Olympus OM-D E-M10 Review - This 'Entry-level' Camera Surprised Me

Introduction

On paper the Olympus OM-D E-M10 is an entry-level camera, but either Olympus has a different way of thinking about ‘entry-level’ or this is the best entry-level camera I’ve seen yet. In some ways, it’s even better than the higher-end (and more expensive) OM-D E-M5 and Pen E-P5 cameras from Olympus.

The E-M10 uses the latest TruePic VII image engine, which made its debut on the flagship E-M1. It has a built-in viewfinder, while the E-P5 doesn’t. The E-M10’s screen is nicer than the E-M5’s at 1.04 million dots compared to the E-M5’s 614k dots.

But the E-M10 is still an entry-level camera and it has to cut corners somewhere. It only comes with 3-axis image stabilization, while the E-P5 and E-M5 had 5-axis image stabilization. The E-P5 also boasts a higher maximum shutter speed of 1/8000 sec. compared to the E-M10’s 1/4000 sec., and a slower flash sync speed of 1/200 sec. to the E-P5’s 1/200 sec. And unlike the E-M5, the E-M10 doesn’t come weather-sealed.

Design & Handling

Continuing in Olympus’ retro tradition, the E-M10 is a beautiful camera (and looks just like a slightly smaller E-M5). Surprisingly, its controls work better than the E-M5, because they’re more spaced out and feel less cramped. The front and rear grip help you get a comfortable hold on the camera, and the right strap lug finally doesn’t get in your way…too much.

I like how Olympus has not dumbed down on the level of control for this entry-level camera. The twin control dials offer the same quick access to exposure controls like a high-end DSLR, and there are a total of three customizable buttons, including the video Record button. You can also customize the down and right arrows, but we like how they control AF points by default.

While the E-M10 doesn’t come with the 2 x 2 interface which comes with the E-M1, you can customize one of the Fn buttons to switch the twin dials control around to ISO and WB. It offers both a Live Control menu and Live Super Control Panel overlay for quick access to controls like ISO, all you need to get to it is to press the OK button and then Info to cycle between either of them.

Happily, the Live Super Control Panel now responds to touch. It’s still lagging behind cameras like Panasonic’s, which let you touch most menus, but it’s a step forward. You can also now easily get out of tap to focus, unlike on the E-P5 which forced you to rotate through other options just to stop focusing on a particular spot you’ve tapped on.

The rear LCD and electronic viewfinder are surprisingly responsive for an entry-level camera. The picture quality is excellent, and better than what we would have expected which is a relief, because a low fidelity screen and EVF would have easily broke the E-M10’s value proposition.

We’re also surprised that the E-M10 packs a built-in flash while the E-M5 couldn’t find a way to squeeze it in. Even if you don’t use onboard flash, it can be a handy option to have in-camera. Another great option to have is built-in Wi-Fi, which – shockingly – is still not a de factor standard with new DSLR cameras today. In 2014.

There is little I don’t like about the E-M10, but high up on the list is the new 14-42mm electronic zoom kit lens. While it collapses into itself nicely to make a compact stowaway package, the zoom ring just works too slowly for my taste, and I don’t like not being to look at a focal range indicator to see where the lens is at any moment.

I didn’t find it a deal breaker, but I’d be amiss if I didn’t add this one last thing: The Power switch is in the same awkward position it was on the E-M5. While you do get used to it, the out-of-reach placement ensures that you’ll never quickly power on and shoot the way you can on a Nikon DSLR, for example, which have their power switches built around the shutter release.

Image Performance

The sample photographs were shot with the Olympus E-M10. The originals have not been post-processed and are copyright to SPH Magazines. They are provided for your reference only and we ask that you do not reproduce them elsewhere. Click for full-resolution images.

The E-M10 matches the image quality you’d get from the two-year old E-M5, which is very nice indeed. Remember that the E-M5 was a leapfrog camera in terms of image quality for Micro Four Thirds, so it’s no surprise that two years later the quality of the image sensor still shines.

The E-M10 retains the E-M5’s ability to shoot high ISO pictures, up to ISO 3200, with minimum noise and detail loss, helping you in low-light. Colors are vibrant and true-to-life, Olympus produces some of the best looking color in digital imaging today.

Even though the E-M10 comes with ‘only’ 3-axis image stabilization, most digital cameras today don’t come with IS built-in, opting to build IS into the lens. There are arguments for each approach, but built-in IS means you gain an extra advantage when you slap a non-IS lens onto the camera, like the wonderful Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 pancake lens.

Autofocus performance is fast and sure, and we like how quickly you can adjust AF points by pressing the d-pad or simply tapping on the monitor. You can also turn on focus peaking to aid with manual focusing. It’s useful how the E-M10 comes with in-camera raw processing, so you can shoot and save in raw, but then transfer a JPEG out via Wi-Fi. Linking the camera to the Olympus app is quick and easy, and built Wi-Fi is simply a must in the age of the smartphone.

Conclusion: This 'Entry-level' Mirrorless Camera Surprised Me with How Good It Was

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 comes in at entry-level price but offers much more than any entry-level camera I’ve seen yet. A responsive rear monitor and electronic viewfinder, built-in 3-axis image stabilization, excellent image quality, great handling, built-in Wi-Fi, all wrapped up in a retro-gorgeous compact body.

In some ways, we actually prefer the E-M10 to the E-M5 and Pen E-P5. The E-M10 has a richer screen than the E-M5, and while it lacks that camera’s ruggedness, the E-M10 has the same image quality and can transfer pictures out via Wi-Fi. We prefer the way the E-M10 handles compared to the E-P5, and while being slightly wider and taller, the E-M10 is actually slightly lighter than the E-P5. We don’t see ourselves missing the higher maximum shutter speed and flash sync speed of the E-P5 that much.

With this camera, the Micro Four Thirds system now has two great entry-level options for two different crowds, and neither will break the bank. The Panasonic Lumix GM1 is a solidly built, compact and beautiful starter camera, great for the beginner who doesn’t plan to stick a large lens on it. At S$999 retail, the GM1 is fantastic value. The E-M10 is an advanced camera with lots of controls readily available, and at $893 (body only) or $1,020 (with 14-42mm kit lens) is just a steal with the number of features built in. With the wide range of lenses available, Micro Four Thirds offers a comprehensive system for any level of photographer, and remains the mirrorless system I'd recommend for most.

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