OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs OM System OM-D E-M5
The bottom line
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (2020) moves ahead on burst speed (15fps vs 9fps), resolution (20.3MP vs 16.1MP) and 10-bit internal video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV if…
- ✓You shoot action, sports or wildlife — 15fps burst and 121 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames.
- ✓You shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap).
- ✓You're budget-conscious — it launched at $799, about $200 less, freeing money for lenses.
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M5 if…
- ✓You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
Where they differ
- ›Video: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and no clip limit.
- ›Price: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV launched at $799, $200 under the OM System OM-D E-M5 — money that could go toward glass.
- ›Burst: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV shoots 15fps to the OM System OM-D E-M5's 9fps — the gap that decides whether you nail the peak moment in sports and wildlife.
- ›Durability: the OM System OM-D E-M5 is weather-sealed against dust and rain; the other isn't.
- ›Resolution: 20.3MP on the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs 16.1MP — more detail and crop room, at the cost of larger files.
Frequently asked
Is the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV or the OM System OM-D E-M5 better?
Same line, different generation: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (2020) moves ahead on burst speed (15fps vs 9fps), resolution (20.3MP vs 16.1MP) and 10-bit internal video. If those newer features aren't ones you'll actually use, the OM System OM-D E-M5 gives you most of the experience for less.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV?
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV if you shoot action, sports or wildlife — 15fps burst and 121 phase-detect points keeps up with fast, erratic movement where 9fps would drop frames. Choose it if you shoot video seriously — it brings 10-bit internal colour and no per-clip recording limit (vs a 29-min cap). Choose it if you're budget-conscious — it launched at $799, about $200 less, freeing money for lenses.
Who should choose the OM System OM-D E-M5?
Choose the OM System OM-D E-M5 if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed for rain and dust, the other isn't.
What is the main difference between the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the OM System OM-D E-M5?
Video: the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the stronger video tool — 4K up to 30p, 10-bit internal and no clip limit.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Imaging | ||
| Sensor Type | Live MOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Size | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Image Processor | TruePic VIII | TruePic VI |
| Effective Resolution | 20.3 MP | 16.1 MP |
| Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
| Exposure Control | ||
| ISO Range (Native) | 200 – 25600 | 200 – 25600 |
| ISO Range (Extended) | 100 – 25600 | 100 – 25600 |
| Mechanical Shutter | 1/4000 | 1/4000 |
| Electronic Shutter | 1/16000 | − |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/250 |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | No |
| Still Image Capture | ||
| Continuous Shooting | 15 fps | 9 fps |
| Video Capture | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 1080p |
| 8K Recording | − | − |
| 4K Recording | Up to 30p | − |
| 1080p Recording | Up to 120p | Up to 60p |
| 10-bit Internal | Yes | No |
| Recording Limit | No limit | 29 min |
| Log Profiles | − | − |
| Built-in Mic | Stereo | Stereo |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Mic Input | No | No |
| HDMI Output | Micro (Type D) | Micro (Type D) |
| Focus | ||
| Phase Detect Points | 121 | 0 |
| Contrast Detect Points | − | 35 |
| Low Light AF | -1.5 EV | -2 EV |
| Eye AF | Yes | No |
| Animal AF | No | No |
| Vehicle AF | No | No |
| Viewfinder | ||
| EVF Type | OLED | OLED |
| EVF Resolution | 2.36M dots | 1.44M dots |
| EVF Magnification | 0.59x | 0.74x |
| Monitor | ||
| LCD Size | 3" | 3" |
| LCD Resolution | 1.04M dots | 0.61M dots |
| LCD Type | Tilting | Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Interface | ||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | − |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | − |
| USB | Micro USB 2.0 | Micro USB 2.0 |
| Memory Card Slots | 1x SD UHS-I | 1x SD UHS-I |
| GPS | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $999 |
| Body Material | Polycarbonate | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions | 121.4×83.6×49.6 mm | 121.1×89.6×43.6 mm |
| Weight | 383g (13.5 oz) | 425g (15.0 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
| In-Body Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (EVF) | 330 shots | 360 shots |
| Battery Life (LCD) | 330 shots | 360 shots |
| Battery Type | BLS-50 | BLN-1 |
