Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Olympus · Mirrorless · 20 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
63
WINNER
|
Olympus · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
59
SCORE
|
|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | |
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2020 | 2015 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
August 4, 2020 | February 5, 2015 |
| Camera type | ||
| Camera size | 122 x 84 x 49 mm | 124 x 85 x 45 mm |
| Camera weight | 383 g | 469 g |
| Optics | 63/100 | 58/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark II Overview and OpticsThe Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV wins the optics comparison with a score of 63/100, while the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II scores 58/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as the CMOS sensor type, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras have a DXOMARK score of 73 for their sensors. The E-M10 Mark IV has advantages in megapixels and shooting speed. With 20 megapixels, it captures more detail than the E-M5 Mark II, which has 16.1 megapixels. This difference allows for better image quality and larger prints. The E-M10 Mark IV also has a faster shooting speed of 15 frames per second compared to the E-M5 Mark II, which shoots at 10 frames per second. This increased speed is beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots. The E-M5 Mark II, despite its lower score, has a more advanced processor, the TruePic VII, compared to the E-M10 Mark IV’s TruePic VIII. This results in better color reproduction and noise reduction. However, the difference in the processor does not significantly impact the overall image quality. In conclusion, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV outperforms the E-M5 Mark II in terms of optics, primarily due to its higher megapixel count and faster shooting speed. The E-M5 Mark II’s advantage in processor technology is not enough to compensate for its lower megapixel count and slower shooting speed. Therefore, the E-M10 Mark IV is the better choice for those seeking superior optics performance. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
20 MP050 | 16.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
5184 x 3888 | 4608 x 3456 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
13 x 17.4 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
||
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
15 fps045 | 10 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Micro 4/3 | Micro 4/3 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
TruePic VIII | TruePic VII |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
||
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
8030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
6044080 | 6044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
1210300 | 810300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
||
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Electronic | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 236000009900000 | 236000009900000 |
| Video | 83/100 | 70/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark II Video PerformanceThe Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV outperforms the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II in video capabilities with a video score of 83/100 compared to 70/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as a maximum video frame rate of 60fps and built-in time-lapse functionality. The E-M10 Mark IV surpasses the E-M5 Mark II in terms of video resolution and dimensions. It offers 4K video resolution (3840 x 2160) which is significantly higher than the E-M5 Mark II’s Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080). This difference in resolution enables the E-M10 Mark IV to produce sharper and more detailed videos, making it the superior choice for videographers. While the E-M5 Mark II’s video capabilities are not as advanced as the E-M10 Mark IV’s, it still provides a respectable Full HD resolution and shares the same maximum video frame rate of 60fps. This means that both cameras can capture smooth and fluid motion in their videos, even though the E-M5 Mark II’s resolution is lower. To conclude, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the winner in terms of video capabilities due to its higher video score and superior 4K resolution. The E-M5 Mark II, while not as proficient in video quality, still offers a solid Full HD resolution and shares the same 60fps maximum video frame rate. Therefore, those who prioritize video quality should opt for the E-M10 Mark IV, while the E-M5 Mark II remains a decent option for those who do not require 4K resolution. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
||
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
||
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
3840 x 2160 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
||
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MPEG-4, MOV | MOV, AVI |
| Features | 70/100 | 70/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark II Features and BenefitsThe Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV wins the comparison with a feature score of 70/100, a 13-point difference from the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II, which scores 57/100. Both cameras have common specifications, including a 3-inch screen, touchscreen capabilities, flip screen, GPS absence, and WIFI connectivity. However, the E-M10 Mark IV outperforms the E-M5 Mark II in certain areas. The E-M10 Mark IV has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the E-M5 Mark II’s 1,037,000 dots. Moreover, the E-M10 Mark IV has Bluetooth connectivity, while the E-M5 Mark II lacks this feature. These advantages make the E-M10 Mark IV a more attractive option for photographers who prioritize screen quality and wireless connectivity. On the other hand, the E-M5 Mark II has its own merits. Although the E-M5 Mark II has a lower feature score, it still offers a quality touchscreen experience with its 3-inch flip screen and WIFI connectivity. The absence of Bluetooth may not be a dealbreaker for some users who primarily rely on WIFI for transferring files and remote control. To conclude, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV proves to be a better choice due to its higher feature score, superior screen resolution, and the added benefit of Bluetooth connectivity. While the E-M5 Mark II may not be the winner, it still provides adequate features for photographers who can compromise on Bluetooth and a slightly lower screen resolution. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
No | |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
||
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
No | |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
||
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
||
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
||
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
||
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
No | |
| Storage & battery | 35/100 | 21/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonOlympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM-D E-M5 Mark II Storage and BatteryThe Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV outperforms the OM-D E-M5 Mark II in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to 21/100. Both cameras share similarities, including one memory card slot and compatibility with SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, the E-M10 Mark IV has the advantage of UHS-II compatibility. The E-M10 Mark IV also offers better battery life with 360 shots, using the BLS-50 battery type, and features USB charging. In contrast, the E-M5 Mark II has a slightly lower battery life of 310 shots and uses the BLN-1 battery type, without USB charging capabilities. Despite the lower score, the E-M5 Mark II still provides adequate battery life and storage options for most photography needs. However, the E-M10 Mark IV’s superior battery life, UHS-II compatibility, and USB charging make it a more convenient choice for extended use and faster data transfer. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BLS-50 | BLN-1 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
360 shots1505000 | 310 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No | |

