Camera
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
What the E-M10 Mark IV Is and Where It Sits
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a compact mirrorless camera built on the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) mount, released on September 18, 2020 as the entry point of the OM-D lineup. It sits below the weather-sealed OM System OM-5, the advanced OM-D E-M5 Mark III, and the professional-tier OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II, positioning it for photographers who want a genuine interchangeable-lens camera without the size or price of the higher-tier models. The official OM System product page describes it as designed for creators moving up from smartphone photography.
A 20.3 MP Sensor in a 335-Gram Body
The camera carries a 20.3 MP Live MOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13.0 mm, paired with the TruePic VIII processor also found in higher-end OM-D models at the time of launch. At roughly 335 g body-only, it is among the lightest cameras with a built-in electronic viewfinder in its class. The combination of a capable sensor and a genuinely pocketable body is the core proposition of this camera.
IBIS Performance in a Camera This Small
One of the most headline-worthy specifications is the 5-axis sensor-shift in-body image stabilization rated at up to 4.5 stops of compensation. For a camera weighing 335 g, this is a meaningful capability: it allows handheld shooting at shutter speeds that would ordinarily require a tripod. CIPA testing methodology provides the standard against which that 4.5-stop claim is benchmarked, and reviewers generally find real-world handheld results for static subjects to be very good at moderate focal lengths.
Autofocus System and Burst Capability
The E-M10 Mark IV uses a contrast-detect AF system with 121 points, which is reliable in good light for stationary or slow-moving subjects but slower to acquire on erratic motion compared to phase-detect systems in the OM-5 and OM-1 bodies above it. Continuous burst speed is rated at 8.7 fps with AF tracking active. Consensus indicates this is adequate for casual sports or active children, but photographers needing reliable tracking of fast, unpredictable motion will find the contrast-detect limitation meaningful.
ISO Range and Low-Light Expectations
The native ISO range runs from 200 to 25600, with an extended low setting of approximately ISO 100. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size (17.4 x 13.0 mm) is physically smaller than APS-C or full-frame sensors, which is a factual constraint on total light-gathering area, and reviewers note that ISO 6400 and above introduces visible noise benefiting from noise reduction. The IBIS system partially offsets the high-ISO need in static scenes by permitting slower shutter speeds.
Shutter Speed Range and Electronic Shutter
The mechanical shutter covers 30 seconds to 1/4000 sec. The electronic shutter extends the fast end to 1/16000 sec, which is useful when shooting wide open in bright light to control exposure without an ND filter. Users report that the electronic shutter performs well for static or slow subjects; for fast lateral motion, rolling-shutter distortion can appear, which is a common characteristic of electronic shutters across most camera systems.
| Spec | A | B |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | — |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds (17.4 x 13.0 mm) | — |
| Effective Megapixels | 20.3 MP | — |
| Image Processor | TruePic VIII | — |
| AF System | Contrast-detect AF | — |
| AF Points | 121 points | — |
| ISO Range | 200-25600 (Low: approx. 100) | — |
| IBIS | 5-axis sensor-shift, up to 4.5 stops | — |
| Continuous Burst (AF) | 8.7 fps | — |
| Mechanical Shutter | 30-1/4000 sec | — |
| Electronic Shutter | 30-1/16000 sec | — |
| Video | UHD 4K at up to 30 fps; 1080p at up to 60 fps | — |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36 million dots, 0.67x (35mm equiv.) | — |
| Rear Screen | 3.0-inch touchscreen, 180-degree flip-down | — |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | Approx. 360 shots (LCD) | — |
| Weight (Body Only) | Approx. 335 g (11.8 oz) | — |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 121.7 x 84.4 x 49.0 mm | — |
Video Capability: 4K With Context
The E-M10 Mark IV records UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at up to 30 fps, Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, and HD 720p at up to 120 fps. The IBIS system applies during video recording, which is a practical advantage for handheld video: it reduces the floating, unsteady look common to handheld footage without requiring a gimbal. Reviewers note that 4K output is cropped relative to the full sensor area, and that the camera lacks advanced video features present in dedicated video-oriented bodies, such as log picture profiles or an external recording output.
Viewfinder and Screen Handling
The built-in electronic viewfinder resolves 2.36 million dots at 0.67x magnification (35mm equivalent), a smaller EVF than those on the OM-5 or OM-1 but a meaningful differentiator from competitors in this price bracket that ship only with a rear screen. The rear screen is a 3.0-inch touchscreen with 180-degree flip-down articulation, which orients the screen upward for selfie-style or low-angle shooting. Users report the touchscreen AF and shutter release to be responsive and intuitive.
Ergonomics, Connectivity, and Battery
At 121.7 x 84.4 x 49.0 mm and 335 g with a relatively shallow grip, the E-M10 Mark IV suits smaller hands well and pairs naturally with compact MFT primes such as the Olympus 17mm f/1.8 or 45mm f/1.8. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Micro-USB with charging support, though the Micro-USB port is an older specification compared to USB-C found on more recently released cameras. Battery life is rated at approximately 360 shots per charge on the CIPA LCD standard, which is on the lower end for all-day shooting outings; carrying a spare BLS-50 battery is a common recommendation among users.
The Micro Four Thirds Lens Ecosystem
A significant part of the E-M10 Mark IV's long-term value is its access to the Micro Four Thirds mount, which is supported by both OM System (formerly Olympus) and Panasonic, giving users access to one of the broadest native lens catalogs in the mirrorless market. Compact primes, fast telephoto lenses, and specialist macro options are all available at various price points. The 2x crop factor relative to full-frame means a 25mm MFT lens delivers a field of view equivalent to a 50mm lens, which shapes focal-length selection compared to APS-C or full-frame systems.
Honest Limitations Worth Noting
The contrast-detect AF system is not competitive with phase-detect systems for fast-action or wildlife tracking, and the Micro Four Thirds sensor is physically smaller than APS-C alternatives at comparable prices, which constrains dynamic range and high-ISO performance. Micro-USB charging, while functional, is a dated port standard compared to USB-C on more recently released cameras. Battery life is rated at approximately 360 shots, the single SD card slot provides no redundancy, and these are practical trade-offs worth knowing before purchase.
Who This Camera Is For
The E-M10 Mark IV addresses a clear audience: photographers upgrading from a smartphone or a first point-and-shoot camera who want genuine optical versatility, a real viewfinder, and a camera small enough to carry consistently. The 4.5-stop IBIS is a genuine everyday advantage for handheld photography in varied light. Photographers whose primary subject is fast-moving sports, birds in flight, or wildlife requiring fast and reliable AF tracking will be better served by the OM System OM-5, OM-1, or OM-1 Mark II, which carry phase-detect-capable systems and higher-tier AF processing.
Value Positioning in the OM-D Lineup
At its launch price and on the used market, the E-M10 Mark IV offers the TruePic VIII processor, 5-axis IBIS, a built-in EVF, and access to the MFT ecosystem at the lowest entry price in the OM-D family. It does not replace the OM-5, E-M5 Mark III, or OM-1-series bodies for serious or professional use cases, and OM System has not positioned it as such. For its stated audience, the balance of size, weight, IBIS performance, and image quality represents a considered engineering choice rather than a compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV have image stabilization?
Yes. The E-M10 Mark IV includes 5-axis sensor-shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS) rated at up to 4.5 stops of compensation. This applies to all lenses mounted on the camera, including manual lenses without any electronic stabilization of their own, making it a significant practical benefit for handheld photography in lower light or at longer focal lengths.
- Is the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV good for video?
The camera records UHD 4K at up to 30 fps and Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps. The 5-axis IBIS applies during video recording, which measurably reduces camera shake in handheld footage. Reviewers note that 4K involves a sensor crop and that advanced video features such as log picture profiles are absent. For casual travel and social-media video the output is considered clean and usable; dedicated videographers seeking full-sensor 4K or flat color profiles should consider more specialized bodies.
- How does the E-M10 Mark IV autofocus compare to the OM System OM-5?
The E-M10 Mark IV uses a contrast-detect AF system with 121 points, which is accurate for stationary and slow-moving subjects but is slower to acquire on fast or erratic motion. The OM System OM-5 and OM-1-series bodies use on-chip phase-detect or cross-type phase-detect systems with AI-assisted subject tracking. For action, sports, or wildlife photography, the phase-detect systems in the higher-tier OM System bodies provide a material performance advantage over the contrast-detect system in the E-M10 Mark IV.
- What lenses are compatible with the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?
The E-M10 Mark IV uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which is compatible with a wide range of lenses from OM System (formerly Olympus), Panasonic Lumix, and third-party manufacturers including Sigma, Voigtlander, and Laowa. This is one of the most mature mirrorless lens ecosystems available, with compact primes, fast aperture zooms, and specialized macro lenses all available. The 2x crop factor relative to full-frame applies to all mounted lenses.
- What is the battery life of the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?
Battery life is rated at approximately 360 shots per charge on the CIPA standard using the LCD screen. This is measured under standardized test conditions and real-world results vary depending on how frequently the EVF and screen are used, how many burst shots are taken, and how much time is spent reviewing images. Users widely recommend purchasing at least one spare BLS-50 battery for any full-day shooting session, as the 360-shot rating is on the lower end relative to larger-bodied cameras.
- Does the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV have weather sealing?
No. The E-M10 Mark IV body does not include weather sealing. Weather resistance in the OM-D lineup begins at the OM System OM-5 and the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, both of which carry splash and dust resistance. The OM-1 and OM-1 Mark II offer the most robust weather sealing in the OM System lineup. Photographers who frequently shoot in rain, dust, or extreme cold should consider these weather-sealed alternatives instead.