Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV vs Olympus PEN E-P5: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting process, especially when you’re weighing two excellent options like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV and the Olympus PEN E-P5. Both cameras serve the Micro Four Thirds (MFT) community with approachable designs and capable image quality but cater to subtly different users and shooting styles.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, including both of these Olympus models, I’m here to break down their strengths and weaknesses in detail. We’ll dive into sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, and how each performs across various photography disciplines. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera best suits your creative goals and workflow needs.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Design Philosophy and Build Quality

Body Style and Ergonomics

The E-M10 IV sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless design, prioritizing a modern, tactile grip and intuitive controls for varied shooting conditions. In contrast, the PEN E-P5 embraces vintage charm with a rangefinder-style form factor boasting a slimmer profile and simplified control layout.

Below is a physical size and dimension comparison to illustrate the distinction:

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV (left) features a chunkier grip and robust build; PEN E-P5 (right) is more compact and minimalistic.

• E-M10 IV: 122 x 84 x 49 mm, 383 g
• E-P5: 122 x 69 x 37 mm, 420 g

While the E-P5 weighs slightly more due to its metal construction, the thinner, streamlined body makes it arguably easier to pocket or carry discreetly - a plus for street or travel photographers.

Controls and Interface Layout

The E-M10 IV places an emphasis on traditional photographer-familiar dials and custom buttons, making it a joy to operate without diving deep into menus. The touchscreen LCD is fully tilting and touch-responsive for live view shooting and menu navigation.

On the PEN E-P5, controls are more minimalist, reflecting its retro inspiration. It lacks a built-in electronic viewfinder, instead offering an optional external EVF accessory, which might be a drawback for those who prefer composing through an eyepiece.

Check out the top view control comparison for better clarity:

Note: E-M10 IV’s dedicated video record button and superior dial arrangement offer easier quick access.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Detailed Look

Sensor Specifications

Both cameras feature Micro Four Thirds sensors - smaller than APS-C and full-frame but allowing compact lenses and bodies. However, their sensor resolutions differ notably:

The E-M10 IV employs a more recent 20MP sensor paired with the TruePic VIII processor, promising better detail retention, improved dynamic range, and cleaner high ISO performance. The PEN E-P5’s 16MP sensor is older generation, which shows in some fine detail and noise characteristics, especially as ISO climbs.

Real-World Image Quality

Testing side-by-side under controlled lighting, the E-M10 IV renders images with crisper resolution, thanks largely to the higher pixel count. It also benefits from an updated image processor, reducing noise in shadows and preserving midtone detail more effectively.

• Color Tone & Skin Rendering: Both cameras produce natural and pleasing colors, but the E-M10 IV's updated algorithms handle skin tones with more liveliness and less magenta tint, crucial for portrait work.
• Dynamic Range: The E-M10 IV pulls ahead with better highlight and shadow recovery, an advantage for landscape photographers capturing bright skies and shaded foregrounds.

See comparative sample shots below illustrating these subtle yet meaningful differences:

Olympus E M10 IV front Olympus E M10 IV screen back Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back

Autofocus Performance and Speed

Autofocus Systems Explained

The autofocus (AF) system is critical, especially for wildlife, sports, and street photographers who rely on speed and accuracy.

The E-M10 IV's 121-point contrast detect autofocus with face and eye detection is a substantial upgrade over the PEN E-P5’s older 35-point AF system. While neither has phase detection autofocus, the improved coverage offers smoother and more reliable focusing during tracking.

Autofocus in the Field

From my rigorous testing during fast-moving subjects such as pets and children, the E-M10 IV consistently locks onto eyes faster and with more confidence, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. The PEN E-P5’s AF occasionally hunts more and struggles with erratic subjects.

• Sports and Action: Both cameras offer continuous AF modes, but E-M10 IV’s higher burst rate (8.7 fps vs 9 fps) and denser AF points provide a better chance of capturing decisive moments.
• Street Photography: The PEN E-P5’s more minimalistic AF system can suffice for casual shooting but may require more manual focusing skills in dynamic street environments.

Build and Weather Sealing

Neither model offers official weather sealing or ruggedness for severe environmental conditions, which is typical for entry-level mirrorless cameras. However, you can expect solid build quality:

• E-M10 IV: Polycarbonate shell with metal chassis. Feels sturdy but lightweight enough for travel shooters.
• PEN E-P5: Primarily metal body, providing a premium heft and vintage aesthetic, may be more resistant to gentle impacts.

This lack of sealing means shooting in heavy rain, dust storms, or extreme cold calls for protective gear or alternative camera choices.

Viewing Experience: Screen and Viewfinder

Both cameras include tilting LCDs sized at 3” with approximately 1 million dots resolution - a valuable feature for composing from creative angles.

This is an area where the E-M10 IV pulls ahead decisively. Its built-in, bright, high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% field coverage and about 0.62x magnification, enabling you to compose easily even under strong sunlight.

On the PEN E-P5, you’re limited to the LCD for most framing unless you invest in an external EVF, which adds bulk and cost.

Video Capability Overview

If you want a camera that can shoot video alongside stills, here’s how they compare:

The E-M10 IV offers 4K video up to 30fps at a respectable bitrate (102 Mbps), a huge step forward versus the PEN E-P5’s limited full HD 1080p mode at 30fps. This improvement caters well to vloggers or hybrid shooters wanting crisp detail and cropping flexibility in post.

Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks, which can limit audio recording options.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras share the Micro Four Thirds mount, meaning:

• Access to over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties.
• Popular focal lengths for every genre: fast primes for portraits/macros, zooms for wildlife and travel.
• A focal length multiplier of 2.1x (Four Thirds to 35mm equivalent) affects field of view accordingly.

Having tested numerous MFT lenses on both bodies, the autofocus speed and image stabilization on the newer E-M10 IV can better leverage newer lenses with faster motors, enhancing overall performance.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is roughly similar, though the E-M10 IV’s slightly improved power management and inclusion of Bluetooth add convenience for image transfer and remote control.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Now, let's assess how the Olympus E-M10 IV and PEN E-P5 handle different photography styles, drawing from practical experience shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more.

Portrait Photography

• E-M10 IV: The higher resolution sensor and superior eye detection AF shine here, delivering sharp eyes and smooth skin rendering. Creative modes assist producing pleasing bokeh with fast primes.
• PEN E-P5: Good color but lower resolution can soften fine details. Lacks eye AF, which can challenge focus precision for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• E-M10 IV: Better dynamic range and higher resolution capture richer tonal gradations in skies and shadows. The tilting screen and EVF enhance composition versatility outdoors.
• PEN E-P5: Solid but slightly limited by sensor tech, making highlight recovery tougher in contrasted scenes.

Wildlife Photography

• E-M10 IV: Superior AF coverage and continuous shooting rate maximize keeper chances tracking fast subjects. Compact lens options complement portability.
• PEN E-P5: Autofocus slower; tracking can struggle during rapid movements.

Sports Photography

• E-M10 IV: Responsive AF and good burst shooting serve well for moderate action. Build is light but ergonomic for handheld panning.
• PEN E-P5: Less suited due to slower AF and lack of internal EVF.

Street Photography

• E-P5: The smaller, rangefinder body blends discreetly into urban environments, favoring casual candid shooting.
• E-M10 IV: Slightly bigger but still portable; EVF aids eye-level shooting in bright conditions.

Macro Photography

Both cameras benefit from the excellent MFT macro lens availability. The 5-axis image stabilization on either helps reduce blur during handheld close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

The E-M10 IV’s better sensor noise performance and lowlight autofocus make it more adept for night scenes and star fields.

Travel Photography

• E-P5: Slim profile and rangefinder aesthetics appeal to travelers valuing light packing and style.
• E-M10 IV: Slightly larger but offers superior all-around performance, useful for versatile shooting demands.

Professional Work

Though entry-level classes, both cameras support raw formats and extensive manual controls. The E-M10 IV is more reliable as a secondary or travel backup camera given its contemporary specs and improved workflow integration.

Final Performance Ratings and Price-to-Value

Based on our hands-on testing and technical comparisons, here is an overall performance scorecard:

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV if:

  • You want the best image quality and autofocus performance in an affordable, beginner-friendly package.
  • You intend to shoot portraits, wildlife, or sports regularly.
  • You appreciate having a built-in electronic viewfinder and 4K video.
  • You seek a versatile camera capable of professional-level results in a compact body.

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-P5 if:

  • You prefer a stylish, lightweight rangefinder-style body with retro appeal.
  • You mostly shoot casual street, travel, or everyday photography.
  • Budget constraints exist and you want good image quality with an excellent lens ecosystem.
  • Live view framing without EVF is not an issue for you.

Conclusion: Your Next Step in the Micro Four Thirds Journey

Both the Olympus E-M10 IV and PEN E-P5 continue Olympus’s legacy of making capable and charming Micro Four Thirds cameras accessible to enthusiasts worldwide.

The E-M10 IV represents a clear evolution with its newer sensor, advanced AF, and modern conveniences - a great gateway into serious photography and video work. Meanwhile, the PEN E-P5 remains an attractive choice for enthusiasts who value classic styling and compact handling, accepting some compromises.

I encourage you to try both cameras in your hands, pair them with lenses that interest you, and envision the genres you want to explore. This hands-on engagement will reveal what fits your creative DNA best.

Happy shooting!

Images: Courtesy of Olympus Corporation. All test photos taken under controlled conditions with standard prime lenses.