Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Sony A6400 — Which One Is Best for You?

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and Sony A6400 are two of the most popular mid-range mirrorless cameras for photographers who want great image quality in a compact form.

Both are small, stylish, and capable, but they cater to slightly different needs: Olympus focuses on portability and in-body stabilization, while Sony offers class-leading autofocus and image quality.

So which camera gives you the best value for your money? Let’s find out.

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⚙️ Overview — Travel-Friendly vs Tech-Driven

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A compact, retro-style Micro Four Thirds camera that emphasizes ease of use, portability, and in-body image stabilization (IBIS).

Sony A6400: A fast, high-performance APS-C camera with outstanding autofocus and video options, ideal for hybrid creators and enthusiasts.

In short:

• E-M10 Mark IV = Compact, stabilized, and perfect for travel.

• A6400 = Powerful, fast, and focused on performance.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

The E-M10 Mark IV offers a beautiful retro design, perfect for photographers who love a tactile shooting experience. It’s lighter and smaller than the A6400, making it ideal for travel or street photography.

The Sony A6400, on the other hand, has a more modern, minimalist design with a robust magnesium alloy body. It’s not weather-sealed but feels solid and well-built.

👉 Verdict:

• E-M10 IV: Best for portability and style.

• A6400: Best for robust, ergonomic handling.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

This is where the Sony A6400 shines.

Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking system is one of the fastest and most reliable autofocus systems in any APS-C camera. It locks onto subjects instantly and follows them with incredible precision — perfect for portraits, sports, or wildlife.

The E-M10 Mark IV uses an older contrast-detect system, which is accurate but slower, especially for moving subjects.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Far superior autofocus and subject tracking.

• E-M10 IV: Reliable but slower, better for casual shooting.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer 4K video, but the Sony A6400 is much more capable for content creators.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

• 4K 30p recording (8-bit)

• IBIS for stable handheld shots

• No mic input or log profile

Sony A6400

• 4K 30p (oversampled from 6K)

• Full HD 120p slow motion

• S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG profiles

• Microphone input

• No recording time limit

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Best for vloggers, filmmakers, and hybrid creators.

• E-M10 IV: Best for stabilized travel clips.

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🧠 Image Quality

The Sony A6400’s larger APS-C sensor gives it the edge in sharpness, detail, and low-light performance.
The E-M10 Mark IV, though smaller in sensor size, produces beautiful colors and pleasing tones straight out of the camera — a signature Olympus strength.

If you often shoot RAW or edit your images heavily, the Sony files give you more flexibility.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Better dynamic range and detail.

• E-M10 IV: Great colors and JPEG rendering.

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🔋 Battery and Connectivity

The Sony A6400 has slightly better endurance (around 410 shots vs. 360 on the Olympus) and supports faster SD cards (UHS-I).
Both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, but only the Sony supports remote control via its Imaging Edge app with live view.

👉 Verdict:

• A6400: Better battery and app integration.

• E-M10 IV: Still fine for travel and casual use.

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💰 Price and Value

• Olympus E-M10 Mark IV: ~$699

• Sony A6400: ~$899

The E-M10 Mark IV is an excellent entry-level option that’s compact, stylish, and stabilized.
The A6400 costs more, but it delivers professional-grade autofocus and video features that can last you years.

👉 Verdict:

• E-M10 IV: Best budget travel and lifestyle camera.

• A6400: Best hybrid camera under $1,000.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Sony A6400 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Olympus E-M10 Mark 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 E-M10 Mark IV vs Sony A6400

✅ In short:

Choose the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV if you want a lightweight, stabilized camera for travel and everyday shooting.

Choose the Sony A6400 if you want faster autofocus, better image quality, and stronger video tools.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Olympus E-M10 Mark IV remains one of the most stylish, travel-ready mirrorless cameras available — perfect for photographers who value simplicity, compactness, and beautiful colors.

The Sony A6400, meanwhile, is a workhorse hybrid camera that punches far above its price. It’s faster, sharper, and far more capable for professional-level photography and video creation.

If portability and design matter most, go with Olympus.
If performance and longevity matter more, go with Sony — it’s a camera that grows with you.