Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV - Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M10 IV are two of the most popular cameras in the Olympus OM-D lineup.

Both cameras are mirrorless and offer great features for photographers of all levels. So, what are the differences between these two cameras?

We’ll look at each in this article, category by category.

Let’s dive in.

Table of Contents

Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV – Comparing the Differences

Price

The Olympus E-M10 III has a retail price that’s about the same as the Olympus E-M10 IV.

The E-M10 III comes in at a bit under $1,000; the same holds true with the E-M10 IV.

However, keep in mind that the E-M10 IV offers some upgrades over its predecessor, so it might be worth getting the newer model, even at the times when the E-M10 IV is slightly pricier.

Image Quality

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but there are some notable differences between them.

The biggest difference is in sensor size. The E-M10 III has a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, while the E-M10 IV has a 20 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor.

The increased resolution of the E-M10 IV gives it an edge in image quality, especially when printing or viewing images at large sizes.

However, the E-M10 III’s smaller sensor also has some advantages. It allows the camera to have a smaller body, and it uses less power, which can be helpful when shooting for extended periods of time.

Autofocus system

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M10 IV both have excellent autofocus systems.

The E-M10 III uses Contrast Detection autofocus, while the E-M10 IV uses a newer technology called Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus.

Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus is faster and more accurate than Contrast Detection, so it’s a big upgrade for the E-M10 IV. If you’re someone who relies heavily on autofocus, the E-M10 IV is probably the better choice.

Video quality

Both cameras can record 4K video, but the E-M10 III is limited to 15 fps (frames per second), while the E-M10 IV can record at 30 fps.

The E-M10 III can also record Full HD video at up to 60 fps, while the E-M10 IV is limited to 30 fps.

So, if you plan on doing any serious video recording with your camera, the E-M10 IV is the better choice.

Battery life

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M10 IV both have good battery life. However, the E-M10 III has a slightly larger battery, which gives it a bit of an edge in this department.

The E-M10 III can shoot for about 310 shots per charge, while the E-M10 IV can shoot for 290 shots per charge.

So, if you’re someone who likes to take a lot of photos without stopping to recharge, the E-M10 III might be the better camera for you.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The E-M10 IV has a slightly more robust build quality than the E-M10 III. It’s also weather sealed, which means it can better withstand the elements if you’re shooting in tough conditions.

So, if you need a camera that can stand up to heavy use or harsh environments, the E-M10 IV is probably the better choice.

User Interface and Features

Both cameras have excellent user interfaces and offer a great selection of features. However, the E-M10 IV has a few notable upgrades over the E-M10 III.

The most significant upgrade is the addition of Olympus’ newest image processing engine, TruePic VIII. This engine offers improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions.

The E-M10 IV also has a new AE lock button, which can be handy for quickly locking exposure settings. And, it offers an upgraded electronic viewfinder with a higher resolution and faster refresh rate.

So, if you’re looking for the best image quality and performance, the E-M10 IV is the better choice. However, the E-M10 III is still a great camera, and it’s a good option if you’re on a budget.

LCD Screen and Electronic Viewfinder

The E-M10 III has a 3″ LCD screen with 1.04 million dots, while the E-M10 IV has a 3″ Vari-angle touch screen with 1.04 million dots.

The E-M10 IV’s touch screen is a big advantage, as it makes it much easier to navigate the camera’s menu and select settings. It also allows you to quickly review images and videos after you’ve captured them.

The E-M10 III has an electronic viewfinder with 2.36 million dots, while the E-M10 IV has an upgraded viewfinder with 2.36 million dots and a faster refresh rate.

So, if you prefer to compose your shots using an electronic viewfinder, the E-M10 IV is the better camera.

Continuous Shooting Speed

The E-M10 III has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 8 fps, while the E-M10 IV has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 10 fps.

So, if you need a camera that can shoot fast action sequences, the E-M10 IV is the better choice.

Memory Card Slots

The E-M10 III has a single memory card slot that supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The E-M10 IV also has a single memory card slot, but it’s compatible with the faster UHS-II standard.

So, if you need a camera that can take advantage of faster UHS-II memory cards, the E-M10 IV is the better choice.

Other Features

The E-M10 III and E-M10 IV both offer a great selection of features. However, the E-M10 IV has a few notable upgrades, including the addition of Olympus’ newest image processing engine, TruePic VIII.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV – Which Should You Choose?

Both the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M10 IV are great cameras. However, there are some key differences that you should be aware of before making your decision.

The E-M10 III is a good choice if you’re on a budget or if you need a camera with good battery life. It also has a slightly more robust build quality than the E-M10 IV.

The E-M10 IV is the better choice if you need the best image quality and performance. It also has a touch screen display and an upgraded electronic viewfinder. And, it’s compatible with faster UHS-II memory cards.

So, which camera is right for you? It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re not sure which camera to choose, we recommend the E-M10 IV.

FAQs – Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV

What is the difference between the E-M10 III and the E-M10 IV?

The main differences between the E-M10 III and the E-M10 IV are image quality, shooting speed, memory card compatibility, and features. The E-M10 IV is a newer camera, so it offers slightly better performance in these areas.

How do I choose between the E-M10 III and the E-M10 IV?

It depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re not sure which camera to choose, we recommend the E-M10 IV.

What are some of the key features of the E-M10 III?

Some of the key features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III include a 16 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 8 fps continuous shooting, in-body stabilization, and 4K video recording.

What are some of the key features of the E-M10 IV?

Some of the key features of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV include a 20 megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, 10 fps continuous shooting, in-body stabilization, 4K video recording, and a touch screen display.

Do the E-M10 III and E-M10 IV have interchangeable lenses?

Yes, both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount system, so they’re compatible with a wide range of interchangeable lenses.

What type of memory cards do the E-M10 III and E-M10 IV use?

The E-M10 III uses SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. The E-M10 IV uses SD, SDHC, SDXC, and UHS-II cards.

Conclusion – Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III and E-M10 IV are both excellent cameras. However, there are some key differences between them that you should keep in mind when choosing which one to buy.

The E-M10 III is a great choice if you’re on a budget or if you need a camera with good battery life. The E-M10 IV is a better choice if you need the best image quality or if you plan on doing any serious video recording.

If you’re still not sure which camera to choose, we recommend the E-M10 IV. It’s the newest camera and it offers slightly better performance in most areas. However, both cameras are excellent choices, and you can’t go wrong with either one.

We hope this guide has been helpful in answering any questions you may have had about the Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 III vs E-M10 IV – Exploring the Differences [Complete Guide]