Video summary

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

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

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

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)

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

Cons / Limitations (unique points)

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

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

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

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.

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.

Original video