improve.
Learn the total overview »
Specs
Picture Sensor
Kind
1/2.33” CMOS
Efficient pixels
12 Megapixels
Full decision
12.7 Megapixels
Filter array
Main color filter (RGB)
Lens
Most aperture
2.0 – 4.9
Aspherical glass parts
3
Focal size (equiv. 35mm)
25 – 100mm
Focal size
4.5 – 18.0mm
Filter diamater
40.5mm Adapter CLA-T01 required
Optical zoom
4x (WIDE)
Construction
9 lenses / 7 teams
Monitor
Monitor kind
LCD
Decision
1040K dots
Monitor dimension
7.6cm / 3” (3:2)
Brightness adjustment
+/- 7 ranges
Stay View
Accessible
Focusing System
Methodology
TTL iESP auto focus with distinction detection
AF illuminator
Geared up
AF lock
Accessible
Customary mode
0.1m – ∞ (extensive) / 0.1m – ∞ (tele)
Tremendous Macro Mode
Closest focusing distance: 1cm
Microscope Mode
Zoom functionality whereas being in Tremendous Macro Mode
Focus Bracketing Mode
———-
Variety of photographs
10 / 20 / 30 photographs
Step dimension
3 ranges
Modes
AF Monitoring, AREA, Face Detection AF, Spot, Guide focus, Single AF
Focus peaking
———-
Coloration choice
White, black, purple, yellow
Focus Stacking Mode
———-
Expertise
Accessible
Word
Angle of view turns into barely smaller
Publicity System
Modes
Aperture precedence, Programme automated, Artwork Filter, Customized taking pictures, i-Auto, Microscope, Film, Scene Modes, Underwater
Shutter pace
1/2 – 1/2000s / < 4s (Evening scene / A mode)
Publicity compensation
+/- 2 EV / 1/3 steps
Enhancement operate
Mechanical Picture Stabiliser (Sensor shift)
—–
Superior Face Detection Expertise
—–
Shadow Adjustment Expertise
Scene Modes
Variety of scene modes
22
Modes
Backlight HDR, Seaside and Snow, Candle, Youngsters, Paperwork, e-Portrait, Fireworks, Hand-held Starlight, Indoor, Panorama, Panorama with Portrait, Stay Composite, Evening Scene, Evening Scene with portrait, Panorama, Portrait, Sports activities, Sundown, Building 1/2/3, Sluggish Shutter
Mild Metering
Modes
ESP gentle metering, Spot metering
Histogram in taking pictures mode
Accessible
Artwork Filter
Modes
Bleach Bypass, Cross Course of, Diorama, Dramatic Tone, Light Sepia, Grainy Movie, Immediate Movie, Key Line, Mild Tone, Pale & Mild Color, Partial Color*, Pin Gap, Pop Artwork, Delicate Focus, Classic, Water color
Word
* 18 colors selectable
Sensitivity
Auto
AUTO
Guide
ISO 100 – 12800
White Steadiness
AUTO WB system
Utilized
Customized WB
1 setting will be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K – 14000K)
One-touch white steadiness
4 customized settings will be registered
Preset values
6
Underwater WB presets
3
Sequence Taking pictures
Velocity (H)
Approx. 20fps
—–
Max. variety of frames: RAW 46 / JPG: 74
Velocity (L)
5fps
—–
Max. variety of frames: RAW 115 / JPG: As much as card capability
Professional Seize mode
———-
Pre-shutter Frames
5 frames
Velocity (H)
10fps
Interval taking pictures
———-
Settings
Time or Body precedence
—–
Max. variety of frames: 299 (Creation of time-lapse film attainable)
—–
Publicity smoothing
Picture Processing
Noise discount
Accessible
Distortion compensation
Accessible
Engine
TruePic VIII
Pixel mapping
Accessible
Shading compensation
Accessible
Flash
Modes
AUTO, Fill-in, Guide, Off, Purple-eye discount
Working vary (tele)
0.2 – 3.1m (ISO 1600)
Working vary (extensive)
0.2 – 7.9m (ISO 1600)
Flash compensation
Accessible
Wi-fi Flash Management
Management methodology
Triggered and managed (Olympus Wi-fi RC Flash system)
—–
Commander flash:
Group setting
1 teams
Suitable exterior flash
FL-600R, FL-700WR, FL-900R
Variety of channels
1 channels
Nonetheless Picture Recording
DCF
2.0
DPOF
Utilized
EXIF
2.31
PIM
III
Picture Measurement
Side ratio
4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 1:1 / 3:4
Decision
4000 x 3000 – 640 x 480
RAW
Sure
Film Recording System
Recording format
MOV(MPEG-4AVC/H.264)
Picture Stabilisation Mode
Digital Picture Stabilisation
4K Film high quality
3840 x 2160 (4K) / 30p, 25p (approx. 102Mbps)
—–
Recording time: 29min.
HD Film high quality
1080P Recording time: 29min.
—–
720P Recording time: 29min.
Word
Velocity Class 10 SD card is beneficial for taking pictures motion pictures. UHS-I Velocity Class 3 SD card have to be used for 4K video and excessive pace film.
Film Specialties
Artwork Filter
Bleach Bypass, Cross Course of, Diorama, Dramatic Tone, Light Sepia, Grainy Movie, Immediate Movie, Key Line, Mild Tone, Pale & Mild Color, Partial Color*, Pin Gap, Pop Artwork, Delicate Focus, Classic, Water color
Word
Not obtainable for 4K and Excessive Velocity motion pictures
Word
Body price could drop when utilizing sure artwork filter
Excessive-Velocity Recording
640 x 360 (SD) / 480fps
—–
720P / 240fps
—–
1080P / 120fps
Word
Max. recording time: 20s
Vertical Video
Accessible
Time lapse
720p (AVI Movement JPEG®)
Sound Recording System
Sound recording
Accessible, format: PCM
Speaker
Geared up
Voice Playback
Accessible
Picture footage
4s
Inner microphone
Stereo
View Pictures
Modes
Occasion, Index, Single, Slide present, Zoom
Histogram in playback mode
Accessible
Index
5 x 4 frames
Picture shield mode
Accessible
Zoom
Accessible 1.1 – 14x
Auto rotation
Accessible
View Film
Modes
Quick ahead, Body by body, Reverse playback, Vertical Video
Picture Modifying
Modifying features
Side ratio, Correction of saturation, e-Portrait, Gradation auto, Monochrome, Picture Overlay, Voice Appendage, RAW knowledge edit, Purple-eye discount, Resize, Sepia, Trimming
Film Modifying
In-movie picture extraction
Accessible (4K solely)
Trimming
Accessible
Customisation Choices
My Mode
2 settings storable
Menu languages in digital camera
18
Interface
DC enter
Geared up
HDMI™
Utilized Micro connector (Kind D) *
USB
Kind-C
Mixed A/V & USB output
Geared up
USB 2.0 Excessive Velocity
Utilized
Wi-fi connectivity
Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi
Word
* “HDMI”, the HDMI brand and “Excessive-Definition Multimedia Interface” are emblems or registered emblems of HDMI Licensing LLC.
Reminiscence
Eye-Fi Card appropriate
Utilized
Detachable Media
SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-I class supported)
Different Options
Date imprint
Accessible
Digital compass
Utilized
GPS
Utilized
GPS data operate
GPS data operate: Through smartphone GPS knowledge
LED Illuminator
Geared up
Degree Gauge
Accessible
Manometer
Utilized
Menu information
Accessible
Panorama operate
In-Digicam Panorama
Excellent Shot Preview
Accessible
Self timer
Delay: 2 / 12s / Customized
SNS add
Accessible
Thermometer
Utilized
Wi-fi management
Through OI.Share app
Powerful Options
Waterproof
15m (water stress equal to depth) **
Anti-fog
Twin pane glass
Dustproof
Utilized ****
Crushproof
100kg
Freezeproof
-10°C
Shock resistant
2.1m (dropping from top)
—–
* Equal to MIL Customary (Olympus check situations)
** In line with IEC normal publication 529 IPX8
—–
*** In line with Olympus check situations
—–
**** In line with IEC normal publication 529 IPX6
Energy Provide
Battery
LI-92B Lithium-Ion Battery
Inner Charging
Accessible
Dimensions / Weight
Width
113.9mm
Depth
32.7mm
Peak
65.8mm
—–
(with out protrusions)
Weight
249g (together with battery and reminiscence card)
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