The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a mirrorless camera that combines compact size with outstanding performance. Featuring a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, 5-axis image stabilization, and a tilting touchscreen, this camera caters to a wide range of users from beginners to intermediate photographers. In this review, we’ll take a detailed look at the E-M10 Mark IV’s key features, pros and cons, and real-world performance.
๐ Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 20MP Live MOS sensor (Micro Four Thirds) |
| Processor | TruePic VIII |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis sensor-shift (up to 4.5 stops) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect AF (121 points) |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 8.7fps (with AF locked) |
| Video | 4K 30p, 1080p 60p |
| Viewfinder | 2.36M-dot OLED EVF |
| Monitor | 3-inch 180ยฐ tilting touch LCD (1.04M dots) |
| Weight | Approx. 383g (including battery and memory card) |
| Dimensions | 121.7 x 84.4 x 49.0 mm |
๐จ Image Quality: Powerful Performance in a Compact Body
The E-M10 Mark IV’s 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers excellent image quality.
Sharp Details and Natural Colors
- Crisp and detailed images at low ISOs
- Olympus’ signature natural and rich color reproduction
- Excellent JPEG engine producing satisfying results without post-processing
High ISO Performance
While the Micro Four Thirds sensor has limitations in high ISO performance compared to APS-C or full-frame sensors, it still produces usable images up to ISO 3200.
Various Art Filters
The camera includes Olympus’ signature art filters, allowing for creative image expression in-camera.
๐ธ Shooting Features: Flexibility for Various Situations
The E-M10 Mark IV offers a range of shooting features to satisfy both beginners and intermediate users.
Powerful 5-axis Image Stabilization
- Up to 4.5 stops of shake reduction
- Enables sharp images even at slow shutter speeds
- Effective during video recording as well
Improved Autofocus System
- 121-point contrast-detect AF system
- Face/eye detection AF
- Touch AF and touch shutter support
Various Shooting Modes
- Auto mode for beginners
- Manual mode for experienced users
- Various scene modes and art filters
๐ฅ Video Capabilities: 4K Quality Video Production
The E-M10 Mark IV offers high-quality video recording capabilities.
4K Video Recording
- 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) 30p/25p/24p
- 1080p Full HD 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p
Video-specific Features
- 4K time-lapse video creation
- Slow-motion video recording (120fps at 720p)
- Ability to capture still images during video recording
๐ป Usability: Intuitive Operation and Customization
The E-M10 Mark IV offers a user-friendly interface and various customization options.
Intuitive Control Layout
- Two control dials for quick setting changes
- Customizable function buttons
- Intuitive operation via touchscreen
Tilt Touchscreen
- 3-inch touchscreen that tilts 180 degrees
- Useful for low-angle shots and selfies
- Supports touch AF and touch shutter
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity
- Remote control and image transfer via smartphone app
- Constant connection possible with Bluetooth
๐ Battery Life and Portability: Ready for Everyday Shooting
The E-M10 Mark IV’s compact size and adequate battery life make it suitable for daily shooting.
Battery Life
- Approximately 360 shots per charge (CIPA standard)
- USB charging support (in-camera battery charging)
Compact Size and Light Weight
- Dimensions: 121.7 x 84.4 x 49.0 mm
- Weight: Approx. 383g (including battery and memory card)
๐ Advantages: Powerful Features in a Compact Body
- Compact and lightweight design for excellent portability
- Excellent image quality and color reproduction
- Effective 5-axis image stabilization system
- 4K video recording capability
- User-friendly interface and touchscreen
๐ Disadvantages: Areas for Improvement
- Limited high ISO performance due to Micro Four Thirds sensor
- Limited tracking performance for moving subjects due to contrast AF
- Single SD card slot
- Lack of external microphone input
๐ Comparison with Competitors
1. Sony A6100
- Pros: Larger APS-C sensor, superior autofocus performance
- Cons: More expensive, no in-body image stabilization
2. Fujifilm X-T50
- Pros: APS-C sensor, larger EVF
- Cons: Larger size and weight, limited lens selection
3. Panasonic Lumix G100
- Pros: Better video features, larger grip
- Cons: More expensive, shorter battery life
๐ฏ Target Users: Who Is It For?
- Beginner photographers: Easy to use with automatic modes
- Travel photographers: Compact size and light weight for excellent portability
- Everyday snapshot shooters: Fast AF and tilt screen for various angle shots
- YouTubers and vloggers: 4K video and 180-degree tilt screen suitable for content creation
- Intermediate users: Manual mode and various customization options for creative shooting
๐ธ Real-world Experience: Field Test Results
Everyday Snapshot Shooting
Walking around the city with the E-M10 Mark IV, I found its compact size and light weight to be a significant advantage. Even after hours of shooting, I didn’t feel fatigued. When paired with the 12-32mm kit lens, it becomes small enough to fit in a pocket, allowing me to capture moments anytime, anywhere.
The tilt screen proved very useful for low-angle shots or shooting over crowds. The touch AF and touch shutter functions enabled intuitive and quick shooting.
Landscape Photography
In landscape photography, the E-M10 Mark IV’s excellent color reproduction and sharp detail rendition stood out. Especially at low ISOs, I could obtain surprisingly clear and clean images. Thanks to the 5-axis image stabilization, I was able to shoot at slow shutter speeds without a tripod.
However, in low-light conditions after sunset, noise became noticeable. Image quality degradation becomes apparent above ISO 3200, so it’s best to keep it at ISO 1600 or below when possible.
Portrait Photography
The face/eye detection AF function was very useful for portrait shooting. It accurately focused on the eyes in most situations and worked quite well even with moving subjects. Olympus’ natural color reproduction shone in skin tone rendering, allowing me to obtain satisfying portrait photos without post-processing.
Video Recording
The 4K video quality was sharp and detailed. The 5-axis image stabilization worked effectively during video recording, allowing for stable footage even while walking. However, the lack of an external microphone input means separate audio recording equipment might be necessary for high-quality audio.
๐ง Firmware Updates: Continuous Performance Improvement
Olympus provides regular firmware updates for the E-M10 Mark IV. Recent updates have added features such as improved AF performance, new art filters, and support for shooting while USB power is supplied. This helps extend the camera’s lifespan and continuously improve the user experience.
๐ฐ Price-to-Performance Ratio: A Reasonable Choice?
The E-M10 Mark IV is priced at around $699 with a kit lens, placing it in the mid-range of entry-level mirrorless cameras. Considering the features and performance it offers, this price point is quite reasonable.
Its compact size, excellent image stabilization, and 4K video capabilities are particularly competitive features at this price point. However, users wanting a larger sensor might consider APS-C sensor cameras for a slightly higher cost.
๐ Conclusion: Infinite Possibilities in a Compact Size
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a mirrorless camera that packs powerful performance into a compact size. Its excellent image quality, effective image stabilization, and user-friendly interface are its greatest strengths.
The E-M10 Mark IV is especially recommended for:
- Travelers who want high-quality photos with lightweight equipment
- Beginner photographers looking for a smaller and lighter alternative to DSLRs
- Photo enthusiasts who enjoy everyday snapshot photography
- Content creators seeking a compact camera capable of 4K video recording
However, for users primarily engaged in professional sports photography or shooting in very low-light environments, a camera with a larger sensor might be more suitable.
Overall, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV strikes an excellent balance between compact size and outstanding performance. It’s a great choice for many photography enthusiasts, from beginners to intermediate users, who are looking for a lightweight yet powerful camera.
Visit the official Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV website
We hope this review has helped increase your understanding of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. If you have any additional questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?
How is the image quality of the E-M10 Mark IV?
Is the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV suitable for beginners?
What are the main differences between the E-M10 Mark IV and its predecessor?
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a compact powerhouse that brings professional-level features to enthusiast photographers. Its blend of portability, image quality, and advanced technology makes it a compelling option in the crowded mirrorless camera market. Let’s delve deeper into some aspects that make this camera stand out.
๐ท Lens Ecosystem: Versatility in a Small Package
One of the significant advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is its compatibility with the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
- Wide range of lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers
- Compact lenses that complement the camera’s small form factor
- Options from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, covering all photographic needs
This lens versatility allows users to expand their photographic capabilities without significantly increasing the overall size and weight of their kit.
๐ผ๏ธ In-Camera Art Filters: Unleash Your Creativity
The E-M10 Mark IV comes with a variety of in-camera art filters that can add a creative touch to your images without the need for post-processing.
Popular filters include:
- Pop Art
- Soft Focus
- Pale & Light Color
- Light Tone
- Grainy Film
- Pin Hole
- Diorama
- Cross Process
- Gentle Sepia
These filters can be a fun way to experiment with different looks and styles, especially for those who prefer to share their images straight from the camera.
๐๏ธ Live Composite Mode: Simplifying Long Exposure Photography
One of the standout features of Olympus cameras, including the E-M10 Mark IV, is the Live Composite mode. This feature simplifies long exposure photography, making it accessible even to beginners.
Live Composite works by:
- Taking an initial base exposure
- Only adding new light information to the image
- Allowing you to see the image build up in real-time on the LCD screen
This mode is particularly useful for:
- Star trails
- Light painting
- Fireworks
- Car light trails
It takes the guesswork out of long exposure photography and helps prevent overexposure, making it easier to achieve stunning results.
๐ Silent Shooting Mode: Discreet Photography
The E-M10 Mark IV offers a silent shooting mode, which can be invaluable in situations where discretion is key.
This feature is particularly useful for:
- Street photography
- Wildlife photography
- Wedding ceremonies
- Museums and galleries
- Performances and events
The ability to shoot without making any sound allows photographers to capture candid moments without drawing attention to themselves.
๐ฑ Smartphone Integration: Share and Control
The OI.Share app provides seamless integration between the E-M10 Mark IV and your smartphone.
Key features of the app include:
- Remote camera control
- Live view on your smartphone screen
- Easy image transfer for quick sharing on social media
- GPS tagging of images
This integration makes it easy to share your best shots instantly or control the camera remotely for group shots or self-portraits.
๐ Power Management: Extending Your Shooting Time
While the E-M10 Mark IV’s battery life is decent, here are some tips to extend your shooting time:
- Use the EVF instead of the LCD when possible
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use
- Enable the camera’s power-saving mode
- Carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions
- Use the USB charging feature to top up the battery on the go
With these strategies, you can significantly extend your shooting time and ensure you never miss a shot due to a dead battery.
๐ Learning Curve: Growing with Your Camera
The E-M10 Mark IV is designed to grow with you as your photography skills improve.
- Start with the auto and scene modes for easy shooting
- Experiment with aperture and shutter priority modes to understand exposure
- Dive into manual mode for full creative control
- Explore advanced features like Live Composite and Focus Stacking as you become more comfortable
Olympus also provides numerous tutorials and guides on their website to help users make the most of their camera.
๐ Final Thoughts: A Versatile Companion for Photography Enthusiasts
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV proves that good things do come in small packages. It offers a compelling mix of features, image quality, and portability that makes it an excellent choice for a wide range of photographers.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to step up from smartphone photography, a traveler seeking a lightweight yet capable camera, or an enthusiast wanting a compact second body, the E-M10 Mark IV has something to offer.
Its limitations in high ISO performance and continuous AF tracking are outweighed by its excellent image stabilization, compact size, and versatile feature set. The extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem also ensures that you’ll always have the right lens for any photographic situation.
In conclusion, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV represents excellent value for money and is a camera that can inspire creativity and grow with you on your photographic journey.
Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you, and the E-M10 Mark IV’s compact size ensures it can always be by your side, ready to capture life’s memorable moments.
