Olympus OM-D E-M1X Review

The 3-Minute Olympus OM-D E-M1X Review

Defying the Odds with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X

The Specifics

The average professional camera has a big sensor. Not the Olympus flagship Micro Four Thirds cameras. These cameras have blurred the lines over the last ten years.

Live-action photographers like those who cover sports and wildlife love Micro Four Thirds speed machines like the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II. These cameras blend excellent burst rates with superior tracking focus.

The E-M1X is based on the specs of the E-M1 Mark II. It is one of few cameras to feature an incorporated grip one can’t take off to keep the unit smaller. A duplicate set of controls can be used when holding the camera in portrait orientation.

Along with a 20MP Four Thirds sensor, there’s also a 121-point autofocus system with deep learning-based subject recognition. Pro Capture mode records frames before you hit the shutter. With supported lenses, image stabilization up to 7.5EV (CIPA rating) Is possible.

The grip-induced square shape allows for two batteries and a rating of 2,850 shots on a mirrorless camera.

The touchscreen of the E-M1X is fully articulating, making it relevant for composing from all sorts of angles. Also, numerous dials and buttons give direct access to virtually all settings – AF mode, drive mode, and so forth. The sheer number of buttons means you can ditch the touchscreen entirely.

The electronic viewfinder has the highest magnification (0.83x) despite not having the largest or highest resolution.  The viewfinder is a large 2.36M-dot component that is able to work at up to 120fps.

Dual SD card slots are both UHS-II card-compatible.

Features & Design: 5/5 | Performance: 5/5 | Value: 4/5 | Battery Life: 5/5

The Best

The E-M1X bears serious semblance to the twin-grip E-M1, but it’s got more powerful processors and two batteries. The E-M1X goes one step further by doling out performance with extra power.

The Bugs

At least one user has reported this. They had a C2 set up for BIF, and when they invoke it from the dial, it uses specified CAF sensitivity. However, if they use the button they configured for it, then CAF sensitivity does not change, but other settings work fine.

Is it for you?

Unless you’re highly committed to or need to shoot in the Micro Four Thirds format, there’s little chance you’ll be shelling out such amount of money to purchase the E-M1X. This camera is an all-round good performer but who the intended audience is remains questionable.

What we like

The Olympus E-M1X is a hub of useful innovative features. The Live ND feature that recreates a look with physical ND filters while shooting long exposures is one. It combines several shorter exposures to create the effect. It’s great at creating smooth water as the sunsets.

The High-Resolution mode is also interesting. Its two shooting options – handheld and tripod – also merges several images for maximum detail. The tripod option provides massive 80MP RAW files.

What we don’t like

A permanent grip provides plenty of advantages, one of which is battery life. It might be preferable to have it removable if one prefers to have a smaller camera size to travel with. Comparing the E-M1X and a set of lenses with a Nikon D5 with a comparable lens set, and the size difference is significant.

Should you buy it?

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is an excellent camera for those who like to shoot live sports, action, and action. If you’re a professional