Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

DPReview’s Mike Tomkins and Jeff Keller assess the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a compact, well-built mirrorless camera that offers notable improvements over its predecessor, particularly in image quality and noise performance thanks to its upgraded 20MP sensor. They highlight its excellent in-body image stabilization, attractive handling, and useful beginner-friendly features, making it a strong choice for casual shooters and family documentarians. However, the review tempers enthusiasm with critiques of the camera’s contrast-detect autofocus system, which struggles with continuous tracking and fast action, and a somewhat cluttered control layout paired with a complex menu system. The flip-down touchscreen, while selfie-friendly, has practical limitations when used with tripods or selfie sticks. Though not the best option for sports or advanced users seeking customization, the E-M10 Mark IV’s compact size, broad lens compatibility, and solid 4K video capabilities make it a worthy all-rounder in its price range, albeit one that faces stiff competition from rivals with larger sensors and faster AF systems.

Jim Fisher from PCMag highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a solid entry-level mirrorless camera that combines classic retro styling with practical features like a stabilized 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and a broad lens ecosystem. He appreciates its tactile controls, quality OLED viewfinder, and versatile tilting touchscreen, which support creative photography through numerous in-camera art filters. However, Fisher points out notable limitations, including a contrast-based autofocus system that struggles with fast-moving subjects, an awkward flip-under screen design for selfies and vlogging, and the lack of an external microphone input, which restricts video capabilities. While the camera offers good image quality up to ISO 1600 and 4K video recording, it falls short compared to slightly pricier rivals like the Sony a6100 and Fujifilm X-T30, which provide faster autofocus and better video features. Overall, Fisher sees the E-M10 Mark IV as a stylish, capable starter camera with some compromises, ideal for beginners invested in the Micro Four Thirds system.

Sean Captain from Tom’s Guide praises the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a stylish, compact mirrorless camera that offers excellent image quality and standout 5-axis in-body stabilization at an affordable price. He highlights its suitability for beginners and intermediate photographers, noting the intuitive touchscreen, extensive manual controls, and a robust smartphone app that simplifies photo sharing and remote operation. The review appreciates the camera’s retro design, comfortable grip, and bright, high-resolution viewfinder, while also acknowledging some ergonomic compromises like a cramped grip and fiddly controls on the kit lens. Autofocus performance is solid but lags behind competitors like the Sony a6100, especially for action photography. The menu system is described as cluttered and unintuitive, though quick-access menus help mitigate this. Video capabilities are good but limited by the lack of a microphone input and a non-vari-angle screen. Overall, Captain finds the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV a fun, capable camera that delivers great photos and value, with minor drawbacks that don’t overshadow its strengths.

Jon Devo from TechRadar highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a compact, beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that excels in still photography. Praising its class-leading five-axis in-body image stabilization—borrowed from Olympus’s flagship models—and a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, the review emphasizes the camera’s ability to deliver sharp, high-quality images even in low light without a tripod. The flip-down touchscreen and ergonomic controls add to its usability, making it a strong contender for those upgrading from smartphones or DSLRs on a budget. However, the review notes some drawbacks, including outdated micro USB charging, lack of phase-detection autofocus, and limited video capabilities capped at 4K/30p without microphone inputs, which make it less suitable for serious videographers. While not a major upgrade over its predecessor, the E-M10 Mark IV remains a compelling, value-packed option for beginners and enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, versatile stills camera with a broad lens ecosystem.

Louise Carey from Digital Camera World highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a surprisingly enduring and compelling mirrorless camera in 2024, especially for beginners and budget-conscious travelers. She praises its lightweight, stylish design, upgraded 20MP sensor, and reliable 5-axis image stabilization, noting improvements in continuous autofocus and the addition of a convenient flip-down LCD screen for vlogging. While acknowledging that the plastic body is a trade-off for portability and that the camera lacks a mic port—limiting serious video work—Carey emphasizes the camera’s strong photographic capabilities, including excellent dynamic range and low noise performance compared to rivals. The review balances enthusiasm for its compact power and user-friendly features with measured critiques, ultimately positioning the E-M10 Mark IV as a modern classic that remains relevant and highly recommended for still photography enthusiasts even four years after its launch.

ePHOTOzine highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a compelling update to the popular Micro Four Thirds lineup, blending advanced features with a compact, user-friendly design. The review expresses measured enthusiasm for the camera’s new 20MP sensor, improved autofocus with eye detection, faster continuous shooting, and the versatile selfie-tilting touchscreen, which together elevate it beyond a typical entry-level model. The inclusion of 4K video, in-body image stabilization, and creative shooting modes like Live Composite further enhance its appeal for enthusiasts and casual users alike. While praising the solid build quality, improved grip, and intuitive controls, the review also notes some limitations, such as the contrast-detect autofocus system instead of phase-detection, and a menu system that lacks polish and customization options like a “My Menu.” Battery life is adequate but suggests carrying a spare. Overall, the review conveys a balanced, positive tone, recommending the E-M10 Mark IV as a versatile, well-rounded camera with thoughtful refinements over its predecessor.

RTINGS praises the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a lightweight, portable entry-level mirrorless camera that delivers impressive image quality with excellent dynamic range and effective in-body image stabilization. It excels in travel, landscape, and vlogging scenarios, offering great 4K video quality and a versatile tilting screen ideal for selfies and on-the-go shooting. However, the review highlights consistent shortcomings in the autofocus system, particularly its difficulty tracking moving faces in both photo and video modes. Additional drawbacks include limited 4K frame rate options, lack of weather sealing, no microphone or headphone jacks, and a somewhat confusing menu system. Despite these issues, the camera’s compact size, solid image performance, and stabilization make it a strong choice for casual photographers and vloggers prioritizing portability over professional-grade features. The comparison with the Sony α6600 underscores the E-M10 Mark IV’s advantages in size and stabilization, though it falls short in low-light autofocus performance.

Jacob Little from Space.com highlights the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV as a highly capable, beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that excels in portability, ease of use, and image quality. Praising its compact design with retro styling and a well-thought-out ergonomic grip, the review emphasizes the camera’s improved 20MP sensor and fast, reliable autofocus system as standout upgrades that make it an excellent step up from smartphone photography. The tilting, high-resolution screen and intuitive controls further enhance its appeal for travel and casual shooting. However, the review notes some drawbacks, including a somewhat plasticky feel, a modest maximum aperture on the kit lens, and the absence of a microphone port, which limits video enthusiasts. While advanced photographers might find the camera’s features somewhat limiting, the Mark IV’s balance of affordability, portability, and straightforward operation makes it a top recommendation for beginners and casual users seeking quality without complexity.