CameraReview

Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Olympus · Mirrorless · 20 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video

Olympus OM-D E-M1X

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 70
Video 83
Features 83
Storage & Battery 84
75
SCORE /100
Buying Options
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−Expensive
−Sensor doesn't match up to many close competitors
−Electronic shutter might lead to rolling shutter effects and banding
−Large, heavy, hard to handle body
−Motion artifacts with Cinema 4K at 24p

General

BrandOlympus
ModelOM-D E-M1X
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2019
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
January 24, 2019
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size144 x 147 x 75 mm
Camera weight997 g

Optics

70/100
About the Optics

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X earns a score of 75/100 for its general specifications. Measuring 144 x 147 x 75mm and weighing 997g (2.20lbs), the E-M1X showcases a solid build and competitive features for its time.

Although the E-M1X has faced newer competition since its release, its specifications continue to hold up well in today’s market. The camera’s size and weight make it a reliable choice for various photography needs.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X Overview and Optics

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X receives a score of 70/100 for its optics. This camera features a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, paired with a Dual TruePic VIII processor. It has a shooting speed of 60 frames per second and a DXOMARK score of 86 for its sensor. The E-M1X uses a Micro Four Thirds sensor size and a Micro 4/3 lens mount. Additionally, it has built-in image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.

When comparing the Olympus OM-D E-M1X to other cameras in today’s market, the 20-megapixel sensor is adequate for most photographers. However, some competitors offer sensors with higher resolution. The 60 frames per second shooting speed is impressive, allowing for quick action shots. The camera’s image stabilization is an essential feature that helps produce sharp images in various situations.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X’s optics stand up well in today’s market. The camera offers reliable performance and features that cater to various photography needs. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking extremely high-resolution images.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5184 x 3888
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.4
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
60 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Dual TruePic VIII
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
6430200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
1210300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots236000009900000

Video

83/100
About the Video

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X boasts a video score of 83/100. This camera provides a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 4096 x 2160, ensuring high-quality footage. Additionally, it offers a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, resulting in smooth and seamless motion capture.

In the competitive market of today, the E-M1X’s video capabilities hold their own, offering professional-grade quality and features. The built-in time-lapse functionality adds versatility and creative options for users, making this camera an attractive choice for both enthusiasts and professionals.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X delivers impressive video performance, making it a strong contender in the current camera market. Its high-quality resolution, smooth frame rate, and time-lapse feature contribute to its well-deserved score.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
4096 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV

Features

83/100
About the Features

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X boasts a feature score of 83/100, showcasing its strong capabilities in the market. Its 3-inch screen size, paired with a resolution of 1037000 dots, offers sharp and clear visuals. The camera is equipped with a touchscreen and flip screen, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Additional features such as GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth make the E-M1X a versatile tool for photographers. These specifications allow for easy navigation, seamless file transfer, and efficient device pairing. Such features are essential in today’s competitive market, as users demand more connectivity and convenience from their cameras.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X stands out with its impressive feature set, catering to the needs of modern photographers. Its specifications and functionality make it a strong contender in the realm of professional cameras.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
No
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10370001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes

Storage & Battery

84/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X earns a storage and battery score of 84/100. This camera has two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with UHS-II compatibility for faster data transfer. In today’s market, having dual memory card slots is a significant advantage, allowing for more storage capacity and better file management.

The E-M1X provides a battery life of 870 shots, using two BLH-1 batteries. This battery life is competitive in the current market, ensuring that photographers can capture numerous images without constantly changing batteries. Additionally, the camera supports USB charging, offering convenience and flexibility when recharging the batteries.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X’s storage and battery capabilities make it a reliable choice for professional photographers who need ample storage and extended battery life.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slotsYes
Battery typeBLH-1 (2 required)
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
870 shots1505000
USB chargingYes