• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Olympus E-M10 advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Fast startup
    ~1.30 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Olympus E-M10

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Less shutter lag
    0.14 vs 0.23 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.4 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 19 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.5 fps vs 8.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    39 vs 15 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Buy the Olympus E-M10

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Great image quality especially from RAW files; Excellent dynamic range for a Four Thirds sensor; Very good high ISO performance; Realistic colors and excellent hue accuracy; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Improved HD video; Lightweight and very portable; Built-in pop-up flash; Minimal EVF lag time.

  • Contrast-Detect AF struggles with small and low-contrast subjects; Mediocre battery life; No external microphone or headphone jack; Mediocre burst speed with continuous AF; No weather sealing; Heavy-handed high ISO noise reduction.

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GX7

Olympus E-M10
Panasonic GX7
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX7
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $648
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash

Compared to Olympus E-M10 II

Olympus E-M10
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Shoots 24p video
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-M10 II
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $349
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-M10
Panasonic GX85
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Higher effective ISO
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-M10
Olympus E-PL8
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Internal flash
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-M10
Olympus E-PL9
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL9
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Built-in Bluetooth
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