Olympus OM-D E-M1X review

A Micro Four Thirds camera that takes medium format images? Olympus’ new pro-grade body tears up the rulebook

5 Star Rating

Digital Camera World Verdict

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. If size isn’t a factor, this is undoubtedly the ultimate Micro Four Thirds camera. And, if you ignore the narrative about sensor size, this is arguably the ultimate mirrorless camera, period.

Pros

  • +

    80MP Tripod High Res Shot

  • +

    50MP Handheld High Res Shot

  • +

    Up to 7.5 stops of image stabilisation

  • +

    Customisable, Tetris-like AF points

  • +

    Joystick control

Cons

  • -

    “Bulky” for Micro Four Thirds

  • -

    “Pricey” for Micro Four Thirds

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It has long been a criticism of Micro Four Thirds that the images taken by smaller sensors can’t possibly 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. Bigger files than a Nikon D850. In fact, not only can it produce bigger files than any full-frame camera, it can produce bigger files than the current medium format cameras from Fuji and Leica

Among its many tricks, Olympus’ newest system has an improved High Res Shot mode capable of capturing 80MP images. And if that doesn’t drown out the narrative that Micro Four Thirds isn’t as capable as full-frame, then the vast swathe of other features packed into this remarkable camera are just as apt to do the talking.

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.