What was Olympus thinking? The EM1x (my opinion on the launch)

[@BrentODell]

I'll be honest, I'm mostly excited about this camera because it's driving down prices on used e-m1 mk ii bodies :)

[@larsthoren3282]

Finally someone who gets it. I find it outrageous how everyone gets out of their mind as soon as a company releases a camera not tailored to them. I think Olympus is right on the money with this camera to round out their lineup. There will be smaller cameras coming but it only made sense to release this camera first. I think also Olympus succeded with how much attention they have gotten for this camera, all publicity is good publicity going forward.

[@martin.kuchar1]

I like that you put E-M1X to broader context of the whole system. Thanks for review. It's nice to hear review from someone who is not biased.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Well he is biased, but it's the proper kind; a working professional who has used other systems, but knows this one inside out 😊

[@ArtHampton]

Nicely done. Your delivery is impressive, you speak well and your points are well reasoned. I hardly noticed the 26 times you said 'you know' or 'um'. Congratulations and thank you very much.

[@JollyRoger17]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You have made some excellent observations regarding Olympus, EM1X and Olympus users. There will always be a range of options and one has to take many with a grain of salt! I have always enjoyed your videos because of there authenticity coming from a working professional. I switch to Olympus 10 months ago and have shot over 50 weddings with the EM1 mkII, I thought long and hard before making the switch but have not regretted it. I’m really interested in trying the EM1X as soon as possible and look forward to hearing your opinions on the camera...

[@MiaogisTeas]

Have you done any hybrid shooting? That's my only issue with the E-M1 Mark II: it takes a while for the buffer to clear when switching modes, and you have to wait till it registers the change before you can shoot. Any thoughts?

[@JollyRoger17]

Sorry, I’m not sure which type hybrid shooting you have mentioned would be? Could you give a little more information? I would be happy to share any thoughts if I have any :-) thanks.

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

Nailed it, I totally agree about what Olympus are doing and whre it's headed and what this latest camera represents as well as it's current abilities with Ai and computational imaging. Great video.

[@Ricardo-SW]

Thanks for adding a different perspective- most of the reviewers are only looking for clicks and controversy. You make some very good points about what is involved here.

[@tomhughes5873]

A well reasoned analysis of this new camera. When I think of Olympus, I think of innovation and this camera certainly reveals many pioneer new features. When I compare my E-M1 MkII and my pro lenses to any other system, I can't find anything that matches features that have become a part of my style of photography. I appreciate the technological advances that Olympus offers to us.

[@chriscontact5857]

When I think of Olympus I think of propriatery memeory cards, corporate missmanagemnet and ebezzelment. Always to afraid they are going away and left unsuported.

[@davidroseman3287]

Chris Contact I find you’re being really dismissive of all of the engineers, designers and users world wide who all contribute to its success. Luckily a company CAN be greater than the sum of its parts, and usually can’t be reduced to the unethical behaviour of a few.

[@chriscontact5857]

@@davidroseman3287 yeah Radio Shack was greater then its parts and after the CEO got done gutting it he went to Sears. Only reason he didnt leave Sears before it was over is because he put himself in position for its greatest asset, its name, Sears. He owns all there property though.

[@davidroseman3287]

Chris Contact Yes, you’re absolutely right - lack of corporate oversight and shareholder rights has completely (@#*ed many a fine corporation and made victims of its employees and investors.

[@danieldougan269]

It wouldn't have killed them to go balls to the wall with video on this thing.

[@danielclifton4589]

Great insights! “Thoughtful rebels,” love that!

[@TL-xw6fh]

This is a well balanced discussion and I agree with you that the best reviews are from the true users of the cameras and not the KZbinrs whose actual purpose is to generate traffic and subscribers for their channels. If that means deliberately being provocative then they will crank it up. It is interesing how many of these bloggers suddenly finding the AF as bad as soon as the DP Review mentioned that the have some struggles with it. Herd mentality.

[@sstansm7f]

With em5 ii I go everywhere, I keep it in small hiking backpack and it's with me when I'm running, skiing, hiking. I couple times in a year I shooting at events but most of times I need companion camera. Em5 fits this excellent.

[@Red35Photography]

Well put together video and points. Thanks Jospeh for making it and clear people's mind and clearing the dust and clouds. It's been controversial and simply because reviewers never understood working pro's drive and needs for a system. Not debating which system is better but rather what is better for him/her. I chose mind and so did you.

[@marcusnz232]

I took one look at the EM1X features and design and ordered it. I have been shooting the EM1 Mk2 for 12 months and kept my Nikon D810 based kit 'just in case'. In fact, 'in (it's) case' is exactly where it has remained despite assignments in Japan and Europe. I simply have not used it. However, I used to shoot a pair of D3s bodies and always loved the durability, the battery life and the ergonomics. Just hated the weight. So...thanks Olympus for giving me just what I want - a shrunken D5 chock full of amazing features. The Nikons have been sold.

[@justinwatson384]

Just found your channel my friend, you are a thoughtful, intelligent person and I'm glad I found you

[@AnastasTarpanov]

Very reasonable and logical thoughts. Thanks for the sharing.

[@Tmrynr]

Great review. I don't shoot with Olympus but I'm really interested in what they're doing. You come up with some sensible, rational arguments that buck the trend of most of the "bandwagon" bloggers

[@danielschmidt9849]

You‘re right with what you‘re saying about the direction they‘re going. The problem is that they used a lot of last gen tech in the E-M1X and mixed it with software improvements and mild hardware updates.

[@jeroen2082]

The problem with new gen tech is that it isn't tested enough to be proven reliable. If you take a new camera and put only new gen tech in it there is a big change there will be some problems within a year or 2 after heavily use/abuse. That's why Canon and Nikon D5 and 1Dx camera's also did not featured all the top of the line new tech. You don't want failure of system parts in a true professional tool.

[@ronzack4572]

Thanks to your common senses comments on the EM-1X, you have found yourself a new subscriber. The camera did not make much sense to me when it was first released, and I've been mostly ignoring it. Then I realized that if you are a fan of Olympus PRO lenses, the E-M1X is the best possible platform for those optics. This camera was made for the PRO lens fans! And of course, working professionals like yourself. Now I think I finally understand what Olympus is doing here, and have a newfound appreciation for the company and their direction. There will always be tiny Olympus cameras like the EPL9 and EM10 for those who need a small, light, high quality system camera, the EM-1X is no threat to that segment. Rather, this gigantic Olympus camera cut down on the need to have a Canon or Nikon DSLR along with your EM-1, in terms of covering all the bases for different types of photography. That is a VERY SMART move. So now I've gone from an attitude of "who cares" about the EM-1X, to that of being very, very interested to see what it can do.

[@Prodigy1120]

Nobody besides you has commented on how much R&D can cost to create a camera like this. As always, thanks Joe!

[@LyndonPatrickSmith]

Great points Joseph! Agree that a slightly larger body size not only facilitates holding it all day, but quite frankly gives you more credibility at events where people who know nothing about photography assume a larger camera is better. As to the price - yes it's a lot of cash but a working pro can bill that out in a day so I don't see that as a huge barrier if you are shooting for money. And if you are shooting in adverse weather conditions, select Olympus cameras and lenses are second to none.

[@laggreen]

A well balanced and thoughtful review. You just got a new subscriber.

[@michaelgabes7574]

100% agree with all you mention here. Finally someone who understood, what else than low light capability and oled electronic view finder count in the world of fotographers! Thanks a lot for this review... for us... Olympus Rebels ;-)

[@ickledotco]

Thank you! Cannot wait to try one of these myself. Hoping for a good trade in on one of my Em1 MkIIs.

[@gregs4163]

Great video Joe! I've got mine pre-ordered! :)

[@stanspb763]

You make a good case for your favorite brand. I never considered Olympus, never used one. After shooting with a couple different film cameras over 40years I first went digital in 2008 with a Nikon D90 and loved it, took it everywhere with me and got a lot of interesting shots solely because I had it with me, every day. I got more serious into collecting quality lenses and eventually doing more and more paid work for fashion, studio portraiture, product(mostly a contract with one of the most exclusive furniture manufacturers with their reproductions of 17th-19th century museum pieces and clock....dining tables for $90,000 and clocked for $350,000, mostly sold to museums), events. As my kit gained weight it becomes too inconvenient to carry unless on a paid gig. I travel a lot and this New Years flew to Turkey for 2 weeks and the size restrictions for carry on meant I could not take my D850 but added my D7000 and slow plastic kit lens. That rekindled my interest in just walking around camera. When I got back, I bought a Z7 but after a week thought it was going in the wrong direction, 100mb 14 bit files was just too much for a travel /hobby camera. I was able to trade the Z7 for a Z6 which has more manageable file sizes. You talk got me thinking that I might have had the opportunity to try others, and assemble a small kit for personal pleasure shooting if I had explored other brands if I did not need to use my heavy Nikon glass. I have grown very fond of the Z6, and use it along over the last 2 weeks but lenses are still going to be big iron for a FF camera.. It is a pleasure to use and much better than the KZbin gurus were claiming before it was even touched. I think I am going to track down a local store that might have Olympus so see how the various models fit my desires for a truly compact kit with quality lenses. Thanks for your reasoned and logical talk.

[@ryanphotostudio]

Thanks Joe for your your thoughtful and insightful opinion. There has been a lot of click bait KZbin videos on the E-M1X thus far and not much real world commonsense commentary. Your car analogy is good and people need to start comparing apples to apples. I look forward to a full review from you when you have had time to explore its potential mate. Whilst I am messaging you, could I ask if you could consider as a possible future video doing a piece on M43 specific depth of field/Bokeh/telephoto lens compression characteristics - as is relevant to portrait style photography, I would love your insight on this as to how you achieve best results and how you use it in your daily shooting. Cheers mate, really appreciate your effort in this channel,

[@Jdlucas44]

Makes great sense Joe, your opinion as a working photographer is more meaningful than those attention grabbing reviewers. Keep up the great work.

[@agrafernando]

Nice and balanced review. What I don't understand is why Olympus only did an almost 100% job. Small things like a better EVF, 10bit 4k/60p...why did they leave it out. The price tag is handsome and I am sure for those where this is a tool... It will make it's money's worth. Just don't understand the small cutbacks . Furthermore we have to admit that the original culture of mft.... Small and light has kind of been missed with this one and others.Yes compared to big FFs it is still smaller bit I am talking about the GM1s, EM5s and PeN Fs. For me the most interesting thing is the announcement of the 150-400. Now that combined with the EM1x makes sense

[@erichnk]

That is *exactly* what I drove 5 hours to the McBain Camera Edmonton E-M1x Release Event to ask. The event was worth the drive: 5 Oly reps, including a VP, 10 EM1x's to handle and my question hit the jackpot with Quett Lai, Field Marketing Manager, who really knows video. See minute 43:30 in my video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHYnJitqMmgoMk BTW, Quett was also at a more informal release event at Saskatoon's Don's Photo. There were some minutes to spare, so generously gave a free lesson on DaVinci Resolve 15 to show how "simple" monster program is on his laptop, and also a few of the professional TV productions he'd worked on that used some Olympus cameras, one of them an OM5ii to shoot from a place too small for a video camera.

[@rickvestuto]

Almost to 10K Joe...Congratulations I have bowed out of Olympus to jump into Nikon "Z" system so you probably won't see me around anymore Keep up the GREAT content best regards, Rick

[@JosephEllisPhotographer]

Congratulations on the new gear, I wish you luck with the new system and thank you for the support!

[@floydsummerhayes5831]

Great video Joe, I think people have to remember its the Olympics in Japan next year.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Oh, you're so right! 😮

[@martystrecker5223]

Wise words well said as always 👍

[@miguellee3]

2:49 “rather than making it bigger and more expensive” is actually what Olympus did.

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

A $1500 camera at a $3000 price tag.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Agreed. Olympus are not in competition with other brands, they're in service to their community. 👍

[@alanplatt888]

There is a 1000mm lens coming. Couple that with the new camera, weigh it in with the size in proportion to a full frame sensor & lens and it starts to make sense. Like wow at half the size.

[@Raysnature]

No there is not a 1000mm lens coming. There is a 150-400 zoom that has a 1.25 teleconverter built in. This is far from the same thing. I use the 300mm f4 Pro, I do not use a 600mm. The new lens will be f4.5 without the tele. Too slow. Reach is king but isolation is the prince regent and it is an issue with mft exasperated by slow lenses. I love my current Oly system and I'm probably going to get the EM1X at some point but lets be honest about the shortcomings as well as the advantages.

[@alanplatt888]

@@Raysnature You are right. However a 1000mm (full frame equivalent) + lens, "stabilized" should not to be discounted as "slow" if compared with the best in comparison, LB 4 LB or Bang for buck anybody else has to offer. That was my perspective on where Oly was going. I suppose one could argue the toss.

[@Raysnature]

@@alanplatt888 I take your point and I agree this is going to be a fab bit of kit. I'm just not sure why they are sticking to this arbitrary f4ish limit. Personally for my use I would rather a 400mm f4 prime or alternatively give me an f2.8 version of the 300mm (thinking about it I would prefer the latter). The new lens will suffer like the current 300 from a lack of subject isolation and be limited in its light gathering abilities. The fantastic IBIS + ILIS combined compensates in some regard but it does nothing to aid fast autofocus such as when needed for tracking birds in flight in low light.

[@reedbernstein9354]

Keep the videos coming I love my Olympus.

[@johnnymossville]

I absolutely agree with you about reviewers who don't live with the camera and use it professionally. You live with this camera over a long time and it becomes part of how you work. I use a Panasonic GH5 in my work and all of the little things that make it a great hybrid camera for me over the nearly 2 years I've had it for video and stills make it far more valuable to me than someone who uses another system and might just pick it up for a few days to shoot some things for a review. I'm seriously considering the EM1X and am looking forward to some great videos showing real photography and video as it's used by pros, and their workflow for editing photos and video shot with it.

[@AlexanderBischof]

Great thoughts on the Camera and „Review“ Videos in general

[@libork5397]

Hello Joseph, thank you for your review. I have always valued your opinions and expertise and have been following you since the day one. However I do have a few disagreements on this one. Yes E-M1X has a lot of new and advanced features , I like the GPS build in, maybe some improvements in IBIS over E-M1m2 ( from 6.5 to 7.5) and more ... But the 3 major things which are very important to me and which were the major benefit factor for the MFT market ... , the weight , the size and the cost are out of window !!! I believe that the integrated vertical grip was the biggest mistake and will kill a lot of sales , if this would be a separate meaning a detachable, the camera still would be smaller, lighter and less expensive and would fit into many camera bags .... "... what they were thinking of ???" to do it like that ??? After two hours hiking in the mountains every ounce feels like a pound ??? I don't want the grip there. The improvements in 50MPX high res. images adds a little value to me, I need 0.5s up to several minutes for landscape photography. Olympus is quite controversial , on one side claiming that 20 MP is plenty of resolution and on the other side improving and pouring R&D money into 50MP pseudo mode ??? I don't get that. Why not a 30MP sensor and be done with it, and work on dynamic range improvements , lets face it the sensor is getting old . And how about E-M5m3 ??? Many Olympus customers were looking forward to it ??? Anyway, Joseph good review as always , and I will be looking for some of the new features to migrate into my favorite E-M1mark 3 ???

[@JosephEllisPhotographer]

I agree with most of what your saying and I’m really hoping the 5.3 is coming soon. They really need to nail that one for those who need the best small and light camera. The 1X is pretty niche but like I said I do like the direction they’re moving in terms of tech. Honestly if they could have made this camera inside an EM1.2, I think they would have done it.

[@liborkrupica5686]

@@JosephEllisPhotographer Thank you for your response. I always value your feedback. We do agree on the fact that Olympus is one of the most innovative camera manufacturer out there. And yes, there will never be the perfect camera for everyone ... :)))) Great video channel , ....

[@orcoinsabbia]

i've broken two nikon d500 lcd because of the rain with that in mind i think that just the weather sealing makes that camera amazing...

[@glennaa11]

I agree with you regarding the price issue. This is a niche product aimed at a relatively small audience. It's way too big for me, but I'm not the target audience. My EM1ii still takes amazing pictures. I wish they'd do something tiny with an evf

[@photogol]

Yes, I would bet that with the advance of computational photography, the micro 4/3 technology should do to the full frame market what the smartphones did to the point and shoot.

[@Dustinrhoades]

Thank you for your thoughts, Joe.

[@Matwiej19]

This is an amazing camera. Regarding size of the sensor. Stabilisation amazing, 4k recording with nearly 240mbs amazing, battery life amazing, weather sealed, freez proof. Flip screen and really good season for the size. Yes is expensive but for the amount of future is deliver NOT really. Cool review man.

[@lookylookie]

Agree with you wholeheartedly but actually also think the release of the 1X is really a teaser as to what they will be doing with the EM1 & EM5 Really exciting All power to you Olympus 🙌 If they ever thought about doing a FF I’m in boots and all but happy as with my 10ii 😁

[@Denso95]

Thank you for the rational review !!! Listening to other reviewers made me lose faith in humanity ! They are all only whyning about the sensor size and price like a heard of sheep! And talking about bad IQ, but they didnt even held the camera in their hands and made some proper tests and comparisons. I hope that Olympus holds on for couple of years, to realy mature their computaional photography and maybe even start making organic sensors. Yes and I agree, the "reviews "from all the major reviewers out there are pathetic.

[@seamuswarren]

denis muhič, I’m starting to think the ‘fro and Northrup et al intentionally spout controversial statements to generate traffic.

[@Denso95]

@@seamuswarren Might very well be ,as you say . I am not saying that Em1X is the best camera, or that is better than xxx camera. But common, there are people making fantastic stuff with the entry models of m43, so this top offer from Olympus is surely better than those reviewers tell us it is. Those crapy images taken with the em1x they post, are more of a reflection of themselfes than the camera. Sometimes you need to invest a little more time to use a camera to its full potencial.It has come so far novadays that every hobby photographer thinks that only a FF is enough to make great photos.

[@neilgordon6629]

denis muhič aa

[@keithreeder]

"but they didnt even held the camera in their hands " No need to - it's easy to download Raw files for this camera. And sadly (for me - I was really keen on the IDEA of the Oly) it's just too noisy for me. I'll be sticking to my Canon 1D x, then...

[@johnmason2408]

I'll be checking out this beast Tuesday at Robert's Camera. I shoot mostly the A9 and have the A7r3 and also the Em1m2 and Pen F. Been dual system for years. I currently use the A9 most, but that handheld hi-rez mode for my trips where I'm taking landscapes and waterfalls, this is an intriguing camera. To get tripod results, true color at every hi-rez pixel, (Sigma foveon shooters know what this means for cropping and retaining detail) software emulated ND filters for waterfalls, this may be the best hiking camera out there (not to mention it's durability, temp range, and water resistance). The 12-100 combined with this, could be a lightweight killer combo. All the peeps complaining about the size and weight this is almost exactly the same size and weight of the Em1 + battery grip. Once you throw the lens on, the combo is still lighter than any FF field of view equivalent. I'm also intrigued that even though this is the same sensor, the dynamic range appears to be about a stop better from multiple reviews so perhaps this sensor is being used in a more effective manner by the 'back end' electronics. 7.5 stops IS with the 12-100??? Handheld hi-rez???? Yes, this is worth the money imo.

[@RonaldBrown59]

It looks like a nice camera, thanks for your thoughts.

[@zacharybranigan3482]

I 100% agree on who this is for. Oly is a niche manufacturer, to a degree. Even with the bigger body, this camera is very small for the power it has. When you factor the small lenses for wildlife, it is exactly in that sweetspot for me. I am a conservation professional and I have to have a lot of gear with me. I document wildlife and landscapes, and those images are very important to our non-profit mission. When you consider the pro power with what I feel is an affordable camera (compared with some other pro power devices) this is a perfect option for someone like me. Hiking, travel...they require lower weight, good size, and DURABILITY. If you have plenty of cash and those aren't factors, then year maybe Canon or Sony is your jam. But for pro-level features in a size and cost I can get behind. I am an existing Oly shooter, so you again are correct...this is a big upgrade for someone who already is behind the brand philosophy. I have the 7-14mm 2.8 PRO, 12-40mm 2.8 PRO, 40-150 2.8 PRO, 300mm 4.0 Pro, the 25mm 1.8, and the MC 1.4 extender. I can put all that, plus the EM1X and my EM1 Mark II, in one backpack. That gives me a high quality (in my experience) full-frame equivalent of 14mm-840mm. Unreal. Plus, no tripod necessary.

[@jimmymunuthi4324]

I really waited for this review

[@rudolfabelin383]

Very, very good analysis.

[@daveparizek]

Very insightful and helpful, thank you! I bought the M1X after researching forever and I think it is the best all round camera period. Well, for me (-: And price has come down significantly.

[@titouyou1]

Reminds me the story of David and Goliath. Smaller, smarter ;-). I simply hope that other Olympus cameras owners will take benefit of those improvements. We'll see what comes next with firmware updates as well as with new low and middle range cameras.

[@geraldbraun6267]

Your analogy of David and Goliath is perfect!

[@MiaogisTeas]

Right? I'm guessing we'll get a firmware update once the press for the X dies down. They don't want to direct attention away just yet.

[@kristov1110]

Well done, you’ll be invited at the next olympus event !

[@MrKockabilly]

To all Olympus Faithful, this is a test of your FAITH.

[@kajaarup]

Thanks for the video. Anyhow no comments to the ISO performance. I have 2 OM D-1 mark ll and i am very happy with them - except the poor ISO performance. I have really hoped on some improvements there.

[@vmg1050]

I’m an Oly shooter and a Sony shooter. I am invested in the OMD system and I want it to survive. However, you made a comment about low light capabilities that I’ve not heard on the other reviews. How does this camera enable better low light capture? And in regards to price, I think it maybe justified to ask $3k but I also think that it’s absurd. There’s little chance to gain market share with this camera compared to an XT3 or the A73 or even the A7R3. And finally, you said at the start of the video this wasn’t really meant to compete with the A9, D5, or 1DX but then when justifying the price you compared it to those cameras. Just doesn’t make much sense to me. Again, I want Olympus to thrive, but this camera leaves me scratching my head a bit. Unless these features filter down to a lower cost body and that body is released soon, I see Olympus continuing to lose relevancy in this very crowded camera market.

[@vmg1050]

Alex Lac. Hopefully. That would be incredible and counterintuitive to every business decision that I’ve seen out of manufacturers. I’ve never seen a business decision to only cater to current users. Not only that, but only cater to current users who A. Want to upgrade currently and B. Have the budget to upgrade to a camera of that cost. I’d like to think that Olympus is altruistic in some way but limiting yourself to a potential customer base that small is a really poor business decision. Personally, I’m hoping this tech trickles down to an EM-5 3. That camera I would preorder.

[@Raysnature]

As an Oly shooter I have to agree about the low light performance. It is not a strong point and that's not the manufacturer's fault it's an mft issue. I shoot wildlife and I have to stop using my em1 mk2 way earlier than my D500, jes I even think twice about taking it out on a cloudy day. I say this despite the Oly being my edc.

[@darrelrobertson8169]

What a well done session....thanks.

[@douglasolsen1208]

I looked back at my order of the EM1 Mk2 and the price. I got the camera body, HLD-9 grip and 2 extra batteries. The price was $2386. The $3K tag on the EM1X doesn’t seem unreasonable.

[@kian8382]

It's targeted where m4/3 has always targeted, which doesn't necessarily mean cheap, but sort of a choice outside DSLR territory added to the fact you have P and O to choose from for the same mount. That differentiation largely disappeared because the competitions have caught up and are offering better image quality and AF for not much higher price taking the equivalent lenses into consideration, and for that reason this probably will be a hard sell. However the future of m4/3 doesn't depend on this top-of-the-line model, Olympus still needs to think what they can provide that others can't.

[@williaminbody205]

Spot on... plus wildlife, in particular birds, the photographer is traditionally older people who don’t want to carry the bulk or weight or just can’t. Price, they have the money, that’s not an issue at all, good set of golf clubs cost more... So M43 will remain relevant.

[@RobShootPhotos]

I'm excited about the future lenes coming out. Canon and Sony have a 100-400 f/4.5-5.6 and I think Olympus is targeting that lens. 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 only slightly slower on the long end but the widest being 24mm to 400mm Full frame equivalent. Wow! If the build quality is somewhere between the two 14-150 & 12-100 lenses, it will be a great lens. Then the 100-400mm constant f/4.5? Very impressive.

[@yukonchris]

My first thought was, "it's too big." But then I saw the E-M1X compared to an E-M1 MkII with the battery grip attached, and realized that it really isn't. I almost always shoot my original E-M1 with the grip attached, and it is just right, so I would imagine that this new camera is almost perfect in terms of proportions. The build and feature set is certainly impressive from everything I've seen, and seems far in advance of its competitors in the mirrorless world.

[@flower.twilight]

I feel like they had to improve something in a big way in order to make this camera compete. Dual processors, 7.5 stops of stabilization, and phenomenal weather sealing probably had way too much development and they had to really increase prices to make up for these developments. But I feel like after the EM1X, Olympus will release new cameras, like EM1 iii or EM5 iii, and it will have the same technology at that desired $1000-$2000 price tag.

[@PhotoBob]

Maxine Wav I get this camera and I might buy it. However, I completely agree about planes, trains, and automobiles. I had to laugh at that. What the hell. Hopefully they will push out firmware with updates on that. I don’t shoot many planes. Trains, or automobiles. Lol

[@kbruff2010]

1/20/2022 thank you for sharing this information

[@stan3223]

Hi Joseph, my EM1 ii is very capable and the glass is great and affordable. The continuous focusing/tracking lets me down when I'm photographing my 2 1/2 year old grandson as he darts around the home or playground. Chis Nichols at dpReview reports the EM1X is no better at tracking. Also I'm perplexed why people were not included in the AI focusing.

[@JosephEllisPhotographer]

Hi Stan, I think Chris was really talking about CAF+Tracking which hasn’t been improved. Regular CAF however is much quicker now due to the dedicated Trupic processor. It should be a marked improvement for any type of moving subject. The only downside (for now) is that you would need to keep a target on your subject rather than letting the computer pick. I hope that helps!

[@robb8773]

Hi Joe, Great vid and I'm a subscriber. Can you let me know what you think about, why OLY didn't just apply the technology from the EM1X into an OMD EM1 Mark III? I think if they would have done that, you can still put the battery grip on and off as needed. Thanks for your input. I have a Mark II and love it.

[@c.augustin]

After all I've heard and seen about the E-M1X, I would think they actually needed to volume not only for the batteries, but for the electronics itself (maybe by moving some mechanical parts lower down or somewhere that would not be possible with a detachable grip). Don't forget - this one has 2 processors and lots of other stuff that needs room. As an electrical engineer I think it was a smart move. In the long run it *will* fit into smaller bodies, but for now they did the right thing.

[@Jay19876]

The EM1 X is more rugged and sturdy with a built in battery grip since the grip is part of the camera's frame. With 2 processors in the EM1 X they likely needed more space in the body for thermal regulation (they even put a heat pipe in the camera to dissipate the heat from the processors and image sensor). I think Olympus is waiting to launch the EM1 Miii until they can put a faster (single) processor and an upgraded MFT image sensor into a smaller camera body without it being as expensive as the EM1 X.

[@c.augustin]

@@Jay19876 You're thoughts about an E-M1 MkIII and a new sensor sound quite right to me. I was disappointed about the E-M1X to not have a better sensor, but they might actually do it in another ("lesser") model because there they would not have to accommodate this extensive array of AF pixels …

[@MiaogisTeas]

Perhaps they will, but as someone else mentioned the Olympics are coming to Japan next year and that is going to be a great way to showcase a niche camera in action. Pretty sure they'll work on the deep learning focus system before then, too.

[@bobdrawbaugh4207]

Joe another good video. I purchased a new camera today. Unfortunately it wasn't an Olympus. I love My olympus gear for eveything except sports.I don't think the EM1X will fill the bill either. Since standard auto focus plus tracking still isn't up to par, acording to early reviews. All the new feature are awesome, but auto focus with tracking is most important to me. I'm not jumping ship because I love my Olympus gear, just not for sports.

[@vmg1050]

This is a spot on comment.

[@Raysnature]

I like this camera a lot but not £3ks worth. I'm assuming the price will drop after a while. If it comes below £2.5k I'll be looking to get one. As a wildlife photographer I would really like to see the development of a faster lens though. The 300 f4 is a fantastic lens but I would love either a 400 f4 or 300 f2.8 then we are talking!

[@JosephEllisPhotographer]

I agree, let’s hope they’re listening. Are you liking that new super tele zoom and TC?

[@Raysnature]

@@JosephEllisPhotographeres I do like the look of it but again it's a little slow at f4.5 without the tele. I gave the pani 100-400 a try before getting the 300 prime and the reach is superb but I found the two systems didn't talk to each other well (as well as the f6.3 at the long end was not good). I think I would prefer a big prime like a 400 f4.

[@gainiz]

@@Raysnature Some people on dpreview commented that disabling lens IS and using only body IS gives better results on 100-400. 300/2.8 lens? Check! See ZD 300mm/f2.8 and start saving money :D (I know its a bit old model)

[@Raysnature]

@@gainiz Yes I tried it IBIS only and while it did improve things I still found the long end a tad soft. The improvement when I switched to the Oly glass was very noticeable. Thanks for pointing me at the ZD glass. As a newbie to the Oly world I didn't know about this. It is exactly what I'm looking for in a wildlife photography lens, particularly for birds. IMHO it's what the m4/3 ecosystem is missing. That extra stop allows for a x2 tc as well. Price wise; yep it's steep but it is arguably reasonable for that level of lens (the Nikon 300f2.8 being £5.4k at the moment for example). Now all we need is a native modern m4/3 with quick af version. I'd snap one up (and will be looking at the ZD in meanwhile).

[@gainiz]

@@Raysnature Check this chriseyrewalker.com/olympus-e-m1-zuiko-ed-300mm-f2-8/ , it sums pros and cons. Modernized version would be super nice, but releasing 3-4kg and 6-8k lens for small, light and already dying (lol) m4/3 could drive people crazy :D Im shooting E-M1 + 50-200/2.8-3.5 SWD and sometimes I wish AF could be better (and more focus points), E-M1.2 should work faster and better with Zuiko lenses

[@datapro007]

Insightful analysis.

[@johnathanquinn9143]

Great review Joseph. Spoken by someone who is actually familiar with the OMD system. The number of reviews from people who straight off don’t like the small sensor but give a view is a joke. Your look at this camera is refreshing and the the systems possible future is interesting. Now looking forward to a hands review from yourself. 😊

[@CVCC]

good points, still think it's over priced, should have been 2,495.

[@tomaskonkol8894]

i think shoul be arround or under 2k.

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

Should have been 1500 USD.

[@erichnk]

Participating and videoing (kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHYnJitqMmgoMk) the McBain Camera Edmonton Release event, and handling the E-M1x there and also at the Don's Photo event here, it almost seems like a bargain. Feels and acts as robustly as a $7,000 Nikon D5 (and probably a Canon M1whatever) and seems to match them in almost every area.

[@adamvaz9097]

Chagrin Valley-Web I love when people who know nothing about how pricing works says "it should cost $x" your making that pricing decision based on your own budget and values. That's not how pricing a product works. Keep your pricing opinion to yourself and don't buy it if you don't like or can't afford it.

[@seamuswarren]

Yeah, I always wanted an iPhone-like user experience in a DSLR or DSLM.

[@samuelpeinado1267]

I just bought a used (very lightly used) em1x for $500. The more I use and learn about this camera, I see how insane this is. This camera was so far ahead of if time. Too far ahead. It can be got for an absolute steal in 2025. I wish Olympus would charge for major fw updates as I’m convinced the em1x is prime for updates. If fw updates were a revenue source, maybe OMSys would.

[@enricobononi8655]

"Rather than making bigger and more expensive" min 2:50....I stopped here....em1x is huge and more than double the price of em1ii

[@GrenlandUnderVann]

Yet has same old sensor, same old LSIs and basically all new features are software driven!

[@gavinhewitt1083]

@@GrenlandUnderVann The 1X has literally been my sole reason for deciding leaving MFT as my main system. Old tech in a bigger body... new features that need 2 processors to work that wont migrate down in to a smaller body.. hope for the EM5 MKIII being new and innovative? Cant really see them putting a better EV-F in the EM5 or a new sensor.. have loved my Olly but this isn't a exciting flagship or great demo of what to expect.

[@basaraj]

@@gavinhewitt1083 Agreed. Until recently, I've been enjoying micro four thirds and Olympus in particular since the E-PL1. Just sold my OMD E-M5-II and G85 and all my lenses. These cameras are getting too big for their sensor size and rather expensive in my opinion. Switched over to Fujifilm (X-T20 and soon X-T30) which is the direction Olympus should have taken. All I ever wanted was an OM1 with an APS-C 24MP sensor, no fancy gimmicks or features no one is really asking for (sans the fanatical enthusiast). The closest Olympus came to the "perfect" micro four thirds camera was the OMD E-M10 Mark II which sold very well for them and they neutered the camera with the Mark III version. Olympus probably does not have the capital to bring out a larger sensor camera with a whole new line of lenses so they released this stupid, E-M1x which nobody but the zealots will buy.

[@paulm8157]

👍Spot on commentary. Cam is for smaller segment of current Olympus users. Hopefully tech will percolate to prosumer level enthusiasts. With already shrinking markets, Olympus is still taking a risk. Hope one or more newer mods to existing line will emerge. Also, few have mentioned but Olympus chose to celebrate its 100th anniversary with a “silver body” version of the OMD-EM1M2 - a big let down, in my opinion. BTW, nice “black and white” theme set up for this vid - wall photos to match, nice touch. The downside is that cam and lens on the table all but disappear and your black shirt was a bit much; perhaps a grey shirt would have been a better choice yet still in keeping with the monochrome theme.😀

[@andywitt5860]

Thanks for the great video! Most of the negativity comes from people who already hate M43to begin with, or who think 3000$ is too much to upgrade. It's definitely too much for me, but I had a hard enough time justifying the EM1ii since I'm not a professional. That shouldn't take away it's value, it's just not for me. Another complaint I've heard is the EVF, but I think the one in the EM1ii is just fine. Is it really that bad in your opinion?

[@MiaogisTeas]

It's not even really an upgrade to the E-M1 Mark II; sure the tech is newer, but really they are different models for different use cases. Great points though! I don't understand the issues people have with the EVF either - pretty sure they're just nitpicking.

[@konstantinaksenov4850]

The electronic viewfinder in M1-2 is not the best on the market, but adequate for the 2016 camera and sufficient for operation. In M1X electronic viewfinder became visually huge and the image in it is clear and more pleasant than in M1-2 though they have the same resolution. I had the opportunity to compare them in my own eyes. The viewfinder in m1x has no visible distortion unlike the panasonic G9.

[@ryanphotostudio]

Funny thing about having so much information available to us online these days is that it breeds discontent. I love my Olympus cameras and they are more than enough for me and my needs at the present time but I became interested in what Sony offers as so many photographers seem to be using them, so when in Japan recently I had an opportunity to play with some Sony’s and I really loved the screen resolutions - so sharp and clear. Now previous to this I had been very happy with my Olympus evf and screen. I started to think how much better I could compose my images in camera with that high resolution screens.... I was getting sucked into looking for a reason to swap systems... I then remembered that the best camera in the world is the one you have with you when you need to make a shot and how much I love my Olympus cameras anyway... in all of life I am striving not to be influenced by the media and to concentrate more on improving my skills with what I have than worrying about having the latest and greatest all the time... what is happening to our society?

[@jonbarnard7186]

I hope you're right about future firmware updates for current models. My worry is that functional upgrades, which would have been added to the EM1ii via firmware update, will not be made by Olympus now. For example, the "my menu" function, which is long overdo in my opinion, could be implemented on current EM1 hardware. Perhaps the live ND filter could be added as well, although some of the new functions appear to be hardware dependent, such as the handheld high res function and increased sensor stabilization. If Olympus fails to continue firmware support for the EM1ii for example, they will not be promoting brand loyalty. I, for one, would probably stop buying Olympus glass in preparation for jumping ship to Sony or Nikon Z. I agree that innovation is Olympus' strongest point, but they should remember that their innovations usually appear in the next generation of their competitor's cameras. Not all of their current (loyal) customers will be buying the new body.

[@WMedl]

As far as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is concerned especially for Autofocus (AF) I would expect a learning or at least a feedback mode to train the AI system for various focusing situations - e.g. in certain sort of games when to stick to a target or to recognize specific targets in certain crucial situations. I cannot imagine at that time how that should be implemented let alone in the E-M1X. But to fulfill minor wishes I would appreciate to have a distance scale for the focused target indicated on the screen - like the Fuji has (though for the E-M1 to set the focus manually at a certain distance is fine). And above all a user customizable menu for less often changed parameters. Yes and manual focusing NOT by wire at least for prime lenses....

[@RobShootPhotos]

I agree about R&D. I know this won't happen, phase detection on the next EM5 even if it less focus points unless the AI tech for AF is similar to Depth from Defocus. I think the EM5 is missing it without Hybrid focus against the Sony a6000 series and XT20.

[@johndt5444]

The size of the EMX1 is ideal for me. I always buy grips (if I did not buy a high end model like D1x of d4 etc). The Sony A9 with the grip is exactly the same size , which makes me think that if A9 was build like the EM1x would have been the best camera out there by far. Em1x is the body style the A9 should have come in and then it would have been the ultimate camera. Regarding the price point I think it is appropriate to ask what they ask but maybe $2.5K will would have been better. I find it a bit of silly argument people saying "$3K for MFT?? I could buy a FF camera" etc Silly really: If the EM1x would have been a FF why would or should cost less than $5-6k??? Nikon or canon have no problems selling at that price point or don't they? Of course I wonder why olympus charges for more for their 300mm f4 than nikon? a MFT 300mm f4 should be easier to design and cheaper to manufacture that a ff 300 f4 because of the format alone . Why Olympus compare it to the 600mm and say its a bargain compared to 600mmf4 and charge $2k5 for it.?? Nikon has a nice compact 300mm F4.. with VR for less than $2k The bad think about this EM1x is that showed no improvement in the sensor department where the mkII has been hurting and offer no much hope to MFT followers and also the EVF is unacceptably dated and much lower quality than cheaper FF cameras come with. They really drop the ball there.. I am afraid they with the cheaper FF cameras coming from nikon and canon olympus does not have a good number of features to counter balance the big players..

[@9876karthi]

I agree that EM1X is aimed for the Olympus m43 fans. I do get annoyed when some FF fanatic make reviews on m43 without the core understanding of what it likes to use a m43. 20MP is enough for me to capture wonderful images. I have the entry level OMD M10 MII I am happy with the output and the compactness...and I should see the expression on the FF owners face when I show the photos created using live composite...it is priceless : )

Should have made a OMD 5iii. They need more wide angle primes.

[@michaels8597]

I love the EM1X idea,yet i just did not see a justification in price,since it's basically an upgrade to the camera before it,with the same sensor.I'm thinking they could have taken to older model,did firmware,and added the battery grip,even offering two better batteries,without another $1500 of cost.I dont 'switch',and I dont care about weight and size,because i am a full frame shooter,and a grown man,so carrying up to ten pounds will not make me cry.My first digital camera was Olympus,so it's something I need to check out and use,to make a definite choice.As far as reviwers go,once i see some kind of opinionated nonsense against other brands they do not use,i dont not take them seriously.Much of the time,they get pissy,nasty,and nuts,when you do not agree with them.Once i see some adult name calling someone because of their choice in gear,i KNOW that person is childish,foolish,and fascist,and it's not only them,it's their cronies who blindly follow them.See,the market is changing because the cameras like the EM1X are so good,you dont actually NEED 3-5 bodies,FF/mirrorless,4-8k,and all these other specs that really have nothing to do with getting excellent results IN CAMERA.I just need GREAT images,low light performance,great battery life,2 card slots,good ,sharp focusing,durable/sealed,good video,IBIS,and i have all of that with my current full frame monster,so i am in the market for that second camera,that's versatile ....great content......

[@tebitan3780]

Isn't everybody heading into the computational photography and AI? Just check what Pana will bring out. Also new features from Sony etc. Everybody does that. So what is doing Olympus differently?

[@rpesik]

I am getting one 😁

[@olafweyer859]

2022 and I can get one NEW boxed for just 1000 Euro. I gonna grab it once I'm visiting my former home country. MFT is hard to get in Latin America and if my OM-D 1 II dies...

[@Ride1098]

I own a EM1 Mkii and yes, it is smaller and lighter, but the IQ is lacking behind other cameras much older than it is. I don't understand why people are willing to trade IQ for size.

[@debozebever]

Why does it look like everyone on youtube, literally everyone (so not only the big boys), tested the EM1X? Is Olympus that generous? Or afraid?

[@DavidStahl]

Overall, you don't seem to be of one mind re who this camera is targeted at: at 1:00 you say it's not A9, 1DX II and D5 users but the 'Olympus faithful', but then at 6:00 you say (when justifying the high price) that the competition is the A9, 1DX II and D5; you then return to your original position at 6:32 and say it's aimed at the 'Olympus faithful'. There's also a conflict at 2:56 when talking up the benefits of M43 you say “we can do better with smaller, faster, lighter rather than making it bigger and more expensive” when the E-M1X is exactly the latter! It weighs in at 997 grams compared to 574 grams (74% increase) for the E-M1II, and at nearly $1,000 more.

[@PhotoBob]

David Stahl I thought it was pretty clear. Essentially Olympus wasn’t expecting to convert ppl from those Pro bodies that you mentioned. It was a void in their current system that was needed to keep Olympus pros in the system. (It’s going to be needed with the 150-400 f4.5). The price of this body and the size of this body are both substantially less than the FF equivalents. It’s big for m43 but it’s small for a gripped pro body. It’s expensive for m43 but it’s cheap for a gripped pro body. His points aren’t contradictory at all

[@john.advrider3536]

Unfortunately, wildlife is the only reason to switch to Olympus that I can see (avoiding long and heavy lenses). If you have Olympus already, no reason to switch out if you love the system. IBIS is superior but it is a much smaller sensor. For most people, I cannot see choosing Olympus over a APS-C or full frame body with equivalent lenses at the current price of the EM1-II. That is Olympus’s challenge to overcome.

[@grandpa212]

Lighter then full frame lenses? What about the PF lenses from Nikon? XD

[@gusng695]

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/4E PF ED VR = f/4; 147.5 x 89mm; 755g; weather proof; without tripod collar; plastic built; USD1996.95 (B&H) Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO = f/2.8; 160 x79.4mm; 760g; weather proof; with tripod collar; metal built; USD1399.00 (B&H)

[@danieldougan269]

I find Olympus's disinterest in providing top-notch pro video features and quality in their $3,000 mirrorless camera disturbing. I also find Panasonic's stubbornness about not using PDAF disturbing. Plus, DFD doesn't work with Olympus lenses. Between the two of them, these companies could make a damn near perfect camera.

[@rasittutgun]

When I first saw the title, I thought that another "anti-Olympus (or anti-m43)/full-frame lover" video that rudely criticizing new flagship camera. But gladly, it is a fair critic and I think he catches Olympus' strategy and roadmap. I agree with the comments that companies usually want to show off their technological advances with a device which is generally unaffordable. But eventually, these new technologies will come to entry-level and mid-level devices when the costs drop. It is the good side of new technological improvements.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@ 2:50 rather then bigger and more expensive? Sorry to say but your argument is invalid. 3 grand is too expensive for what it is and it is big and heavy too.

[@johndonaldson5126]

Advantages of micro 4/3: small, light, cheap. This camera: large, heavy, expensive.

[@petemy428]

John Donaldson what do you respond to the total System size/weight? It counters your strawman pretty nicely. Cheers

[@PhotoBob]

Compared to what? Not compared to the FF equivalents. It’s substantially smaller and cheaper

[@sidvicious3129]

I think the technology that went into this camera, the AI is excellent along with the image stabilization and weather proofing is great. The biggest problem is the price. There is just to much competition at this price point. You can make a beautiful image with any camera if you are skilled, but this camera isn’t competitively priced, especially with Panasonic coming out with their full frame models. I don’t have a problem with the size of the camera and prefer its size to smaller cameras and I have owned Olympus in the past, but currently shoot Nikon dslr, but I’m in the market for a mirrorless camera. From a technology standpoint this camera is innovative, but from a price stand point and not knowing where micro four thirds is going with Panasonic going full frame, it’s a gamble for me. This camera’s market is current Olympus owners, just like Canon and Nikons offerings are only for their current market. I don’t see many if any converts here and that might not be a bad thing. I wish Olympus and all of it’s owners much success.

[@dazxmedia]

rationality rules once again!!! great review

[@Hoggdoc1946]

So what happened to the video? It won't play.

[@ddiver7908]

hmmmmm,, new parachute AND wingsuit OR EM1X? All 3! cuz i have a job and can afford those! :D

[@dsphotos]

arent you the guy from how i met your mother? :-)