OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS E-M10 Mark IV Black Camera Review: Best 4K Choice?

Looking for a travel-friendly camera that gives you more control and better quality than your phone? The E-M10 Mark IV from OM System might just be worth a look, especially if you’re after a lightweight design with a compact zoom lens. Plenty of buyers describe it as easy to pick up and use, which makes it pretty approachable for beginners or anyone who just wants something portable.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Camera (Black) and M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Kit
  • Sensor and Processor: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV features 20MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic VIII image processor with Ultra HD 4K video capability
  • Image Stabilization: In-body 5-axis image stabilization capable of 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation
  • 180-Degree Monitor: Flip-down monitor and dedicated Selfie mode. Selfie mode automatically turns on when monitor is flipped down

E-M10 Mark IV product image

People seem happy with its in-body stabilization and image quality, and the retro styling gets a fair bit of love, too. On the flip side, you’ll hear some grumbling about the plastic feel of the body and the occasional hiccup with the control dials. A few folks mention the electronic viewfinder being a bit touchy or not holding up over time.

If you want a compact mirrorless camera that balances features and portability, click here to see the E-M10 Mark IV on Amazon.

Overview of the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

This OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is small and light, sliding into a bag or even a roomy jacket pocket without much fuss. It packs a 20MP sensor, in-body stabilization, and a tilting touchscreen, which makes it appealing for both new shooters and folks who want something portable without sacrificing too much.

It does the job for everyday photography and travel, and most users are pretty satisfied with the image quality and how easy it is to get started. You get 4K video, plus built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for quick sharing. The kit lens is compact and flexible enough for a bunch of scenarios.

Some people do wish the body felt a bit more premium—there’s a lot of plastic. And there’ve been a few reports of minor glitches with the controls or viewfinder. Still, the E-M10 Mark IV generally gets points for blending features with convenience.

Impressive 20 MP Live MOS Sensor

The 20 MP Live MOS sensor is probably the star here. It lets you grab photos with good detail and nice, natural color, especially with the included lens. The Micro Four Thirds format keeps things sharp in a body that’s genuinely compact.

Low light is where you’ll notice it’s not quite on par with larger-sensor cameras, but for most normal situations—day trips, family stuff, travel shots—it holds up well. If you want high-res images without lugging around a big camera, this is a decent compromise.

5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization

Shooting handheld in dim light or at slower shutter speeds? The 5-axis in-body image stabilization is a big help. It cuts down on camera shake and makes it easier to get sharp shots without a tripod.

A lot of users call out how smooth the stabilization feels, both for stills and video. It’s not magic—fast action or really dark scenes can still trip it up, and how well it works can depend on your lens and technique. But for most casual shooting, it’s a genuinely useful feature.

Compact Design and Tilting Touchscreen

You can toss this camera in a small bag or even a big pocket, which is pretty rare for something with interchangeable lenses. The lightweight build is a big win for anyone who doesn’t want to haul around a heavy kit but still wants some creative options.

The tilting touchscreen is a nice touch, letting you shoot from odd angles or grab a quick selfie. It doesn’t flip all the way out, so vloggers might find it a bit limiting, but for most uses it’s handy.

The touchscreen itself gets good marks for being responsive, though there are occasional complaints about glare in strong sunlight. For travel and casual shooting, the mix of size and display flexibility just works.

Seamless Wireless Connectivity

Sharing photos and videos from the E-M10 Mark IV is pretty painless, thanks to built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Most people find wireless sharing to phones and tablets super convenient, though getting set up the first time can be a little fiddly.

Pros:

  • Quick image sharing without cables
  • Works with a bunch of devices (phones, tablets, computers)

Cons:

  • Initial pairing can take a bit of patience
  • Some users mention the odd connection drop

Connectivity is modern and useful, but, honestly, your mileage may vary depending on your phone and network.

Versatile Shooting Modes and Art Filters

There’s a good range of shooting modes on the E-M10 Mark IV, so you’re not stuck fiddling with settings for every shot. Switching between action, portrait, or landscape is pretty straightforward.

You also get 16 built-in art filters like Instant Film, so you can play around with creative effects right in the camera. It saves some time in editing, though, let’s be honest, not every filter will suit everyone’s taste.

Art Filters Pros and Cons:

Pros Cons
Quick creative options Limited custom control
Variety of effects Some filters may over-process images

The modes and filters are fun and add some flexibility, but if you’re after serious customization, you’ll probably still want to edit on your computer.

Travel-Friendly and Everyday Usability

Dragging around a heavy camera while traveling is a pain, but the E-M10 Mark IV keeps things light and easy. Tons of users say it fits into a small bag, so it’s great for day trips, wandering around cities, or just everyday stuff. Portability is a big plus here.

Day to day, the controls are pretty intuitive, and the flip-down screen is a bonus for selfies or quick group pics. Some people mention the automatic viewfinder can be a little glitchy, but overall, it’s easy to handle and the stabilization helps keep shots sharp.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Impressive Image Quality
    The E-M10 Mark IV delivers sharp, high-quality photos for its class, thanks to the 20MP sensor and 5-axis image stabilization. Both beginners and enthusiasts seem to like the detail, even in tricky light.
  • Compact and Lightweight
    It’s small and light, which is a breath of fresh air compared to lugging around a DSLR. Perfect for travel or just tossing in your bag.
  • User-Friendly Features
    The interface is easy to figure out, and the flip-down touchscreen is great for selfies or vlogging. Art filters and auto modes are friendly for newbies.
  • Effective Stabilization
    The in-body stabilization is a highlight, helping you get clearer shots without a tripod.

Cons

  • Material Quality Concerns
    The plastic build doesn’t feel as nice as some older or higher-end models. Some wish it felt a bit sturdier.
  • Potential Reliability Issues
    A handful of users have had trouble with dials or the viewfinder sensor acting up after not much use. Warranty support can be slow.
  • Limited Zoom with Kit Lens
    The 14-42mm lens isn’t super versatile if you want more zoom, so you might end up shopping for another lens.
  • Viewfinder Glitches
    The automatic viewfinder doesn’t always kick in reliably, which can get annoying if you’re shooting fast.

All in all, the E-M10 Mark IV shines for portability and image quality, but be aware of some potential durability and feature quirks.

Customer Reviews

Plenty of users say the E-M10 Mark IV stands out for its compact size and how easy it is to use. Beginners and intermediates especially highlight just how light and portable it is—ideal for travel or everyday shooting.

Image quality and stabilization are frequent positives, with lots of folks noticing a step up from smartphone cameras. That said, there are some reports of dials malfunctioning and the viewfinder not always responding. The plastic build pops up as a negative in a few reviews.

On the whole, reviews lean positive, focusing on the easy handling and portability, with a handful of gripes about durability and occasional feature hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some brief answers to the key questions readers may have about this compact model and its popular kit lens. Each section covers a distinct aspect to help readers decide if it meets their needs.

What improvements does the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV offer over the Mark III model?

One of the most often mentioned upgrades is the jump to a 20MP sensor, which gives higher resolution over the older Mark III. The newer model also features an improved flip-down touchscreen for easier selfies and vlogging.

Users will notice that in-body image stabilization continues to perform well, and Bluetooth connectivity is now available for quicker file transfers. However, the Mark IV maintains much of the control layout and general handling style of previous versions, so long-time users should feel right at home.

Can you use legacy lenses with the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?

Yes, this camera supports the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, meaning it works with a wide range of current and older Micro Four Thirds lenses. Adapted manual lenses from other systems can also be fitted using an appropriate adapter.

However, features like autofocus and electronic aperture control may not be available with adapted or legacy lenses. Those wanting to experiment with vintage optics often appreciate the flexibility, but should be aware of these limitations.

What is the price range for the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?

When purchasing the body with the standard 14-42mm kit lens, the Mark IV typically falls in the mid-range mirrorless category. It is usually less expensive than most enthusiast or professional models but costs more than basic point-and-shoots.

Potential buyers may want to check current listings for the most accurate prices, as deals and bundles can shift over time. Accessories and extra lenses will impact overall budget, so it’s smart to factor these in.

Are there weather-sealed options available for the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?

The Mark IV itself does not feature weather-sealing, limiting its use in rain or dusty environments. Users who frequently shoot outdoors in challenging conditions may find this a drawback.

There are weather-sealed lenses in the Micro Four Thirds system, but the benefit is limited if the camera body itself is not sealed. Those prioritizing durability in tough environments should consider other bodies in the OM System lineup.

What are the standout features of the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?

Some highlights frequently mentioned by owners and reviewers include:

  • Effective 5-axis image stabilization for sharper handheld shots
  • Lightweight and compact body that fits easily in a small bag
  • Tilting, touchscreen LCD monitor for flexible shooting angles and easy navigation
  • 4K video recording for improved video quality
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for simple image transfers to mobile devices

The interface is generally considered user-friendly, making it approachable for beginners, while still including manual controls that appeal to more advanced users.

Where can I find sample images taken with the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?

You’ll spot sample photos and video clips from this camera all over the place—think popular photography websites, forums, and YouTube reviews (which tend to sneak in plenty of real-world shots). If you poke around photo-sharing sites like Flickr, or wander into some of those Micro Four Thirds groups, you’ll find all sorts of images showing off what the Mark IV can do. Just search for the model by name, and you’ll see everything from casual snapshots to some surprisingly creative work.

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