Olympus introduces the latest OM-D E-M1X: The new camera is designed to meet the demands of professional photographers for reliability, speed, precision and image quality. The E-M1X continues the company’s vision of providing the lightest and most compact system in its class. The latest addition to the Olympus OM-D line-up takes full advantage of the Micro 4/3 format: the camera features leading-edge imaging technology and a rugged body with a built-in vertical grip – for maximum reliability and performance in any environment.
The new benchmark for reliability and performance
With its built-in vertical grip, the E-M1X provides the extra safety and reliability needed during shooting. Since the design is the same for both vertical and horizontal grip, users will appreciate the camera’s handling in both classic and vertical orientations.
The layout, shape and structure of all the buttons and levers have been completely redesigned to make every control more intuitive to allow the user to focus on shooting with the viewfinder. The new viewfinder has also been considerably improved and has the best magnification on the market at 0.83h. The multi selector joystick is in both landscape and portrait orientations to let users adjust the focus area more quickly and easily. In addition to the standard locking lever, a new C-Lock lever has been added, allowing selective locking of controls and in vertical position.
The gasket system in the E-M1X has also been significantly improved, offering better weatherproofing. The camera has passed Olympus’ strict tests2 , which are considered tougher than IPX1 to provide truly reliable protection in all kinds of shooting conditions. Dust, splash and low temperature protection2 is maintained even when the remote control cable, microphone and headphones are connected.
Dust-free sensor technology has been improved by the newly coated Super Sonic Wave Filter SSWF which vibrates up to 30,000 times per second, improving dust-free sensor performance by up to ten times. Overheat protection feature protects internal camera components during video shooting and continuous shooting camera shutter provides at least 400,000 fps.
The E-M1X is equipped with two BLH-1 batteries also used in the E-M1 Mark II , so the user can take up to 2,580 shots without having to recharge. USB Power PD USB-PD charging functionality from up to 100W power sources lets you fully charge both batteries in approximately 2 hours.
Advanced AF for superior comfort, speed and accuracy
The OM-D autofocus system has been completely redesigned for the E-M1X: 121-point cross-type phase sensors built into the sensor as in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, a redesigned and vastly improved algorithm. In addition, the E-M1X uses AF information from recorded images to provide fast tracking of unpredictable movements of the subject and changes in its speed.
Various additional AF settings are available in the E-M1X, including new focus areas a group of 25 points is now supported , as well as custom AF area position settings when holding the camera vertically or horizontally. Focus point control with multi selector levers, making the process much easier and more efficient.
New intelligent object detection function allows the autofocus system to automatically detect specific objects cars, planes, trains , focusing and tracking the optimum area so users can fully focus on the composition. Thanks to its high autofocus sensitivity of up to -6, E-M1X takes superb photos even in low-light conditions.
Superior image quality
The E-M1X’s high-speed performance and unprecedented image quality are made possible by 20.4M Live MOS sensor with new coated for improved sensitivity and dual TruePic VIII image processors. Dual processor design not only makes the camera faster, but also supports two high-speed UHS-II SD card slots, the latest in handheld Hi Res Shot, Live ND and Intelligent Object Detection.
Stabilization on E-M1X takes a big step forward: redesigned gyroscope for better camera shake compensation. Combined with M.Zuiko IS PRO such technology can compensate up to 7.5 exposure steps1 – no more need for a tripod.
With AF locked, the continuous shooting speed will be 60 frames per second, capturing the tiniest movements that the human eye can’t see. Focusing on each frame at a maximum of 18fps continuous shooting.
Pro Capture mode captures up to 35 frames before you release the shutter. This feature is already highly praised in the OM-D E-M1 Mark II and is ideal for capturing fast and unpredictable moving subjects.
The Hi Res Shot function also gets new features: 80Mp images can be captured in Tripod High Res Shot mode with a tripod the E-M1X also lets you shoot high-quality images without blurring handheld – the resolution in High Res Shot handheld mode is 50Mp.
The new Live ND function allows you to get a long exposure effect, as if an ND filter had been used. The scene can be viewed in the viewfinder and the effect edited before the user takes the shot. Effect can be set in five modes: ND2 equivalent to one shutter speed step , ND4 2 steps , ND8 3 steps , ND16 4 steps and ND32 5 steps .
Shooting Movies
In addition to superb professional-quality photos, the new E-M1X is a master of video. Camera equipped with all the features required for professional video shooting.
Thanks to the C4K format 4096 x 2160 , videographers not only have the highest recording resolution available today, but also great opportunities when it comes to post-production. Powerful 5-axis stabilization system lets you shoot 4K and C4K video without using a tripod.
To compensate for changes in lighting, typical of documentary and nature photography, the E-M1X supports log shooting. The OM-Log400 prevents loss of detail in shadows and highlights and adds greater color gradation capability. Full HD movie kit now supports 120 frames per second.
The OM-D E-M1X has a system of environmental sensors: GPS, temperature, barometer and compass. In addition to location information longitude and latitude , the E-M1X’s sensor system analyzes and stores temperature, altitude and camera direction data.
New Anti-Flicker function detects the flicker frequency of an artificial light source and activates the shutter at maximum brightness to minimize uneven exposure and color reproduction between successive frames. Flicker Scan suppresses the appearance of banding that can occur when shooting in Silent mode electronic shutter and when shooting movies – so the user can set the shutter speed very precisely.
Wi-Fi lets you shoot remotely, as well as transfer images from the camera directly to a personal computer and smartphone. The OM-D E-M1X is compatible with all Micro 4/3 lenses, including the M-line.Zuiko PRO, and accessories.
Accessibility
The OM-D E-M1X will be available from the end of February as Body only. It will be priced at $3000. The OM-D E-M1X, like all Olympus products, comes with a free six-month warranty when you register it at MyOlympus
How does the new OM-D E-M1X cater to the specific needs and demands of professional photographers?