Why Buy an Olympus OM-D E-M10 as a Backup or Second Camera?

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 is a really good mirrorless camera, but it is on the low end of the OM-D Camera line. So why would I buy an OM-D E-M10 as a second camera? Size and Price.

The size of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 makes it a perfect second camera. With the Olympus 30mm f/3.5 macro lens or the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens, the E-M10 fits easily in a jacket or vest pocket.

The OM-D E-M10 is also reasonably priced and you can often find them used or on Olympus’ reconditioned gear website. Let’s hope OM Digital Solutions keeps the reconditioned gear website. MPB also has a good selection of used OM-D E-M10s at a reasonable price.

I own both the OM-D E-M10 Mark II and the OM-D E-M10 Mark III that I had converted to infrared.

Here are some ways that I use the OM-D E-M10 as a second camera

Travel Back Up Camera

It is a good idea to take a backup camera with you while you are traveling. Depending on your destination, it may be difficult to replace or repair your camera while traveling. The E-M10’s small size makes it easy to pack it in a carry-on bag.

Its light weight can also be beneficial as some countries have weight restrictions for carry-on bags on domestic flights.

Check out my blog that compares the features and specifications of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, Mark III, and Mark IV.

Second Camera in Your Pocket

As I mentioned above, partnered with a small lens the E-M10 can easily fit into a jacket or vest pocket. This allows you to be ready to photograph different photography genres while your out on your photography shoot.

Here are some ideas for Using the E-M10 as a Second Camera in Your Pocket.

Landscape photography

I like to go out on photography hikes for birds and wildlife. I’m usually equipped with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and Olympus 300mm f/4 lens on a Black Rapid Strap. While my main focus is in on birds and wildlife, there might be a beautiful landscape scene or sunrise that I don’t want to miss.

Rather than having to switch lenses on the OM-D E-M1X, I just have to pull the E-M10 Mark II with the Olympus 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens out of my pocket to capture the scene.

Macro Photography

Similar to the landscape example above, while out on a bird or wildlife hike I may want to do some macro photography (certain flowers may be in bloom or I come across a certain kind of insect).

The Olympus 30mm f/3.5 macro lens mounted on my E-M10 Mark II still fits in my jacket pocket. I also put the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ lens in my other pocket so I’m ready for birds, wildlife, macro, and landscapes.

**Infrared Photograph taken with E-M10 Mark III**

Infrared Photography

I rarely go out only for Infrared Photography. I’m usually out photographing landscapes and see a scene that might be a good infrared photograph. I had an OM-D E-M10 Mark III converted to infrared and now I have infrared in a pocket when I see a scene that might work well as infrared photograph.

Black and White Photography

You can set up your OM-D camera so the LCD and viewfinder display in black and white instead of color. This can be useful when trying to visualize and compose black and white images.

You can set up the E-M10 for black and white and your other OM-D for color. Now you can easily switch between color and black and white photography.

When You’re Not Out on a Photo Shoot

Sometimes you are not out on a photo shoot and see a subject that you want to photograph. You could just use your cell phone and I’ve done that many times. But the E-M10 gives much better control and the ability to use different lenses.

I’m sure there are a lot more ideas on how to utilize the compact Olympus OM-D E-M10 as a second camera. What are your ideas?

Written by Martin Belan

The Site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Our affiliates include: Amazon, Skylum Software, Topaz Labs, DxO, Viator, Hotelopia, and Langly Co.