What are the best second-hand cameras: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

As part of our second-hand classic series, we pay homage to Olympus’s entry-level mirrorless model from 2015

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The E-M10 Mark II, which was launched in August 2015, benefited from a good number of changes to make it significantly different to the original OM-D E-M10. It gained a similar 5-axis image stabilisation system to the version seen in Olympus’s more advanced OM-D E-M1 and E-M5 Mark II models and received improvements to its electronic viewfinder and video functionality.

It combines a 16.1MP Four Thirds sensor with a TruePic VII image processor, culminating in an ISO range of 100-25,600 and burst shooting at up to 8.5fps. Its electronic shutter permits silent shooting and the battery lasts for up 320 shots.

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What we said
● ‘Despite being a junior model in the OM-D lineup, it defies its billing by offering many of the key features found in its more advanced siblings’
● ‘Detail is well preserved up to ISO 1600, beyond which it slowly starts to tail off’
● ‘It’s undeniably a handsome, well-built and highly specified camera that’s capable of taking fine images’

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How it fares today
Despite many of today’s APS-C and full-frame cameras being capable of resolving finer detail and outperforming the E-M10 Mark II at high ISO, the image quality output from the Micro Four Thirds sensor is good enough for amateurs and casual users. If it’s dual card slots, weather-resistance and a faster burst you’re after, you’ll want to look at more expensive models in the OM-D lineup.

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What to pay
The camera cost £550 (body only) new when we reviewed it. Since then the price of used examples has dropped gradually to the point where excellent condition cameras with their original packaging, battery and caps can be picked up for £189.

Like-new used examples cost £200-220, with those deemed to be in good condition with a few scuffs to the body being sold for £170.

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New alternatives
The E-M10 III arrived two years after the E-M10 Mark II, and was superseded by the E-M10 Mark IV in 2020. Updates to the latter include a new 20MP sensor, improved handgrip, 15fps burst shooting and built-in Bluetooth.

It forgoes on-chip phase detection and relies on a 121-point contrast detection system for autofocus. A simplified menu also makes it more approachable to novices.

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At-a-glance
£189 (excellent used condition)
16.1MP Four Thirds sensor
ISO 100-25,600 (extended)
2.36-million-dot EVF
3in, 1.04m-dot fully articulated touchscreen
390g (body only)

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For and against
+ Robust body and attractive design
+ 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
+ Huge selection of MFT lenses
+ Available in all-black or silver and black finishes

– Lacks input for a microphone
– No weather-sealing
– No 40MP High Res Shot mode
– Lacks 4K video (Full HD at 60fps)

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What the owners think

Three Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II users give their verdict…

Maria Nikolouzou
In 2016, I decided I’d try and improve my Facebook page with higher-quality photos. The camera I upgraded to was the OM-D E-M10 II. I purchased the silver edition at an affordable price and instantly fell in love with its beautiful retro design.

Compact and very well constructed, but unfortunately not weather- sealed, it fits nicely in my hands without being too cumbersome. Buttons and controls are well positioned across the body, it offers good customisation, but is let down slightly by its menu, which isn’t particularly intuitive. Being lightweight was an advantage for my off-road hiking trips and the most valuable feature has been its in-body image stabilisation. I rarely find myself using a tripod any more.

The focus bracketing has helped with my macro photography and I’ve been impressed with its electronic viewfinder and the touch-enabled screen that lets me tilt it and shoot easily from low angles. The camera has a wide range of available lenses, creating pictures with recognisable Olympus colours. The battery life isn’t the best, however that is easily solved by packing a few spares.

My overall experience with the camera has resulted in a deeper passion for photography. More of my images can be viewed on Instagram @mnikolouzou.

For and against
+ 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
– No weather-sealing

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Nick Barber
A combination of GAS (gear acquisition syndrome), favourable exchange rate with the Canadian dollar and discounting of the Mark II after the release of the OM-D E-M10 Mark III saw me hand over my cash. I love its raised and tactile controls which compensate for its small form factor.

On its first challenging run out, it performed solidly paired with the 12-40mm F2.8 Pro lens and various fast primes. While it’s not the best in low light in the Olympus, or indeed Micro Four Thirds, range, its raw files hold up enough detail to rely on it to get acceptable shots in the kind of poorly lit music venues I often visit. More of my images can be found by visiting www.nickbarberphotography.co.uk. I am also on Instagram @efsb.

For and against
+ Small form factor
– Battery life

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Menegatos Christos
I bought the OM-D E-M10 Mark II in 2018. It is a beautiful silver retro-like, small and lightweight camera that’s supported by a vast number of Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus, Panasonic and other manufacturers. It has a 16MP sensor, IBIS, an excellent viewfinder, Wi-Fi, Full HD video at 60p, a 4K time-lapse mode and a flexible touchscreen.

It can shoot as high as ISO 25,600, but I’ve learnt its low-light performance isn’t its strong point. I love street photography and use it with my 40-150mm zoom lens most of the time. Autofocus is fast and accurate and it returns nice and crisp images.

I like the fact the camera feels light yet stable in my hands, which makes me want to pick it up and use it. I get around 280 shots on a single charge. To sum up, the E-M10 II is a camera that I thoroughly enjoy using outdoors and would highly recommend it to others.

For and against
+ No shortage of MFT lenses
– Lacks 4K video and microphone input

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Further reading
What are the best mirrorless cameras you can buy?