Nikon Z6 II vs Olympus E-M10 II

The Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in October 2020 and August 2015. Both the Z6 II and the E-M10 II are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Z6 II) and a Four Thirds (E-M10 II) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 24.3 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon Z6 II		Olympus E-M10 II
Mirrorless system camera		Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses		Micro Four Thirds lenses
24.3 MP, Full Frame Sensor		15.9 MP, Four Thirds Sensor
4K/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)		ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2 LCD, 2100k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
14 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
410 shots per battery charge		320 shots per battery charge
134 x 101 x 70 mm, 705 g		120 x 83 x 47 mm, 390 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus E-M10 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-M10 II can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, brown), while the Z6 II is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M10 II is notably smaller (26 percent) than the Nikon Z6 II. Moreover, the E-M10 II is substantially lighter (45 percent) than the Z6 II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the Z6 II is splash and dust resistant, while the E-M10 II does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z6 II gets 410 shots out of its EN-EL15c battery, while the E-M10 II can take 320 images on a single charge of its BLS-50 power pack. The power pack in the Z6 II can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon Z6 II	134 mm	101 mm	70 mm	705 g	410	Y	Oct 2020	1,999
2.		Olympus E-M10 II	120 mm	83 mm	47 mm	390 g	320	n	Aug 2015	649
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	135 mm	93 mm	64 mm	607 g	500	Y	Feb 2020	1,699
4.		Nikon D780	144 mm	116 mm	76 mm	840 g	2260	Y	Jan 2020	2,299
5.		Nikon Z5	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	470	Y	Jul 2020	1,399
6.		Nikon Z7 II	134 mm	101 mm	70 mm	705 g	420	Y	Oct 2020	2,999
7.		Nikon Z6	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	310	Y	Aug 2018	1,999
8.		Olympus E-M1 III	134 mm	91 mm	69 mm	580 g	420	Y	Feb 2020	1,799
9.		Olympus E-M10 III	122 mm	84 mm	50 mm	410 g	330	n	Aug 2017	649
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	124 mm	85 mm	45 mm	469 g	310	Y	Feb 2015	1,099
11.		Olympus E-M10	119 mm	82 mm	46 mm	396 g	320	n	Jan 2014	699
12.		Olympus E-PL7	115 mm	67 mm	38 mm	357 g	350	n	Aug 2014	599
13.		Panasonic S5	133 mm	98 mm	82 mm	714 g	440	Y	Sep 2020	1,999
14.		Panasonic GX80	122 mm	71 mm	44 mm	426 g	290	n	Apr 2016	799
15.		Pentax K-3 III	135 mm	104 mm	74 mm	820 g	800	Y	Mar 2021	1,999
16.		Sony A9 II	129 mm	96 mm	76 mm	678 g	690	Y	Oct 2019	4,499
17.		Sony A7 III	127 mm	96 mm	74 mm	650 g	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The E-M10 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 68 percent) than the Z6 II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z6 II features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-M10 II a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M10 II is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the Z6 II has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M10 II offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 24.3MP, the Z6 II offers a higher resolution than the E-M10 II (15.9MP), but the Z6 II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M10 II) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z6 II is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 1 month) than the E-M10 II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the E-M10 II has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z6 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z6 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.2 x 20.1 inches or 76.8 x 51.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.2 x 16.1 inches or 61.4 x 40.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.2 x 13.4 inches or 51.2 x 34.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M10 II are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Z6 II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Nikon Z6 II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-25600.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon Z6 II	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
2.		Olympus E-M10 II	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	23.1	12.5	842	73
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	APS-C	26.0	6240	4160	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
4.		Nikon D780	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Nikon Z5	Full Frame	24.2	6016	4016	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
6.		Nikon Z7 II	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
7.		Nikon Z6	Full Frame	24.3	6048	4024	4K/30p	25.3	14.3	3299	95
8.		Olympus E-M1 III	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
9.		Olympus E-M10 III	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	23.0	12.5	842	73
11.		Olympus E-M10	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	22.8	12.3	884	72
12.		Olympus E-PL7	Four Thirds	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	22.7	12.4	873	72
13.		Panasonic S5	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
14.		Panasonic GX80	Four Thirds	15.8	4592	3448	4K/30p	22.9	12.6	662	71
15.		Pentax K-3 III	APS-C	25.6	6192	4128	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Sony A9 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.0	3434	93
17.		Sony A7 III	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3730	96

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z6 II provides a higher video resolution than the E-M10 II. It can shoot video footage at 4K/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z6 II offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the E-M10 II (3690k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon Z6 II and Olympus E-M10 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon Z6 II	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	14.0	n	Y
2.		Olympus E-M10 II	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	3690	n	3.0	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	15.0	n	Y
4.		Nikon D780	optical	Y	3.2	2359	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
5.		Nikon Z5	3690	n	3.2	1040	tilting	Y	1/8000s	4.5	n	Y
6.		Nikon Z7 II	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
7.		Nikon Z6	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
8.		Olympus E-M1 III	2360	n	3.0	1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	18.0	n	Y
9.		Olympus E-M10 III	2360	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.6	Y	Y
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	2360	n	3.0	1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
11.		Olympus E-M10	1440	n	3.0	1037	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
12.		Olympus E-PL7	optional	n	3.0	1037	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	n	Y
13.		Panasonic S5	2360	n	3.0	1840	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	7.0	n	Y
14.		Panasonic GX80	2765	n	3.0	1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
15.		Pentax K-3 III	optical	Y	3.2	1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	Y
16.		Sony A9 II	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A7 III	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y

One feature that is present on the Z6 II, but is missing on the E-M10 II is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus E-M10 II both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Z6 II writes its imaging data to CFexpress or SDXC cards, while the E-M10 II uses SDXC cards. The Z6 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-M10 II only has one slot. The Z6 II supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-M10 II can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Z6 II and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon Z6 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
2.		Olympus E-M10 II	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Nikon D780	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Nikon Z5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Nikon Z7 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
7.		Nikon Z6	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
8.		Olympus E-M1 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
9.		Olympus E-M10 III	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
11.		Olympus E-M10	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
12.		Olympus E-PL7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
13.		Panasonic S5	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
14.		Panasonic GX80	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Pentax K-3 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
16.		Sony A9 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y
17.		Sony A7 III	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the Z6 II has a microphone port, which is missing on the E-M10 II. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

The Z6 II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the E-M10 II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-M10 II was succeeded by the Olympus E-M10 III. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Nikon and Olympus websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus E-M10 II? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z6 II:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24.3 vs 15.9MP) with a 26% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2360k dots).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.62x).
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2100k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (410 versus 320) on a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 1 month of technical progress since the E-M10 II launch.

Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• More compact: Is smaller (120x83mm vs 134x101mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 315g or 45 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (68 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2015).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z6 II is the clear winner of the match-up (25 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z6 II and the Olympus E-M10 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Z6 II and the E-M10 II in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon Z6 II	4.5/5	..	89/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	1,999
2.		Olympus E-M10 II	4.5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	Aug 2015	649
3.		Fujifilm X-T4	5/5	+ +	..	5/5	5/5	Feb 2020	1,699
4.		Nikon D780	5/5	..	87/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2020	2,299
5.		Nikon Z5	4/5	..	89/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jul 2020	1,399
6.		Nikon Z7 II	4.5/5	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2020	2,999
7.		Nikon Z6	5/5	..	..	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	1,999
8.		Olympus E-M1 III	5/5	..	83/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2020	1,799
9.		Olympus E-M10 III	..	+	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2017	649
10.		Olympus E-M5 II	5/5	+ +	81/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2015	1,099
11.		Olympus E-M10	4/5	..	80/100	5/5	5/5	Jan 2014	699
12.		Olympus E-PL7	4/5	+	..	5/5	4/5	Aug 2014	599
13.		Panasonic S5	4.5/5	+ +	88/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2020	1,999
14.		Panasonic GX80	4.5/5	+ +	82/100	5/5	5/5	Apr 2016	799
15.		Pentax K-3 III	..	..	..	..	..	Mar 2021	1,999
16.		Sony A9 II	..	..	90/100	5/5	5/5	Oct 2019	4,499
17.		Sony A7 III	..	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Nikon Z6 II vs Olympus E-M10 II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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