January 24, 2019 Kate Hailey

Just Announced: Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Welcome to a revolutionary new camera from Olympus!

Olympus has just announced their newest camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M1X! This robust, weather sealed body, is surprisingly light! This new camera has a built-in battery grip, and weighs a mere 2.2 pounds (997g) with batteries and memory cards.

I had the opportunity to get a sneak peek at this beauty and thought I would share my experiences, along with some of those technical details.

Let’s talk specs

20.4 MP Live MOS Sensor with dual TruePic VIII Image Processors
60 fps (S-AF), 18 fps (C-AF Tracking) Continuous Shooting with the silent electronic shutter
Intelligent Subject Detection AF via AI-based Deep Learning Technology
5-Axis Sync IS provides 7.5 EV stops of compensation, the World’s Most Effective Stabilization performance (7.0 EV stops body only, 7.5 EV with 12-100)
Magnesium Alloy Weathersealed Construction (standard IPX1)
Hand-Held High-Res Shot Mode provides 50MP images with no stabilizing gear
Live ND provides the effects of an ND filter (for any lens) without the need to use a filter
Integrated Vertical Grip
Multi-selector (Joystick) on both the vertical and horizontal shooting positions for quick selection of the AF area
Double Battery Support for 2 BLH-1 Batteries. USB Type-C in-camera charging
Pro Capture Mode provides lag-free capture (pre and post shutter button press)
Dual Card Slots with UHS-II Compatibility
Built-in Field Sensor System (GPS, Manometer, Compass, Thermometer)
Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE for remote shooting and wireless sharing

WHEW!!!! That’s just a few of the specs!

Since I had early access, I focused in on a couple of new, specific features, that really set this camera apart.

Live ND

I headed over to Lake Union park to see what might be available to photograph. I kept hoping for a seaplane but there were none! So I focused on MOHAI, the Center for Wooden Boats and the wildlife that was hanging out at the park.

In this frame, the Live ND feature is disabled

Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 12-40mm | ISO 200 | f/10 | 1/500s

In this frame, the Live ND feature is enabled

Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 12-40mm | ISO 200 | f/22 | 1/2s

Notice the shift in the water, how it appears a little bit more still, pretty cool!!

Hand-Held High Res Shot Mode – 50MP Files

In using this mode the camera has two options, a hand-held mode or a tripod mode. The camera uses pixel shift technology to create a 50MP file, instead of a 20MP file. The hand-held mode anticipates micro movements as it’s building the file and the tripod mode will rely on everything being still.

One of the reasons why we sometimes need those larger files are for the details. Below are sample images and close up screenshots of those details.

Here’s a photo of a clock! Actually I quite like the look of this clock at MOHAI, there’s something beautiful about all that detail.

Here’s a sample 20MP file:

20MP File – Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 12-100mm | ISO 200 | f/8 | 1/640s

50MP File – Olympus OM-D E-M1X | 12-100mm | ISO 200 | f/8 | 1/500s

These are just a couple of the features that set this camera apart. This camera could be a great fit for a variety of photographers, from those capturing fashion editorials to wildlife to outdoor adventure. With the high frame capture modes, weather sealing and stellar in camera stabilisation, in a solid, reliable body, the possibilities are endless. We also hear low-light capabilities are impressive as well! It was a sunny day in Seattle when I got to test the camera, so I didn’t need to push those ISO’s.

This camera is a larger camera in the Olympus line up, but I found it easy to work with and surprisingly light, even with their 300mm lens! If you’ve met me, you know I normally use much smaller lenses for my day to day work. But for this experience using that longer glass really paid off.

For the Filmmaker’s out there

If you’re using smaller DSLR’s or Mirrorless systems to capture video, new features in this Olympus camera are going to be great for you, including:

OM-log profile for video capture
5-Axis Sync IS provides 7.5 EV stops of compensation, the World’s Most Effective Stabilization performance (7.0 EV stops body only, 7.5 EV with 12-100)

As well the dual batteries and card lots, providing extended use in the field.

PRE-ORDER

Pre-order your OM-D E-M1X today!

LAUNCH EVENT!!!! JAN 31!

Join us for a launch event featuring this new camera on January 31st! This event will include an overview of the camera and its capabilities, as well access to demo cameras in multiple scenarios!

For more details … and to register:

Olympus OM-D E-M1X Launch Event

Check out some more sample images

Here’s just a few more images from my outing with the OM-D E-M1X, I had fun with it and know at least one Glazer’s staffer is anxious to get this camera out into the snow!