Olympus OM-D E-M10

Manufacturer: Olympus (OM System)
Type: camera (mirrorless interchangeable lens)
Mount: Micro Four Thirds
Sensor: 16MP Live MOS (Marks I-III), 20MP Live MOS (Mark IV)
Year introduced: 2014
Generations: Mark I (2014), Mark II (2015), Mark III (2017), Mark IV (2020)
Key feature: Most affordable OM-D; built-in flash for fiber optic TTL triggering; compact body; extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem

Overview

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 was announced in January 2014 as the most affordable member of Olympus’s OM-D mirrorless camera family. It combined the image quality and speed of the flagship E-M1 and the E-M5 into a smaller, lighter, and less expensive all-metal body. The E-M10 featured a 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor with the TruePic VII image processor (shared with the E-M1), 3-axis image stabilization derived from the E-M5’s world-first 5-axis system, the fastest AF system Olympus had produced (81 target areas, 8 fps burst), built-in Wi-Fi, and a built-in flash. It launched at $699.99 body-only with availability from March 2014 (^[1]).

The camera also shipped with two new Micro Four Thirds lenses: the ultra-slim M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ pancake zoom (the world’s slimmest standard zoom at just 0.9 inches thick) and the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 25mm f/1.8, expanding the Olympus Micro Four Thirds lineup to 15 lenses (^[2]).

Significance for Underwater Photography

For underwater photographers, the E-M10 represented an exceptionally attractive entry point to the Micro Four Thirds underwater ecosystem. Its built-in popup flash was a significant advantage over the E-M5, which required an add-on flash unit. The popup flash made the housing shorter and enabled fiber optic TTL triggering of underwater strobes without the complications of electrical sync cables. At roughly half the price of the E-M1, the E-M10 shared the same image quality and focus speed, making it an outstanding value for the underwater market (^[3]).

Nauticam described the E-M10 as inheriting the spot as the “go to” mirrorless camera for underwater shooters, taking over from the wildly popular E-M5. The E-M10 benefited from the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, including favorites like the Panasonic 8mm fisheye (described as having “no better CFWA option on the planet”), the Olympus 60mm macro, and the versatile Olympus 12-50mm with its built-in macro mode (^[4]).

The E-M10 series remained a popular choice through all four generations. In community discussions, users praised its compact size and light weight: the E-M10 Mark III with Nauticam housing weighed only 1,470g total and measured just 138mm in height, significantly less than the E-M1 Mark II system at 2,524g and 175mm (^[5]). However, forum members noted that the E-M10 line lacked phase detection autofocus (PDAF), relying solely on contrast detection (CDAF). While some experienced photographers considered CDAF sufficient for underwater use, others noted that PDAF made a significant difference for macro photography with lenses like the Olympus 60mm macro (^[6]).

Successive Generations

E-M10 Mark II (August 2015)

The Mark II was a substantial upgrade, bringing Olympus’s acclaimed 5-axis Voice Coil Motor (VCM) image stabilization to the affordable OM-D tier — a feature previously available only on the E-M1 and E-M5 models. With up to four shutter speed steps of compensation, the 5-axis IS corrected for angular shake, rolling blur, and the horizontal and vertical shift blur that can mar macro shots (^[7]).

Other key upgrades included:

• EVF: Upgraded to a 2.36-million-dot OLED display (from the Mark I’s 1.44-million-dot LCD), with 1.23x magnification and a Simulated Optical Viewfinder (S-OVF) mode
• Speed: 8.5 fps sequential shooting (up from 8 fps), with Touch AF for instant focus-and-shoot via the touchscreen
• Video: 1080p Full HD with variable frame rate, plus a CLIPS feature for short video segments
• Creative: 4K time-lapse, focus bracketing, keystone compensation, and live composite mode
• AF Targeting Pad: Users could keep an eye on the viewfinder while tracing a thumb on the rear touchscreen to adjust the focus point
• Price: $649.99 body-only, $50 less than the original despite significant upgrades

Shipping began in early September 2015 (^[8]).

E-M10 Mark III (August 2017)

The Mark III adopted the TruePic VIII image processor from the flagship E-M1 Mark II, paired with 5-axis image stabilization and 121 autofocus points (up from 81). It added 4K video recording at up to 30fps and HD at 60fps — a meaningful upgrade for video shooters. A new Shortcut Button on the left side provided quick access to context-sensitive settings. The camera retained the built-in flash critical for underwater fiber optic TTL triggering and was priced at $649.99 body-only (^[9]).

In the general photography community, the Mark III received mixed reception. Some photographers considered it a step backwards from the Mark II in terms of customizability, as it moved toward a more “point and shoot” orientation with four shooting assist modes (AUTO, Scene, Advanced Photo, and Art Filter). Wetpixel forum members noted that many regarded it as “not a real upgrade to the EM10II” and “less customisable” — expectations had been for a step closer to the E-M5 Mark II rather than further into consumer territory (^[10]).

E-M10 Mark IV (August 2020)

The most significant generational upgrade came with the Mark IV, which featured a new 20-megapixel Live MOS sensor — the same 20MP sensor and TruePic VIII processing engine used in Olympus’s high-end models. Additional improvements included:

• Stabilization: 5-axis IBIS with 4.5 shutter speed steps of compensation (up from 4 in the Mark III)
• Autofocus: Improved tracking precision using the same moving subject detection algorithm from the high-end E-M1X, plus Face/Eye Detection AF from the E-M1 Mark III
• Speed: Maximum 15 fps high-speed sequential shooting
• Design: Lightest E-M10 ever at approximately 0.85 pounds; flip-down LCD monitor (a first for the OM-D series) with dedicated selfie mode; improved grip; USB charging
• Connectivity: Bluetooth always-on connection (same antenna as high-end models) alongside Wi-Fi
• Price: $699.99 body-only, shipping September 25, 2020

(^[11])

Housing Availability

The E-M10 line received housing support from Nauticam and Ikelite, with Nauticam providing primary support across all four generations.

Nauticam NA-EM10 (2014)

Announced May 2014 and shipping from May 15. The NA-EM10 was milled from solid aircraft-grade aluminum, depth rated to 100m/330ft, and weighed 1.1kg (187mm x 135mm x 100mm). Key features included:

• Port system: Port locking lever from Nauticam’s SLR housing line, supporting 20 Micro Four Thirds lenses including the Panasonic 8mm fisheye, Olympus 60mm macro, Olympus 12-50mm EZ, and Panasonic 7-14mm
• Vacuum system: Integrated vacuum system electronics as standard equipment, with audible/visual leak detection; optional M16 Vacuum Valve for full vacuum monitoring
• Strobe triggering: Built-in fiber optic ports for TTL triggering via the camera’s built-in flash, compatible with Inon Z-240, D-2000, S-2000, and Sea & Sea YS-01, YS-D1 strobes
• Viewfinders: LCD/EVF selector switch for underwater switching; optional 180-degree and 45-degree magnified viewfinders with patented external dioptric adjustment
• Wet lenses: Compatible with Nauticam WWL-1 wet wide lens and CMC macro converter via bayonet mount
• Ergonomics: Fingertip control for aperture, shutter speed, both command dials, video start/stop, and function buttons; optional Flexitray and Easitray handle systems with rubberized grips

(^[12])

Ikelite MIL Housing for E-M10 (2014)

Announced at DEMA 2014 and released December 2014 at $950, this was one of the first two housings in Ikelite’s new MIL (Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens) system (alongside the Olympus PEN E-PL7 housing). The MIL housings featured Ikelite’s TTL strobe triggering system via direct electrical connection (non-fiber optic), interchangeable lens ports with three-thumbscrew attachment, and Ikelite’s signature clear polycarbonate construction. Three port options were available: a super wide dome for fisheye lenses ($300), a semi-dome for rectilinear zoom lenses ($350), and a macro flat port ($250). The camera’s built-in flash was not usable in this housing configuration. Non-Ikelite strobes could be attached via sync cord for manual exposure only (^[13], ^[14]).

Nauticam NA-EM10II (2016)

Shipping January 2016 at $1,450. Nauticam described it as their sixteenth model built around the Micro Four Thirds lens lineup and the sixth Olympus mirrorless housing. Key improvements over the original:

• Locking camera mount tray: New cam lever system for secure, precise camera positioning even with heavy lenses
• Shutter release extension: Included at no charge for improved ergonomics with large hands or thick cold-water gloves
• MIL-style viewfinders: Compatible with new 45-degree and 180-degree magnified viewfinders (part numbers 32205 and 32204) that mounted directly without requiring an accessory window
• Stiffening handle brackets: Stainless steel brackets eliminating flex when using heavy lighting systems
• WWL-1 support: Full compatibility with the Nauticam Wet Wide Lens, providing zoom-through ultra wide-angle 130-degree field of view with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens

Weight: 1.03kg. Dimensions: 184mm x 138mm x 99mm. Depth rating: 100m (^[15]).

A prototype of this housing was shown at DEMA 2015 (^[16]).

Ikelite 200DLM/A Housing for E-M10 Mark III (2018)

Released March 2018 at $1,195. This was a significantly more sophisticated housing than the original MIL version, using Ikelite’s 200DLM/A platform with integrated TTL circuitry fine-tuned to the E-M10 Mark III’s flash exposure protocol. Features included:

• TTL: Integrated circuit powered by the strobe (no batteries), providing faster and more accurate TTL than fiber optic systems, with flash exposure compensation support via camera controls
• Ergonomics: Trigger-type shutter lever and curved AEL/AFL lever, with optional extensions for handle grip use; soft-touch knobs for front/rear dials and mode control
• Construction: ABS-PC blend (Ikelite’s signature white color for better LCD/o-ring visibility), lighter than aluminum, corrosion-proof
• Viewfinders: Included Supereye viewfinder; optional straight or 45-degree magnified viewfinders
• DLM port system: Compatible with extensive Micro Four Thirds lens port lineup
• Vacuum: Optional vacuum kit available ($47012) with hand pump and gauge
• Depth testing: Every unit water pressure tested to 200 feet (60m)

(^[17])

Nauticam NA-EM10IV (2020)

Shipping October 2020 at $1,724. Built around Nauticam’s “Mission Control” design philosophy with N85 port system. Key features:

• Flash triggering: Built-in fiber optic bulkheads supporting TTL via camera’s pop-up flash; dedicated flash control atop housing (no need to pop up flash before inserting camera); optional electronic bulkhead with hotshoe connection available
• Included accessories: Stainless steel stiffening brackets and shutter release extension, compatible with Easitray II or Flexitray II handle systems; M10 threaded mounting point atop housing
• Vacuum system: Nauticam’s temperature-compensated vacuum check and leak detection system as standard
• Optics: Full support for Nauticam WWL-1/C and CMC-1/2 wet lenses
• Specifications: Weight 1.08kg (0.1kg underwater with camera), 184mm x 138mm x 100mm, depth rated to 100m

(^[18])

TTL Accessories

The E-M10 line benefited from a growing ecosystem of third-party TTL solutions for underwater strobe control:

• TRT-Electronics o-TURTLE (2017): Hot-shoe mounted TTL optical flash trigger, tested with the E-M10 Mark II among other Olympus MILC cameras. Featured rechargeable battery, front/rear curtain sync, and included LED board for fiber optic triggering. Compatible with Sea & Sea YS-D1, YS-D2, and Inon Z240 strobes. A variant, the o-TURTLE 45, was designed specifically for Olympus PT series housings with their angled hot shoe geometry (^[19], ^[20]).

• Ikelite RC1 TTL Receiver (2018): Fiber optic TTL receiver that attached to Ikelite DS strobes, making them compatible with Olympus RC flash mode. Compatible with Ikelite, Nauticam, Recsea, Olympus, and Isotta housings (^[21]).

• UW Technics TTL Converter (2019): Optoelectronic TTL converter board for Nauticam housings, compatible with the NA-EM10II and NA-EM10III. Provided two optical and one electrical TTL output, supporting Inon, Sea & Sea, Subtronic, and Ikelite strobes. No onboard battery required (micro-current from camera hot shoe). User-installable in approximately one minute. Priced at $380 (^[22]).

• Ikelite DL3 DS Link TTL Converter (2019, updated 2021): External TTL converter compatible with the E-M10 Marks I, II, and III in housings with Nikonos N5 or Ikelite ICS-5 bulkheads. Featured push-button TTL/manual switching, rear curtain sync support, and no batteries required. Available versions ranged from $350-$450. The 2021 kit included the PT1 hotshoe and B1A bulkhead for Ikelite DLM housings (^[23], ^[24]).

Community Discussion

Forum discussions revealed several themes about the E-M10 in underwater use:

Value proposition: The E-M10 system was consistently viewed as an excellent entry point for underwater mirrorless photography. Users transitioning from DSLRs praised the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem’s compactness. One community member noted switching from Canon lenses to M43 as “the best decision I made,” citing the ability to fit all equipment in airplane cabin luggage (^[25]).

AF limitations: The lack of phase detection autofocus was the most discussed limitation. Forum member Architeuthis (Wolfgang), comparing the E-M5 Mark II (CDAF) to the E-M1 Mark II (PDAF), noted that “AF with Zuiko 60mm Macro and Pana 45mm Macro became substantially faster” with PDAF and that C-AF+tracking was “too unreliable” with CDAF cameras. However, forum member Interceptor121 argued that “shooting underwater is more similar to landscapes than it is to sports on land” and that PDAF was “not essential” for underwater use (^[26]).

Secondhand market: As 20MP sensors became standard, the 16MP E-M10 Mark I and II saw strong secondhand market activity. Used NA-EM10 housings with camera bodies appeared in Wetpixel classifieds from around $500, with sellers typically upgrading to the E-M1 Mark II (^[27]).

Comparison with Panasonic: The Panasonic GX9 was frequently cited as the main alternative, offering a 20MP sensor and smaller/cheaper package in the same Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, though with weaker continuous autofocus (^[28]).

Compatible Lenses (Underwater)

The E-M10’s Micro Four Thirds mount provided access to a wide selection of underwater-capable lenses from both Olympus and Panasonic. Key lenses recommended by Nauticam for the system included:

• Panasonic Lumix G Fisheye 8mm f/3.5: 180-degree fisheye, praised as the best CFWA (close focus wide angle) option available
• Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm f/2.8 Macro: Primary macro lens; combined with Nauticam CMC for super macro (subjects as small as 8mm wide filling the frame)
• Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-50mm f/3.5-6.3 EZ: “Ultimate jack of all trades” with built-in macro mode; capable of dolphins and nudibranchs on the same dive
• Panasonic Lumix G Vario 7-14mm f/4.0 ASPH: Rectilinear wide-angle zoom (114-75 degrees), ideal for subjects where fisheye distortion was unwelcome
• Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ: Pancake zoom compatible with Nauticam WWL-1 for 130-degree zoom-through ultra wide-angle capability
• Panasonic Lumix G X VARIO 12-35mm f/2.8 ASPH
• Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm f/2.8 PRO

Nauticam offered port support for 20 Micro Four Thirds lenses across the E-M10 housing generations (^[29], ^[30]).

Timeline

• 2014-01: Olympus announces the OM-D E-M10 at $699.99 body-only (^[31]).
• 2014-05: Nauticam announces NA-EM10 housing, shipping from May 15; describes E-M10 as the new “go to” mirrorless for underwater (^[32]).
• 2014-11: Ikelite MIL housing for E-M10 shown at DEMA 2014; AOI announces range of lens ports for OM-D housings (^[33]).
• 2014-12: Ikelite ships MIL housings for E-M10 and PEN E-PL7 at $950 each (^[34]).
• 2015-08: Olympus announces E-M10 Mark II with 5-axis IS at $649.99 (^[35]).
• 2015-11: Nauticam shows prototype NA-EM10II housing at DEMA 2015 (^[36]).
• 2016-01: Nauticam ships NA-EM10II housing at $1,450 (^[37]).
• 2017-08: Olympus announces E-M10 Mark III with TruePic VIII processor, 4K video, 121 AF points at $649.99 (^[38]).
• 2017-11: TRT-Electronics ships o-TURTLE TTL trigger compatible with E-M10 Mark II and other Olympus mirrorless cameras (^[39]).
• 2018-03: Ikelite ships 200DLM/A housing for E-M10 Mark III at $1,195 (^[40]).
• 2018-07: Ikelite announces RC1 TTL receiver for Olympus/Panasonic with DS strobes (^[41]).
• 2019-02: UW Technics ships TTL converter for Nauticam NA-EM10II and NA-EM10III housings at $380 (^[42]).
• 2019-06: Ikelite releases DL3 DS Link TTL converter compatible with E-M10 Marks I, II, and III (^[43]).
• 2020-08: Olympus announces E-M10 Mark IV with 20MP sensor at $699.99 (^[44]).
• 2020-10: Nauticam ships NA-EM10IV housing at $1,724 (^[45]).
• 2021-03: Ikelite ships updated DL3 DS Link TTL converter kit with PT1 hotshoe and B1A bulkhead at $450 (^[46]).

Specifications Comparison

References