Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV in the test: system camera in DSLR look for beginners

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Classic camera design outside, current technology inside - that's the motto of the OM-D series.

The cameras are easy to confuse with a SLR, but are much smaller and significantly lighter, especially the entry-level E-M10.

This is now available in a modernized version as the OM-D E-M10 IV. The test by “Computer-Bild” reveals what the inexpensive system camera in DSLR look can do.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV with high image quality

A decisive difference to the previous Olympus OM-D E-M10 III is a new sensor with 20 megapixels (resolution 5184x3888 pixels), which ensures beautifully detailed images.

The E-M10 IV tends to have a slightly warm color rendering.

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This can look a little yellowish when taking pictures indoors.

If you don't like that, simply switch off the "Warm colors" setting for the white balance in the camera menu.

In daylight, the small Olympus doesn't have to hide from competing models with larger sensors (see photo gallery).

Only in dim light does it become apparent that a MicroFourThirds sensor (sensor size 13.0x17.3 millimeters) does not collect as much light as an APS-C sensor that is twice as large or a full-format sensor that is around four times as large.

The photos of the OM-D E-M10 IV look good up to ISO 1600, after which the image sharpness slowly decreases.

If you like to take pictures in dim light, Olympus also offers you small, high-speed and affordable prime lenses such as the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 or Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm f1.8, in order to be able to take photos with a lower ISO sensitivity than the supplied zoom.

Videos look good, but ...

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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV records videos in 4K with a maximum of 30 frames per second.

Like many inexpensive cameras, it reads the sensor with pixel accuracy, so it does not use the entire sensor surface for the 8 megapixels of 4K resolution.

This ensures an approximately 1.35 times narrowing of the angle of view.

A focal length of 28 millimeters is converted to 39 millimeters (converted into 35mm format for comparison).

If you want to film with a wide angle perspective, you can switch to Full HD.

Then there is the same angle of view as when taking photos.

The video recordings of the E-M10 IV look really good, even better than, for example, the Panasonic Lumix GH110.

Unfortunately, the sound quality of the Olympus is only mediocre: In the videos, there is noise in quiet passages and there is unfortunately no connection for an external microphone.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is set up quickly

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The housing of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV has quite a few control elements.

This allows the camera settings to be changed quickly.

Typical Olympus: the two setting wheels adjust to the camera settings.

For example, you can set aperture and exposure compensation in aperture priority mode, and exposure time and aperture in manual mode.

Not a matter of course in this price range: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV has many controls, including two dials

Source: Computer Bild

If you are still unsure of how to operate it, you can use the button next to the power switch to display tips for taking pictures.

Also typically Olympus: the image stabilizer is in the camera, an exception in this price range.

As a result, Olympus can save the image stabilizer with (most) lenses and thus build smaller and cheaper optics.

The included kit zoom Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ weighs only 91 grams and is (retracted) only 2.3 centimeters deep.

In the test, the E-M10 IV's stabilizer was able to compensate for up to 4.3 f-stops, which corresponds to an exposure time that is 20 times longer - a good value that not all cameras achieve.

Responsive, not a sprinter

A difference to more expensive Olympus models: the image sensor of the OM-D E-M10 IV has to get by with a contrast autofocus, larger sister models like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 III or the Olympus OM-D E-M1 III also offer a phase change autofocus.

This is not a problem with snapshots, as the autofocus of the E-M10 IV reacts quickly and accurately.

If the subject moves, however, he does not always manage to precisely track the focus.

And simply taking more pictures is unfortunately not an alternative: In series picture mode, the E-M10 IV only manages just under six pictures per second.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV can be charged via USB

The battery of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is an old friend (BLS-50), which has already been used in many of the manufacturer's models.

New with the E-M10 IV: The battery is charged with the supplied USB power supply unit.

A special battery charger was used on the older models.

Advantage of the USB solution: The E-M10 IV can also be charged with a smartphone power supply unit or a battery pack.

The battery is a rather small model (8.5 watt hours), but still lasts quite well: It took a good one and a half hours (101 minutes) to film in 4K.

Photographers can usually get through the day on one battery charge.

Remote control via app top, GPS flop

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Bluetooth and WLAN are a matter of course with modern cameras, but there are major differences, especially with the manufacturers' free apps: Olympus uses the Olympus Share app (for Android and iOS) for remote control.

Switching to the camera's built-in WiFi takes a while, after which the app offers many setting options.

Quick release via Bluetooth is also possible, but the photographer has to switch from LiveView to remote release in the app settings under remote control.

Too bad: If you want to save the location data in the photos, you need a second app, Olympus Track (for Android and iOS), and you have to start recording the location data manually.

Most competitors can now do this automatically.

The display of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV folds up or down.

Folded down 180 degrees, it switches the camera to selfie mode

Source: Computer Bild

Conclusion:

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is a great camera for beginners: It is very compact and pleasantly light and scores with high photo quality, a top image stabilizer and more controls than usual in this price range - the camera settings can be adjusted quickly.

The E-M10 IV is not entirely convincing when filming, despite the high image quality: the sound via the built-in microphone is mediocre and there is no possibility to connect an external one.

Strengths:

high image quality for photos and videos, simple operation, many operating elements, compact and light.

Weaknesses:

autofocus not always accurate in series, sound quality mediocre, no microphone jack, GPS via smartphone only manual.

Test grade:

good (2.3)

Price:

from 799 euros

Test results Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV in detail

Source: Computer Bild

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