Olympus E-M10 IV vs Sony Cyber-shot W810: An Honest, Hands-On Camera Showdown

Choosing a camera can feel like navigating a jungle full of jargon, marketing hype, and specs that don’t quite translate to everyday use. Having tested thousands of cameras over the years - from rugged pro bodies to cheapskate point-and-shoots - I'm here to give you a straightforward, practical comparison between two very different cameras at different ends of the spectrum: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV mirrorless and the Sony Cyber-shot W810 compact. Both boast 20MP sensors but cater to very different photographers and budgets.

In this comprehensive article, I'll walk you through everything - from sensor tech and autofocus performance to ergonomics and genre-specific suitability - so you can decide which one truly earns your hard-earned cash. Let's dive in.

Setting the Stage: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

Before we get lost in specs, context is king. The Olympus E-M10 IV is a mid-2020 entry-level mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras. Featuring a Micro Four Thirds system sensor, rich manual controls, and an extensive lens ecosystem, it promises creative flexibility for under $700.

On the other side, the Sony W810 is an ultracompact fixed-lens camera released way back in 2014 for about $100 street price. It’s ultra-light, simple, and designed for pure point-and-shoot ease without fussing over settings. Think casual shooters or someone who wants something pocketable and cheap.

These two barely begin to sit in the same playground technologically or functionally, but comparing them highlights where camera tech and user demands have evolved. And maybe you want to understand whether dropping $700 buys you a lot more than $100 or not.

Above, you can see the Olympus E-M10 IV next to the tiny Sony W810. The size difference screams functionality: clubs for your thumbs vs. a compact you can shove in a coat pocket.

Design, Build, and Ergonomics: Feel the Camera Not Just See It

Ergonomics matter. I can’t overstate how much a well-thought-out camera body reduces frustration and speeds up shooting.

Olympus E-M10 IV

This camera is SLR-style mirrorless with classic Olympus styling - a nice balance of retro charm and modern usability. The dimensions (122x84x49 mm) and weight (383g) put it comfortably in the lightweight but substantial category.

The textured grip is large enough for firm one-handed use, and button layout is thoughtfully placed for quick access. No illuminated buttons, but the controls feel tactile and responsive. The top view layout makes sense in a hurry - shutter, drive modes, exposure compensation, and on/off switch all within easy reach.

The 3” tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,040K-dots is bright and responsive, plus there’s an electronic viewfinder (EVF) missing in many cheaper cameras. That EVF, sporting 2,360 dots and 100% coverage, is critical for framing in bright light.

Sony W810

This little guy is tiny: 97x56x21 mm and a feather-light 111g. It’s designed for grab-and-go simplicity, but that comes with trade-offs. The fixed 2.7” LCD is small and low resolution (230K dots), not touchscreen, and there’s no EVF. Handling is minimal - no dedicated control dials or clutch focus rings - and the plastic build feels fragile compared to Olympus’ metal-framed body.

If you want a straightforward little camera for snapshots, the W810 is helpful; but any form of serious photography will quickly show its ergonomic limitations.

Above, observe the Olympus’ cluttered but functional control real estate versus the Sony’s spartan top. It’s all about user intent here.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Sensor tech drives image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance, especially at higher ISO sensitivities.

• Olympus E-M10 IV sensor: 20MP Four Thirds CMOS (17.4x13mm). Sensor area ~226 mm².
• Sony W810 sensor: 20MP 1/2.3" CCD (6.17x4.55 mm). Sensor area ~28 mm².

The Olympus sensor is roughly eight times larger in surface area than the W810’s, which directly translates into superior light-gathering ability, dynamic range, and noise control. Larger pixels capture more photons, which improves performance, especially in dim light.

The W810’s CCD sensor is quite dated by today’s standards (2014 tech) and smaller, meaning it’s more prone to noise, limited dynamic range, and less color depth.

In side-by-side tests under identical controlled conditions, the Olympus consistently delivers cleaner images with richer tonal gradations and better shadow recovery. The Sony’s images show more grain at ISO 800 and above, and its max native ISO is 3200 compared to Olympus’ 25600 - though realistically, Olympus’ high ISO usability is miles ahead.

Autofocus and Speed: How Fast Do You Need to Shoot?

Autofocus (AF) technology can make or break your experience, from fast-moving sports to precise macro.

• Olympus: 121 contrast-detection AF points, face detection, continuous AF, and touch-to-focus. Its TruePic VIII processor speeds calculations for reliable tracking.
• Sony: Unknown number of AF points, single autofocus only, contrast detection. No continuous AF or manual focus.

The Olympus’s Live View AF system is a big step up - it supports continuous AF tracking and touch AF, enabling quick and confident focusing, especially for portraiture and wildlife. While it lacks phase-detection pixels on sensor (common in higher-end cameras), the contrast-detect 121-point system is fast and accurate in most lighting.

Sony’s W810 is sluggish, with a single AF point and no manual focus. It hunts in low light and is not made for sports or wildlife photography.

Shooting speed highlights this contrast: Olympus maxes at about 8.7 frames per second (fps) in continuous burst mode; the W810 barely manages one shot per second. This means Olympus can confidently capture action or birds in flight, whereas Sony is limited to very slow-paced shooting.

Viewfinder and LCD: Framing Your Shot

The Olympus E-M10 IV offers both a crisp 2.36 million dot EVF and a tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.04 million dots - a rare combo in this price bracket. This lets you compose in bright sunlight (EVF), shoot at odd angles (tilt LCD), and control focus via touch.

The Sony W810 relies solely on its fixed Clear Photo LCD, which struggles outdoors and offers no touch controls or EVF.

LCD usability is essential - especially for travel and street shooters who want quick framing. Olympus’s screen is significantly more usable, bright, detailed, and versatile.

Lens Systems and Expandability: Growing Your Gear

This is where Olympus truly shines for enthusiasts and pros.

• Olympus: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, unlocking access to a massive ecosystem - over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto, primes, and zooms with wide apertures.
• Sony W810: Fixed 27-162 mm equivalent zoom, aperture F3.5-6.5, no interchangeable lenses.

The Olympus’s versatility is staggering; you can build a kit for portraits, macro, wildlife, landscapes, or videography. The W810 locks you into one mediocre zoom, limiting creativity.

For instance, Olympus’s compatibility with sharp fast primes brings creamy bokeh and excellent low-light performance, crucial for portraits and artistic shots - something the W810 simply can’t match.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Every Day Usability

• Olympus E-M10 IV: Uses a BLS-50 battery rated for ~360 shots. Supports UHS-II SD cards with one card slot. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow wireless image transfer and remote camera operation. USB 2.0 and HDMI output provided.
• Sony W810: Smaller NP-BN battery with ~200 shots per charge. Supports Memory Stick Duo and microSD cards through a single slot. No wireless connectivity or HDMI out.

Battery life on Olympus is decent for a mirrorless but not spectacular; carrying a spare is recommended for day-long outings. Compared to the Sony, it nearly doubles the shots per charge and vastly improves workflow possibilities through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Physical Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged build. Olympus is well-built with metal accents and better durability. Sony is plastic, fragile, and best kept away from rough conditions.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Matter

• Olympus E-M10 IV: Supports UHD 4K video at 24/25/30p with decent bitrate (~100 Mbps), plus full HD 60p. Outputs in MOV H.264 with linear PCM audio. No mic or headphone jacks.
• Sony W810: HD 720p at 30 fps max, no external audio options, basic H.264.

While Olympus lacks audio ports for professional sound recording, the video quality and frame rate choice are lightyears ahead of the W810’s basic offering. For vloggers, travel shooters, or content creators, Olympus presents many more creative options.

Real-World Use Cases: Which Camera Shines Where?

Portrait Photography

• Olympus: Superior skin tone rendition thanks to a modern CMOS sensor and TruePic VIII processor. Large lens choice allows fast primes producing beautiful bokeh. Eye Detection AF helps nail sharp portraits. Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization keeps shots steady in lower light.
• Sony: Flatter images with lower dynamic range. No selective focusing aids; background blur limited by fixed moderate-aperture lens.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus: 20MP resolution with clean files, great dynamic range, and weather-sealed lens choices (if you invest). Tilting LCD helps practice creative framing.
• Sony: Limited scope due to fixed lens and cramped controls, lack of weather sealing means cautious use outdoors.

Wildlife and Sports

• Olympus: Fast autofocus, 8.7 fps burst, telephoto lenses possible with modest reach due to 2.1x crop factor. IBIS helps with handheld shots.
• Sony: Slow autofocus, 1 fps burst, no telephoto zoom means hard to get satisfying shots of distant subjects.

Street Photography

• Olympus: Small body but somewhat bulky compared to true compacts; silent shutter minimizes disruption, tilting screen aids candid angles.
• Sony: Pocketable, discreet, lightweight, but primitive controls and noisy shutter limit candid success.

Macro Photography

• Olympus: Lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro primes, plus 5-axis stabilization and focus bracketing available.
• Sony: No macro abilities beyond close focus of fixed lens.

Night/Astro Photography

• Olympus: Larger sensor, higher native ISO, and manual controls yield better night shots. Exposure bracketing ideal for HDR astro shots.
• Sony: CCD sensor noisy at high ISO, poor detail in dim scenes.

Video Creation

• Olympus: 4K video with decent settings, image stabilization, and a logical touchscreen interface make it a lightweight hybrid.
• Sony: 720p video only, no external audio connectivity limits creative video use.

Travel Photography

• Olympus: Moderate size, good battery life, lens flexibility makes it a strong single-kit camera for versatile travel needs.
• Sony: Ultra-portable and simple, good as a budget backup or quick snaps device.

Professional Use

• Olympus: RAW capture, tethering capability, creative control modes support professional workflows.
• Sony: JPEG only, minimal controls, limited output options - not suitable for professional demands.

Olympus E M10 IV front Olympus E M10 IV screen back Sony W810 front Sony W810 screen back

Above, I’ve included sample images illustrating real-world differences in color accuracy, noise, and detail preservation between the two cameras. Olympus’s images reveal richer colors and finer detail, while Sony’s appear more washed-out with visible noise.

Price and Value: What Does Your Money Buy?

At $699 for the Olympus E-M10 IV and about $100 for the Sony W810, you’re comparing drastically different investments. The question isn’t just what you get, but rather what your photography goals are.

• Olympus: Offers a solid entry into mirrorless systems with impressive image quality, vast lens options, and hybrid photo/video features. It’s a great all-around first or second camera for enthusiasts.
• Sony: Ultra-budget-friendly snapshot machine that excels for casual point-and-shoot users or as a backup camera with very basic expectations.

Performance Scorecards: Objective Meets Subjective

To sum it up neatly, here are overall and genre-specific ratings based on my hands-on testing and technical measurements.

The Olympus dominates on every front except portability and price. The Sony only shines in lightweight convenience and affordability.

The Final Word: Who Should Buy Which?

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

• You want to learn photography with room to grow.
• You desire crisp images with high dynamic range.
• You shoot diverse genres: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, video.
• You want full manual controls, RAW capture, and lens flexibility.
• You’re ready to invest in lenses and accessories over time.

Buy the Sony Cyber-shot W810 if:

• You need a tiny, inexpensive snapshooter for casual use.
• You want a camera you can hand to kids or non-techy family.
• You don’t care about manual controls or image quality beyond casual prints.
• Portability trumps all other considerations.
• Your budget is under or around $100.

Parting Advice from a Camera Gear Veteran

Having handled both cameras extensively, I hope this comparison clears the fog. The Olympus E-M10 IV is a gateway to serious photography with features and image quality to satisfy pros and enthusiasts alike. The Sony W810, while affordable and pocketable, serves a narrower purpose: casual snapshots without creative ambition.

If your passion is sparked by making compelling images, investing in the Olympus system or any modern mirrorless option is well worth it. If you just want to capture memories without hassle, the Sony provides a no-brainer solution.

Remember, a camera is a craft tool. How often, where, and what you shoot shapes your choice far more than specs alone. I encourage you to hold both cameras in hand if you can, test their interface, and imagine yourself using them daily - that’s the real litmus test.

Safe shooting, and may your image-making adventures be ever rewarding.

Appendix: Quick Pros & Cons

Hope this in-depth comparison helps you choose the best camera companion for your creative journey! If you’re looking for more recommendations or have any questions about this matchup or others, drop me a line anytime.