Olympus OMD E-M10 MkII - One Month Review
Introduction
Finding the right Camera can be tricky, especially as beginner - one that's user-friendly, versatile, and encourages you to practice more. In this review, I share my first month experience with my Olympus OMD E-M10 MK II, a compact mirrorless camera tailored to meet the needs of newcomers to the world of photography. Here I share my experiences, highlighting its ease of use, image quality, and suitability for beginners. Whether you're stepping into photography for the first time or looking for an intuitive tool to hone your skills, this review aims to provide valuable guidance for your journey.
Contents
- Initial Impressions:
- Compact size (120 x 83 x 47mm) with a substantial feel due to aluminium and plastic construction.
- Ideal for everyday use, thanks to its portability.
- Performance and Functionality:
- Real-World Performance:
- Hangs from a strap all day, ready for quick shooting opportunities.
- 16.1 Megapixel Micro 4 Thirds sensor delivers excellent image quality, especially in Aperture priority mode.
- User Experience:
- Easy navigation through menus.
- Enjoyable shooting experience with accessible controls.
- Rear screen articulates for versatile shooting angles.
- Portability and Durability:
- Highly portable due to its small size.
- Sturdy build instills confidence, though lacks weatherproofing for outdoor shooting.
- Adaptability and Integration:
- Lenses:
- Micro 4 thirds design provides access to a wide range of lenses, offering versatility for different photography styles.
- Connectivity:
- Olympus OI.Share app enables remote operation and photo editing, though connectivity issues may arise.
- Long-Term Considerations:
- Battery Life:
- Satisfactory for typical usage scenarios.
- Ongoing Maintenance:
- Sturdy build suggests long-term durability.
- Personal Reflection:
- Overall, fulfills its promise of being an easily usable, compact camera.
- Ideal for beginner photographers seeking a versatile tool for everyday photography.
Initial Impressions
The first obvious thing you notice when you take the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II out of the box is just how small it is, measuring 120 x 83 x 47mm. However, it still has a reassuring weightiness to it due to its aluminium and plastic construction. Its small size is definitely one of the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II's biggest draws, making it the ideal take-everywhere camera, which is definitely the main reason I chose to buy it.
For me, a reasonably inexperienced photographer, I wanted a camera that I wanted to use and didn't feel awkward carrying around. From the moment I picked up the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II, I felt that this criteria was immediately met. I definitely feel less self-conscious carrying the camera around, meaning I can take more photos and practice my art more.
Performance and Functionality
Real-World Performance
As I expected, the best thing I have found about the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II is that it is small, light, and can easily hang from a strap around your neck all day, making it a camera that can be ready to shoot at any moment. For relative newcomers to photography, this is great as it maximises your opportunity to practice photography. This was the number one expectation I had when I purchased this camera, and so far it has more than met this criteria.
Obviously, the second criteria for all photographers is image quality. Whilst the Micro 4 Thirds 16.1 Megapixel sensor on the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II might sound small compared to some full-frame sensors of today, it still offers excellent quality. So far, I have mainly shot in Aperture priority mode using both autofocus modes and have been able to produce clear images. Compared to my previous cameras, I feel I have already been able to produce better quality images with the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II than before. The main reason for this is I have found that autofocus is more than fast enough for the kind of shots I take.
Part of image quality is down to lens choice, and currently, I have chosen to pair the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II with the standard kit lens, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R MSC. I have written a review of this here. So far, I am very pleased with the images these two have produced, however, these are the expectations of a relatively beginner. So for more advanced analysis check out Digital Camera World’s Review.
User Experience
So far, I have found the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II to be a very simple camera to use. When I first started up the camera, I followed the simple instructions to reset it to factory settings as it was second hand. After this, I haven't yet changed any base settings, mainly as I don't feel I need to yet.
This reassuring sturdiness transfers to the mechanical aluminium dials on the top of the camera
As for the menus within the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II, these are very easy to navigate and reasonably intuitive. Using the directional dial on the back, you can move through all the menu items quite easily, and clear instructions are displayed on the screen as to which buttons are needed for the required actions.
Most importantly, I have really enjoyed the shooting experience with the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II. As I shoot almost exclusively handheld, I have mainly shot in Aperture priority mode. This can be set very easily by using one of the three dials on the top of the camera. From this dial, different modes can be selected very easily, but the dial is not in a position that can be easily knocked during shooting. This makes it a great set and forget feature that I really like.
Next, the other two dials can be used to make quick adjustments while shooting. The function of these dials is dependent on which setting you are using and can be fully customised. In aperture priority mode, the front dial operates exposure, and the rear aperture. Both are easy to access while gripping the camera, and I found that you can access them when shooting through both the rear screen and eyepiece.
Whilst in shooting mode, you are able to change all the settings by pressing the OK button. This quickly loads the menu where quick setting adjustments can be made. I have found this particularly good for switching between focus modes when out shooting in a variety of scenes, minimizing time, not taking photos.
The rear screen also articulates and can help to frame shots if you want to shoot either higher or lower
All menus can be seen in both eye-piece or on the back screen. Both offer excellent image clarity when shooting and show live changes to settings such as exposure. This is perfect for beginner photographers like myself as you can play, see, and learn how changing different settings affects your image. The rear screen also articulates and can help to frame shots if you want to shoot either higher or lower. However, it only moves in a landscape motion, making it less useful for portrait-oriented shots.
Quick Access Menu whilst shooting
Portability and Durability
The OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II’s size makes it incredibly portable. Carried on a strap around your neck, it's barely noticeable, making it a great camera for everyday use. When I first took it out of the bag, I was concerned that it may be a little too small for my hands. However, I have had no issues using the camera or changing settings when shooting.
Power from its compact size. The first thing you notice about the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II when you pick it up out of the box is its sturdiness. The combination of aluminium and plastic gives it a reassuring weightiness that gives you confidence to sling it over your shoulder all day and not worry about bumping it into things accidentally. This reassuring sturdiness transfers to the mechanical aluminium dials on the top of the camera. These give a real sense of quality to a camera that far outweighs its comparatively cheap purchase price.
My only concern about the camera is a lack of weatherproofing, that is present on the model up, the E-M5. Preferably I would have preferred weatherproofing as I shoot a lot of nature and outdoors. However, my budget could not stretch to this. We will see over time whether, pun intended, this proves to be the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II's downfall.
Adaptability and Integration
Lenses
For me, one of the biggest draws of the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II is its micro 4 thirds design. Not only does this make the camera small and compact, but it also offers users access to a huge range of lenses from different manufacturers. This is great as you can find the best lens to suit your style of photography. On MPB right now there are 99 lenses to choose from. Currently, I am using the Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R MSC. A more in-depth review can be found here.
Connectivity
The OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II works with Olympus’ OI.Share app using a Wi-Fi signal to connect the camera to the phone. The app allows you to operate the camera remotely, import photos, add geotagging and edit photos. So far I have only used the app briefly but have come up against a couple of challenges.
Firstly, I have found that when operating the camera remotely, the Wi-Fi connection often cuts out. I do wonder if this is because I've only used the app inside my home and perhaps my home Wi-Fi is competing with the camera. As the phone maybe searching for Internet connection.
Secondly, I have been unable to view any photos taken when the camera is not connected to the app. Whilst this may be slightly annoying, it has not bothered me too much as I prefer to edit on Lightroom Classic on my laptop, so I always transfer images straight from the card to the hard drive.
Long Term Considerations
Battery Life
One of the big appeals of Micro 4 Thirds systems is their battery life due to the lower demands of smaller sensors. So far, I can confirm that I've had no issues with battery life, although I have not shot for more than three hours at a time. Hopefully, I will get to test this with some future planned trips.
Ongoing Maintenance
So far so good on this front. After one month of use, there seem to be no issues with my secondhand OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II. Its sturdy build quality gives me confidence that this will continue for some time.
Personal Reflection
After one month with my OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II, I am incredibly happy with the purchase. My initial criteria for a new camera was to get something easily usable, small and in my price range. That would encourage me to get out and take more pictures. I can confirm that the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II has delivered on all of these. The OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II has also more than matched my requirement for image quality. With its simple controls and style. Helping me to take cleaner images than previously. If you are a beginner photographer like me looking to find a camera that will encourage you to progress your craft further, the OLYMPUS OMD E-M10 MK II is ideal.