Table of Contents
Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera
see also:
Interesting use of the Live Composite mode!
introduction
- introduced in Jan 2014 essentially as a lower cost but technologically updated version of the E-M5 with only 3 axis 3EV IS instead of 5-axis 4EV IS, no weatherproofing, no accessory port, burst rate 8fps not 9fps, but adds built-in flash, higher resolution LCD touch screen and WiFi smartphone remote control
- in many respects, it is a better camera than the much-loved E-M5, so it should be a very popular camera indeed
- £529 body only, $US699 body only
- can get it with the very well reviewed Olympus m.ZD 25mm f/1.8 standard lens for $US999
- it's compact size, low price, high image quality and versatility means it is a great choice for the street photographer, travel photographer and for the family
- Winner of Best CSC Entry Level camera as part of the XXIV TIPA Awards (2014)
- Winner of Best Compact System Camera 2014-2015 of the EISA awards
specs
most of the features of the E-M5
- compact size just a touch smaller and lighter than the E-M5:
- 396 g (0.87 lb / 13.97 oz)
- 119 x 82 x 46 mm (4.69 x 3.24 x 1.81″)
- 16mp Live-MOS sensor which gives high image quality even at ISO 1600
- very nice built-in 1.44M EVF
- ergonomic customisable controls
- shutter speed 60sec - 1/4000th sec
- Live BULB
- multi-exposure mode
- ART filters
- one of the most comprehensive in-camera Raw re-processing systems
- very fast AF for slow moving subjects but no phase detect AF for C-AF tracking of faster moving subjects
- unique eye detect AF
- manual focus assistance
- automatic magnified view when rotate a system lens manual focus ring in MF mode
- magnified view zoom x5/x7/x10/x14
- image stabiliser can be turned on during magnified zoom via half-press shutter
- similar menu system and user interface controls including my favourite: the Live Super Control Panel although to enable it, it is still buried deep in the menu system
additional features
- built-in flash GN 5.8m (100ISO) with master RC TTL flash capability
- higher resolution wVGA LCD touch screen 720 x 480 pixel 1,037,000 dots instead of 610,000 dot VGA OLED
- LCD has 'Adaptive Brightness' viewfinder technology (same as in the E-M1)
- WiFi smartphone remote control
- focus peaking
- newer image processing image (same as in E-M1) - Truepic VII
- a more responsive camera -all processing times are shortened and EVF lag has almost vanished
- auto HDR with JPEG output
- mode dial function with possibility of assigning Mysets into mode dial
- option for automatic lens IS priority for when using lenses with OIS
- option for shorter release lag-time
- multi function settings with color creator (as in the E-M1)
- option for level in EVF when pressing shutter button half way
- Live Composite Mode - allows visual gradual build up of image with multiple exposures as is used in astrophotography - this is similar to Live BULB mode but multiple exposures rather than just one long exposure
- adds a cut-down version of the '2×2' control system which is used to great effect on the E-M1
- improved HD video:
- 24Mbps 30p instead of 20Mbps but the image stabiliser is not as effective and no ability to add an external stereo mic as no accessory port
- intervalometer:
- interval time 1 sec. - 24 Hours, max 999 frames
- can make Time-lapse movie automatically
- nice optional grip (ECG-1) a must have for using larger lenses, it also centres the tripod, and that is all I really need for the E-M5 so very happy with this compromise, and it is even better than the one on the E-M5 in that there is a quick release latch to get access to the battery compartment instead of having to unscrew the whole grip.
- grip (ECG-1) is available for £54.99
ECG-1 grip:
features downgraded or missing from the E-M5
- no weatherproofing
- controls don't have the same high build quality feel or function but still very good
- ports moved to right side
- only 3 axis 3.5EV IS instead of 5-axis 4EV image stabiliser
- no AP2 accessory port
- burst rate 8fps not 9fps
- flash sync 1/200th sec not 1/250th sec
- smaller battery (same as PEN series): BLS-5 which is rated at 320 shots instead of 360 shots
- both the battery and card are located in the same slot under the camera - making it less convenient for tripod work
- no optional grip with extra battery holder
3 axis IS performance in video mode - still awesome indeed! - Blunty:
reviews
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- IS is still good enough for hand held shots 1/20th sec with a 45mm lens
- ECG grip is essential for using larger lenses such as the 75mm f/1.8
- M.Zuiko 14-42mm EZ kit lens is highly recommended great image quality for such a tiny zoom lens and nice bokeh at macro with macro converter lens attached
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- ISO performance of OM-D E-M10 is noticeably better than the E-M5 at ISO6400 or higher, however not quite as good as the E-M1 at ISO 12,800 and higher.
- very usable ISO 3200 and even 6400
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- endlessly customizable, incredibly responsive
- AF is very fast in good light and slows only a little in dim light
- new Live Composite feature for stacking long exposures at night will be very useful for some
- incredibly fun and responsive device
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- Editor's choice
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- The E-M10 is truly an impressive little camera. It holds its own against entry-level DSLRs in terms of image quality and handling, and beats them all in terms of direct control.