Olympus E-PL10 as a topside camera - autofocus OK?

[SaltyFlippers 0]

I'm considering upgrading from a GoPro setup.  I have my eye on the Olympus E-PL10 setup promoted by Backscatter.  Its size, features, and price all seem good to me.

However, I also want to use the E-PL10 topside while traveling.  I've been frustrated in the past by poor autofocus on other cameras.  Are people also frustrated with the E-PL10 when using it topside?  I'm thinking of its use of CDAF instead of PDAF.

I'm also considering a Sony DSC-RX100 VII for use topside.  I think the E-PL10 and accessories are better for underwater use though.

 

[hyp 111]

The AF is fast and accurate but not intelligent. It can’t track, continuous AF is not reliable and subject detection is not really a thing. Personally I use a Panasonic GX8 topside which is probably comparable in terms of AF. I don’t really miss better AF but if you want to primarily do BiF or Sports it might not be for you. 

[Dann-Oh 40]

Personally I use the EPL10 for underwater and the EM1-3 for above water.  My reasoning is that I like the way the Olympus EM1-3 feels in my hand.  It lets me have a secure hold on the camera when I am using some of the bigger lenses in the Olympus line up (300F4 and 40-150F2.8). If I could do it again I would have waited for the AOI EM1-3 housing to have hit the market and just get the EM1-3 housing.  I do use the EPL10 with the 14-42 and 40-150 plastic fantastic topside when I need to go ultralight when backpacking.  

[Shreddyandable 0]

Ditto on the above post.  I've had a pleasantly high hit rate for C-AF underwater, usually refocusing between every shot, but find it mostly unusable above water.  Most times I stick to S-AF and am pretty happy with it, even in dim lighting.  

The photo below is from a recent trip to Maui.  Shot with the Panasonic 8mm Fisheye.

 

[Pomacentridae 22]

Depending on your topside photography, the EPL10 is a okay camera. For snaps and general photography it does the job. Definitely an upgrade from a GoPro.

However, for other more challenging stuff like wildlife photography or with bigger and heavier lenses, it is a no. I personally use the EM1-3 topside.

[Radioactive_rhino 1]

Similar to others I've found it to ok/serviceable topside, but after picking up a used EM5 mk3 for topside, my EPL10 is pretty much exclusively reserved for underwater now. I don't mean to knock the camera- I think I've taken some really nice shots underwater with it (as a pure amateur who just really enjoys diving and is learning photography on the side), I've just definitely noticed at least topside that there's a decent gap in performance.