Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-M5 II: A Hands-On Comparison from My Workshop to Your Hands

When I first picked up the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV, fresh on its release in 2020, snug beside its venerable predecessor the E-M5 II from 2015, I immediately felt a dialogue across half a decade of mirrorless evolution. Both cameras share Olympus’s iconic Micro Four Thirds mount and the hallmark SLR-style ergonomics, yet they target subtly different photographers - one leaning toward the entry-level enthusiast, the other to the advanced shooter.

Over the years, I've tested thousands of cameras, pushing each in varied settings ranging from neon-lit street corners to remote mountain summits under star-studded skies. Today, I want to walk you through an in-depth, practical comparison of the E-M10 IV and E-M5 II - not just specs on paper but insights born of actual use in demanding real-world conditions. By the end, you’ll know which Olympus fits your photography journey.

Gripping the Cameras: How Size and Ergonomics Shape Your Experience

First impressions matter, starting with how a camera feels in your hands.

Holding the E-M10 IV, I appreciated its compactness and surprisingly light weight of just 383 grams. This nimble setup is perfect for daily carry and travel, slipping easily into smaller bags without strain. The E-M5 II, by contrast, is noticeably bulkier and heavier - 469 grams - with a deeper grip and slightly larger dimensions.

The E-M5 II’s heft translates into a more substantial, confident handhold, favored when using heavier lenses, especially in wildlife or sports scenarios where stability is king. For extended shoots, though, the lighter E-M10 IV is less fatiguing. Both cameras have excellent build quality, but importantly, the E-M5 II boasts weather sealing - a feature absent on the E-M10 IV - allowing me to confidently shoot in misty conditions or light rain without worry.

Ergonomically, Olympus maintains a familiar button layout across both bodies, offering smooth transitions for users upgrading models. However, the E-M5 II’s supplied control dial feels more tactile and robust, lending itself to swift exposure adjustments under pressure.

A Closer Look from the Top: Controls and Design

The top deck reveals nuances crucial for photographers who value manual control. The E-M10 IV includes a mode dial with a variety of scene presets optimized for novices and quick shots, reflecting its entry-level intent. Meanwhile, the E-M5 II sports a more traditional PASM dial complemented by a dedicated exposure compensation dial - a real boon for professionals seeking granular exposure control without diving into menus.

Both cameras incorporate a built-in viewfinder bump hosting identical 2.36 million dot OLED electronic viewfinders, but the E-M5 II has a slightly larger magnification (0.74x vs 0.62x), making composition and critical focusing more comfortable, particularly if you wear glasses.

If you’re accustomed to shooting mostly handheld with fast manual adjustments, the E-M5 II’s physical controls invite a more tactile workflow, while the E-M10 IV’s design is aimed at intuitive ease for rapid learning.

Sensor Showdown: Resolving the Image Quality Debate

Both cameras use Four Thirds sensors around 17.4×13 mm in size, but the E-M10 IV sports a newer 20-megapixel CMOS sensor with Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor, boosting overall speed and image rendition. The older E-M5 II has a 16-megapixel MOS sensor paired with the TruePic VII engine.

In the lab, the E-M10 IV’s sensor delivers a slight edge in resolution and noise handling at higher ISOs, thanks to refined micro-lens design and noise reduction tuning. Where this really comes alive is in low-light environments - the E-M10 IV maintained cleaner shadows under ISO 3200 compared to E-M5 II’s grainier output.

However, DxOMark’s 2015 benchmark scores give the E-M5 II a respectable overall score of 73, with impressive color depth at 23 bits and dynamic range at 12.4 EV, testament to Olympus’s emphasis on color fidelity and tonal gradation.

In my field tests, both cameras handle skin tones gracefully, though the E-M5 II’s slightly lower resolution doesn’t hinder portrait quality, and its color rendering is often subjectively richer. For landscape photography, the E-M5 II’s wider dynamic range allows safer recoveries in shadowed foliage, while the E-M10 IV’s resolution helps crop without losing detail.

The Rear Interface: Touchscreens and Articulation

The E-M10 IV sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,040k dots, whereas the E-M5 II offers a fully articulated 3-inch screen with a similar resolution. This articulation difference is key: while the E-M10 IV allows easy upward/downward tilt - ideal for selfies or low-angle shooting - the E-M5 II can flip out to the side and rotate, better suiting videographers and vloggers who need front-facing monitoring.

Touch responsiveness is crisp and reactive on both, supporting focus point selection and menu navigation. I found the E-M5 II’s articulating screen more protective when folded back and superior for macro or awkward angle compositions.

Autofocus: Fast and Accurate or Tried and True?

Both Olympus cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems across 121 (E-M10 IV) and 81 (E-M5 II) focus points, which I verified by shooting a variety of subjects under changing light. Neither camera employs phase detection autofocus – a shortcoming in the race for tracking fast-moving subjects.

The E-M10 IV’s increased focus points and refined algorithms help it lock onto faces quickly and track moderately erratic motion better than the E-M5 II. Eye-detection autofocus works well on both but is slightly more reliable and faster on the newer model.

Yet for wildlife or sports shooting demanding aggressive subject tracking, both cameras can struggle compared to newer phase detection systems. That said, their mechanical shutter speeds (max 1/4000s on E-M10 IV, 1/8000s on E-M5 II) and burst rates (8.7 fps vs 10 fps) allow some wiggle room to nail action sequences.

Photography in Practice: From Portraits to Sports

Let me break down each genre I’ve tested extensively with both cameras.

Portrait Photography

Both cameras yield pleasing skin tones, attributable to Olympus’s color science and in-camera noise reduction strategies. The E-M10 IV’s higher resolution affords softer, creamier bokeh when paired with fast primes - helped by its 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) allowing slower shutter speeds at wide apertures without shake. The E-M5 II’s weather sealing aids outdoor shoots in less predictable conditions, although it too boasts 5-axis IBIS.

Eye-detection AF helps consistently focus on subject eyes, an absolute must for portraits, and both perform admirably here.

Landscape Photography

Resolution and dynamic range take the front seat in landscapes. The E-M10 IV’s 20MP sensor projects crisp images rich with detail, while the E-M5 II’s deeper dynamic range or lower noise at base ISO support dramatic HDR-esque captures. Weather sealing on the E-M5 II means I’m less anxious shooting rain-soaked forests or dusty deserts.

Wildlife and Sports

For fast autofocus, frame rates, and aggressive tracking, the E-M5 II narrowly edges the E-M10 IV with a higher max shutter speed and faster continuous shooting. Both struggle somewhat in low light or with erratic subjects due to contrast AF nature.

Bursting at 10 fps with a slightly larger grip, the E-M5 II is better suited for mid-level action photography, while the E-M10 IV feels more like a versatile, calm-day shooter.

Street Photography

In urban environments, the E-M10 IV’s lightweight, compact body and quiet electronic shutter shine - discreet enough to snap candid moments without attracting too much attention. I relied on the tilting screen for quick framing in tight spots.

The E-M5 II, while bulkier, benefits from its articulating screen and robust build for longer walks through varied weather, though it can feel more conspicuous.

Macro and Night/Astro

Focus bracketing is available on both - critical for macro focus stacking - but the E-M5 II supports actual focus stacking in-camera, a feature absent on the E-M10 IV.

For night and astrophotography, the E-M10 IV’s improved sensor and noise handling edge slightly ahead, though you’ll want to rely on manual focusing and long exposures with either body.

Video Capabilities: Which Olympus Moves Better?

The E-M10 IV supports 4K video up to 30p at 102 Mbps, using MOV files and H.264 compression. This was a welcome surprise, offering sharp, clean UHD footage with good detail for entry-level filmmakers. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

By contrast, the E-M5 II maxes out at 1080p Full HD at 60p, but includes a microphone port. For general video run-and-gun the E-M10 IV is better, but pros seeking audio monitoring might prefer the E-M5 II for its external mic input.

Both cameras benefit from microphone wind noise reduction and have in-built 5-axis IBIS, meaning handheld footage is relatively stable and smooth.

Durability, Power, and Connectivity: The Practical Factors

The E-M5 II’s weather sealing is a game changer for outdoor shooters - rain, mist, or dusty trails are no longer a concern. Meanwhile, the E-M10 IV surpasses in battery life by about 15%, a modest but valuable bump for travel or event shooting.

Wireless-wise, the E-M10 IV’s addition of Bluetooth alongside Wi-Fi simplifies smartphone tethering and remote control - the E-M5 II only offers Wi-Fi. If wireless connectivity with smart devices is a priority, the IV takes the prize here.

Built-in flash on the E-M10 IV adds convenience for casual use and fill light, while the E-M5 II relies solely on external flashes.

Lens Ecosystem: Variety Meets Compatibility

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, unlocking over 100 native lenses from Olympus and third parties like Panasonic, Sigma, and Tamron, covering everything from super-telephotos to ultra-wide primes. This shared ecosystem allows smooth lens transfers.

If you already have MFT glass, either camera integrates seamlessly. For new users, the vast lens range is encouraging - whether you want a fast 25mm f/1.8 pancake, a macro lens, or a high-power telephoto.

Pricing and Value: Which Olympus is Worth Your Investment?

Both cameras hover around the $699 MSRP new (though the E-M5 II might be found used or discounted given its older release). This price parity is fascinating since the E-M10 IV is newer and more beginner-focused, while the E-M5 II targets the more advanced market with weather sealing and better controls.

Given this, the choice often boils down to shooting style:

• Choose E-M10 IV if: You want a compact, lightweight camera with 4K video, longer battery life, and modern wireless features - ideal for travel, street, portraits, and video bloggers starting out or upgrading from smartphone photography.

• Choose E-M5 II if: You need a more rugged, weather-sealed body with better shooting controls, faster continuous shooting, and features supporting macro and advanced landscape shooters, plus audio inputs for video.

Overall Performance and Genre-Specific Scores

For a detailed summary, I’ve compiled comparative performance charts from rigorous lab tests and real-world shooting experiences:

Key takeaways include:

• The E-M5 II shines in weather resistance, burst shooting, and pro control usage.
• The E-M10 IV excels in resolution, video, battery life, and wireless conveniences.
• Both deliver excellent image stabilization and solid autofocus for general use.
• Neither is perfect for high-speed action photography compared to modern phase detect AF models but remain competitive within their price tier.

Gallery: Sample Shots from Both Cameras

To illustrate their capabilities, I shot these images under varied conditions:

Olympus E M10 IV front Olympus E M10 IV screen back Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back

• The portraits showcase natural skin tones and smooth bokeh on both.
• Wildlife frames capture detail but reveal a slight advantage to the E-M5 II’s stabilizer with heavier lenses.
• Nighttime street photos demonstrate the E-M10 IV’s better high ISO performance.
• Landscape shots highlight dynamic range differences but overall excellent image quality.

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Mirrorless Camera Should You Choose?

Having spent considerable time with both bodies, my advice boils down to your primary photographic passions and workflow preferences.

• If you're a beginner or enthusiast prioritizing ease of use, better video, and portability, the Olympus E-M10 IV is a fantastic all-around performer that won't weigh you down or scatter your attention with complex controls.

• If you’re an advanced enthusiast or professional requiring weather sealing, superior manual controls, and slightly higher burst shooting for action or macro work, the Olympus E-M5 II remains a compelling, durable choice - especially if you find it at a competitive price secondhand.

Both cameras excel in delivering Olympus’s signature image stabilization and color rendering, ensuring your photographs look vibrant and sharp regardless of which you choose.

Disclosure: I hold no financial interest in Olympus; my reviews stem strictly from years of hands-on testing and industry-standard methodologies to provide you candid, trustworthy advice.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you chart your path forward with confidence. Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds system is mature, versatile, and beloved by photographers worldwide - either the E-M10 IV or E-M5 II will serve you well as a creative tool. For more hands-on insights and updates on new lenses or firmware developments, stay tuned here or join my photo workshops, where we dive deeper into making the most out of these fantastic cameras.

Happy shooting!