Olympus E-PL10 vs E-M10 mk IV as a second body

[Hjonkers]

Might be a bit redundant on this one, but I'm curious to know if anyone can weigh in on this potential GAS attack.

I purchased a secondhand Pen E-pl10 as a secondary body, a 'casual carry' to go along with my E-m1 III. Basically something lighter and more discreet to use when trekking out to the city; much as I do adore the 1-III but it can be bulky and sticks out like a sore thumb in more urban areas.

What I discovered is that it's not really for me: the form factor doesn't suit my hands (the build feels less of a classic 'boxy' Pen style and more akin to my 22 year old Sony 4mp digital camera), the buttons are too tiny for me, and the nub of a grip is not much to speak for. I also find the push-button 'on' switch annoying and the shutter button is much too stiff. It's not a bad camera, and I actually do really like the flip screen, but the size and form factor makes me less inclined to take it out.

I'm looking to trade it in, possibly for an E-m10 IV, but I haven't found much in genuine comparison between the two. Has anyone handled both and can offer any opinions on the two? Is the form factor any better? The buttons, grip, etc? And is there any advantage to the performance between the two (i.e. autofocus/processor/etc). Or would the trade-in just be a lateral move? I'd love to know any and all thoughts folks might have to offer!

And since it usually comes up: I know the E-m5 III is also an option, but I'm not sure if it's heaver or bulkier. I can also get the 10-IV with the 14-42 kit lens secondhand (I've never actually had a kit lens) for around 550-600 US, and the going rate for the 5-III tends to be 700-800 for just the body.

And if you think the whole endeavor is a needless GAS attack, please do set me straight. I can get caught up in it, and I might be needlessly worried about my carry kit.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered!

 

[Mephistopheles*]

No personal experience with the E-PL10, but the EM-10 mk iv basically has the same excellent 20 megapixel sensor as the EM-1 ii and above, so that would likely be a definite advantage for low light or if you need to crop.

 

[grcolts]

If you can live without a viewfinder the e-pl10 delivers fine images. It is however, a 16mp vs 20mp for the e-m10 mk iv. which might make a difference.

 

[Skeeterbytes]

Might be a bit redundant on this one, but I'm curious to know if anyone can weigh in on this potential GAS attack.

I purchased a secondhand Pen E-pl10 as a secondary body, a 'casual carry' to go along with my E-m1 III. Basically something lighter and more discreet to use when trekking out to the city; much as I do adore the 1-III but it can be bulky and sticks out like a sore thumb in more urban areas.

What I discovered is that it's not really for me: the form factor doesn't suit my hands (the build feels less of a classic 'boxy' Pen style and more akin to my 22 year old Sony 4mp digital camera), the buttons are too tiny for me, and the nub of a grip is not much to speak for. I also find the push-button 'on' switch annoying and the shutter button is much too stiff. It's not a bad camera, and I actually do really like the flip screen, but the size and form factor makes me less inclined to take it out.

I'm looking to trade it in, possibly for an E-m10 IV, but I haven't found much in genuine comparison between the two. Has anyone handled both and can offer any opinions on the two? Is the form factor any better? The buttons, grip, etc? And is there any advantage to the performance between the two (i.e. autofocus/processor/etc). Or would the trade-in just be a lateral move? I'd love to know any and all thoughts folks might have to offer!

And since it usually comes up: I know the E-m5 III is also an option, but I'm not sure if it's heaver or bulkier. I can also get the 10-IV with the 14-42 kit lens secondhand (I've never actually had a kit lens) for around 550-600 US, and the going rate for the 5-III tends to be 700-800 for just the body.

And if you think the whole endeavor is a needless GAS attack, please do set me straight. I can get caught up in it, and I might be needlessly worried about my carry kit.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered!

The 16MP gen cameras lag behind the 20MP models, so where it counts the M10iv is the easy choice. But, without handling one it's hard to guess whether you'd warm to it. The control layout seems reasonable for the small size and it will be closer to your M1iii, so more familiar.

An M5iii brings PDAF focus and a more robust feature set, so a more powerful camera at about the same size. If it's going to see a lot of use that's how I'd go.

Good luck!

Rick

 

[Isola Verde]

I wonder whether you've found this - it may be of interest...

"Olympus Pen E-P7 vs E-PL10 vs OM-D E-M10 IV – The 10 main differences"

Olympus Pen E-P7 vs E-PL10 vs OM-D E-M10 IV - The 10 main differences - Mirrorless Comparison

It’s been a while since we saw the E-P nomenclature. It used to be the high-end Pen model (above E-PL and E-PM), and the latest with this name was the E-P5, released in 2013. After that, Olympus focused on its OM-D cameras, and reduced the Pen series to E-PL models ... Read more

mirrorlesscomparison.com

For stuff like button sizes, perhaps a case of the pictures perhaps being as useful as the words?

Peter

 

[UsherFellig]

Well, the EM10's haptics and design is in many ways like a mini EM1. So I'm not sure you'd take to it if you don't like the feel of your 1. But that would hands-down be my choice.

I love my PL7, PL8, and PL5 . . . Along with the accessory EVF that works for all of them. However, I will never purchase another PEN or PL camera unless OM makes an accessory EVF available. On usage grounds, but also on principle. Buying cameras like the E-P7 or PL10 without an available EVF, tells them it is okay to be shabby, shoddy, and anti-camera-photography (as opposed to smartphone photography, which to me is a contradiction in terms).

 

[Humansvillian]

Might be a bit redundant on this one, but I'm curious to know if anyone can weigh in on this potential GAS attack.

I purchased a secondhand Pen E-pl10 as a secondary body, a 'casual carry' to go along with my E-m1 III. Basically something lighter and more discreet to use when trekking out to the city; much as I do adore the 1-III but it can be bulky and sticks out like a sore thumb in more urban areas.

What I discovered is that it's not really for me: the form factor doesn't suit my hands (the build feels less of a classic 'boxy' Pen style and more akin to my 22 year old Sony 4mp digital camera), the buttons are too tiny for me, and the nub of a grip is not much to speak for. I also find the push-button 'on' switch annoying and the shutter button is much too stiff. It's not a bad camera, and I actually do really like the flip screen, but the size and form factor makes me less inclined to take it out.

I'm looking to trade it in, possibly for an E-m10 IV, but I haven't found much in genuine comparison between the two. Has anyone handled both and can offer any opinions on the two? Is the form factor any better? The buttons, grip, etc? And is there any advantage to the performance between the two (i.e. autofocus/processor/etc). Or would the trade-in just be a lateral move? I'd love to know any and all thoughts folks might have to offer!

And since it usually comes up: I know the E-m5 III is also an option, but I'm not sure if it's heaver or bulkier. I can also get the 10-IV with the 14-42 kit lens secondhand (I've never actually had a kit lens) for around 550-600 US, and the going rate for the 5-III tends to be 700-800 for just the body.

And if you think the whole endeavor is a needless GAS attack, please do set me straight. I can get caught up in it, and I might be needlessly worried about my carry kit.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered!

The PL-10 had burning razor edge tech a decade ago.

And the M10 IV uses the same sensor as the 2016 Pen F.

And your last model Olympus state of the art, $2,000 OMD M1.3 has as good or even better autofocus than the $3000 M1X, just no subject recognition modes.

Your camera came out of the box with a usable top Auto ISO limit of 6400.

It has Starry Skies

It shoots hand held high res.

It has a magnesium chassis and is vastly better in every way you’d measure better than a PL-10 or M10 IV.

Do not go backwards on purpose.

Once you’ve tasted better second best will not suit you.

--
Humansville is a town in the Missouri Ozarks

 

[gary0319]

Long ago I had the Pen PL7, but swapped it for the E-M10 because of the better grip and I could not abide the lack of an EVF in the Florida sun. Now I have the E-M10 IV, had the E-M5 III and now the OM-5.

The 20 mpx sensor and the TruePic VIII processor makes it an easy choice over any 16 mpx based body. Ergonomically there is little, if any difference between the E-M10 IV, the E-M5 III and the OM-5. Pic below is of My E-M10 IV and the E-M5 III...n hardly any difference in the hand.

PDF focusing is nice to have, but the newer autofocus of the TruePic Viii in the E-M10 IV (and incidentally, the Tough TG-7) is quick and accurate. IMO, best yet for a non-PDF Olympus/OM camera.


E-M10 IV on left and E-M5 III on right

 

[gary0319]

Might be a bit redundant on this one, but I'm curious to know if anyone can weigh in on this potential GAS attack.

I purchased a secondhand Pen E-pl10 as a secondary body, a 'casual carry' to go along with my E-m1 III. Basically something lighter and more discreet to use when trekking out to the city; much as I do adore the 1-III but it can be bulky and sticks out like a sore thumb in more urban areas.

What I discovered is that it's not really for me: the form factor doesn't suit my hands (the build feels less of a classic 'boxy' Pen style and more akin to my 22 year old Sony 4mp digital camera), the buttons are too tiny for me, and the nub of a grip is not much to speak for. I also find the push-button 'on' switch annoying and the shutter button is much too stiff. It's not a bad camera, and I actually do really like the flip screen, but the size and form factor makes me less inclined to take it out.

I'm looking to trade it in, possibly for an E-m10 IV, but I haven't found much in genuine comparison between the two. Has anyone handled both and can offer any opinions on the two? Is the form factor any better? The buttons, grip, etc? And is there any advantage to the performance between the two (i.e. autofocus/processor/etc). Or would the trade-in just be a lateral move? I'd love to know any and all thoughts folks might have to offer!

And since it usually comes up: I know the E-m5 III is also an option, but I'm not sure if it's heaver or bulkier. I can also get the 10-IV with the 14-42 kit lens secondhand (I've never actually had a kit lens) for around 550-600 US, and the going rate for the 5-III tends to be 700-800 for just the body.

And if you think the whole endeavor is a needless GAS attack, please do set me straight. I can get caught up in it, and I might be needlessly worried about my carry kit.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered!

The PL-10 had burning razor edge tech a decade ago.

And the M10 IV uses the same sensor as the 2016 Pen F.

While both the Pen F and the E-M10 IV may have similar 20 mpx sensor, the newer TruePic VIII autofocusing of the EM10 IV runs circles around the Pen F...I've had/have both.

And your last model Olympus state of the art, $2,000 OMD M1.3 has as good or even better autofocus than the $3000 M1X, just no subject recognition modes.

Your camera came out of the box with a usable top Auto ISO limit of 6400.

It has Starry Skies

It shoots hand held high res.

It has a magnesium chassis and is vastly better in every way you’d measure better than a PL-10 or M10 IV.

Do not go backwards on purpose.

Once you’ve tasted better second best will not suit you.

 

[Bassam Guy]

Might be a bit redundant on this one, but I'm curious to know if anyone can weigh in on this potential GAS attack.

I purchased a secondhand Pen E-pl10 as a secondary body, a 'casual carry' to go along with my E-m1 III. Basically something lighter and more discreet to use when trekking out to the city; much as I do adore the 1-III but it can be bulky and sticks out like a sore thumb in more urban areas.

What I discovered is that it's not really for me: the form factor doesn't suit my hands (the build feels less of a classic 'boxy' Pen style and more akin to my 22 year old Sony 4mp digital camera), the buttons are too tiny for me, and the nub of a grip is not much to speak for. I also find the push-button 'on' switch annoying and the shutter button is much too stiff. It's not a bad camera, and I actually do really like the flip screen, but the size and form factor makes me less inclined to take it out.

I'm looking to trade it in, possibly for an E-m10 IV, but I haven't found much in genuine comparison between the two. Has anyone handled both and can offer any opinions on the two? Is the form factor any better? The buttons, grip, etc? And is there any advantage to the performance between the two (i.e. autofocus/processor/etc). Or would the trade-in just be a lateral move? I'd love to know any and all thoughts folks might have to offer!

And since it usually comes up: I know the E-m5 III is also an option, but I'm not sure if it's heaver or bulkier.

The sizes and weights of almost all cameras ever made are just a google search away.

I can also get the 10-IV with the 14-42 kit lens secondhand (I've never actually had a kit lens) for around 550-600 US, and the going rate for the 5-III tends to be 700-800 for just the body.

Price is entirely your decision but the 700-800 sound rather high since I bought an E-M1 III Nov. 2022 for $750.

I have an E-M5 III and an E-M1 III but I acquired the E-M5 III first. The PDAF on it sold me and I wouldn't use CDAF for city/street photography except for still subjects or out of necessity.

I don't think the miniscule size difference between the two models makes either any more or less discrete. With a small prime the two would be effectively indistinguishable to an observer.

And if you think the whole endeavor is a needless GAS attack, please do set me straight. I can get caught up in it, and I might be needlessly worried about my carry kit.

Thanks in advance for any advice offered!