Is it worth upgrading from an E-PM2 to an E-M10 Mark II for an EVF?

I've been using an E-PM2 for a good while now, and was just curious if it was worth upgrading to the E-M10 Mark II for the viewfinder? The VF-4 seems like an awful lot of money for a viewfinder, when you get so much more for switching bodies. I've only been composing via screen the whole time, and was just curious how much of a difference an EVF makes.

As far as I can see, image quality is mostly similar, so it's really down to shooting experience. I know there's the control dials and the upgraded IBIS, but let's frame it this way: is it worth switching bodies for a viewfinder?

Thanks in advance for any help you could give!

Shooting experience on the E-M10 II will be much better. Besides the twin control dials and nice viewfinder, you gain a more solid build and a comfy grip (IMHO) with the built-in thumb rest. The little integrated pop-up flash can be handy. The 5-axis IBIS is a lot more effective than the primitive system in the E-PM2. Wi-Fi is great for remote shooting and zapping photos to your phone for editing on the go. You also get all the nice new firmware features like the touch AF pad, focus stacking and bracketing, 4K time lapse... I'm probably forgetting some other stuff.

Image quality will not be dramatically different, but Olympus has evolved its image processing since the E-PM2 was released, and you will see minor improvements in JPEG quality.

In short: worth it!

Not sure if anyone can answer that for you. They can only tell you if it is worth it for them I find a viewfinder essential is some circumstances but I started using SLRs 35 years ago and  I am just used to using a camera that way.

As you stated, there are a lot more features in the E-M10 than just the viewfinder. I probably wouldn't add a viewfinder to the E-PM2 (since it is a camera that you are likely to want to upgrade) but I did add one to my E-P5, even though I also have an E-M1. I don't use it all the time but I like the idea of having the option to use it.

Given the choice to upgrade to a camera with a viewfinder or buying the VF-4, I'd opt for upgrading. One option is to choose a reconditioned E-M10 mk I. They are available periodically for under $300 and you'd have the option of keeping both cameras or selling the E-PM2 to offset the cost.

I have an E-PM2 and en E-M5. The difference is a lot more that just a viewfinder, its a completely different shooting experience. I can not say one is better then the other, but very different. With all the controls and integrated viewfinder, a camera like the E-M5 and the Em10 tends to push towards 'more serious' shooting, while the E-PM2 feels a lot more casual.

mmmartin wrote:

It does feel very casual, like I've been shooting on an exceptionally good smartphone or point-and-shoot. Especially since the Pany 20mm is practically glued to the thing. I got really good at using the SCP menu because of the lack of dials. It just may be the time to learn what one can do with a more…"serious" camera.

If you want to keep the E-Pm2 and you want to try an EVF, I'd suggest you to avoid the VF 4 as, in my opinion is too big for this camera:  you could be perfectly fine with VF2 or even with VF3 which for framing purposes is adequate. This is coming from my experience and I own all the there Olympus Viewfinders.

In my opinion,  for the E-PM2, the more equilibrate choice  is the VF2 ( though, I'm sure, someone will suggest it doesn't lock on the body, but I have yet to loose it)

Cheers.

EVF, better IBIS, better grip, better sensor, better firmware -- I could go on and on.

Check our NZmacro's pictures which he shows here quite frequently. He takes those with an E-M10 stuck on the back of huge Canon teles which he focuses manually.

If those pix don't tell you to upgrade, you're a lost cause! LOL!

mmmartin wrote:

Guess I'll never know the value of a viewfinder till I try, right? Thanks for mentioning the option of keeping both—I still love my E-PM2. I might try keeping the 20mm or a kit zoom around it.

For me, one of the biggest attractions of the M43 format is the ability to have a system that covers so many shooting circumstances. A larger camera and lens when it is appropriate or the E-PM2 with 20mm in your pocket when that is appropriate. You won't get much for your E-PM2, certainly less than it would cost to buy a good compact camera. Combined with the 20mm or 14-42 ez and you have a jacket pocket camera that takes images as nice as your larger camera.