Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV | Hands On with Gavin Hoey

Product Reviewed

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (hands-on first look by Gavin Hoey at a paintball park)

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Key Features Mentioned

• New 20MP sensor
  • “Joins the Olympus 20 million pixel sensor club”
• Improved image stabilization (IBIS)
• Longer battery life than the Mark III
• USB charging support
• Screen redesign
  • Fully articulating 180° rotating screen
  • Enables vlog-style operation from the flipped screen, including:
    • Start/stop video
    • Stills
    • Self-timer
    • Exposure adjustment

Autofocus System Improvements

• 121 contrast-detect AF points
• Reworked autofocus algorithm
  • Better performance, especially for face/eye detection in portrait shooting

Photography Modes

• Scene modes
• C-mode (automated shooting across categories), including:
  • portraits, nightscapes, motion, scenery, indoor, close-up, and more
• AP mode (Advanced Photo) with features such as:
  • Live Comp (star trails)
  • HDR
  • Sweep panorama (wide shots in-camera)

Creative / Art Filter

• New “instant film effect” art filter

Wireless Image Transfer

• Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth for smartphone connection, downloading, and control

Video Specs (Vlogging Use)

• 4K up to 30fps
• Up to 120fps, but requires dropping to 720p

Missing Hardware / Limitation

• No external microphone port (noted as the main drawback)

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Pros (as stated/implied in the video)

• Noticeable upgrade from the Mark III, including:
  • 20MP sensor
  • Much improved autofocus, especially face/eye lock for portraits
  • Better grip and a lighter body
  • Fully articulating 180° screen that’s especially useful for vlogging
  • 4K video, plus a high-frame-rate 720p option
  • IBIS for stabilizing handheld or walking video
  • USB charging
  • Longer battery life
• Good value / entry point
  • Positioned as a strong choice for people starting with interchangeable lens cameras
• Lens ecosystem flexibility
  • Can use Olympus lenses, including very wide and very telephoto options
• Travel-friendly
  • Highlighted as compact/pocketable for travel photography

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Cons / Limitations (unique points)

• No external microphone input, likely limiting for vloggers/content creators who need better audio support.

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Comparisons Made

• Direct comparison to Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

  • Lighter body and improved grip
  • Fully articulating screen (enhanced usability)
  • 20MP sensor upgrade
  • Improved image stabilization
  • Longer battery life
  • USB charging
  • Major autofocus improvements

• Mention of “full-frame equivalence” via lens

  • The video features an Olympus 100–400mm lens
  • Claimed to yield roughly 200–800mm equivalent reach on the E‑M10 Mark IV
  • Framed as “a little crazy,” emphasizing the reach from a small body

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Unique Points Mentioned (all)

• Entry interchangeable-lens camera aimed at beginners, but capable of manual control for more experienced users
• Scene mode and C-mode automation emphasized for versatility
• AP mode includes:
  • Live Comp (star trails)
  • HDR
  • Sweep panorama
• Autofocus:
  • 121 contrast-detect points
  • Rewritten algorithm improves overall performance
• New art filter: instant film effect
• Wireless:
  • Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth for phone connection and downloads
• Vlogging usability:
  • 180° rotating screen enables key operational controls (video/stills/timer/exposure)
• Video:
  • 4K up to 30fps
  • Up to 120fps in 720p
• IBIS helps stability while moving/walking
• Main drawback: no external mic port
• Recommended for:
  • First steps into interchangeable-lens photography
  • Travel due to compact size
  • Lens variety (including extreme telephoto/wide options)
• Overall enjoyment:
  • Overall sentiment that it’s a “great refresh” from the Mark III

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Speakers / Perspectives

• Gavin Hoey (main speaker) Hands-on evaluation, upgrade rationale vs Mark III, autofocus and vlogging usability, plus travel/lens ecosystem framing.

• Laura (mentioned model for portrait/shooting use) No other speakers contributed distinct views beyond this mention.

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Overall Verdict / Recommendation

Recommended as a strong upgrade from the OM‑D E‑M10 Mark III, largely due to the 20MP sensor and significantly improved autofocus (especially face/eye detection), plus the fully articulating 180° screen and solid 4K video/vlogging usability.

The main compromise noted is lack of an external microphone port, which may matter for serious creators.