The Olympus OM-D E-M1X - The Best $1000 You'll Spend In 2025???

[@vic_the_roman]

I own this camera Jus got it 3 months ago. Its not for every one . Its built like a tank and is a workhorse designed for the working photographer. Everyone else cries about this type of cameras. Its packed with features . Bang for the price. Get it if you need it 😎

[@photochop9657]

KZbin influencers killed this camera by saying it's too big I can't get it in my pocket. It's a great camera. Could do with another firmware upgrade.

[@vermis8344]

Ah, the same argument they use for 600mm lenses. 😂

[@BigCameraGuyPA]

This camera fits perfectly in my hoodie pouch lol but I love my EM1X

[@RichardHallas]

I was mad keen to get the E-M1 X, and I reckon it’s one of the best cameras Olympus ever released. It was their 100th anniversary celebration release, too. It’s more camera than I personally need, but I love it and I’ve always wanted a model with a portrait grip. I don’t care that it’s big; I’m quite a big chap with larger hands, and the X is built like a tank and handles like a dream. I’m not into street photography, so pocketability isn’t very important to me, but I’ve taken the X on holiday with me for other opportunistic photography and haven’t found it too large. It hangs round the neck very comfortably and balances larger lenses beautifully. My favourite lens is the 12-100, and it’s a very comfortable combination. My only disappointments (and they’re very minor) are that (a) the EVF could be better, (b) there’s no large eyecup for this model (as a glasses wearer I really want one for it), and (c) there should have been more firmware updates for it. The E-M1 Mark III came out just after the E-M1 X and introduced the Starry AF mode; it’s really annoying that Olympus didn’t retrofit that feature to the X, as it’d really benefit from it and there’s no technical reason why it couldn’t have it, as the two models are almost identical except that the X is higher end and the flagship. As the flagship it should have got ALL the new features. But the drawbacks are few and minor, and this is Olympus at its best.

[@peregrineclarke]

Hey Grant, I've owned the EM1X for a couple of years now and I can't fault it. It's size and weight is comparable to a Canon 5D but it offers so many more useful features, not just gimmicks, but features that you will use on a daily basis. The sensor stabiliser is incredible and paired with OIS lenses its one of the best. Low light shooting is great thanks to the stabilisation, you can hand hold night shots at ISO 200-800 easily and if you use a tripod the sky's the limit. It was, and still is, an incredibly versatile camera in my opinion. If you do get the chance to buy one at a good price go for it! You won't regret it.

[@ananthuashokan8219]

I just bought it yesterday, paired it with a Lumix 20 1.7 and using it for street photography 😂

[@Rng3000-o2v]

I have all the Olympus Pro gear. But!!! the killer combo is: Olympus OM-D EM1-X, Olympus 12-100mm f4.0 Pro and the Olympus 7-14mm f2.8 Pro. You will be happy like a pig in s...t. with this set, believe me.

[@alienhk9567]

I brought an em1x over 1 year ago. It is such a capable camera that dont let me down. It is the only camera I don't hestitate to go out shooting under pouring rain.

[@juancarlosgarcia1302]

I just bought one last week for $500!!! Love it.

[@RevHengSure]

I love the weight and balance of the E-M1X with long lenses but I also put tiny Olympus primes on it and shoot closeups. It still feels great in the hand. I enjoy its indestructibility. Here in Southeastern Queensland we go from rain-forest tropical to outback oven-bake and it’s good to know that the camera paired with an Olympus Pro lens is going to emerge intact and deliver the shots you wanted, without blinking. I encourage folks to pick one up and hold it with your favorite M43 lens. You’ll appreciate the vision of the Olympus designers who built this amazing camera.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great Feedback :)

[@DogRiverDesign]

So.. I just got a certified refurbished OM E-M1 III after buying a bunch of OM PRO (two 8-25s and a 12-100) glass for a project. I use 3x GH5 MK IIs for my main studio and production work, an S5II for when a full frame sensor makes more sense. Also, a couple of G95s for shooting outdoors at my range. (the 4k crop is actually an advantage). But after watching a lot of videos on the differences that the Olympus bodies bring to the table, I got the OM E-M1 III for the photo-centric features and exploring photography as a hobby. Now I'm seeing the M1X at some crazy deals and think I may want to grab one of those as well. They are even less here in the states. I can't wait to take out my new E-M1 III tomorrow with the OM 100-400 I just got in.. Now i'm very, very broke.. Cheers Rick

[@grantrobertdavies]

Awesome man :)

[@sydhughes6041]

Got one for £500 mint last week, upgraded to the latest firmware 2:2 With the 25mm Panasonic 1.7 my images are on par with my full frame Nikon's. Superb value now at this price point for a full spec pro level camera.

[@grantrobertdavies]

I gotta get one!!! :)

[@leonhout4081]

I bought it new in sept 24 for 999 euro. It's a great combo with 100-400 zuiko and 12-100 zuiko. Its a powerhouse and i love it. I use it also on holidays with 12-40 zuiko. The sensor is great. I need no OM 1 with the EM1 X. Its one of the best M4/3 camera's.

[@tilo_in_space]

I love my EM1X. Very powerful camera. Get a new one for 850€ 👍 I use it for portrait shootings, wildlife, landscape, everything. 😊

[@tilo_in_space]

„Got a new one“… I wanted to write. Bought it more than one year ago and sold my Nikon Z gear.

[@clintjohnson5914]

This camera came right out of the era where Olympus couldn't do the right thing no matter what.. at least as far as the online so-called influencers were concerned. With all of the great capabilities of the EM1 Mark II,, the criticism was that it wasn't pro-built. To answer that they bring out the EM1x .. and of course it was considered a big monstrosity by so many. My brother-in-law (who always has all the good stuff) picked one up for his wildlife photography over my protestations and suggestions for a G9.. and that's when I got what this camera is for. It's a magnificent platform for long heavy glass and rugged outdoor use. The dual processors were definitely a breakthrough with the computational features that Olympus led the league in. Great camera but probably very niche.

[@PerEng2405]

Looking at the sizes of G9II or GH7 I believe that the Olympus OM-D E-M1X came in 3-4 years to early with its size. It was never really promoted or recognized for its early adoptation of e.g., AI when launched back in 2019. Imagine a version 2 today or in 2025 with the sublime sensor, the AI, EVF, processor and cache from the OM-1 Mark II. Then the size would not be hold against it and it would be unbeatable.

[@EmmanuelTan-r9l]

It's still one of the best micro 4/3rd camera today and most suitable with the 150-600 mm Zuikio zoom lens!

[@whfowle]

In its day, it was intended to be the go-to if you wanted to shoot auto racing and birds in flight. Paired with the 300 f4 or 150-400 f4.5, it was the way to go. Dual processors and dual power supplies helped. Matched up better with the large, long-reach lenses in the lineup because the weight balanced better. Today, the much-improved OM-1 is able to handle these tasks a lot better. What needs to be understood is that Olympus was not rolling in cash when this camera was introduced, and they couldn't bear the expense to improve its performance. And, it was so out of touch with what the buying public thought micro four thirds should be that it never found much profitability. Basically, it was ahead of its time since the much faster chip sets and software it needed were not yet available. With the new infusion of money provided by OM, we now have the OM-1.

[@waynecox5138]

Wildlife camera intended to be paired with the 150-400.

[@mmartel]

Saw one in real life for the first time ever a week ago at a sports event. It looked so incredibly amazing, I couldnt get it out of my head. The owner gave zero figs about its size! It's so laughably big, it's a camera I never thought I'd want. Yet here i was unable to sleep at night because getting one is all I could think of! When I checked prices I was floored by how affordable they are now. Next thing I know I bought an as-new manufacturer refurb in the US for just USD$700! It arrives Monday. Looks like my G9 will soon have a new best friend... Or maybe it will be way too big and I'll wonder what the hell I was ever thinking! We'll know soon enough, it arrives Monday.

[@Scottjames-rx3db]

As soon as I picked one up and held it. I had to have one. It just felt right. Now the initial price was out of my budget but when they dropped below $1000 USA I bought one on ebay and sold my em1 mk2. I shot with this body and a lumix 12-32mm for a few years before upgrading to a 12-54 F4. It's still my daily shooter and I don't see upgrading unless olympus produces a body with a increases IQ. the em1x does more than I need a camera to do. I don't need high frames per second or focus tracking. So I think I'll have this body for a long time.

[@juligonzalez686]

What kind of work do you use it for? Just curious. I actually purchased a similar type/stule of camera for bird photography, the Canon eos 1DX, it’s fantastic and it’s an old camera. But I put the Sigma 150-600 on it and it’s great. This Olympus reminded me of that camera.

[@mockingbirdaus8426]

@@juligonzalez686 I used to be a Canon user that incidentally got an used emix around 1 years ago. Believe it or not, I got an adaptor and start putting my Canon gear on the em1x that doubles the focal length. I started bird photography with my EF 100-400L. Though the focusing speed is slightly slower, it works beautifully. Now Em1x becomes my daily camera and I collected a few Oly Pro lens as well. It's packed with useful features and after 1 years now I'm still exploring its capability. I do consider getting an OM1ii but I definitely will keep the em1x.

[@marklaurendet1861]

I own and like mine, purchased mine about 2 years ago Only use it with the larger lenses, otherwise EM1.3 is the go to for general use

[@duy1nguyen]

I bought one used last year for 700 USD in mint condition. It’s an amazing event camera and a wildlife camera. It pairs well with 100-400 lenses. And because of its size, ergonomics, and image stabilization, I can get sharp photos at 400mm handheld at 1/8 of a second.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Great stuff :) Thanks for sharing :)

[@richardwalker4518]

I'm an ex owner, had one for a short time being attracted to the insanely low price relative to the spec. Note, this is before the OM-1 was released. I bought it to run a PL 100-400 zoom and the handling was great, all buttons fall under your fingers in just the right place etc. Everything pretty much can be toggled to a button. Big (but lowish res) viewfinder. Dual processors, twin batteries, very industrial grade stuff. The reality, I soon tired of the size and weight and went back to the G9, which actually worked better with the PL 100-400, sync IS was available etc. Now with the OM-1 out, I would say save a few more pennies and get the v1 of that (prices coming down quite a lot and it's a big step on the old gen from what I hear). Also, the EM1-3 is near as dammit as good and easier to pack around.

[@JohnOpie]

Sort of a weird video...but yes, I have one (since 2022) and it is a stellar performer. When I travel, it is with this camera and the OM1, with the 7-14, 12-100 and 100-400 Leica lenses. For me an unbeatable team. Ergonomics are excellent, everything is where it should be, the IS with the 12-100 is unbelievablely good and battery life is phenomenal (time lapse heaven, 2000 exposures and the first battery is at 60%). It is indeed one of the great bargains in the industry right now: for under €2k used you can get this and a 12-100 that will be a stellar performer for a lot less than anything comparable.

[@jfuente]

Which do you use for what type of photography? I am currently using an OM-D EM1 Mk I and am looking to upgrade to either M1X or OM-1 Mk I (M1X is about $200-300 cheaper than the OM-1 Mk1). I know either will be a big upgrade, so curious which you'd recommend.

[@sharrieflentz1035]

I have this camera and brought for about 700 use and I love it and people love the photos I take with it street and studio shoots

[@dmontoya1111]

EM1X is the camera I always wanted. The camera is big enough to fit the now ancient SHG glass from Olympus 4/3 ie 7-14 14-35 35-100 150mm F2 (little Tuna) which I still think is splitting hairs some of the best optics ever produced by any system. The stunning Pana Leica 1.2 42.5 and 10-25mm F 1.7 zoom. Pair The EM1x with a Atomos Ninja V 4K prores raw with the best image stabilizer ever, and olympus color. The EM1x is built like a Tank. This combo is just massive for the price. Now with Topaz and AI .. really this is the combo of combos. I can't see anything really better for the price & power value for a long time coming. We are blessed with this tech IMO in the age we live in. That being said when the GH7 is old..I' prob pick one of those up. If people think EM1X is too big, they could prob find e-m1 for a couple of hundred as a backup and small B cam .. that is still really solid for photos as well

[@palmerino1965]

Funziona bene come autofocus (ovvero utilizza tutti i punti disponibili) con i vecchi Zuiko SHG? 🤔 Perché vorrei aggiornare la mia Olympus E M1 (la prima della serie) e per avere la fotografia computazionale e per sfruttare al meglio i miei vecchi Zuiko che amo ancora usare anche con la reflex Olympus E-5. 😉 Peccato che la E-M1x non abbia un mirino evf risoluto, comunque mi piace la sua... sostanza.

[@ridealongwithrandy]

I have the X, bought the first one when it came out and then another so there is no muscle meory when going from one cam to the next. I shoot a lot in dusty ol southern California deserts so no lens changing. I also have the EM1.3 for astro mainly, I call it my mini X. And those are my most newest cameras I have. The rest are older Olympus cameras. Been 4/3s/MFT since 2005. Cheers!

[@andreychalmers6449]

Got the camera 2 months ago. Compared to my G9, it's a lot better for sports and some street photography because of ibis. The biggest problem is the evf. If you look at it from even a slight angle it will appear gray. It's most impressive feature is the frame rate and customization options.

[@dct124]

This camera needed to have double the mp. With only 20mp it killed itself in wildlife photography with bigger brands going bigger. The small sensor couldn't keep up in ISO performance. Maybe if they allowed a backed in raw NR option. You pretty much have to use an ai denoiser with this camera. Great idea, but with today's bodies, this is essentially an entry level camera when compared to the other brands APS-C line that can outperform it honestly. So the used price is actually too high imo.

[@batupaintball]

It seems like the story is a bit similar to mine, after using GX9 for 1 year, I bought EM1 III. I had to consider the form factor and size so I didn't want EM1X because based on my experience, bigger camera & lens makes me lazy to carry it, even for work.

[@leemoody9247]

I’ve got the 1X and EM1iii as well as the GX9. I use mine for sports, for which it is great. It definitely is nice to handle and use. It’s a real bargain. If it was my only camera though, I’d probably stay with the EM1 iii

[@juliette-mansour]

Funny Grant, I was just talking about this camera today for wildlife/birding with a guy at the camera shop. He owns one and loves it. I've got my eye on one.

[@grantrobertdavies]

You should get one!!! :) 100%

[@waynecox5138]

Current equivalent is OM-1 Mk-2 or G-9 Mk-2 with a battery grip. Weather sealed big buffer high frame rate wildlife and sports camera. Similar market to Canon’s 1D series of cameras. The crop frame gives MFT a reach and size advantage over the full frame or APSC competition.

[@NPJensen]

The best photography related item, I have bought in 2024 is the Olympus 75mm f1.8 lens. It's not $1000, but still a big buy on my 2024 budget. Matched with my Olympus E-M5 iii, I have been getting great results, my other MFT lenses just can't deliver. As for the M1X, I wouldn't get that one due to the bulk - I'm not adding any more cameras to my line up for foreseeable future, because I'm saving up for more important expenses coming up, but I would consider an E-M1 iii over the E-M1X any day.

[@rumrill5020]

If you absolutely need weather sealing, sure. For an extra few hundred, you could get an a6700 with industry-leading AF. And pair it with one of the many good and relatively inexpensive E-mount lenses. I assume the IBIS would be worse, too, if that’s a dealbreaker. 10 fps is limiting in certain situations, and the rolling shutter is pretty bad when using electronic shutter.

[@SamsonCBLau]

I have an em1x before for my wildlife photography ( mostly bird's photo,) pro:af speed is not so bad the first olympus camera with ai objects detection, 4k video are good , not easy overheat con: em1x cmos are just the same as om-1 II , although added with dual cpu to run , some time still slow on af tacking (i use the pro lens like 300 f4 pro, 150-400 pro)after I upgrade to om-1 . If you don't need m43 top af speed and processing power, now a day em1x price are very good for collection.

[@Telewest792]

It is a great camera i have it and the OM-1 and they do everything the modern mirrorless camera’s do even some features that those modern ones don’t have . Every photo i take with it gets a lot of great comments and most are very surprised when i tell them its a micro four thirds and yes it fits the hand better than any other camera i have used in over 30 years .

[@vermis8344]

Bought one last year as a serious wildlife upgrade to my GX80, for £600 used. I had no problem with it's function, it's a great camera, and the portrait-orientation buttons actually are quite handy; but I just thought it was a smidge too large and heavy for my hands. I ended up buying an OM-1 instead (love it too!) and sold the E-M1X after a few months to try and recoup some cost. It got returned to me pretty quickly, for strange reasons. (Apparently it doesn't take photos without an SD card in it. 🤪) It was getting close to Christmas so I thought, try again next year. Next year rolled around and I couldn't be bothered putting up with more nitpickers, so I decided to keep it as a backup wildlife camera, and work my biceps a bit. Honestly, I don't take it out as much as I probably should. On quick trips to a local forest, the OM-1 is a bit easier to pick up and swing around. I should change that. Since it's supposed to be well balanced with large lenses, maybe I'll pair it with the 150-600 down the road. Worst thing about it, that I've found? When I put a Lumix 20mm on it (don't judge me) the autofocus seeking of that lens can somehow cause the menu to close and return to live view. But that's not a regular team-up...

[@raksh9]

I cannot imagine your reaction when the dumbo who bought your camera complained that it didn't take photos without a memory card 😂

[@Cybercygni]

I use mine along with the 300 f4 and 1.4 teleextender. Wonderful camera.

[@Ulrich.Bierwisch]

I think the EM1X was a prototype that had the capabilities of the EM-1 Mark III quite a while earlier. Things like LiveND and HHHR. After the EM1-III was out in the market, the EM1X doesn't made a lot of sense unless you want an EM1-III and plan to use it more or less exclusive with the battery grip. I still don't know if the EM1X was a planned flagship camera or if they made a test-prototype for the new functions into an improvised product because the EM1-III was delayed and they wanted to be first with LiveND and HHHR and get this to the customers as early as possible.

[@mechanic.studio]

Nowadays people know prices of everything but not values of them. If you are in the market for MFT don't think twice just get it!

[@jimstirling7223]

The camera has negligible value for the vast majority of m43 users which is why it sells for so cheap on the used market . It was overpriced and oversized for what it offered the fact you can now pick it up here in the UK from a dealer with a warranty in excellent condition for around £500 { 20% of its new price } says it all. It appealed to a tiny niche amongst m43 shooters and helped hasten the demise of Olympus as a camera maker

[@searam1]

I just purchased a brand-new EM5 MIII and I believe it is basically the same camera, but without the additional grip! You will love it! I had a Lumix GX9 and sold it and regret it. Would you recommend getting another one at this late date in 2024?

[@juliette-mansour]

@@searam1 I’d wait. The GX9 prices are through the roof because of a lot of factors relating to the push for smaller every day cameras and the popularity of the Fuji x100vi. Yesterday I saw one at KEH for almost $1000! I predict that I a year or two it’ll come back down.

[@video-carl]

fascinating idea for a post! The e-M1X (£504-£514 in MPB UK) has one thing in common with the Pen-F. The X was launched after years of Olympus marketing the small size of MFT cameras - the market wasn't primed for the X. The Pen-F was launched after years of selling EVF-less Pens to the value-end of the market. Pen users didn't want an EVF and didn't want to pay a premium... that's why they'd bought a Pen :)

[@jimstirling7223]

There is one huge difference between the Pen-F and E-M1X as you post the E-M1X is selling at 20% of its UK price whereas the Pen F which came out 3 yrs earlier for half the price of teh E-M1x can still fetch £900 for an excellent model .

[@BrentODell]

I never got to shoot with an E-M1x, but I did hold one briefly, and I thought it felt REALLY good in the hand. I considered picking one up recently, but I got a very good deal on an OM-1 and didn't feel like I needed that many cameras right now.

[@DavidFlowerOfficial]

I've been curious about the EM1X for a while but I'm not sure if it would be a big upgrade over my EM1 mk ii based on how I would use it. I do like a bigger camera, but at the same time I think the size means the EM1 mk ii would still win out over it. I don't know man, I kinda want one just to know 😂 Great video, mate!

[@grantrobertdavies]

Do it mate :) There is no doubt in my mind that you should get one AND make content about it… It could be your camera for 2025!!! We would ALL LOVE to see you with one!!!…

[@stevieb7121]

Yeah, we need a hands-on comparison with the EM1 mk ii as I think there must be a few of us wondering if the change to the X would be worthwhile....

[@jwmannaerts]

I had both the em1x and em1mk2 I always used the em1x no matter what I shot, family landscapes street and most importantly birds with the 300. The em1 served as my backup camera or when I really needed 2 focal lengths. Because the prices dropped so much I sold the em1 and got another em1x so now I have 2. I agree that the camera is bulky which is annoying when you’re not photographing.but when you are taking photos it’s really handling very nice and build like an absolute tank.

[@stevieb7121]

I recall size and price put the press in a bit of a negative frenzy when this was released. Not sure it ever recovered.... I'd love to know how much better it would be at the race track compared to my E-M1 mk ii with the grip! I need to loan / borrow one for a back-to-back.

[@prizepictures1]

Very interesting…Battery life is CIPA-rated for 870 shots. Mic drop 🎤

[@frenchcoupon3391]

I bought a Em1-X for narrative short movies. I decided to NOT go the GH5 route. The Oly filmic colors, better ergonomics and the ruggedness have overshadowed every other video spec of the GH5. Matti Hapoja killed the Gh5 for me with the (NOT free) vlog green tint and it has indeed quite a video and digital look. Plus, if it is as bad in low light as my Olympus- no speedbooster, too expensive, thanks 😂- then, all in all, my Canon C100 is a much better camera than the Gh5. (Oly has too good of the ergonomics to lose here). But Oly video limitations are narrow minded and showed a blatant refusal to make a true hybrid camera (no zebra in video?!, slow motion without sound, pro lenses that are far too expensive for the sensor size- so exit the AF, Live ND but not in video, 8 bit 420, just to name a few). And most importantly- where are the video firmware updates?! Fortunately, it still has 120 fps, fast motion, log, amazing stabilization and a pretty good battery (no C100 level, neither). I couldn’t care less for 4k.

[@grantrobertdavies]

Wow - they don't have Zebras?

[@frenchcoupon3391]

@@grantrobertdavies A true crime- only a histogram. I guess I should have gone with the Gh5… But, I don’t know. I’ve seen footage from S5 mark ii and I’m not impressed. So the Gh5… My Canon 1DC and C100 have too good of the image and I’ll never forget the Gh5 pro seller that told me that the C100 was another level of camera. So I never had the chance to test it.

[@PhillipMcCallum]

A great camera, i use em1mk3 cameras great

[@jeffreytfl5832]

Is it worth to replace my Panasonic G90 with this, as I’m looking for a camera for landscape, wildlife and birds photography and I can still used some of my existing lens

[@grantrobertdavies]

You’d have to do your research to way up the pros and cons :)

[@TonyFabris-lb2mg]

Bloody Hell…! It’s bigger than Nikon Z9 , for a MFT it’s absolutely ridiculous…😂