Excellent image quality, more affordable than similar rigs, and compact enough for travelers and novice shooters - is this the new Best Bang For Your Buck in underwater photography? That’s a 10-4, good buddy!

Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV Underwater Camera & Housing Review

Excellent image quality, more affordable than similar rigs, and compact enough for travelers and novice shooters - is this the new Best Bang For Your Buck in underwater photography? That’s a 10-4, good buddy! Meet the new contender for the best compact mirrorless underwater camera: The Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.Watch our complete video review of the Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.An Even Better Bang For Your Buck The last few years have seen a major rise in the popularity of compact mirrorless cameras for underwater photography. The Olympus E-PL10 was our pick for the Best Bang For Your Buck when paired with the limited edition Backscatter E-PL10 Octo Housing because of how well it balanced performance, ease of use, and value. That camera has now been officially discontinued, so it’s time for something even better to come along: enter the Olympus E-M10 IV and Octo Housing Package. Say hello to our new overall favorite compact mirrorless camera system for underwater photography: The Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing.What’s upgraded with the E-M10 IV?Image quality improved from 16 to 20 megapixelsDedicated exposure controls: ISO, shutter speed, & apertureMore ergonomic shutter activationAutomatic TTL flash power with Backscatter Mini Flash 2 via LED flash trigger The Olympus E-M10 IV can still be used like a point-and-shoot camera with external ‘wet’ conversion lenses or used like an SLR with dedicated wide angle and macro lenses and ports. Keep it simple and versatile, or go for the best image quality possible – the choice is up to you. The camera and housing system includes everything you need to start shooting straight out of the box. The interchangeable ports and lenses make it easy to upgrade and configure your rig for any type of shot - from ultra wide angle down to super tight macro. The integrated LED flash trigger features automatic TTL flash power and High Speed Sync when used with Backscatter Mini Flash 2 making good lighting results easier to pull off and better looking than ever. At $799.99 for the camera with lens and $699.00 for the housing, it’s easily the best bang for your buck in underwater photography - not to mention one of the coolest looking rigs around thanks to the custom ‘Octo’ tentacle print (a Backscatter limited edition). Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing $699.00ORDER NOWOlympus E-M10 IV Camera with 14-42mm EZ Lens $799.99ORDER NOW The Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing includes everything needed to start shooting underwater. Resolution Boosted to 20 Megapixels, Excellent Image Quality The Olympus E-M10 IV gets a healthy resolution boost over the Olympus E-PL10 from 16 to 20 megapixels, producing an image that has satisfyingly sharp image detail. High-key highlights don’t look blown out, and dark shadows aren’t noisy or grainy. Color saturation is vibrant and packs plenty of pop. Whether shooting backlit sunballs or black-background macro, the results across the board were excellent and comparable to current-gen Micro Four Thirds sensor cameras, including the flagship OM System OM-1. When compared to the Olympus TG-6, the larger sensor of the Olympus E-M10 IV creates much sharper image detail, better dynamic range, and lower noise in low-light situations. Given the relatively minor size increase of the Olympus E-M10 IV body, the user gets all the benefits of a larger sensor, and higher-end camera without significantly adding to the weight or size of the underwater rig. Wide angle image results have great dynamic range detail and vibrant colors.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/60 | ISO 200 | ƒ11Macro results maintain dark backgrounds and sharp details on tiny subjects.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ11Small, Lightweight, Easy for Travel The Olympus E-M10 IV is remarkably compact and lightweight for what it can do making it ideal for frequent travelers who need to watch their camera gear volume and weight requirements closely. The interchangeable lens is the biggest variable in overall system size, ranging from compact-sized when using the Olympus 14-42mm EZ kit lens to more SLR-like with lenses like the Olympus 8mm fisheye, Olympus 60mm macro, or even topside telephoto zoom lenses like the Olympus 75-300mm lens. Tired of lugging around an SLR, or frustrated with compact cameras not having enough controls? The combination of portability, performance, and an uncompromising control set is one of our favorite parts of the Olympus E-M10 IV. Even when fully equipped with a pro lens and dual arms for lighting the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing isn’t much larger than a compact camera, like the beginner-favorite Olympus TG-6. Considering the number of controls, interchangeable ports, built-in LED flash trigger, and vacuum and leak detection features, it’s pretty astonishing that the overall housing size is able to remain so compact. The upgraded and more ergonomic shutter release is easy to use both while holding the housing in your hand or reaching it from the grip of a tray. The Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing is about the same size as most point-and-shoot rigs but features way more power and potential.There is a surprisingly minor size difference between the body of the mirrorless Olympus E-M10 IV and the massively popular compact Olympus TG-6.Both the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing and the Olympus PT-059 housing for Olympus TG-6 are remarkably similar in size, but the Olympus E-M10 IV is an infinitely more capable camera.An Ideal Upgrade from TG Cameras If you’re one of the thousands of underwater photographers who have fallen in love with their Olympus TG-series compact camera but are now ready to take their gear to the next level then look no further than the Olympus E-M10 IV. Any Olympus user will feel right at home with the familiar menus, controls, and operation of the camera. The ability to swap between such a wide variety of lenses is the standout feature of this camera when compared to the Olympus TG-6 because it allows the user to get wider shots, more macro working distance, and sharper overall results. When shooting macro with the Olympus 14-42mm EZ and a diopter you’ll have a much greater working distance to the subject than with the Olympus TG-6, which will make macro shots much easier to pull off. Fast-action scenes where rapid firing is required are much easier to pull off with the Olympus E-PL10 than the Olympus TG-6. The Olympus E-M10 IV offers full manual exposure control, which is a major advantage over the Olympus TG-6 when it comes to obtaining great underwater image results easily. This is especially helpful for wide angle background exposure control, which is where shutter speed control becomes essential. The Olympus TG-6 offers limited shutter speed control at best, and never without an Auto-ISO caveat. The Olympus E-M10 IV can completely separate shutter speed from ISO just like any other fully manual camera providing the user with complete exposure control for the perfect image. For shooters that are ready to graduate from their tried-and-true TG camera but aren’t quite ready to go all-in for a full-frame SLR, then the Olympus E-M10 IV is the best choice for a major step up in performance at a fraction of the price of other options. Balancing perfect foreground and background exposures is made much easier thanks to the full manual control of the Olympus E-M10 IV.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/100 | ISO 400 | ƒ11It’s All About The Lens Options The Olympus E-M10 IV includes an interchangeable Olympus 14-42mm EZ power zoom lens. This lens on its own is about equivalent to the zoom range on most compact cameras. Just like compact cameras, the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens must rely on wet-mounted external conversion optics to get the best results underwater. Without conversion lenses, the Olympus 14-42mm EZ is not wide enough for wide angle at 14mm, and not tight enough for macro at 42mm. There are a ton of great optical options for the Olympus E-PL10 that all provide excellent image quality. While it can be shot as simply as a compact camera with external wet lenses, the camera body also supports the full range of Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lenses. This provides an excellent array of sharper, wider, faster focusing, and tighter macro optics for pro-level image results. This is easily the most distinct advantage of the Olympus E-M10 IV over compact, non-interchangeable lens cameras. Lens choice is all about the size of the subject you are trying to shoot. While it might sound obvious that you wouldn't shoot a shipwreck with a macro lens, there is some overlap between macro and wide that can cause headaches when using the wrong lens for the task at hand. These are the lenses we recommend and when to use them: WIDE ANGLEAOI UWL-09 PRO Lens with Olympus 14-42mm EZProsThis is the Backscatter recommended wide angle setup for most shooters and most wide angle shooting situations.130 degrees of coverage and the greatest amount of flexibility make this the easiest wide angle lens for novice shooters.Removable underwater.Allows zooming, provides the greatest amount of flexibility for a wide angle setup.ConsIt’s a wet lens that needs to be “burped" at the beginning of the dive.Because it is a wet lens, it cannot do split images as the water will drain out when half in and out of the water.Backscatter M52 Wide Angle Lens with Olympus 14-42mm EZProsThis is a great option for TG shooters that already own this lens.Add the quick-release mounting system for easy on/off wide angle optics.ConsOlympus 14-42mm EZ lens is slightly narrower than a TG lens, so the angle of coverage is only around 100-degrees.Not quite as sharp as the AOI UWL-09 PRO when used with the E-M10 IV.It’s a wet lens that needs to be "burped" at the beginning of the dive.Because it is a wet lens, it cannot do split images as the water will drain out when half in and out of the water.Olympus 8mm or Panasonic 8mm Fisheye LensesProsUltimate wide angle lens for the largest shots: large reef scenes, whale sharks, shipwrecks, and splits/over-unders.Great perspective for super close focus wide angle shots.The Olympus 8mm Fisheye Pro lens is noticeably sharper and better in image quality than the Panasonic 8mm Fisheye, but is more expensive. - Olympus option works with large dome port for splits.ConsNo zoom capability, it is always at 180 degrees of coverage.Must get really close to subjects, so some novice shooters might prefer more working distance that comes with the AOI UWL-09 PRO.Requires port swap to a dome port.Olympus 9-18mm Wide Zoom LensProsA bit wider alternative to the 14-42mm kit lensZoom range is flexible for fish portrait to medium-wide subjectsGreat for sharks, mantas, and other pelagics where a fisheye lens is too wideSharp, high-quality optics make for great-looking picturesConsThe narrowest of the wide angle options for the E-M10 IVNarrow angle puts subject distance further away for larger subjectsHigher apertures are necessary when shooting behind a dome port for sharper cornersRequires a port swap to a semi-dome port.Olympus 14-42mm EZ LensProsGreat lens for fish portrait and fish ID type shots.The range of the zoom on this lens works well for subjects underwater that range from about basketball to softball-sized.ConsHas a limited application range for underwater photography without wet accessory lenses.The 14mm side of the lens isn’t very wide for underwater wide angle, and the 42mm side doesn’t have the close focusing capabilities necessary for macro shooting.MACROAOI UCL-09PRO Lens with Olympus 14-42mm EZProsLeast expensive option for macro shooting with no port swaps required.Enables the included kit lens to focus closer for macro.Good for subjects down to the size of a golf ball.ConsThe autofocus ‘hunts’ a bit more with the AOI UCL-09 PRO lens than with the 60mm or 90mm dedicated macro lens.Restricts focus at longer distances, and the lens will need to be removed for larger subjects.This setup is good for occasional macro use, but hardcore macro shooters will be much better off with the 60mm or 90mm for the better autofocus and less restrictive focus range.Olympus 60mm Macro LensProsRazor-sharp optics for excellent image quality.This is a true pro level macro lens that will allow a 1:1 reproduction ratio just like SLR lenses.Focus is fast, easy, and accurate.Good for subjects from softball down to penny-sized.Add on the AOI UCL-09 PRO pro and get up to 2:1 macro for the tiniest critters.The Olympus 60mm Lens and AOI UCL-09 PRO combination is the Backscatter recommended setup for ultimate macro image quality and ease of use.ConsThis is a dedicated macro lens that requires a port swap from the stock port, however, an extension ring may be used with the stock port to keep costs down.No zoom capability since this is a dedicated macro lens.Short working distance at high magnification powers.Olympus 90mm Macro LensProsBest option for macro photography. Razor-sharp optics for excellent image quality.Goes to 2:1 for super macro levels of magnification without requiring a diopterShooting without a diopter is much less restrictive for accommodating a wider range of subject sizesOvercomes the challenge of the 60mm lens’ short working distance.ConsMost expensive lens option.Longer working distance doesn’t work well for larger fish portraits.Must use the larger OM-D port syetem & install the lens from the front.Olympus Macro Lens Comparison The image below is the exact same scene, shot with 4 different lens combinations to show the macro capabilities of each. All were shot at the minimum focus capability to show the maximum amount of magnification possible. There is no cropping - these are straight out of the camera. Shooting the smallest critters of the sea requires the most magnification, and the recommended setup for this is the Olympus 60mm Lens with an optional AOI UCL-09 PRO close-up lens. By itself, the standard Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens can’t really be considered a macro setup, even when zoomed in all the way. Casual macro shooters with larger macro subjects can use the Olympus 14-42mm EZ with the AOI UCL-09 PRO close-up lens, but it will never be able to match the smaller macro capability, faster focusing, and overall ease of use of the macro Olympus 60mm Lens. All images shot at 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ22Improved Autofocus Tracking Makes Macro Easy The autofocus speed is faster and more accurate than the Olympus E-PL10 thanks to an improved processor and chip. This is most noticeably improved when tracking a macro subject. When locking on to the eye of a close-up critter the camera does a great job of sticking the sharpest part of the frame right where desired. Using dedicated wide and macro lenses will yield even better results than the kit lens with wet-mount conversion lenses. To be fair things did slow down a bit when tracking at extreme magnifications like 2:1, but if you need maximum performance in those situations it’s worth looking at the flagship OM System OM-1. The controls can be configured to enable back-button autofocus operation. By separating the focus control from the shutter button we gain a huge advantage over compact cameras and take the next step towards SLR-like camera control. This custom control assignment is easy to set up in the menu and can be easily set once and forgotten about. The fast and accurate autofocus works great for just about every situation. Being able to assign focus to a thumb-activated back button provides an SLR-like operation of the Olympus E-M10 IV.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 400 | ƒ18Perfect Lighting with Automatic TTL Flash Power The Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing includes an LED flash trigger that features automatic TTL flash power when shot with RC Flash mode compatible strobes, such as the Backscatter Mini Flash 2. RC Flash mode is Olympus’ proprietary automatic TTL flash power synchronization method. This produces perfect lighting results, even in challenging macro situations, breaking down a challenge that often frustrates novice shooters. Thanks to the automatic TTL flash power of RC Flash mode-enabled strobes the Olympus E-M10 IV is able to achieve outstanding lighting results with ease.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/250 | ISO 200 | ƒ18Maximum Exposure Control With HSS The Olympus E-M10 IV can utilize High Speed Sync (HSS) when using the Backscatter Mini Flash 2 strobes to blow past traditional flash sync limits for maximum exposure control. Sync with strobes up to the maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 to completely eliminate ambient light from your scenes. This can be activated by turning on the Super FP mode within the RC Flash menu. When not using HSS, the Olympus E-M10 IV can shoot up to 1/250 when using the AOI HSC-01 connector for 2-pin manual-only strobe sync. It will shoot up to 1/200 when using the included AOI HSC-02 connector in manual mode, or up to 1/160 if using the HSC-02 in RC mode. Create shallower depth of field and more bokeh in macro by shooting at a more open aperture, and preserve dark backgrounds - even during the daytime - thanks to the unlimited shutter speed of HSS.Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 60mm Lens | 1/4,000 | ISO 200 | ƒ4Rapid-Fire Strobe Sync Thanks to the built-in LED flash trigger of the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing, the camera can shoot rapid-fire by completely bypassing its own pop-up flash. It will fire faster than any compact or mirrorless that has to rely on a pop-up flash, creating more opportunities to capture the perfect frame in a fast-action sequence. This camera will fire as fast as the paired strobe can recycle, so at lower strobe powers it can do astoundingly fast rapid shooting. This also has the benefit of keeping the housing small because it does not need to accommodate the pop-up flash. Much Improved Exposure Controls Previously, the Olympus E-PL10 only used one control dial which required toggling to control aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation. Now the Olympus E-M10 IV features dedicated dials and controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO for massively improved overall operation. It’s now much faster and easier to dial in the best recommended settings for any shooting situation. Dedicated controls for shutter speed, aperture, and ISO make changing exposure settings much easier than before. The rest of the control layout is intuitive, matches the placement of the camera well, and provides an ergonomic, comfortable experience. We especially like the offset angled button for back-button autofocus, as it stands out well and is easy to separate from other controls by feeling alone. Record Video in Either 4K 30p or 1080HD 60p The Olympus E-M10 IV offers a maximum recording spec of 4K at 30p or 1080HD at 60p. There is a relatively heavy 4K crop factor, so for general use, it is recommended to set the video to 1080 60p. 1080 resolution will be easier to review and edit than 4K for most amateur or hobbyist video editors. More frames per second also offers more flexibility for slow-motion effects, which is always a favorite among underwater editors. Natural Video Color Looks Great up to 45 Feet Executing an ambient light custom white balance is easy to do, and produces great looking natural-light color down to about 45 feet. There are 4 custom white balance banks for storing multiple depth color settings, or for shooting with or without video lights. One minor quirk of the camera is that it must be set to photo mode in order to capture a manual white balance. It’s still possible to cycle between the 4 stored banks while in video mode, but the camera must be set to photo mode in order to actually capture a new white balance. Image Stabilization Provides Smooth Movement 5-axis in-body image stabilization assists handheld video to appear buttery smooth. If your rig is perfectly trimmed as outlined in our Buoyancy Solutions Article, then the extra layer of stability provided by the camera itself is enough to make your underwater wide shots look cinematically stable and graceful. Don’t forget to slow down that 60p footage to 30p playback for even more stabilization. Macro video shooters will still need a tripod for rock-solid results, just like every other rig out there. Fortunately, the AOI housing is small enough and light enough to work great with a simple Joby Gorillapod, eliminating the need for bulky, heavy aluminum tripod legs and a plate. Limited Edition Backscatter Underwater Housing We teamed up with AOI to produce the Limited Edition Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing. As if the simple operation, compact and well-laid out ergonomics, affordable price point, changeable ports, and built-in LED trigger and vacuum system weren’t enough, we just had to go and make it the coolest looking housing around too thanks to custom tentacle-themed graphics. High performance, ease of use, and cool graphics make this one well-rounded housing. The size of the housing overall is barely larger than most compact cameras and is smaller than most similarly-spec’d Micro Four Thirds underwater rigs. When compared to systems like Panasonic GH6 and OM System OM-1 the Olympus E-M10 IV stands out as being easier to handle and smaller enough to pack for travel. Even with the overall compact nature of the housing, there is plenty of room for ergonomic control access, even for those with smaller hands or wearing thick cold water dive gloves. Whether you prefer to hold the housing directly or prefer to use a handle grip, you can easily access the improved trigger-pull style shutter release without moving your hand. Housing Includes 67mm Threaded Port The housing Includes a 67mm threaded front port for the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens. Pair this port with wet wide or macro lenses for compact-like versatile shooting. Swap this port out for dedicated domes or extended macro ports for prime lenses and you will be ready to shoot any subject large or small. The housing is even compatible with older Olympus PEN series housing ports, so if you are upgrading from one of those classic systems then you already have some compatible accessories. Mount a double flip holder on the 67mm threads to be able to quickly swap between macro and wide on the same dive. If you don’t want all that bulk on the front of your port, use the AOI QRS (Quick Release System) of bayonet mounts for quick-disconnect of lenses which can then be stored on a control arm or in a pocket. Integrated Vacuum Detection, Moisture Alarm, & LED Flash Trigger One of the coolest features of the housing is the integrated Multi-Control Device. This USB-rechargeable unit is what controls the LED flash trigger and the vacuum/moisture detection for peace of mind before, during, and after the dive. Connect the cable to the camera's hotshoe for rapid-fire LED flash firing, and seal up the housing and port in order to pump it down for vacuum protection. By drawing a vacuum prior to the dive, the housing's integrity can be verified so that it can be taken underwater with full confidence of being leak-free. If by some chance there is any moisture present inside, an alarm will alert you so that it can be addressed before any serious damage occurs. Use Your Existing UMG Viewfinder Accessories The housing is also compatible with UMG magnifiers, which many TG and E-PL10 shooters already have for their housings. Both the AOI UMG-01 and AOI UMG-05 are compatible with the Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing, meaning that they can carry right over from the old rig to this one. AOI UMG-01 LCD Magnifier $189.00AOI UMG-05 LCD Magnifier $135.00 The AOI UMG-01 makes it easy to see the LCD screen in bright conditions by creating a loupe-style, magnified view of the back of the housing. The AOI UMG-05 is great for SLR-like operation, where the LCD screen can be viewed at a downward angle using an angled prism. This is great for getting down in the sand to shoot a macro subject face to face and while still actually being able to see the screen. OUR RECOMMENDED CONFIGURATIONS The versatility of lens choice is one of the key things that makes the Olympus E-M10 IV such a great system, but it can also lead to a lot of choices for the user. The team at Backscatter has made it easy to decide which lens configuration is the right one for you with this selection of our favorite setups. Remember, this is a completely modular system that can always be added to in the future. If your budget doesn’t support going all-in from the beginning, just start with what you need for your next dive, then add on more capabilities later. Most Versatile PackageBackscatter Recommended Setup The wide angle zoom range of the Olympus 14-42mm EZ and AOI UWL-09 PRO alongside the macro power of the Olympus 60mm Macro Lens will provide you with just about everything you need for shooting underwater. Add on an optional wet macro lens (such as the AOI UCL-09 PRO) to the Olympus 60mm Lens and you’ll be able to get 2:1 macro magnification for shooting the smallest critters in the ocean. While it is possible to use an extension ring with the stock port to accommodate the Olympus 60mm Lens, it’s best to get the dedicated 60mm port and the macro lens flip holder to use with the wet macro lens, and leave the quick-release bayonet mount installed on the stock port for the wide wet lens. *Note: Add the Panasonic 8mm Fisheye lens and a dedicated port for the ultimate wide angle shooting experience, making this a rig that can capture every shot imaginable. Wide Angle Lens & PartsAOI UWL-09 PRO 130° Wide Angle LensAOI UWL-09 Pro Float CollarAOI QRS UWL-09PRO Lens AdapterAOI QRS Mount Base for M67 PortsMacro Lens & PartsOlympus 60mm LensAOI 60mm Focus GearAOI FLP-02 Flat Port for Olympus 60mm LensAOI UCL-09 PRO Close-Up LensAOI M67 Flip AdapterORDER NOWShoot It Like A CompactWet Lens Package This package is best for wide angle shooters who want zoom flexibility and those interested in larger macro subjects but don’t want to deal with port swaps or traveling with extra ports. By going with all wet lenses, the front port of the housing never needs to be removed and the Olympus 14-42mm EZ lens that comes with the camera is the only one you need for macro and wide angle shooting. Wide Angle Lens & PartsAOI UWL-09 PRO 130° Wide Angle LensAOI UWL-09 Pro Float CollarAOI QRS UWL-09PRO Lens AdapterAOI QRS Mount Base for M67 PortsMacro Lens & PartsAOI UCL-09 PRO Close-Up LensAOI QRS 67mm Lens AdapterORDER NOWThe Professional PackageDedicated Wide & Macro Lens Package This setup will shoot the widest of wide angle and split shots, and the tiniest of tiny macro. The Panasonic 8mm fisheye lens will match the 180-degree angle of coverage that can be had from a fisheye lens on an SLR. The Olympus 60mm Lens with its razor-sharp optics, fast focus, and super macro range can do a 1:1 reproduction ratio without any additional lenses. Add on a wet macro lens for even more magnification to shoot the smallest critters in the ocean. Wide Angle Lens & PartsPanasonic 8mm Fisheye LensAOI DLP-06 Dome Port Macro Lens & PartsOlympus 60mm LensAOI 60mm Focus GearAOI FLP-02 Flat Port for Olympus 60mm LensAOI UCL-09 PRO Close-Up LensAOI M67 Flip AdapterORDER NOWUltimate Macro Package2:1 Super Macro Package If you’re strictly a macro critter hunter and don’t need any wide angle capability then this will get you the ability to shoot subjects ranging in size from a basketball down to a grain of rice. The OM System 90mm Lens with its razor-sharp optics, fast focus, and super macro range can do a 2:1 reproduction ratio without any additional lenses. Add on a wet macro lens for even more magnification to shoot the smallest critters in the ocean. Macro Lens & PartsOM System 90mm LensAOI OM System 90mm Focus GearAOI FLP-08 Flat PortAOI 37mm Port AdapterAOI UMG-05 90° LCD ViewfinderORDER NOWThe Olympus E-M10 IV & Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing system features a full suite of accessories that allow any shooter to create their ideal rig. Click the image to download this system chart as a PDF.CONCLUSION The Olympus E-M10 IV and Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing are the latest “best bang for your buck” in underwater photography. Together they can be operated as easily as a compact camera by utilizing wet-mount conversion lenses. Alternatively, the system can be set with dedicated lenses and ports for either wide or macro just like an SLR, but at a mere fraction of the overall SLR system price, Starting at $799.99 for the camera and lens, and $699.00 housing and included accessories you need to start diving with it right away. The image quality produced by the camera looks at least as good as any other current Micro Four Thirds sensor camera, with sharp detail, vibrant colors, and great dynamic range detail. Olympus E-M10 IV | Olympus 8mm Lens | 1/200 | ISO 400 | ƒ13 This rig is both an ideal fit for new underwater shooters seeking their first rig, or as an upgrade for someone who desires the next step up on the performance scale from an Olympus TG-6 or similar non-interchangeable lens camera. The custom tentacled graphics of the Limited Edition Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Housing are sure to turn heads and get some cool points, as well as serve as an easy way to pick your rig out of a crowded camera table. This is our favorite, most recommended system for striking an ideal balance between affordability, high-end performance, and simple ease of operation. ProsSignificantly upgraded 20 megapixel image quality over E-PL10, excellent photo resultsBuilt-in automatic TTL flash power with RC Mode compatible strobesHigh Speed Sync compatible with Mini Flash 2 for unlimited exposure rangeVacuum and leak detection built-in for peace of mind before, during, and after diveNew control layout with dedicated dials and buttons for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more.ConsNew Custom White Balance can only be captured in photo modeNo dedicated viewfinder support, though LCD screen viewfinder accessories are availableE-M10 IV PHOTOS View our sample gallery of Olympus E-M10 IV underwater photos. Click on an image to get the full view. .photo-modal-dialog { width: 100% !important; height: auto !important; padding-right: 3% !important; padding-left: 3% !important; display: block; float: left; } ××××××××××××CAMERAS & HOUSINGOlympus E-M10 IV Camera Body $699.99ORDER NOWOlympus E-M10 IV Camera and 14-42mm EZ Lens $799.99ORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Underwater Housing $699.00ORDER NOWPACKAGES:Backscatter E-M10 IV Octo Most Versatile Lens Package $4,307.98ORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Compact Lens Package $3,302.99ORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Pro Lens Package $4,392.97ORDER NOWBackscatter E-M10 IV Octo Macro Addict Package $3,518.98ORDER NOWWhy buy direct from Backscatter?Free lifetime tech support with every purchase. We will beat any advertised price. Free shipping to USA and Canada and low-cost international shipping. Related PostsRetra Flash Pro Max Underwater Strobe Review The Retra Flash Pro Max is Retra's latest top-end strobe. 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