Mirrorless cameras offer the quality, capabilities, and controls of DSLR cameras in a smaller compact. The OM-D E-M10 is one of the tiniest cameras yet delivers the DSLR feel. Mirrorless cameras have been gaining popularity in recent years.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is a camera I like very much, and I’ve used it frequently since it was first released in January 2014. In addition to having a body that has a sturdy feeling, provides a lot of control, and produces high-quality images, I like it so much.
It is an excellent “carry-everywhere” camera with a compact lens like the M.ZUIKO 14-42mm f/3.5-5,6 EZ. It has a wealth of simple controls, and most importantly, it has an excellent viewfinder that allows you to see the image you are composing even when the sun is shining directly on it. It’s not just me that thinks it’s great; it’s been such an enormous success for Olympus that it’s outsold all of the company’s previous OM-D models.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Build Quality
A camera’s image quality is one of the most critical factors in determining its market success; nonetheless, the high build quality and intuitive control layout of Olympus’s OM-D line are also contributing factors.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark II, like the other OM-D cameras, is made out of magnesium alloy and has a robust and sturdy feel. However, unlike the OM-D E-M1, OM-D E-M5, and OM-D E-M5 Mark II, it does not have waterproof sealing.
A grip similar in size and design to that seen on Mark I may be found on the front of Mark II. However, the thumb grip on the camera’s rear has been modified somewhat, so I no longer have as much faith in it as I once did. As a result, I have been using the camera with a strap, switching between the Peak Design Cuff and Leash depending on the circumstances of the session.
In all honesty, I can honestly say that the camera has never escaped my hands, but I did feel the need for the additional security that a strap provides. Additionally, one of this camera’s three programmable function buttons is now on the thumb rest, whereas the E-M10 only has two.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Performance
Although Olympus has not confirmed that the OM-D E-M10 Mark II sensor is the same as the one found in the E-M10, the two sensors are likely relatively comparable. The TruePic VII technology is utilized once again as the processing engine. According to our in-house tests, the photos produced by the OM-D E-M10 Mark II are comparable to those of Mark I. Still, the more recent camera has a little higher detail resolution.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Image Quality
Throughout the test, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II generated exceptionally high-standard photographs. The Natural image option produces vivid colors without being gaudy or too saturated, and the dynamic range is excellent in this setting.
Noise is exceptionally well controlled from ISO 100 to ISO 1600, and it does not often become an issue until ISO 3200, an exceptional performance for a Micro Four Thirds camera. Only the two fastest settings, ISO 12800 and 25600, suffer from noise. However, ISO 3200 and 6400 may still be used.
Even when the camera is held by hand at prolonged shutter speeds, the enhanced image stabilization technology performs exceptionally well for still images and video. This is true even when the shutter speed is plodding. If you wanted to get the same special effects without using the Art Filters, you would have to spend significant time in the digital darkroom.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VII |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200 – 25600, expands to 100-25600 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (4 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis image stabilization (yaw/pitch/roll/vertical/horizontal) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine, normal, basic |
| File format | JPEGRAWMPO |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 81 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes (Focus, shutter release, AF point selection, menus, image playback) |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.23× (0.62× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes | Program AEAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Scene modes | Portraite-PortraitLandscapeLandscape + PortraitSportHand-held StarlightNight sceneNight + PortraitChildrenHigh KeyLow KeyDIS modeMacroNature MacroCandleSunsetDocumentsPanoramaFireworksBeach & SnowFisheye Conv.Wide Conv.Macro Conv.Panning3D |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Olympus Wireless RC Flash system compatible) |
| Flash Range | 5.80 m (ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or wirelessly) |
| Flash modes | Auto, redeye reduction, fill flash, flash off, 1st-curtain slow sync w/redeye, 1st-curtain slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, manual. |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Continuous drive | 8.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (12 sec., 2 sec, custom) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (2, 3, 5, 7 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p/30p/24p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p/24p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | H.264, Motion JPEG |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (micro-HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with a smartphone app |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional Remote cable RM-UC1) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BLS-50 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 320 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 120 x 83 x 47 mm (4.72 x 3.27 x 1.85″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes (Up to 999 shots. Can create 4K / 5 fps video) |
| GPS | None |
| GPS notes | via smartphone |
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II Verdict
The OM-D E-M10 II exemplifies what the Olympus OM-D line is all about; it is a high-quality camera that has a beautiful feel to it, has a comprehensive feature set along with a great deal of control, and generates photographs of exceptional quality while taking up very little room in your luggage.
