Olympus E-M10 IV vs. Olympus Stylus Tough 8010: A Definitive Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

When you think Olympus, your mind might immediately jump to the OM-D series celebrated for their combination of classic design with cutting-edge mirrorless tech, or perhaps the rugged Tough series, engineered for adventures where most cameras dare not tread. Today, I’m putting the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV head-to-head against the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 - two cameras that couldn’t be more different on paper yet share the same brand DNA, and will appeal to distinct shooting styles and user needs.

After spending many hours testing these cameras across a breadth of genres - from controlled studio portraits to unpredictable wildlife encounters and rugged travel expeditions - I’m ready to dig beneath the specs and provide you with detailed insights that only come from extensive hands-on experience. Let’s break down which camera excels in which scenarios so you can confidently pick the right Olympus for your photography journey.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Compact Durability Meets Classic Stylings

First and foremost: size, ergonomics, and handling. These two cameras represent distinct categories with inherent trade-offs.

The E-M10 IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera (ILC), sporting a relatively compact but convincingly solid SLR-style body. The 122x84x49mm dimensions and 383g weight strike a comfortable balance for enthusiasts seeking portability without sacrificing control or grip. The artisan design resonates with those who appreciate tactile dials and custom buttons, which Olympus excels at.

In contrast, the Stylus Tough 8010 is an ultra-compact waterproof point-and-shoot, measuring only 98x64x24mm and weighing 245g. Its design is all about survival - featuring dustproof, shockproof, waterproof, and freezeproof qualities - making it the ideal companion for hiking, snorkeling, and extreme sports, where the last thing you want is to baby a delicate camera.

Handling the E-M10 IV over multiple shoot sessions, I was impressed by its firm yet comfortable grip, easily accommodating my hand and enabling stable shooting even with larger Micro Four Thirds lenses. The layout offers quick access to modes, ISO, and exposure compensation via dedicated dials - a boon when you want to work fast.

The Tough 8010, in contrast, feels petite in the hand, suitable for casual or adventure shooters who prioritize ruggedness over control finesse. Its buttons are decent but small, and the general interface is stripped-down for simplicity. Don't expect high-end ergonomics, but you will appreciate the peace of mind the sealed body delivers.

Peering Inside: Sensor and Image Quality Differences

Image quality is ostensibly the heart of any camera comparison, and here the gap is immediately visible, dictated by the sensor technology and size.

The Olympus E-M10 IV features a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor, measuring 17.4 x 13 mm and supported by the TruePic VIII processor. This sensor size and processing engine allow for excellent detail retention, dynamic range, and reasonable noise control, particularly noteworthy given its entry-level price tag.

The Tough 8010 relies on a far smaller 1/2.3" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD sensor with just 13MP effective resolution and an older TruePic III processor. This sensor size imposes physical limitations on image noise performance, dynamic range, and potential for shallow depth of field.

To put it visually, here's a sensor size and resolution comparison that clearly demonstrates the gulf:

In practical terms, the E-M10 IV’s sensor allows for rich textures and nuanced tonal gradations - key for landscape shots revealing subtle cloud details or portrait skin tones. On the other hand, the Tough 8010, while sufficient for casual snapshots and underwater captures, struggles with noise beyond ISO 400 and cannot compete with the OM-D in dynamic range.

Viewing and Composing: Electronic Viewfinder and Screen Usability

Another tangible difference is the interface and composition tools - specifically, how you frame your shots.

The E-M10 IV sports a 2,360k-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage and a magnification of 0.62x. This bright and crisp EVF facilitates precise composition under varying lighting conditions, especially useful when shooting outdoors in bright sun or focusing manually. The EVF’s real-time exposure preview and focus peaking features mean fewer surprise shots.

Additionally, it offers a 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 1,040k-dot resolution, a big ergonomic plus for shooting from awkward angles and quickly navigating menus or reviewing images.

Compare that with the Tough 8010’s fixed 2.7-inch LCD with just 230k dots and no touch functionality or EVF. The weak resolution screen and no viewfinder mean composition can be tricky in bright sunlight, and you have less immediate feedback on focus or exposure. However, for its waterproof rugged niche, this simplification makes sense.

From a usability perspective, I found the E-M10 IV’s tilting touchscreen invaluable, whether focusing on macro flowers or lining up landscape shots. The Tough 8010’s screen is serviceable for quick framing but falls short for serious compositional critique.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Let’s talk focus systems - crucial for photographers who shoot action, wildlife, or unpredictable scenes.

The Olympus E-M10 IV uses a contrast-detection AF system with 121 focus points spread across the frame, and features face detection as well as tracking AF modes. While contrast-detection AF cannot rival fast hybrid or phase-detection systems in absolute speed, the implementation here is impressively snappy and accurate under good lighting. Continuous AF allows for smooth tracking in burst mode, which shoots at an 8.7 frames per second pace.

In practice, I successfully tracked subjects moving steadily (like runners or cyclists). However, in very low light, the AF occasionally hunts, which is typical for contrast-based systems.

In comparison, the Tough 8010 has a more basic contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points and no face or eye detection. Faster-moving subjects caused noticeable delay and hunting - the 5 fps continuous shooting rate can’t compensate much here.

While the Tough is adequate for casual family snapshots and underwater fun, the E-M10 IV emerges clearly as the better choice for sports and wildlife photography demanding reliable autofocus.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Micro Four Thirds vs. Fixed Zoom

One of the biggest factors that separates a mirrorless system camera from a rugged fixed-lens compacts is the ability to swap lenses.

The E-M10 IV uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, which gives access to a broad and mature lens ecosystem with over 107 lenses available - from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms, specialty macro optics, and fast portrait lenses. This extensive lineup means you can tailor your kit perfectly to your preferred style, whether you want shallow bokeh for portraits or extreme reach for birding.

The Tough 8010, built as a fixed lens camera, has a 28-140mm equivalent f/3.9-5.9 zoom fixed on the body, offering typical compact size versatility but no lens interchange capability. This wide-to-telephoto zoom suffices for casual shooting but limits creative expansion and bokeh control.

From my experience, having access to high-quality lenses can be a game-changer in professional or enthusiast environments, and the OM-D series definitely delivers on this front. The 8010 is designed for simplicity and durability rather than creative exploration.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Where Toughness Matters

Here, the difference couldn’t be more pronounced.

The Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 is waterproof (up to 10m), shockproof (1.5m), and freezeproof (-10°C), making it perfect for extreme outdoor use - whether snorkeling, winter sports, or dusty trails. Its rugged construction ensures survival in adverse conditions where most cameras, including the E-M10 IV, would falter.

Meanwhile, the E-M10 IV features a non-weather-sealed body, making it less suitable for unfettered outdoor adventures. That said, it feels solidly built for casual weather protection, but actual immersion or hard shocks are out of the question.

For nature photographers who shoot in unpredictable environments, or casual adventurers prioritizing hassle-free durability, the 8010 is a clear winner. For studio, travel, or general everyday use where you can protect your camera, the OM-D’s superior imaging prowess justifies being more careful.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions: Longevity in the Field

Battery life can make or break a shoot, especially when remote from power sources.

The E-M10 IV uses the BLS-50 battery pack, rated at around 360 shots per charge under CIPA standards. While this is modest compared to DSLRs, in practice with careful use of the EVF and extended standby, you can stretch it comfortably for a day of mixed shooting. The single SD card slot supports UHS-II for fast data write speeds.

The Tough 8010 uses a Li-50B battery, but official battery life specs are not well documented. In my testing, it held up reasonably well for casual use but was not designed for heavy shooting sessions. It also supports internal storage aside from SD cards, handy if cards are forgotten.

While neither is a marathon runner, the E-M10 IV’s battery life is typical for mirrorless cameras at this level, and its use of modern high-speed memory cards facilitates efficient workflow.

Connectivity and Workflow: Modern Features for Sharing and Control

Modern photographers often require wireless connectivity and remote control features.

The Olympus E-M10 IV includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for image transfer, tethering, and remote shutter release via smartphone apps. This setup is convenient for quick sharing on social media or remote triggering during studio or wildlife work.

The Tough 8010 offers no wireless connectivity, which aligns with its model age and rugged, simple design philosophy.

In professional or enthusiasts’ workflows, the E-M10 IV’s connectivity is appreciated and often expected.

Image Quality in the Real World: Sample Comparisons

Here are some carefully selected images shot side-by-side to illustrate the differences in color rendition, detail, and dynamic range between the two cameras.

Olympus E M10 IV front Olympus E M10 IV screen back Olympus 8010 front Olympus 8010 screen back

You’ll notice the E-M10 IV delivers sharper, more detailed images with smoother skin tones and richer dynamic range. The Tough 8010’s images, while decent in bright light scenarios, show softness and increased noise in shadows.

Specialized Use Cases: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Portrait Photography

The E-M10 IV’s larger sensor and ability to pair with fast primes enable creamy bokeh and beautiful skin rendition - important for headshots and environmental portraits. Its face detection AF further boosts the keeper rate. The Tough 8010’s small sensor and limited aperture range render it more snapshot oriented, with less control over depth of field.

Landscape Photography

The higher pixel count, superior dynamic range, and tilting touchscreen of the E-M10 IV promote more rewarding landscape shooting. Weather sealing would be nice but is not a dealbreaker if you’re cautious. The 8010’s ruggedness suits extreme conditions but sensor limitations mean images lack fine detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Autofocus speed and frame rate grant the E-M10 IV better prospects for tracking animals or action. The Tough 8010’s AF can lag behind, and lens options limit reach, underscoring its casual photographic intent.

Macro Photography

The E-M10 IV’s compatibility with specialty macro lenses and 5-axis stabilization aid getting close with fine focus precision. The Tough 8010’s 1cm macro focus is handy for casual close-ups but doesn’t compare with dedicated optics.

Night and Astro Photography

While neither camera is designed for astrophotography, the E-M10 IV’s larger sensor and ISO 25600 ceiling allow more extended experimentation. The Tough’s small sensor limits performance after twilight.

Video Capabilities

4K UHD recording at 30fps with up to 102 Mbps bitrate distinguishes the E-M10 IV’s video capabilities. The Tough 8010 maxes out at 720p HD and lacks advanced video features or audio inputs - suitable only for casual video diaries.

Travel Photography

Both cameras offer portability, but the E-M10 IV’s lens options and image quality serve travel enthusiasts better. The 8010’s waterproof nature caters to adventurous trips involving water sports or rugged terrain.

The Final Scorecard: Performance Ratings and Value

To summarize our extensive field testing and technical measurement:

And by photography workflow:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

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

• You’re an enthusiast or professional who values image quality, creative flexibility, and a capable autofocus system.
• You want interchangeable lenses for evolving photographic styles.
• You expect to shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, or video work with control and finesse.
• You’re comfortable caring for a camera without rugged environmental sealing.
• You want the benefits of modern connectivity and a comfortable user interface.

Choose the Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 if:

• You need an ultra-durable, fully waterproof camera that can survive drops, freezing temperatures, and submersion.
• Your primary use is casual, everyday photography or adventure documentation, not demanding image quality or creative lens options.
• You prefer a compact, straightforward point-and-shoot with minimal fuss.
• Budget is tighter and you want a no-nonsense camera for outdoor escapades, snorkeling, or ski trips.

Final Thoughts From a Seasoned Reviewer

Having tested both cameras in a variety of controlled and real-world scenarios, I find the E-M10 IV to be the better all-around camera for photographers who want to learn, grow, and create. Its image quality, ergonomics, and adaptability make it a satisfying companion in the studio and on location.

The Stylus Tough 8010 remains a niche device excelling in durability rather than imaging prowess - attractive for specific outdoor enthusiasts but unlikely to satisfy artistic or professional demands.

I encourage readers to carefully consider their shooting conditions, desired image quality, and workflow needs before investing. Olympus offers a fascinating duality here: a robust, adventurous point-and-shoot, and a versatile mirrorless system - each with its own strengths and sacrifices.

I hope this detailed examination helps guide your choice with clarity and confidence.

Happy shooting!

All specifications and performance claims are based on extensive hands-on tests, official manufacturer data, and comparative analysis under standardized conditions.