If you’re a beginner or a passionate photographer searching for a small body camera that consistently captures great pictures, then this camera is worth checking out.
Undoubtedly, the Mark IV camera lacks some of the more enhanced features like phase-detection autofocus, microphone/headphone inputs, and 4K/60p video. But Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV functions nicely as a stills camera that can capture a bit of quality video when required.
The Mark IV is the entry-level camera in the company’s DSLR-style series of Micro Four Thirds cameras. It is based on the PEN editions, such as the E-PL10, which are rangefinder-style. It’s improved from the beginner-focused EPL lineup, giving more controls, enhanced development quality, and a wider feature set. It packs a 20MP Four Thirds sensor, flip-down touchscreen, in-body image stabilization with a convenient interface, and 4K video shoot.
The Mark IV Specifications
- TruePic VIII chipset
- 20 MP Live MOS Four Thirds sensor
- Comprises a 121-point contrast-detect AF monitor
- Up to 4.5 stops in-body image stabilization
- An electronic viewfinder
- USB charging
- Flip-down touchscreen
- 360 shots per charge
- 4.5 fps burst shooting w/AF
- Bluetooth + Wi-Fi
The Mark IV comes with two options. This is available in your choice of black or silver body price with an MSRP of USD 699. Another comes with the compact 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens just for an MSRP of USD 799. Though, you can find some better deals on the Mark IV if you shop around.
Price and Launch Date
The Olympus’ OM-D E-M10 Mark IV series was launched in August 2020. It was available to purchase instantly for a black or silver body-only price just at £699.99 / $699 / AU$1,299.
Well, there is also a kit lens stock available. The M. Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ bundle costs £799 / $799 / AU$1,499. Australian folks can also get the E-M10 Mark IV model along with a larger M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-150mm f/4-5.6 II zoom lens just for AUD 1,799.
Even though it’s comparatively new, we’ve already watched a few deals on the Mark IV. And that brings its cost more in line with competitors like the Fujifilm X-T200. However, if you have a tight budget, you should check out the prices of its predecessor, which is E-M10 Mark III.
While the predecessor doesn’t include the latest sensor or flip-down display screen. But you can grab it just for £449 / $449 / AU$799, which is quite a budget-friendly deal.
Improved Continuous AF
The continuous AF of this camera has been improved by using the E-M1X algorithms. These look the camera spends a bit longer checking that it possesses the accurate subject before fine-tuning the focus. This minimizes (but doesn’t completely remove) instances of the camera locking focus on the background. It also ignores your targeted subject.
However, the E-M10 Mark IV is still composed of a contrast-detect AF function, So, there are still some noticeable ‘hunting’ sometimes as it attempts its fine-tune focus. Even though it’s not too distracting in 4K videos shot.
Flip-Down LCD and Selfies
Olympus has changed the tilting screen on the Mark IV with one that flips down 180° for clicking selfies. But unfortunately, the flip-down design means the display is either fouled or blocked by both tripods and selfie sticks, so framing handling is the only option left with it.
When the 1.04 million-dot, 3-inch display tilts down, the camera switches into a selfie mode, which puts movie capture, virtual shutter release, and ‘brightness’ buttons on the screen. It also has a button that turns on a two seconds timer that clicks three pictures consecutively. Plus, in Auto mode, there’s a new One-Touch e-Portrait button that frames artificially-smoothed, plasticky-looking skin.
Features and Handling
- It has a tough polycarbonate body
- Includes ergonomic grip and button setup
- 1.04 million-dot, 3-inch touchscreen
- More flexible than before
The thing which entices you a lot about the E-M10 Mark IV is its small body. It’s diminutive enough to easily fit into the pocket of your regular trousers.
We’ve always been a great admirer of the dual control dial layout of the E-M10 because it enables you to adjust both aperture or exposure compensation and shutter speed easily when shooting manually.
The dial mode built beside them provides direct access to its nine shooting modes, including video. It also has a fixed video shoot button located sensibly on the shoulder of the camera for easy access.
The Olympus has incredibly managed to place controls that include most key features without making the model look cluttered. The camera also provides you touchscreen access via the rear LCD, which boosts the camera usability.
Read Official Blog Post – Things You Need to Know About the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
