Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV Black 2020

The E-M10 Mark IV is a joy to carry and even more fun to shoot, thanks to a tiny build, great IBIS, and beautiful JPEGs. Just don't expect weather sealing or top-tier autofocus.

The in-body stabilization (IBIS) is the real hero here. We expected it to be decent for the class, but it's better than most, giving you an extra stop or two of handholding leeway. Still, the 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor sits in the 40th percentile of our database—it's enough for sharp social media posts, but you'll feel its age in low light compared to modern APS-C rivals. Autofocus is reliable in good light but gets finicky with moving subjects, and the burst rate is a middling 8.7 fps. Video specs are nothing to write home about either. But the bright 2.4M-dot EVF and crisp articulating touchscreen (both top-tier for this price) make composing shots a joy.

This little Olympus isn't really in the same ring as a Sony a6700 or Canon EOS R6 Mark II—those beasts dominate autofocus and video. But the E-M10 IV costs half as much as the a6700 and still gives you a usable EVF, IBIS, and a smaller footprint. If video specs and pro-level AF are dealbreakers, step up to the Sony. If you want the lightest possible kit for hiking or city breaks, the Olympus is the smarter pick. And if you're eyeing the Canon R50, remember it lacks in-body stabilization, which makes the E-M10 IV a better choice for low-light handholding.

At $600, this camera is an absolute steal. Shop around though because prices on these bounce between $600 and $1000 across vendors. Paying the high end of that spread is hard to justify when you can often find the body for closer to $600 from a few retailers. If you snag it at the lower price, you're getting stellar value for a body that feels this premium.

The OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the camera you toss in a day bag and actually want to carry all day. It's tiny, it looks like a classic film camera, and it takes photos that'll make you forget you're shooting on a sensor smaller than what's in most entry-level mirrorless bodies. The one thing to know? This camera is built for fun and portability, not for pushing pixel-peeping boundaries or braving a downpour. If you're a traveler or a casual shooter who wants more control than a smartphone but none of the bulk, you've found your match.

If you're shooting sports, wildlife, or anything that moves fast, this isn't your camera. The autofocus and burst speed will leave you frustrated. Grab a Sony a6700 or a used Canon EOS R7 instead—they'll keep up with the action.

Don't overthink it: the E-M10 Mark IV is the camera for anyone who values fun, portability, and classic good looks over bleeding-edge tech. It's a brilliant starter camera and a perfect travel companion, as long as you accept its quirks like the iffy weather resistance and average battery life. If that sounds like you, grab it at a good price and start shooting.