Canon EOS M100 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10: Which Mirrorless Champion Earns Your Attention?

In the fast-evolving world of mirrorless cameras, entry-level models like the Canon EOS M100 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 have long been contenders for the hearts of photography enthusiasts seeking a compact, capable tool without the professional price tag. Announced in 2017 and 2014 respectively, both cameras occupy a similar market segment but take decidedly different technical paths. Having spent countless hours testing these cameras side-by-side, from landscape vistas to fast-action sports and even shooting astro scenes on clear nights, I’m excited to break down their strengths, weaknesses, and quirks to help you make an informed choice.

Let’s dive into a detailed comparison that talks specs, real-world performance, and that all-important question: which camera suits which photographer (and budget) best?

Size Matters... Sometimes

Before we dig into sensors and autofocus systems, here’s the physical scoop - because holding a camera in your hands is the first step to falling in love (or not) with it.

Canon’s EOS M100 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, known for its petite and unobtrusive body. Measuring 108 x 67 x 35mm and weighing just 302g, it’s a delightfully pocketable camera that won’t weigh you down on long outings. Olympus’ E-M10, with its deeper SLR-inspired grip and slightly boxier build at 119 x 82 x 46mm and 396g, isn’t as slim, but in my hands felt sturdier and better balanced – especially with larger lenses attached.

Ergonomics are personal, of course. The M100’s minimal control layout caters well to beginners or casual shooters who want simplicity. Meanwhile, the E-M10 offers a bit more substance and grip that some users (including myself) find reassuring for brisk shooting sessions or longer Grip & Shoot workdays.

Both cameras feature tilting 3-inch screens - but more on that in a moment.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Showdown

What really sets these two apart - beyond styling - is their sensor tech and resultant image quality. And if you know me, this is where I get excited.

Canon’s M100 boasts a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 22.3 x 14.9mm, benefiting from the classic Canon 1.6x crop factor. The sensor is paired with the DIGIC 7 processor, which, despite being a few generations old, is surprisingly adept at noise control and color accuracy at base ISO.

On the other side, the Olympus E-M10 rocks a 16MP Four Thirds sensor (17.3 x 13mm), paired with the TruePic VII processor. The 2.0x crop factor of the Four Thirds sensor means you get a tighter field of view for telephoto applications but a trade-off in overall noise performance and resolution.

In controlled tests, Canon edges out Olympus in pure resolution and dynamic range, scoring a DxO Mark overall rating of 79 points versus Olympus’ 72. Canon's color depth (23.5 bits) and dynamic range (13.0 EV) also best the Olympus (22.8 bits and 12.3 EV, respectively). This means the Canon captures more detail in shadows and highlights - a boon for landscape photographers craving maximum tonal depth.

However, the Four Thirds sensor in the E-M10, while smaller, benefits from an excellent lens ecosystem - more on that shortly - that compensates via optical innovation. If you tend to prioritize portability and longer reach without hauling massive telephoto lenses, Olympus’ format offers a compelling proposition.

A Tale of Two Autofocus Systems

Many photographers underestimate the importance of autofocus (AF) performance until they’re on deadline for a once-in-a-lifetime shot chasing wildlife or athletes.

Canon's EOS M100 employs a hybrid AF setup combining phase and contrast detection with 49 focus points (all with touch-enabled AF). Olympus, true to its Micro Four Thirds heritage, uses contrast detection autofocus with 81 focus points but lacks phase detection.

So, how does that translate into real-world responsiveness?

The M100’s AF shines in tracking and face/eye detection, thanks to Canon’s highly tuned algorithms and phase detection pixels floating on the sensor. It locks focus quickly and maintains it well on moving subjects - especially useful in portraiture and street photography where flawless eye detection translates to pleasing skin tones and razor-sharp eyes.

Olympus' contrast-detect AF, although improved with TruePic VII, feels slightly slower and less reliable in continuous tracking, especially in lower light or fast action. That said, the E-M10 compensates with a faster burst shooting speed of 8 fps versus Canon’s 6.1 fps, which for certain sports or wildlife applications could make the difference.

Neither camera offers animal eye AF, so chasing unpredictable critters may require more manual finesse or third-party support.

Control Layout and Usability

Both bodies present interesting takes on handling, and here’s where personal preference plays a big role.

The Canon M100 keeps things simple: a minimalist top plate with a mode dial and shutter button, embracing touchscreen-only interactions for menus and focus selection - perfect for casual shooters or vloggers wanting fast operation without fuss.

Conversely, the Olympus E-M10 leans into classic DSLR-inspired ergonomics, with dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, and a viewfinder that lets you shoot in bright conditions without squinting at the rear screen. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is a significant plus for many photographers, offering 1440k dot resolution with 100% coverage and 0.58x magnification - an eye-level window that Canon’s M100 sadly lacks.

For those who depend on quick manual adjustments and prefer a traditional feel, the Olympus clearly wins here.

Display and Interface: Touch or Tilt?

Speaking of screens:

Both cameras sport a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen with nearly identical resolutions - Canon at 1040k dots and Olympus at 1037k. The M100’s touchscreen interface is impressively responsive and intuitive, facilitating quick focus point changes, menu browsing, and exposure control with finger swipes.

Olympus adds a TFT LCD with touchscreen functionality but lacks the user-friendliness of Canon's UI, which is designed for the casual shooter in mind. The E-M10’s menu system can feel a bit more complex but offers greater customization once you drill down.

For selfie aficionados, the M100’s “selfie-friendly” mode not only flips the screen outward but offers skin smoothing modes that can lull you into thinking your mornings could look that good every day. The Olympus, meanwhile, does not emphasize self-portrait usability, catering more to traditional photography.

Lens Ecosystems: The Grass is Greener on Olympus?

When considering a system purchase, lens availability and versatility can be dealmakers.

Canon’s EF-M mount is smaller and more limited by comparison, offering around 23 native lenses, most targeted at the entry to mid-level market. Canon fans will find some great primes and zooms for general use, but the system is relatively nascent.

Olympus, aligned with the Micro Four Thirds standard, enjoys a vast lens ecosystem of over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and others. This breadth means you can find everything from pancake primes to professional-grade telephotos and specialized macro optics.

Canon M100 front Canon M100 screen back Olympus E M10 front Olympus E M10 screen back

If you’re someone who likes to experiment with exotic or specialized lenses, the E-M10’s ecosystem offers far more playground options.

Image Stabilization: Steady Hands or Tech to the Rescue?

One place where Olympus traditionally shines is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-M10 incorporates a sensor-shift stabilization system that can compensate for up to 4 stops - crucial when shooting handheld in low light or macro situations.

Canon’s M100 oddly omits IBIS, relying solely on lens stabilization if available. This is a compromise in the entry-level APS-C mirrorless field, especially since competitors often include some form of IBIS.

For handheld night photography, macro, or video, Olympus’ stabilization is a clear benefit.

Video Shooting: Which Cinephile Gets the Better Deal?

Let’s talk video - because many photographers double as videographers these days.

Both cameras max out at 1080p Full HD, but Canon pushes slightly higher frame rates with 60p versus Olympus’ capped 30p. Canon records MP4 using H.264 with AAC audio, offering solid compression, while Olympus supports both H.264 and Motion JPEG - offering a bit more but at the cost of larger files with Motion JPEG.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional audio capture options. Neither offers 4K video or electronic stabilization during video, so action shooters will find their options somewhat limited.

Video enthusiasts prioritizing smooth handheld footage and 4K should consider newer models or alternatives, but for casual HD clips, both deliver serviceable video quality.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Travel Companion Considerations

Battery life is one of those “silent” factors that makes or breaks a camera’s usefulness on extended shoots or travel.

Surprisingly, Olympus’s E-M10 offers a slightly longer battery life rating - approximately 320 shots per charge compared to Canon’s 295 for the M100. In real-world shooting, this can translate to about a half-day extra shooting, assuming moderate use of the LCD or EVF.

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs (Canon LP-E12 and Olympus BLS-5) that are compact but not interchangeable. If you’re a traveler, consider the ease of sourcing spares.

Connectivity-wise, Canon edges out with built-in Bluetooth and NFC alongside Wi-Fi, facilitating quick sharing and remote control via smartphone. Olympus lacks Bluetooth and NFC but offers built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shooting. Depending on your smartphone ecosystem and workflow preferences, this may be a tiebreaker.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers weather-sealing, dustproofing, or ruggedized construction. Both are designed as entry-level, lightweight cameras aimed at casual or enthusiast use in fair conditions.

If you regularly shoot outdoors in challenging weather, you’ll want to consider alternative models with proper sealing.

Practical Real-World Testing Across Genres

Now for the juicy part - how do these cameras perform in the wild? Let’s break it down by photography genres with analysis based on my hands-on experience:

Portrait Photography

Canon M100’s larger sensor delivers better subject isolation and more pleasing background bokeh. Its eye detection AF was surprisingly reliable across skin tones and lighting conditions, locking onto eyes quickly and maintaining crisp focus even in group shots.

Olympus E-M10’s smaller sensor provides less background blur at equivalent focal lengths, which might be a disadvantage for portraitists seeking that creamy bokeh. However, Olympus’s stabilization helped stabilize handheld shots at slower apertures.

Landscape Photography

Here the Canon’s 24MP sensor shines, providing higher resolution files (6000x4000 vs 4608x3456) that hold up superbly in large prints or detailed crops.

Canon’s superior dynamic range (13 EV vs 12.3 EV) carved out extra detail in bright skies and shadowy foregrounds. Olympus offered good color but somewhat less tonal latitude.

Neither camera offers significant weather resistance, so plan accordingly.

Wildlife Photography

The Olympus E-M10’s 2x crop factor and faster 8 fps burst shooting make it tempting for wildlife shooters on a budget - particularly with the vast telephoto lens options afforded by Micro Four Thirds.

Canon’s autofocus is faster and more accurate for tracking quick movement but its 6.1 fps burst tempo may miss decisive moments.

Sports Photography

The Olympus E-M10 again outpaces Canon in frame rate but its slower contrast-detect autofocus system occasionally hunts in low light or indoor sports venues.

Canon’s hybrid AF tracked moving subjects more dependably, though at a slightly slower shooting speed.

Street Photography

Here, size and discretion matter. The Canon M100’s compact form, quiet shutter, and touchscreen operation made it the preferred choice for candid urban snapshots.

Olympus’s EVF is a bonus when shooting in daylight but adds bulk that may make it less convenient in street settings where subtlety is king.

Macro Photography

Stabilization is a boon for close-up shooting, so Olympus’s IBIS gives it a leg up in this category. However, Canon’s higher resolution and better low-light ISO performance produce cleaner, crisper macro images.

Night / Astro Photography

Canon’s larger sensor and higher dynamic range deliver cleaner, less noisy images at high ISO, critical for starfields and nightscapes.

Olympus’s stabilization aids long exposures handheld, but ultimately, lower sensor noise favors Canon in very dark conditions.

Video Capabilities

Canon supports 1080p @ 60fps, appealing for smooth motion capture. Olympus is limited to 30fps, but its ubiquitous lens compatibility allows creative choices.

Neither camera excels in audio or 4K video, so serious videographers will likely look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

Canon’s pocketability and selfie-friendly features help when roaming urban or tourist spots.

Olympus feels a little heavier but offers flexibility with extensive lenses and superior stabilization, key for mixed-light scenarios.

Professional Work

Neither camera was designed for professional-grade durability or extensive workflow integrations. However, Canon’s RAW support and slightly better image quality edge it forward for casual pro use.

Olympus’s superior manual controls and viewfinder appeal to users who want more tactile shooting control, though trade offs exist in sensor size.

Overall Scores and Genre-Specific Ratings

To visualize their varied strengths, here’s a breakdown based on expert testing benchmarks:

And more granularly by genre:

As expected, Canon leads in image quality, low light, and portrait work, while Olympus wins on stabilization, burst shooting, and lens variety.

Bottom Line: Which Camera Fits Your Style and Wallet?

Canon EOS M100 is an excellent pick for:

• Beginners or casual shooters who want simple, intuitive touchscreen control.
• Portrait and landscape photographers prioritizing image quality and resolution.
• Travelers wanting a pocketable, selfie-friendly device.
• Budget-conscious buyers (priced around $449) who want solid JPEG and RAW output without extra bulk.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 suits you if you:

• Desire more manual control and traditional ergonomics.
• Require excellent image stabilization for handheld and macro photography.
• Appreciate a high-res EVF and fast burst modes for action shots.
• Want access to a vast Micro Four Thirds lens lineup.
• Shoot sports or wildlife with telephoto lenses moderately.
• Don’t mind paying a bit more (around $600) for expanded versatility.

Final Thoughts From a Seasoned Tester

Both cameras are admirable entries in the mirrorless market and have stood the test of time thanks to their solid builds and reliable performance. But this comparison reminds me of the age-old photography decision: balance between sensor size vs. system versatility, simplicity vs. control, and pure image quality vs. practical usability.

If I were packing for a weekend urban adventure where discretion and ease rule, I’d grab the Canon M100. For a week-long trip chasing wildlife or landscapes, the Olympus E-M10’s versatility and stabilization would steal my vote.

Choosing between these two comes down to your photographic priorities and willingness to compromise. No wrong answers here - only the best camera you’ll carry and enjoy using.

Happy shooting!