Olympus E-M10 IV, a new introductory model of OM-D that retains the original intention of photography, hands-on play

As the flagship E-M1 and mainstream E-M5 models of the Olympus OM-D series have been successively updated to new generation models, they have finally switched to the consumer-friendly E-M10, a new generation model. , the new generation E-M10 IV has been more than three years away from the previous generation E-M10 III. It inherits the concept of compactness and simple operation. While retaining the retro style, it also upgrades the photosensitive element and operation feel. Next, we will focus on this new generation. Introducing the little OM-D of the generation.

▲Flip-down screen

▲*** mode like the E-PL series

E-M10 IV inherits the overall design of E-M10 III , the warship part with the built-in flash is obviously wider and fatter than the E-M1 III and E-M5 III. The top maintains the shape of a decorative plate. The retro-designed lever switch design on the left side has a The right turntable with height difference and the flip screen still adopt the downward flip design, but the same *** interface function as E-PL is added, which is consistent with the design of the predecessor.

▲Battery and memory card

But one thing that is more important is that the E-M10 IV also follows the good news and adds in-body USB charging, although it is a pity. It still has a microUSB interface, and it cannot be used while charging like the E-M1 III, but at least it can reduce the need to carry a charger when going out, or if it is temporarily out of power, you can use a mobile power supply to temporarily replenish power; however, because it is changed to a microUSB body for charging, This time the box no longer provides a battery charger, but a USB charger with a transmission cable.

▲The lower half of the grip still protrudes

However, Olympus does not directly use the appearance and mechanical components of the E-M10 III. It has redesigned the operational feel and replaced the grip and As for the thumb resting area at the rear of the fuselage, you can see that the E-M10 IV's grip protrudes outward at the lower half, which is larger than the E-M1 III's grip. The thumb resting area at the rear has a fairly large angle. Extending outward, it is even larger than the design of the E-M5 III.

▲The middle finger can be clasped on the handle

▲The thumb area extends further outward than the E-M10?III

In terms of pure operating feel, E- When holding the M10 IV, the middle finger and ring finger can use the protruding step of the handle to create a more stable grip, and the thumb can also be clasped by the extended design of the protrusion. Based on the author's personal operating experience, the single-hand grip of the E-M10 IV The hand holding is even more stable than the E-M5 III without the vertical handle or the extended grip. However, due to the size of the body, the right hand holding with a larger professional lens is still not as stable as the E-M1 III. , however, it is quite suitable when paired with the 12-45mm F4 launched by Rufu or the M.ZUIKO PREMIUM fixed focus of the 1.8 series.

▲Using contrast focusing with a new algorithm, the focus accuracy is greatly improved compared to the E-M10 III

The most significant upgrade of the E-M10 IV this time is the introduction and The E-M1 III and E-M5 III use the same 20MP sensor and an upgraded anti-shake module, which is half a level higher than the previous generation, reaching 4.5 levels of correction. At the same time, the continuous shooting speed has also been improved, reaching 4.5 levels. The performance of single focus 15fps and continuous tracking focus 6.3fps is much improved compared to the E-M10 III, which has a maximum of 8.6fps, and is even better than the previous generation mid-range machine E-M5 II.

▲Single focus continuous shooting can reach 15fps, and continuous focus continuous shooting can also achieve 6.3fps performance

Although the focus system of the E-M10 IV has not been used in mid-to-high-end models Hybrid focus still uses a contrast focus system, but due to the introduction of a new focus logic system, the common bellows and slow continuous focus performance of contrast focus systems in the past have been greatly improved. This also makes it possible to use only contrast focus. The E-M10 IV's continuous tracking focus can reach 6.3fps.

▲The user interface still tends to be simple and easy to use

The overall operating interface inherits the operating logic of the E-M10?III and is biased toward the E-PL series. It is targeted at light photography enthusiasts and entry-level cameras. Although it is understandable that the concept of user-friendly design is to make it easy for first-time users of interchangeable lens cameras to get started, if you are used to the operating logic and configuration of quasi-professional-level bodies such as the E-M5 or E-M1, you may still have trouble getting started. It takes a little thinking to find the functionality you want.

▲Continues the advanced photography mode of E-M10 III

▲Enables beginners to understand the principles and features of different modes through guidance

▲ Up to 16 types of artistic filters

Of course, it inherits the core functions and interface from the E-M10 III, and also retains the advanced photography mode imported from the E-M3 III. For those who are new to Olympus, or Users who have used Olympus but are not familiar with the special functions of new models can further utilize the unique functions and shooting modes of Olympus cameras through the integrated guidance function of the advanced photography mode.

▲ Mainly used for shooting with 17mm f1.8

Although the E-M10 IV is still equipped with a 14-42mm electric zoom lens, due to some technical issues, it also includes Personal preference for focal length, so this shooting was done with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 ? wide-angle fixed focus lens in the M.ZUIKO PREMIUM series. Although my personal preference is for a wider focal length, after all, the mobility and lens of the combination are taken into consideration. Price, etc., I think this lens is quite suitable for use with the E-M10 IV.

▲The grip design is very easy to operate with 17mm f1.8 with one hand

As for the feeling of using the whole set, I really like the redesigned grip part of E-M10 IV. Although the newly designed shape makes the E-M10 IV slightly larger than the E-M10 III, even if the author does not wear a wrist strap or strap, I can still firmly hold the body with one hand to take pictures; however, because the author is more accustomed to When shooting with physical buttons to select the focus, the E-M10 III needs to press the left button of the navigation button multiple times to select the focus. Compared with the E-M5 III, it is not intuitive enough to move the focus directly with the navigation buttons.

▲The high ISO performance is improved compared to the previous generation model

As for the image quality performance, it is thanks to the upgrade of the photosensitive element to the newer 20MP element (although it is also a product of the E-M1 II era) ), the image quality is improved compared to the E-M10 III. At the same time, the upgraded focus points and focus logic are very fast when paired with the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 17mm F1.8 focus drive. There is no bellows like the contrast focus in the past, and the focus The focus situation is quite ideal, and as an operator who is accustomed to the mobile phone camera generation, he can use the touch photography operation mode with peace of mind.

▲ Olympus’ art filters have always been talked about by brand enthusiasts

Although in terms of product characteristics, the E-M10 III is like adding an electronic viewfinder. E-PL series, but because the overall design inherits the design of OM traditional cameras, and the change in the design of the grip this time, the operability of the grip is not only the addition of a viewing window (of course, the warship with electronic viewing window It also has a built-in flash, which is also a differentiated design), but it also has the advantage of being simple and easy to use.

▲Apply a black and white filter

Although the electronic viewfinder still has different characteristics from the traditional optical pentaprism, in addition to simulating the shape of a traditional film camera, the electronic viewfinder has excellent performance in harsh conditions. The environment can be easier to capture than the LCD, and in dark environments, the viewing window can also be used to fit the eyes and be held with both hands, forming a more stable three-point fixation than relying solely on two-hand hands

▲A very friendly design for entry-level photographers

At the same time, the improved sensor and anti-shake module have improved the overall image quality. The limited focus system maintains contrast focus. The overall performance of the E-M10 IV is still not as high as challenging the new E-M5 III, but it also has a significant upgrade feel from the previous generation E-M10 III. With the addition of rich filters and guided operation interface, it is suitable for those who are interested in For those who are new to photography, this is a user-friendly camera that can be used from beginners to familiar users.