Best camera professional beginners: Canon EOS Rebel SL3 review

Опубликовано: October 25, 2023 в 12:01 pm

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Категории: Miscellaneous

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 review

Digital Camera World Verdict

There are two cheaper DSLRs in the Canon range than this one – the EOS Rebel T100 and the EOS Rebel SL7 – but we reckon this EOS Rebel SL3 is a better buy than both of them. The T100 was so cheap it was actually quite unappealing and looks as if it’s on the way out, whereas the features of the SL7 have been cut back so hard to make its low price point that it’s hard to recommend. The SL3 does cost more, but it’s worth paying the extra. It comes with Canon’s top APS-C sensor, very good Live View autofocus, a vari-angle touchscreen and 4K video in the perfect package for beginners.

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Pros
  • +

    Very light and compact for a DSLR

  • +

    Great Live View autofocus response

  • +

    Vari-angle touchscreen

  • +

    Simple but effective controls

Cons
  • Only 9 AF points in viewfinder shooting

  • Thicker body than mirrorless rivals

  • Four-way pad quite small

Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is not Canon’s cheapest DSLR, but it’s the cheapest we’d recommend buying. The Canon DSLR range seems to be going through a phase of consolidation rather than technological advancements, which is a polite way of saying that it hasn’t done anything especially new for a while. The new EOS Rebel SL3  (known as the EOS 250D in other territories) fits in that category, with Canon using technologies we’ve already seen in other Canon cameras to refresh the existing EOS Rebel SL2.

There is a new EOS 850D model above this one, but that’s proved extremely slow to appear and we haven’t yet been able to get a sample for a full review.

But beginners won’t care about any of this. They’ll only care what this camera costs, what it does and whether it’s right for them. And regardless of what you might think about Canon’s technical progress (or lack of it), it’s judged the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D pretty much to perfection.

Beginners and new DSLR users don’t need the latest tech, they just need an affordable, effective camera that’s easy to use and delivers the goods. And Canon has pretty much got that nailed. The previous Rebel SL2  was one of the best cameras for beginners for its time, not to mention one of the best DSLR cameras, so its replacement can hardly put a foot wrong, right?

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(Image credit: Canon)

Specifications

Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS, 22.3 x 14.9mm
Image processor: DIGIC 8
AF points: 9-point phase detection (viewfinder), xxx
ISO range: 100 to 25,600 (exp. 51,200)
Max image size: 6,000 x 4,000
Metering modes: Evaluative, Centre-weighted, Spot, Partial
Video: 4K UHD at 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
Viewfinder: Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x magnification
Memory card: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS I compatible)
LCD: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1. 04m dots
Max burst: 5fps
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Size: 122.4 x 92.6 x 69.8mm (body only)
Weight: 15.9oz/451g (body only, with battery and SD card)

Key features

Canon is pitching the EOS Rebel SL3 as the world’s lightest DSLR with a movable screen. There are mirrorless cameras smaller than this one, to be sure, but as far as DSLRs go, Canon is quite correct. 

If size matters more than the actual camera design, however, you might want to take a look at the new mirrorless Fujifilm X-T200.

Despite the debate around DSLRs vs mirrorless cameras, the DSLR design still has a lot going for it. DSLRs are chunkier and easier to grip than most beginner-orientated mirrorless cameras, they have clear optical viewfinders which many still prefer over digital versions, and the batteries last a lot longer because they’re not continually powering a digital display.

Canon is going for the entry-level market, with a combination of point-and-shoot simplicity, a Guided UI (user interface) to walk new users through the basics of photography, and a Creative Assist mode for more adventurous photographic effects. Underlying all this is all the manual control you’d expect in a DSLR, so that when you’re ready to move on to more manual techniques, the EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D can stay right with you.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 has Dual Pixel CMOS AF that’s so effective in Live View mode it’s like using a mirrorless camera!

Inside is a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor of a type we see in lots of Canon cameras and similar in size and resolution to those used by competing Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm cameras, like the Nikon D5600, Sony A6400, Fujifilm X-T200 and even Canon’s own mirrorless EOS M50. Here, it’s matched up with Canon’s latest DIGIC 8 processor, which gives the new camera better image quality at high ISO settings than the older EOS Rebel SL2, more advanced live view autofocus and 4K video, for the first time in a DSLR at this price.

If you’re using the viewfinder, the Canon offers a basic but effective 9-point autofocus system. That’s not much by today’s standards, but the focus points are spread evenly across more than half the width and height of the frame, they’re clearly marked and it’s a simple setup for novices to get used to.

The Live View autofocus is much more sophisticated. It uses Canon’s own Dual Pixel sensor technology, which splits each photosite on the sensor in two in order to check distance using the same phase detection autofocus principle used by DSLRs. It’s faster than the conventional ‘contrast AF’ used by many sensors in live view. In the Rebel SL3 / 250D, there are no fewer than 3,975 user-selectable AF points covering up to 88% of the frame width and 100% of the height, depending on the lens used.

The vari-angle touchscreen display makes the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D perfectly intuitive for smartphone upgraders, not just regular camera users.

This camera’s other key features are its 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen display and built in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless image transfer to a smartphone or tablet.

Build and handling

The Rebel SL3 is very small for a DSLR, especially in width and weight. The DSLR design means the body has to be thicker to accommodate the mirror, and while the Canon 18-55mm f/4-5. 6 IS STM kit lens is pretty compact, it’s not a retracting type, so the combination of the thick camera body and lens makes the Canon a lot ‘longer’ than rival mirrorless cameras like the Fujifilm X-T200. It’s certainly compact for a DSLR, but it’s a good deal bigger than a mirrorless model, especially if you weight it up against Micro Four Thirds rivals from Olympus and Panasonic.

The body has a good-sized grip, making the Canon easy and secure to hold one-handed. The body does have a slightly plasticky feel, but that’s offset by high-quality knobs and dials – especially the main mode dial and power on/off switch, which has a third position for entering the video mode.

Small as it is, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 has a chunky body and a non-retracting kit lens. It’s small for a DSLR, but mirrorless cameras are smaller.

The viewfinder is a little smaller than average for a DSLR because it uses a cheaper ‘pentamirror’ design rather than the usual pentaprism, but it’s bright and sharp and the autofocus points and shooting information show up clearly.

The vari-angle screen on the back is excellent. You switch to Live View by pressing a button on the back of the camera and you can then use the touch control to set the focus point and change camera settings. It’s sharp, colourful and clear and the touch response is first rate. Apart from the mechanical noise when the mirror is flipped up to enter Live View mode, this is just like using a mirrorless camera, as the autofocus response is just as rapid.

It’s interesting that while many people are commenting on how mirrorless cameras are becoming better than DSLRs, Canon has designed a DSLR to match mirrorless cameras for the very thing they’re designed to do best – live view photography.

You can flip the rear screen out to use it at any angle, fold it back against the camera facing outwards to show settings and image information, or fold it so that it’s facing inwards for protection, and just use the viewfinder to compose and shoot your pictures.

The body has a slightly plasticky feel, but the buttons and dials feel first class.

Some of the minor buttons feel a little small and the rear four-way control pad is certainly on the small side, squashed in between the LCD display and the edge of the camera. However, given the Rebel SL3’s small size, Canon has done a great job of finding space for its external controls while still giving them room to breathe.

It’s a bit annoying that you have to open the battery door on the base of the camera to get to the memory card slot rather than having a separate door in the side of the camera, but this is common in cameras in this price bracket, and it’s only an issue if you want to swap memory cards while the camera is on a tripod.

Performance

If you were shooting sports and tracking fast-moving objects you’d need a more sophisticated autofocus system than the 9-point AF in the Rebel SL3, but although it can keep up a reasonable 5 frames per second continuous shooting speed, it’s not that kind of camera, and for everyday photography the autofocus system is fine.

It’s even better in Live View mode, where Canon’s latest Dual Pixel CMOS AF system takes over and delivers autofocus speeds which feel even faster. You can choose between subject-tracking AF mode, Spot AF, Single point AF and Zone AF, in either single-shot mode or continuous Servo AF mode.

The Live View autofocus is fast and smooth, though in 4K video mode you lose the Spot AF and Zone AF options.

You switch from stills photography to video using a third position on the main power switch. The camera automatically enters Live View mode (you can’t shoot video using the viewfinder on a DSLR because the mirror is locked up) and switches to continuous autofocus mode.

4K video is a big selling point on this camera, but you do notice a couple of limitations when you switch from full HD (1080) capture to 4K. First, there’s a significant ‘crop factor’ in 4K mode, which means your lens’s angle of view effectively becomes narrower. This is common on but the most recent Canon cameras and while you do quickly get used to it, it does mean you may have to step back to recompose your shot.

The other limitations is that you can no longer use the Spot AF and Zone AF modes, but the Subject Tracking and Single Point AF are arguably all you need anyway, and the camera does a great job of following subjects around the frame once the autofocus has locked on.

Focusing in the video mode isn’t instantaneous, but with the Canon STM (stepping motor) kit lens it is smooth and silent, giving nice focus transitions between different subjects and distances rather than sudden, jerky movements.

We’ve tested many other Canon cameras with this sensor, or close relatives, so that lab results offered no real surprises. Unlike some other camera makers, Canon still uses low-pass filters in front of its sensors to reduce the risk of ‘moiré’ artefacts, so the resolution is slightly lower than the Nikon D5600, which does not have one of these filters (they do introduce a slight blur).

The Canon’s dynamic range – its ability to capture detail in very bright and very dark areas – is about average, while its noise levels at high ISO settings are pretty good, and better than the older Rebel SL2. We put that down to the newer DIGIC 8 processor.

Overall, the Rebel SL3 is a very competent, if unexceptional performer, and easily good enough for its target audience of beginners and smartphone upgraders.

Beware of cheaper lens bundles offered by some retailers – the Canon 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM lens is the best kit lens for this camera.

Lab results

We ran our full suite of lab tests on the EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D and compared them with the results from three big rivals: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, Nikon D5600 and Fujifilm X-T100. 

Resolution:

As they both pack 24MP sensors, it’s no surprise that theEOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D and Fujifilm X-T100 are identically matched for image sharpness. The anomaly is the 24MP Nikon D5600, which at sensitivities up to ISO 1600 is performing beyond what its specs would suggest. This is likely do to Nikon’s slightly more relaxed noise reduction processing, which significantly hinders its signal to noise score (above) due to extra grain, but the payoff is razor-sharp image quality and slightly better fine detail retention.

Signal to noise ratio:

This test measures the clarity of images at each of the camera’s ISO sensitivity settings – the less noise/grain in an image, the better the score. The EOS 250D does well here, producing the cleanest images of the group at lower sensitivities, and only trailing the Olympus E-M10 III by a small margin at ISO 3200 and above.

Though the EOS 250D likely uses the same sensor as in the 200D, as well as older cameras like the 800D, the new  DIGIC 8 processor in the 250D has improved the camera’s signal to noise performance, as it scores around 5% better than the 200D at each sensitivity setting.

Dynamic range:

The EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D is capable of very similar dynamic range to its 24MP APS-C Canon DSLR stablemates at lower ISO sensitivities, but that new DIGIC 8 processor has marginally improved dynamic range at ISO 800 and above. It’s still not enough to outdo the Fujilfilm X-T100, let alone the mighty Olympus E-M10 III, but the EOS 250D handily beats its main DSLR rival from Nikon.

Verdict and competition

There are two cheaper DSLRs in the Canon range than this one – the EOS Rebel T100  which may not be around much longer and the EOS Rebel SL7 – but we reckon this EOS SL3 is a better buy than both of them. It does cost more, but it’s worth paying the extra. The two cheaper Canons are built down to a price and lack features you’re almost certainly going to want later, while the Rebel SL3 has Canon’s top APS-C sensor, very good Live View autofocus and 4K video and is the perfect DSLR for beginners.

We like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 but it’s not the only low-cost beginner-friendly camera on the market. What about its rivals? (Image credit: Canon)

But it’s not the only choice, especially if you’re prepared to consider other brands, and mirrorless rather than DSLR camera designs. Here are three cameras we think are key rivals for the EOS Rebel SL3 / 250D.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor with 16 million pixels. It can’t quite match the resolution of the Canon, but it comes pretty close, and its dynamic range and noise performance is excellent. Its body is a lot smaller than the Canon’s and its super-slim 14-42mm ‘pancake’ kit lens is smaller still. The Olympus shoots 4K video, has an excellent in-body image stabilisation system, offers more advanced shooting options for enthusiasts and comes with a wide selection of creative Art Filters.

Nikon D5600

Like the Canon Rebel SL3 /250D, the Nikon D5600 has a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor and a vari-angle rear screen and is designed for advanced beginners keen to experiment with new techniques. It doesn’t have the Canon’s 4K video mode or its advanced Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, so its autofocus in Live View mode is slower. What the Nikon does deliver is very high levels of detail, a more advanced viewfinder autofocus system and a very effective retracting 18-55mm AF-P VR kit lens that’s compact and offers fast and near-silent autofocus (make sure you get this lens and not a cheaper alternative).

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• The best camera for beginners
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Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW’s Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

Digital Camera World Verdict

With a new 20MP sensor, incrementally improved in-body image stabilization and a new flip-down and tiltable monitor, the new Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has plenty to shout about. Retaining the 4K video and attractive styling that made the Mark III so attractive to consumers, the Mark IV is set to be a new favorite for anyone looking for an entry-level camera that can do pretty much everything.

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Cons
  • No mic port

  • Plastic build

Why you can trust Digital Camera World
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is sleek, stylish and unbelievably lightweight. With an upgraded 20MP sensor and improvements made to the autofocus, this Micro Four Thirds camera looks set to impress.

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Olympus may have recently grabbed headlines with its shock sale, but the launch of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV shows that it’s very much business as usual for the imaging company. 

  • Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV (Silver) at Amazon for $699.99

With some interesting improvements made on the Mark IV’s predecessor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, this camera looks set to make Olympus enthusiasts very happy indeed – and ranks as one of the best Olympus cameras ever.

We had great affection for the E-M10 Mark III, as it’s a fantastic little camera with plenty of useful features to crow about. Thanks to its compact body, 5-axis image stabilization and 4K video capability, it sat squarely atop our best travel cameras guide for quite some time. 

• Read more: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV vs Mark III vs Mark II

So, with an updated 20MP sensor and the promise of improvements made to the Continuous AF focusing, could the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV be the perfect camera for those looking for something compact, yet powerful? 

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The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV weighs just 383g without a lens. (Image credit: Future)

Specifications

Sensor: 20.3MP 4/3” Live MOS sensor
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Image processor: TruePic VIII
AF points: 121 point Contrast Detection AF system
ISO range: Low (approx. 80) – 25,600
Metering modes: ESP light metering, Spot metering, Centre weighted metering, Highlight, Shadow
Video: 4K at 30p, 25p, 24p, Full HD at 60p, 50p, IPB (F,N)
Viewfinder: EVF, 2,360K dots
Memory card: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS I/ UHS II)
LCD: 3-inch tiltable touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Max burst: 8.7fps high, 5fps low
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Size: 121.7mm x 84.4mm x 49mm
Weight: 383g (body only, including battery and memory card)

Key features

One of the key new features for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the welcome addition of a 20MP Live MOS sensor, which is a boost from the previous generation’s 16MP sensor. This brings the E-M10 series in line with the latest versions of the E-M5 and E-M1 series, which are both also using 20MP sensors. 

The Mark IV also features a compact in-body image stabilization unit with up to 4. 5 EV steps of compensation and 15 fps high-speed sequential shooting. There’s also improved Continuous AF precision for continuous focusing on moving subjects. Meanwhile, the Face Priority/ Eye Priority AF is now able to focus on faces in profile or looking down, which should help ensure that users can capture sharp portraits even at unconventional angles. 

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV also has a variety of shooting modes, including AUTO, SCN (Scene), AP (Advanced Photo) and Art Filter. The AP mode brings challenging shooting techniques to a beginner’s level, such as panoramas, HDR and more. Meanwhile, the Art Filter mode includes a variety of filters that, while not particularly useful for more serious shooting situations, are great fun for families and friends to play around with.

The Mark IV retains the 4K video capabilities of the Mark III, but has the added advantage of  a tilting LCD monitor that can flip down 180º for self-facing video shooting and vlogging. Meanwhile, as you would expect in a camera like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, there is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built into the camera body as well.  

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has a screen that can flip down – perfect for selfies! (Image credit: Future)

Build and handling

Just like its predecessor, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is incredibly lightweight and compact. However, Olympus has managed to shave 27g off the Mark IV, making it even more portable. The trade-off with a light camera tends to come down to the body material used to construct it. The Mark IV is made out of plastic, compared to the metal body of more expensive cameras, such as the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III. 

Externally, the OM-D E-M10 IV looks very similar to the previous Mark III version, retaining the same vintage styling and ergonomic dials. Speaking of the camera controls – the power switch is easy to find, even when you’re not looking directly at the camera. It slides to each position easily, with just the right amount of resistance. In a clever design quirk, you can slide the power switch past the ‘On’ position so that it’s facing forwards in order to pop the flash up.  

Meanwhile, the right side of the top of the camera has three dials. The first is the mode dial, which enables you to select which shooting mode you want to work in, including Manual, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Auto, Video and more. The other two dials can be used to select settings such as aperture, shutter speed and exposure compensation. Each dial is large enough to be easily found without looking, but compact enough that it fits in nicely with the stylish design. Adjusting the dials is pleasantly ergonomic, with each dial providing just enough resistance to prevent it from being accidentally knocked.

You can choose from a variety of different modes by using the mode dial.  (Image credit: Future)

Performance

One of the main aspects of the E-M10 Mark IV we wanted to test was how well the Continuous AF worked. With many reviews reporting that the Mark III has trouble retaining focus on moving objects, and the promise of an improved C-AF performance in the Mark IV, we were curious to see just how much difference there would be.

Fortunately, we were pretty happy with how the camera performed. The autofocus was fast, responsive and mostly able to keep up with our model as she ran towards the camera. The only time the focus began to slip was when the model came within a meter of the camera. However, the amount of times that you’d realistically be using Continuous AF on a subject within a couple of meters of you is likely pretty low. 

(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)

The 15fps sequential shooting felt nice and speedy, which was handy when capturing fast-moving subjects. The Silent version of the Sequential High burst mode also felt appropriately responsive – and was particularly useful when photographing the local wildlife up close.

A silent burst mode means that you can capture close-up images of skittish wildlife (Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)

We were also pleased to reap the benefits of the new 20MP Live MOS sensor – which is a welcome upgrade from the Mark III’s 16MP sensor. While a Micro Four Thirds sensor is never going to deliver the sheer image quality that a full frame camera would, it was perfectly serviceable for capturing full body and close-up portraits. The Eye AF worked well, with the camera automatically finding the subject’s eyes without any trouble. 

The Eye AF focuses quickly on your subjects eyes, ensuring sharp portraits (Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)

We were only able to test the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV with the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens, which, while very capable, doesn’t have a particularly wide maximum aperture. However, the Mark IV features in-body 5-axis image stabilization with up to 4.5 EV steps of compensation (which is a slight improvement on the Mark III’s 4 EV steps), which meant that even images shot in low light with a slower shutter speed still came out sharp.

The 5-axis image stabilization was even more impressive when we tried out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV’s video functionality, providing smooth footage when walking with the camera handheld. The E-M10 Mark IV is the first camera in the OMD series to feature a flip-down LCD monitor, which makes capturing self-facing vlogging footage super simple. This screen is also particularly helpful when photographing high- or low-angle photos.

Scroll through our carousel of images below to see more example photos.

Image 1 of 7

(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)(Image credit: Neil Carey)(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)(Image credit: Louise Carey / Digital Camera World)

Lab data

We tested the O-MD E-M10 Mark IV alongside entry-level mirrorless rival cameras like the Fujifilm X-T200 and Sony Alpha A6100, as well as the E-M10 Mark III, to see just how well the new Olympus compares to its predecessor.

Resolution:

(Image credit: Future)

The move to a 20. 3MP sensor has definitely given the E-M10 IV an advantage over its predecessor when it comes to resolving fine detail, and the new Olympus is even able to equal the 24MP Fujifilm X-T200 for detail capture at lower sensitivities. However, the E-M10 IV’s smaller sensor and lower megapixel count can’t match the image clarity from the Sony and Fujifilm cameras at higher ISOs.

Dynamic range:

(Image credit: Future)

Olympus O-MD cameras have traditionally been strong for dynamic range, and the new E-M10 IV is no exception. While the old Mark III scores slightly better at lower sensitivities, things are reversed at ISO 6400 and above. Both Olympus cameras are capable of capturing significantly greater dynamic range than their rival APS-C cameras from Fujifilm and Sony. The X-T200’s suspicious dynamic range increase at ISO 6400 is most likely due to automatic in-camera enhancement.

Signal to noise ratio:

(Image credit: Future)

Our signal to noise test measures image clarity, specifically the ratio of the actual image ‘data’ you want to capture, versus the image noise that you don’t want, but will inevitably be visible when shooting at higher ISO sensitivities.  The higher the score at a given ISO sensitivity, the better.

An increase in megapixel count has the potential to increase image noise, as smaller pixels are usually less light-sensitive. However, Olympus has mostly managed to avoid this pitfall, as the E-M10 IV’s images contain similarly low levels of image noise to those from the Mark III, and indeed the APS-C Fujifilm X-T200 for that matter. Sony’s A6100 doesn’t fare quite so well, with its images containing noticeably more noise at higher ISOs.

Verdict

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a fantastic little camera with plenty to offer. With a new 20MP sensor and improved Continuous Autofocus, the Mark IV boasts some useful upgrades over its predecessor, the Mark III. While the other improvements are admittedly incremental, we’re still impressed with what the Mark IV brings to the table.

If we had any criticisms, it would be that we’d love to see a mic port to go along with the 4K video capabilities and flip down screen. However, this would likely start to step on the toes of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 line, so we can understand why Olympus didn’t include this on their entry-level camera.

Whether you’re a smartphone enthusiast looking to make the jump to a ‘proper’ camera, you want to capture high quality family snaps, or you’re simply searching for a lightweight camera to take with you on your travels, the Mark IV could be the perfect camera for you.

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Best cameras for vlogging
Best lenses for vlogging
Top vlogging tips
Best microphones for vlogging
Best Panasonic cameras
Best Micro Four Thirds lenses

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: Price Comparison

285 Amazon customer reviews

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With over a decade of photographic experience, Louise arms Digital Camera World with a wealth of knowledge on photographic technique and know-how – something at which she is so adept that she’s delivered workshops for the likes of ITV and Sue Ryder. Louise also brings years of experience as both a web and print journalist, having served as features editor for Practical Photography magazine and contributing photography tutorials and camera analysis to titles including Digital Camera Magazine and  Digital Photographer. Louise currently shoots with the Fujifilm X-T200 and the Nikon D800, capturing self-portraits and still life images, and is DCW’s ecommerce editor, meaning that she knows good camera, lens and laptop deals when she sees them.

Top 8 famous photographers from around the world and their photos

If you are an aspiring photographer and want to learn from the best, take a look at these photographers who have achieved a lot in a short period of time. Some of these top photographers may be familiar to you, and some have a very good reputation in the history of photography. It is interesting to follow the path of these famous photographers as their photographs are a beautiful collection of vibrant colors that keep traditional photography alive. Photography is no longer a business, it is a passion for many people as they decide to leave their high paying jobs and follow their dreams which take them to distant lands, meeting people from different cultures and environments unknown to many people. Patience and hard work – sitting still in the wild, in order to take the perfect shot, is necessary for becoming a professional photographer.

1. Jimmy Nelson

Jimmy Nelson is a famous British photographer who has been taking photographs since 1987. Since 2010, he has been working on the “Before They Disappear” series, thanks to which he has traveled extensively to places such as Vietnam, Tibet, Africa, etc. . He visits people from different tribes and photographs them in their natural habitat, which is really amazing, as emotions are beautifully conveyed in his photographs. His first part won him several international awards and he is currently working on the second part. Jimmy Nelson’s photographic work has been exhibited in many international museums and leading art galleries.

2. Rean

Rean is a French photographer currently based in Vietnam. He is quite popular for his photographs of India, Vietnam and Cuba. He published his first book Vietnam, A Mosaic of Contrasts in 2014, featuring over 150 photographs of Vietnam highlighting their diverse culture. According to his biography, “by capturing images of these exceptionally contrasting cultures and collecting their traditional costumes and precious artifacts, he created a collection of precious heritage that is now the core of the museum-gallery of the same name.” He is also known as a photographer who captures the souls of his models. Well, this is not a literal meaning, he just knows how to portray the emotions of the models in such a touching way.

3. Lee Jeffries

Lee Jeffries from Manchester, UK loves to travel the world to take black and white portraits of the homeless. His passion for portrait photography of the homeless began when he was running a marathon in London. He accidentally stumbled upon a young woman wrapped in a sleeping bag, and his idea of ​​homeless people changed dramatically. According to Lee Jeffries, the emotions of the homeless seem to flow outward, which can tell amazing stories. Since then, he has been photographing the homeless as his subjects and raising funds through his photographs to help improve the lives of the homeless. We take our hats off to this photographer, in whose work there is modesty and nobility.

4. Joe McNally

Joe McNally is an internationally recognized award-winning photographer. His works are quite popular in more than 70 countries around the world. According to his biography, “McNally is known the world over not only as one of the finest, tech-savvy photographers of his generation, but his charming demeanor, confidence and humor make him a sought-after choice from CEO to celebrities in commercials and magazines. He belongs to a rare breed of photographer who has bridged the world between photojournalism and advertising by amassing an impressive list of commercial and advertising clients including FedEx, Sony, ESPN, Adidas, Land’s End, General Electric, Epson, MetLife, USAA, New York Stock Exchange, Lehman Brothers, PNC Bank and the Beijing Cultural Commission. ” His photographs have been published in leading magazines such as National Geographic, Life and so on.

5. Eric Almas

Eric Almas is a Norwegian photographer currently based in San Francisco. He was given a camera at the age of 12 and since then his photography studies have taken him to many places. He continued his education in photography at the University Academy of Fine Arts for 4 years. He had some of the best mentors and developed his own sense of photography which definitely made his career. He is the proud owner of numerous awards and his photographs have been published in some of the leading fashion magazines, news magazines and so on. He has worked with international clients such as Absolut, Pfizer, Toyota, Hyatt and many more.

6. Mario Testino

Mario Testino (born October 30, 1954) is a Peruvian fashion photographer. His work has been featured in magazines such as Vogue and Vanity Fair. Mario Testino, one of the most sought after fashion photographers, was born in 1954 in Lima, Peru. He came to London in 1976, rented an apartment in an abandoned hospital near Trafalgar Square, and began selling a portfolio (for £25 including hair and make-up) to aspiring models. Today, he is best known for his polished, exotically flamboyant advertising campaigns and exquisitely framed photographs of the couture scene, all of which carry a deceptively lighthearted quality. At the pinnacle of his career, Testino photographed Madonna for Versace and also photographed the late Diana, Princess of Wales for her famous Vanity Fair cover at 1997 year. His popularity with designers and fashion editors stems from both his professionalism and good nature and his unerring ability to take beautiful photographs.

7. Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry was born February 24, 1950 in Pennsylvania and attended Pennsylvania State University. Steve McCurry is an American photojournalist best known for his photograph “Afghan Girl”, which first appeared in National Geographic magazine. He originally planned to study cinematography and filmmaking, but ended up getting a degree in theater arts and graduated at 19.74 year. He became interested in photography when he started shooting for the Pennsylvania newspaper The Daily Collegian. After working for the Today’s Post in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania for two years, he went to India to freelance. It was here that McCurry learned to observe life and wait. “If you wait,” he realized, “people will forget your camera and the soul will float into view.”

8. Timothy Hogan

Timothy Hogan is an award-winning luxury and still life photographer and filmmaker based in New York, Los Angeles and London. As a photographer, director, cinematographer and avid surfer, he is a jack-of-all-trades, working with clients from all over the world on everything but the kitchen sink, from still life to films to fashion. He recently released a collection of photographs called Project FIN, which combines his love of still life. Photographs remind us of how the simplicity of objects can become beautiful masterpieces in photography.

6 How to work with models and lighting in female portraits?

Female portrait photography is objectively considered one of the most difficult. However, there are techniques that allow you to get portraits that reveal the character, feelings, inner world of posing girls, their natural attractiveness. All methods used by wizards can be divided into two categories. The first one includes equipment and light, the second one is working with the model.

Features of photography in the fog – how to shoot a landscape and a portrait

Newbies don’t like photos in the fog. Most often, such conditions are preferred either by landscape painters with experience, or by commercial photographers who are tired of the “golden hour”. However, shooting in foggy conditions has its own specifics. We offer an article on how to take pictures in a haze.

Background and flash stands: selection rules and best models

Any camera, flash, photophone and accessories require convenient, secure and secure mounting using stands and other types of holders. Their choice should be based on the maximum load, subject and shooting format. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the size of the room with the mobility of a particular model.

Working with the background for a photo shoot

The background plan when photographing is the very detail that novice specialists do not pay attention to. A novice photographer often focuses on the model, but forgets about what surrounds her. This is the wrong approach. There are no trifles in the skill of a photographer. A well-chosen background complements the main plot, but if you make a mistake, it can be a hindrance. The main goal of the master is to create such a picture that will draw the viewer’s attention to the model. It is important that the environment does not interfere with the main object. Most photographers know to choose a background with as few patterns and colors as possible. In fact, there are much more nuances. There are several secrets, thanks to which the background will reveal the essence of the main object.

How to bring a portrait closer to the ideal and avoid common mistakes

Regardless of the specialization of the photographer, the portrait always occupies one of the important places in his work. Shooting people close-up is not easy, it requires a certain experience and professional skills. It is necessary to take into account everything down to the smallest detail: a person’s skin tone and his gaze, exposure and choosing the right angle, composition and light.

How to use and correct natural light in photography

The ability to choose the right time and place for shooting with natural light allows you to get interesting pictures for both professionals and beginners. At the same time, the source of natural light can be both pure solar radiation and its diffused light on a cloudy day. Let’s look at how to shoot in natural light, when reflected light is preferable to direct light, and other features of photography with a natural light source.

Front and rear curtain synchronization between camera and flash

Flash-to-camera sync is a setting that “ignites” the light source at the moment the photographer takes a picture, i.e. presses the shutter button. Using a flash without sync will result in a photo that is dark or overexposed. The reason for the defects is simple: the shutter releases faster than a second and the photographer cannot physically guess when to press the button. All modern cameras have a feature that allows it to be synchronized with the flash. Synchronization is possible in two ways: on the first and second curtain. Each method gives its own effects and is widely used by professionals.

What is better to use for shooting – a flash or a reflector

To obtain high-quality images in low natural light, use special tools.