Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Canon R10 – Which One Is Best for You?

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the Canon EOS R10 are two of the most popular entry-level mirrorless cameras on the market.

Both are compact, lightweight, and designed for creators who want high-quality photos and videos without the size or price of a full-frame system.

But which one gives you the better deal — the classic Olympus with in-body stabilization, or Canon’s newer, faster APS-C mirrorless?

Let’s find out.

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⚙️ Overview – Portability vs Power

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A compact Micro Four Thirds camera focused on portability and ease of use. It offers excellent in-body image stabilization (IBIS), making it ideal for handheld photography and travel.

Canon EOS R10: Canon’s modern APS-C mirrorless camera built on the RF mount. It brings faster autofocus, advanced subject tracking, and impressive video capabilities at an affordable price.

In short:

• E-M10 IV = Tiny, lightweight, and stabilized — great for travel and casual shooting.

• R10 = Newer, faster, and more powerful — great for hybrid creators.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

Both cameras are small and portable, but they have very different designs.

The E-M10 Mark IV has a retro-inspired metal body, perfect for those who appreciate classic camera styling. It’s one of the lightest mirrorless cameras available, making it ideal for travel and street photography.

The Canon R10, though slightly larger, offers a modern ergonomic grip and more physical controls. It feels more comfortable for long shooting sessions and provides quick access to settings.

👉 Verdict:

• E-M10 IV: Better for compact, travel-friendly use.

• R10: Better grip and usability for serious photography.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

The difference here is huge.

The Canon R10 features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II — the same system found in much higher-end models. It offers subject detection and tracking for people, animals, and vehicles, making it one of the best autofocus systems in its class.

The E-M10 Mark IV, meanwhile, uses an older contrast-detect AF system. It’s accurate but slower and less capable for moving subjects or video work.

👉 Verdict:

• R10: Superior autofocus and speed.

• E-M10 IV: Fine for static subjects and casual shooting.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot 4K, but the Canon R10 clearly dominates for creators who also film content.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

• 4K 30p with no crop

• Good color, but limited dynamic range

• No mic input or log profiles

• Excellent handheld stability thanks to IBIS

Canon EOS R10

• 4K 60p oversampled from 6K (no crop)

• 10-bit recording via HDMI

• Full HD 120p slow motion

• Clean HDMI output and mic input

👉 Verdict:

• R10: Best for vloggers, YouTubers, and hybrid shooters.

• E-M10 IV: Best for stabilized handheld video without accessories.

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🧠 Image Quality

The Canon R10’s larger APS-C sensor gives it an advantage in dynamic range and low-light performance.
The Olympus, with its Micro Four Thirds sensor, produces sharp and colorful images but with more noise in dim environments.

Still, the Olympus color science is beautiful — natural and filmic — which appeals to travel and lifestyle photographers.

👉 Verdict:

• R10: Better overall image quality and detail.

• E-M10 IV: Great color tones, especially in daylight.

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🔋 Battery and Storage

The Canon R10 has slightly better battery life and faster UHS-II SD card support.
The E-M10 Mark IV uses older UHS-I cards and shorter-lasting batteries, though its USB charging is handy on the go.

👉 Verdict:

• R10: Better endurance and speed.

• E-M10 IV: More compact and convenient for casual use.

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💰 Price and Value

• Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: ~$699

• Canon EOS R10: ~$979

The E-M10 IV is the better budget option — ideal for beginners stepping up from smartphones or compact cameras.
The R10, though pricier, offers features usually found in mid-range bodies, including powerful autofocus and high frame rates.

👉 Verdict:

• E-M10 IV: Best budget-friendly travel camera.

• R10: Best long-term investment for enthusiasts.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon R10 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Olympus E-M10 IV — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Canon R10

✅ In short:

• Choose the Olympus E-M10 IV if you want a small, stylish, stabilized camera for travel and casual photography.

• Choose the Canon R10 if you want faster autofocus, better video, and more long-term flexibility.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Olympus E-M10 Mark IV is one of the most compact and charming mirrorless cameras you can buy — ideal for beginners and travelers.

The Canon R10, however, brings a huge leap forward in performance and video capability, making it the better choice for anyone serious about hybrid content creation.

If you prioritize portability and simplicity, go with Olympus.

If you want room to grow and future-proof features, the Canon R10 is the smarter choice.