The E-M10 is the fourth and final camera in its series to be released under the Olympus brand name, designed for the entry-level mirrorless market. It features a 20-megapixel sensor, an upgrade from the previous three models, and a remodeled grip for improved handling. It continues to feature Olympus's industry-leading in-body image stabilization, which has been a standout in previous models, including those in the professional range.
Specifications
Body type | Mirrorless |
Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) |
Sensor type | CMOS |
ISO | Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600) |
Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
Focal length mult. | 2× |
Articulated LCD | Tilting |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
Max shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II supported) |
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
Weight (inc. batteries) | 383 g (0.84 lb / 13.51 oz) |
Dimensions | 122 x 84 x 49 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.93″) |
Design and Build Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV features a sleek and compact design that blends modern aesthetics with retro elements, reflecting the heritage of the OM series. The E-M10 is lightweight and portable, making it an excellent option for street and travel photography.
With an ergonomic design, the E-M10 features enhanced grip on the front of the camera as well as thumb rest on back , improving stability and decreasing the likelihood of accidental drops.
The positioning of dials and controls allows for quick adjustments, although there are fewer programmable buttons when compared to the higher-end models such as the E-M5 and E-M1. The controls offered will effectively cater to the target audience of amateur photographers and be a vast improvement over smartphones and smaller digicams.
The 3-inch fully articulated LCD touchscreen enables users to shoot from various angles and maintain a clear view, even in challenging positions. The LCD screen delivers clear images with accurate colours, making it perfect for reviewing captured photos. Added convenience comes from the touch interface, particularly when it comes to focusing and navigating through menus.
The E-M10 is primarily constructed from plastic, yet the body, buttons, and dials all feel robust and have a high-quality finish. However, it is not weather-sealed like some higher-end models.
Overall, the design of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV strikes a balance between vintage charm and modern functionality, making it an attractive choice for both casual photographers and serious enthusiasts.
Performance
Autofocus
The E-M10 Mark IV has a contrast-detection autofocus system with 121 focus points. I found the autofocus to be quick and accurate in most conditions. However, it's important to note that contrast-detection may not be as fast as phase-detection systems found in other systems. In low light, the autofocus is noticeably slower than in bright conditions, with darker scenes being a weak point for the E-M10 due to its smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor.
The E-M10 is equipped with face and eye detection features, which maximize focus accuracy on human subjects, making it particularly useful for portrait photography.
While the continuous autofocus is effective for tracking moving subjects, some advanced users may notice that it can struggle to keep up in very fast-paced situations compared to more sophisticated systems in higher-end models.
Image quality
The 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor provides a high level of detail and resolution with a decent dynamic range.
Olympus cameras are known for their vibrant color science. The E-M10 Mark IV is no exception, producing rich and dynamic images, straight out of the camera. When shooting with JPEG format, which captures in 10mb file sizes, there was very little editing needed to improve/fix the images produced.
It supports both JPEG and RAW formats, giving users flexibility in post-processing. RAW images offering more latitude for adjustments in exposure and color correction when editing.
Video Capabilities
The E-M10 Mark IV is capable of recording 4K video at up to 30 fps, as well as 1080p at 60 fps. The E-M10 can also shoot 120 fps for slow-motion effects at 720p. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization helps reduce shake during handheld shooting, and the flip-down touchscreen LCD is useful for self-recording.
The compact size of the E-M10 makes it easy to carry around, making it a great choice for travel and everyday vlogging. The video quality is sharp with rich color. However, the absence of advanced video features like 10-bit recording, may limit professional-grade video work.
User Experience
The E-M10 is easy to operate with intuitive controls and a user-friendly menu system. This accessibility makes it suitable for those new to photography while still offering enough features for more experienced users to work with.
Even at the entry level of the E-M line, the camera performs well and even shares the same sensor as the higher-end models. While it may lack some of the additional controls of the higher-end models, it does perform above its weight class. In most situations, it's unlikely that viewers will notice any differences in the image produced between the E-M10 and its professional siblings.
The E-M10 fits comfortably in the hand, and the enhanced grip in the Mark IV is a notable improvement over previous models. Its lightweight design means it's not a burden to carry around, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.
Battery life is decent, rated for 360 shots between charges, but carrying extra batteries for longer shooting sessions is advisable, especially when using features like live view or continuous autofocus. Replacement batteries can be found for as little as £10-£15.
The E-M10 Mark IV comes with Wi-Fi connectivity, making it quick and convenient to transfer and share photos. You can easily send photos to your phone for social media posts, and your phone can also be used as a remote control for the camera.
Photo Modes
Users can select various shooting modes with a dial that can be found at the top of the camera. Many of these modes are unique to the E-M10 with a clear aim of making the camera accessible for users of all abilities, as well as some modes for more complex scenes.
Auto Mode: This mode is perfect for beginners. The camera automatically adjusts settings like exposure, focus, and ISO, allowing you to simply point and shoot without having to worry about technical details.
Program Mode (P): In Program mode, the camera selects the aperture and shutter speed for you, but you still have the option to make adjustments. This is great for those who want a bit more control while still keeping things easy.
Aperture Priority (A): In this mode, you can manually set the aperture, letting you control the depth of field in your photos. The camera will automatically adjust the shutter speed to ensure proper exposure.
Shutter Priority (S): This mode allows you to set the shutter speed while the camera manages the aperture. It’s useful for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating motion blur effects.
Manual Mode (M): For those who want full control, Manual mode allows you to adjust both aperture and shutter speed, along with other settings like ISO. This is ideal for experienced photographers who want to achieve specific creative effects.
Art Filters: The E-M10 Mark IV features a variety of Art Filters that can be applied to your images for creative effects. These filters may entice amateur photographers, but I didn't find any particularly appealing.
Scene Modes: This camera includes various scene modes tailored for specific situations, such as Portrait, Landscape, Night Scene, and Sports. Each mode optimizes settings for the best results in those particular environments.
Live Composite and Live Time Modes: These modes are great for long exposure photography, allowing you to capture light trails or starry skies while seeing the image build up on the screen in real-time.
Focus Modes: The E-M10 Mark IV offers various autofocus options, including Single AF, Continuous AF, and Manual Focus, and focus bracketing, giving you flexibility based on the shooting scenario.
One feature that the E-M10 Mark IV is missing compared to its E-M5 and E-M1 counterparts is the High Res mode. This increases image resolution, creating 50MP photos when handheld and 80MP when using a tripod, compared to the standard 20MP of the camera's sensor. If you're considering capturing and printing large landscape images, this capability could be an essential factor for your decision-making.
Pros | Cons |
Compact and lightweight size | Contrast-Detection Autofocus |
Updated 20-Megapixel Sensor | Lacks weather-sealing |
Great in-body stabilization | Fewer Programmable Buttons |
User-Friendly Controls | Basic Art Filters |
Comparison with Competitors
When comparing the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV to its main competitors in the entry-level mirrorless camera market, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and Sony Alpha a6100 stand out.
Canon EOS M50 Mark II: The M50 Mark II offers a higher resolution sensor and faster autofocus, making it ideal for low-light conditions and vlogging. However, Canon's full-frame lenses tend to be larger and heavier than those on the micro four-thirds systems.
Sony Alpha a6100: The a6100 boasts superior autofocus performance and better 4K video capabilities. However, the E-M10 Mark IV's in-body stabilization offers a significant advantage for handheld shooting.
In essence, the E-M10 Mark IV is perfect for those seeking a lightweight camera with excellent stabilization and vibrant colors. In contrast, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II and Sony Alpha a6100 may be more suitable for users focused on resolution and fast-paced shooting situations. Ultimately, your choice will depend on your photography style and needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV is a compelling choice for entry-level and amateur photographers seeking a blend of quality, portability, and user-friendly features. With its 20-megapixel sensor, in-body image stabilization, and a versatile range of shooting modes, it offers excellent image quality and ease of use. The camera's sleek design and lightweight build make it ideal for everyday photography and travel. However, it does have some limitations, such as slower autofocus in low light and the absence of advanced video features. Overall, the E-M10 Mark IV stands out as a solid option for those looking to step up from smartphones or compact cameras, providing a great foundation for creative exploration in photography.
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