4K Video Comparison: Sony ZV-E10 vs Olympus E-M1 Mark II

I've had a few people ask me about the differences in video quality between the Sony ZV-E10 and the Olympus E-M1 Mark II, so here's a quick look at these two cameras in action.
This video is filmed with:
Olympus E-M1 Mark II
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Canon M50
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Canon M6
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Canon 22mm f2.0
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Sigma 16mm f1.4
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Canon 70d
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Canon 17-55mm f2.8
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microphones:
Rode Video Micro
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Rode Wireless Go
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Relacart MiPassport Wireless Mic
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#videos

[@LowDoughTech]

I really appreciate this video. I've been on the fence between these two cameras for a while now, and this one helped my decide. I won't say which one I decided on, but it starts with O and ends with lympus. Awesome channel, keep up the great work!

[@ERA_Productions]

Great video! Just purchased a ZV-E10 last month and so far I love it!

[@lacsarlacsar3566]

excellent, this is very useful, Steven. Thanks man.

[@artoriaslee]

Thanks for being honest. Its so annoying when KZbinrs say "you guys have been asking for this comparison". Literally no one did.

[@bestcameralens]

Agree. Panasonic and Sony usually had their edge towards video because they offered 4k way back in 2014. Even they are capable of shooting stills, they are more video orientated.

[@chrisdwyer1477]

The comparison I didn't know I needed

[@steve_heise]

lol thanks!

[@top_tech.500k]

*Excellent compression👍* *What camera and lense did you use for the beginning of your video indoor part?* *Thanks*

[@stevenponec]

Yes I’ve been waiting for a comparison between these cameras!! What would you suggest for filming in a small space? I have the 16 1.4 for the m50 but I hate the m50 tbh. But if there’s something good or equivalent for the Olympus then I’m pretty sold on the Olympus

[@HaraldEngels]

Thank you for this comparison and all your other M43 related no-nonsense reviews. I am looking for an add-on to my Sony ZV-1 (something with an interchangeable lens mount). The Olympus auto-focus looks more organic with less pumping. I am going to look for the Olympus E-M1 Mk II although I have a lot of full-frame lenses for my Sony A7. Your reliability argument convinced me.

[@Springs1995]

Excellent comparison. Your video helped me a lot. I have a Sony A6500 which takes great photos, but I've never liked using it for video and I am never satisfied with any Sony IBIS. This feature in the Olympus appears to be significantly better.

[@earlfenwick]

Ooh yes, now that I think of it !

[@rebeltug]

would love to see a review on the canon R50! since you've used the M6 and M50, + the Sony a6000 series and olympus E-M lines, would love to get your thoughts on it as a camera from a video and photo perspective!

[@marike1100]

Excellent comparison! The section on lens selection / DOF, you kind of make it sound like the Sony is a full-frame camera but it’s also a crop sensor. Anyway, as a camera it’s an easy choice, the top of the line Olympus. Also, the f1.2 lenses, if purchased used, are not that expensive for pro grade glass (the amazing 17mm f1.2 is $600 used).

[@marcodimartino2810]

Steven, thanks a lot. I really dig you and the channel, so first things first congrats! Second, in a very impartial way, you can't really compare the build quality of something that at the time costed around 2K with something twice as cheap

[@innercynic2784]

I picked up a nearly new EM-1 mark 2 for $500. Pair that with a decent lens for about $250 and I think I'll be neck and neck with the Sony. Olympus IBIS puts Sony to shame. If you had a camera with Sony auto focus, Olympus colors and IBIS and Panasonic menus then you'd have the nearly perfect camera

[@bigtiger567]

Eve10 is not cheap to be honest... So buying a second hand em1 may be a better deal -- you got a good video and photography camera at the same time!

[@steve_heise]

Definitely - at the time I got the E-M1 Mark II, the Sony ZV-E10 was still unavailable everywhere due to the chip shortage. The ones that were available were selling for like $900 used. I was happy to finally get one at a normal price.

[@trulsdirio]

The big difference is the Olympus is a photography beast on top of being really competitive in video.

[@Bigfarmer8]

In the comments below Tamás Sz. gives a nice description why he is so happy with his new ZV-E10. In his opinion the colors of the Sony are better than those of the Olympus. My opinion (or taste) is exactly opposite. Sony colors science favors yellow, making you look paler than you probably are and with the depth of field of a full frame sensor the lower part of your beard seems to have disappeared. There is also quite a difference in the way the glass of your glasses appear. So good that there is choice for everyone! Thanks for sharing Steven!

[@teeramate]

How important is auto ISO for vdo ? I'm choosing between EM1 mk2 & EM1 mk3 ( both in used market ) thanks for your advice !

[@steve_heise]

It really does help. For example, in this video the sun is constantly moving in and out from behind the clouds. It actually helps to have that auto ISO to make those adjustments for me since I'm filming myself.

[@Jozuajay]

OLympus M1X vs Sony ZVE10 , who is better for video ?

[@steadicamwalker]

Even on a cellphone screen im Shocked by the poor quality of Zve10 footage

[@sztomi90]

Well I always taught that Olympus has some very nice color science, but at this one you look MUCH better on the Sony. That Olympus has some weird skin tones plus that over-sharpening and micro contrast makes you look worse. (no offense of course). Well we just bought a zv-e10 for my brother's church to use it inside for recording the event. I did try it with the kit lens (waiting for the 18-105mm to arrive). What can I say? First impression is that the at the build quality and handling department it really feels like a toy. Even my old a6000 feels better and more pro. Also the lack of viewfinder is a big one. For these two reasons I would never buy it for myself. But when it comes to positive side: the image quality and color science is very very good as can be seen in your video as well. I only tried it with the lowest bitrate 25mbit at 1080p. I did try it with the Canon 70-200 f4 with a cheap AF adatper. I was blown away how well the autofocus worked, especially the eye tracking in photo mode, BUT in video mode the autofocus was not working AT ALL with the canon lens. That's weird and kind of a letdown. The tally lamp on front and the USB C continuous charging is nice feature. The autofocus is very fast but behaves very weirdly, as can be seen here as well when you raise your hand just briefly it looses your face instantly. I experienced the same doing just one full event with it. When I zoomed out it automatically focused on the back of the head of someone closest to the camera, I did wanted to to remain at the same focus distance. Lens might not be parfocal but I need to find a way to lock the AF at the same distance at every focal length. All this with product showcase turned off with zone focus only. I need to make some adjustments to fix that, it would be ridiculous that they would have to use manual focus just because of this. Also I never understood why I could not use single AF in video mode with my Sony bodies, only continuous AF.

[@trulsdirio]

You8 lost me at the depth voodoo, ngl.