GEAR TESTS: OLYMPUS OM-D E-M10 IV UNDERWATER CAMERA REVIEW

ROBIN DODD Producer

The Olympus E-M10 IV proved to be one of the most popular and highly requested cameras from the demo gear pool this year. As the successor to the beloved E-PL10, the E-M10 IV offers improvements in image quality, autofocus speed, and even more direct exposure and customizable control options. The visually appealing octopus-themed tentacle graphics on the Backscatter Octo Housing generated a lot of hype and good feedback for the cool aesthetic they add to the rig.

The housing features an integrated LED flash trigger that supports automatic TTL flash power when used with the Backscatter Mini Flash 2. This makes it an excellent choice for newer shooters using these flashes, as it ensures effortless and fantastic results right from the start. Additionally, the E-M10 IV's ability to easily switch between different wet lenses or dedicated lenses on the camera body adds to its versatility and makes it convenient to adapt to various shooting styles preferred by attendees.

For Olympus TG-6 users who feel ready to take their overall camera performance and control to the next level, the E-M10 IV is the upgrade path of choice. It offers a seamless transition for those seeking a step up in their photography journey.

Thomas Anderson Sales

The E-M10 IV is a great mid-tier camera, with plenty of lens options and affordable housings. The Backscatter Octo housing includes a built-in vacuum system and flash trigger that makes this camera an extremely attractive option. The additional megapixel count when compared to the E-PL10 it replaced, makes a noticeable difference in image quality, as does the faster processor allowing snappier autofocus speeds. The new Backscatter Olympus E-M10IV Octo housing also has dedicated controls for aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as a more comfortable back button focus control and shutter release. All in all, these upgrades make the E-M10IV a worthy upgrade from an E-PL10, or if stepping up to an OM-1 or a full frame system will break the bank. Overall, I was pleased with the autofocus performance and image quality from the E-M10 IV and found the dynamic range to be good for a camera at this price range. My go-to lens during the Shootout was the Olympus 8mm Fisheye lens, which is perfect for shooting the multitude of close focus wide angle scenes you can find in Little Cayman. All in all, I would highly recommend this camera to shooters looking to advance from a Olympus TG-6 system (or even an E-PL10) and to those looking to downsize older, out of date SLR systems.

SEVAG MEHTERIAN Service Specialist

The best way to describe my experience with the E-M10 IV is "no fuss". This was the most straight-forward and simple system I used while diving in Little Cayman. I was already quite familiar with the E-PL10 camera, the predecessor to this camera, and the transition could not have been more seamless. The new Octo housing for the E-M10 IV is compact while still extremely ergonomic. The shutter feels comfortable and natural in the hand. Coupled with a pair of wide-angle strobes, such as the YS-D3 II, the camera allowed me to quickly set my exposure however I needed and get the shot, without having to feel like I'm fighting the camera.