Olympus OM-D E-M1X
A Micro Four Thirds camera that takes medium-format images? Olympus’ pro-grade body tears up the rulebook
Discover the new Micro Four Thirds model that can capture medium-format images
It has long been a criticism that images taken by Micro Four Thirds sensors can’t compare to those taken by full-frame rivals. Here’s the thing, though: the Olympus OM-D E-M1X can produce bigger files than a Canon 5DS R, and bigger files than a Nikon D850. In fact, not only can it produce bigger files than any fullframe camera, it can produce bigger files than the current medium-format cameras from Fujifilm and Leica.
Among its many tricks, Olympus’ newest system has an improved High Res Shot mode that can capture 80MP images. If that doesn’t drown out the narrative that Micro Four Thirds isn’t as capable as full-frame, the vast swathe of other features packed into this remarkable camera are just as apt to do the talking.
Rather than offering a direct replacement for Olympus’ flagship E-M1 Mark II, the company is calling the E-M1X “the flagship reimagined”. It has been re-engineered, inside and out, to meet the demands of highspeed professional photography. The camera now boasts an integrated vertical grip and dials, as well as twin joysticks and a C-lock lever – all features new to Olympus design
sensibilities – giving the body the same pro form factor as the Canon EOS-1D X and the Nikon D5.
The E-M1X literally doubles the power of the Mark II, packing a pair of TruePic VIII processors to provide serious computational heft. This is what drives the improved High Res modes; in addition to taking 80MP images when the camera is mounted on a tripod, the second processor makes it possible for the E-M1X to capture 50MP images handheld.
The dual processors power the new intelligent subject detection autofocus system, too. Using 10,000 reference images per subject, Olympus’ engineers built a formidable AI program that can automatically track motorsports, airplanes and trains. The redesigned AF also enables you to customise the shape, size and arrangement of the 122 cross-type points, using a programmable grid system where you can build your own Tetris-like focus patterns.
Another intriguing feature made possible by the doubled processing power is Live ND, which incorporates slow-shutter-speed effects without the need for external ND filters. It enables you to to apply up to five stops of a slow shutter effect; this can be viewed on the touchscreen as you’re taking the image, so you can see a live simulation of your blurry waterfall or velvety waves before you click the trigger.
Perhaps most impressive of all, though, is the in-body image stabilisation. Already considered the leader in this field, Olympus partnered with Epson to develop a new gyroscope and an algorithm that’s nearly five times more accurate at detecting camera shake. This affords the E-M1X an astonishing 7.5 shutter-speed stops of image stabilisation when paired with compatible lenses in Sync-IS mode. (With standard lenses, it retains a rock-solid five stops of stabilisation.)
Having such powerful stabilisation is a boon for videographers, with three options for movement compensation. The E-M1X can record in Cinema 4K at 24fps and 4K up to 30fps, with 120fps limited to 1080p. It also supports log shooting with the OM-Log400 profile, providing a great deal of flexibility for post-production and colour grading. It’s not going to steal the Panasonic
GH5’s crown, but it’s a solid suite of features for a stills-first camera.
Build and handling
Since Olympus has traditionally produced Micro Four Thirds cameras that are as compact as possible, it’s a bit of a shock to pick up the E-M1X for the first time. While it’s almost identical in size to an E-M1 Mark II with a battery grip, it still feels unexpectedly big – although only in the same way a Canon EOS-1D X does after you’ve been handling a 5D. And that’s the key: the E-M1X is big for an Olympus camera, but compared to rivals in its class, such as the 1D X, it’s still compact and light – especially when you attach one of the lighter Olympus lenses.
The dials are now recessed into the body rather than being exposed, as they were on the E-M1 Mark II. They feel just as sturdy and responsive, but being embedded makes them more protected and less apt to accidental nudging or movement. The vertical grip incorporates its own dial and shutter, as well as a second joystick. Clicking this will re-centre your focus point, although the
camera can be set so that your point returns to a default position when you reorient the body – a very welcome feature.
Your focus point can still be moved by dragging the touchscreen while you use the viewfinder, but the addition of the joysticks will be a joy to Olympus shooters – as will the dedicated ISO button that now resides on top. Another change to the top is on the control dial, where the iAuto and Art Filters have been removed, since these aren’t features that pros need such prominent access to. They’re replaced by Bulb mode, bringing Olympus’ brilliant longexposure modes to the fore.
The company boasts that the E-M1X features the world’s best freeze-proofing, water-proofing and dust-proofing, and the shutter life is rated at 400,000 actuations, meaning that this really is a camera built to last. The protective hatch on the dual battery cartridge was inspired by Olympus’ all-weather Tough cameras, and houses two BLH-1 batteries (the same as the Mark II) that are good for 2,580 shots. A full recharge takes just two hours – and yes, you can charge them both in-camera using a USB cable.
Performance
The E-M1X feels like a well-crafted tool, and the images it produces are superb. As with all Micro Four Thirds bodies, you’ll want to keep your ISO as low as possible for the best results, but files are sharp and retain plenty of detail in the shadows and highlights. The extra punch of that second processor picks up the dynamic range slack; while you’re shooting with this camera, you can tangibly feel the raw speed and power that’s at your fingertips.
The E-M1X retains the same blistering performance as the Mark II, aimed squarely at the needs of wildlife and sports photographers. It boasts 60fps raw burst shooting with locked AF, 18fps burst with AF tracking, and the fantastic Pro Capture mode that records 35 frames – including the 15 before you fully depress the shutter, so you don’t miss that critical moment by being a hair too late on the draw – now without any blackout.
Those features are bolstered by the new AF systems. While the Mark II’s C-AF Tracking could be inconsistent in certain situations (though the standard C-AF mode remains exceedingly reliable), the E-M1X’s intelligent subject tracking could be a real game-changer. While we’d like to put this through its paces further, our tests tracking cars
and trains proved that the camera is a dab hand at recognising, following and focusing on fast-moving vehicles. It’s an inspired bit of tech, and we can’t wait to see what future developments might be in store.
Being able to customise the shape, size and grouping of the phase-detect AF points is a great innovation. If, for example, you’re shooting three giraffes walking towards you, you can cluster your points into three tall, thin vertical groups so that the camera knows exactly what to focus on.
Like everything else about the E-M1X, it’s seriously clever stuff. In an industry where innovation is often limited to ‘more megapixels’, this camera has more brilliant new features than we’ve seen in a very long while.