Olympus OM System OM-1 vs Olympus OM-D E-M1X: Which Pro Mirrorless Camera Fits You Best?

Choosing the right professional mirrorless camera can be overwhelming, especially when two models appear so closely matched on paper. Olympus’s OM System OM-1, a recent powerhouse unlocked by modern sensor tech, and the slightly older but still formidable Olympus OM-D E-M1X, a specialist designed for speed and durability, both cater to Micro Four Thirds enthusiasts - but with distinct strengths.

Having extensively tested both cameras across varying genres and real-world conditions, I'll walk you through their technical guts, performance nuances, and suitability by photography style to help you decide which Olympus deserves a place in your gear bag.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

When you’re out shooting for hours, a camera’s size and how it fits in your hands makes all the difference between sustained creativity and early fatigue.

First impressions: the OM System OM-1 is a remarkably compact 135 x 92 x 73 mm, weighing a featherlight 599 grams (body only). In contrast, the OM-D E-M1X is chunkier - at 144 x 147 x 75 mm and a hefty 997 grams, nearly a kilogram. This difference becomes instantly noticeable once you start hand-holding with larger lenses.

The OM-1 opts for a classic SLR-style mirrorless form, with pronounced grip contours and tactile buttons laid out intuitively for quick access. The E-M1X doubles down on pro robustness, with a thick vertical grip integrated into the body, making it feel more like a digital SLR designed to wrestle heavier telephotos and shoot all day in demanding scenarios.

Both bodies feature comprehensive weather sealing, ready to handle splashes, dust, and cold, but only the OM-1 offers a more nimble profile that benefits travel and street photographers who prize discretion.

Looking from above, the OM-1’s control dials and buttons are well spaced, offering a clean, modern interface facilitating quick adjustments during fast-paced shooting. The E-M1X, owing to its size and dual-grip design, includes extra customizable buttons and top-mounted dials, great for wildlife and sports shooters who want controls duplicated for portrait and landscape grip angles.

If you prioritize portability and straightforward operation, the OM-1 wins hands down. For marathon sessions with telephoto drag, the E-M1X’s heft provides stability and endurance.

Beyond the Body: Exploring Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Let’s talk about the heart of the camera: the sensor. Both cameras use a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, which is naturally smaller than APS-C or full frame but benefits from Micro Four Thirds' extensive lens ecosystem.

The OM System OM-1 introduces a new stacked BSI Live MOS sensor, a significant technological leap over the traditional CMOS sensor in the E-M1X. This stacked design allows for faster readout speeds, reduced rolling shutter, and improved noise performance, especially at high ISOs.

In the field, this translates to cleaner images in dim light, with the OM-1 pushing a max boosted ISO of 102,400 compared to the E-M1X’s maximum native ISO of 25,600 and a lower base ISO starting at 64, which helped in daylight but was less flexible in shadows.

Another notable difference is the lack of an anti-aliasing (AA) filter on the OM-1, unlike the E-M1X which keeps it. Skipping the AA filter lets the OM-1 resolve crisper details (critical for landscape and macro shooters) at the potential risk of moiré in certain patterns - a classic trade-off.

The sensor improvements contribute to the OM-1’s superior dynamic range and color depth, so you’ll get better recoveries in post-processing, which I verified using my standard ISO latitude and color charts in studio conditions.

Peering Through the Eye: Viewfinder and Screen Experience

In the heat of a shoot, your interface with the camera - the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and LCD - is your window to precision.

The OM-1 features a whopping 5,760k-dot EVF at 0.83x magnification with 100% coverage - one of the sharpest I’ve used in Micro Four Thirds, delivering smooth, lag-free live preview that makes manual focus checking and instant exposure evaluation a joy.

In contrast, the E-M1X has a lower-res 2,360k-dot EVF at 0.74x magnification, respectable but noticeably less defined for pixel peeping or tricky focus scenarios.

Both cameras implement fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCDs, but the OM-1 edges the E-M1X slightly with a resolution of 1,620k dots versus 1,037k, enhancing image review clarity and menu navigation.

Touch responsiveness and menus are logical and snappy on both, but the OM-1’s screen brightness options and color accuracy make it easier to compose in bright sunlight or shaded woodlands.

Autofocus Mastery and Speed: A Field Test Breakdown

For me, autofocus performance is where these cameras reveal the nature of their target audience.

The OM-1 brings Olympus’s latest 1053-point hybrid phase and contrast detection AF system, incorporating advanced AI algorithms to enable reliable animal eye autofocus - a game-changer for wildlife photographers, because it locks onto eyes of birds, mammals, and even dogs and cats with impressive predictability.

On the other hand, the E-M1X features an earlier-generation AF system with 121 focus points, robust for sports and wildlife but lacking the animal eye AF that’s now almost a standard for fast and unpredictable subjects.

When testing tracking - say, a dove darting in flight or a soccer player sprinting - the E-M1X excels with its staggering 60 fps continuous shooting using the electronic shutter, making it a blisteringly fast choice for sports shooters who need maximum frames per second.

The OM-1 maxes out (on electronic shutter) at 50 fps but balances speed with accuracy wonderfully, especially when combined with sophisticated AF algorithms.

Low-light AF performance also tilts in the OM-1’s favor due to the improved sensor and algorithmic advances, delivering reliable focus down to -7 EV compared to the E-M1X’s -4 EV.

Shooting Across Genres: When Each Camera Shines

Now, let’s get practical. How do these cameras stack up across popular photography disciplines? Below, I break down use-cases and how each model performs in the trenches.

Portraiture: Skin Tones & Bokeh

The OM-1’s absence of an AA filter allows for extremely crisp skin detail without that plastic or overly smooth look some cameras produce. Its advanced face and animal eye AF also tracks eyes with surgical precision - vital for catching subtle expressions.

While the E-M1X uses AA filter, it renders smooth skin tones beautifully and has proven reliable at locking focus on faces, but lacks the refined eye AF, which can sometimes necessitate manual intervention or careful AF point placement.

Both cameras rely heavily on lens choice for bokeh quality. Micro Four Thirds lenses, while smaller and lighter, have a 2.1x crop factor, meaning they won’t produce the same out-of-focus separation as a bigger sensor.

Landscape: Dynamic Range & Resolution

For landscapes, sharpness and dynamic range are paramount. The OM-1 with its BSI sensor offers improved dynamic range allowing greater shadow recovery - helpful when shooting sunrise or sunset scenes.

The 20MP resolution strikes a balanced compromise between detail and manageable file sizes, though if you’re pixel-peeping or planning large print installations, the lack of higher resolution might matter to some.

The E-M1X’s AA filter is a conservative choice protecting against moiré in natural textures like foliage, but it slightly softens fine detail in foliage and rocks compared to the OM-1.

Both cameras are robustly weather-sealed to survive field conditions, but the E-M1X’s beefier build gives it an edge if you’re often shooting in rain or cold environments for long stretches.

Wildlife: Autofocus and Burst Rates

This is E-M1X territory if you need extreme continuous shooting speeds. At 60 fps, it crushes nearly every other Micro Four Thirds camera on the market, albeit with some buffer limitations.

The OM-1’s AI-powered animal eye autofocus dramatically increases keeper rates by nailing precise focus on moving creatures, a huge bonus for birders and safari professionals who rely on speed and accuracy.

Weight and ergonomics also inform preference. The heavier, dual-grip E-M1X feels balanced with long lenses, aiding stability, but the OM-1’s compactness and better low-light AF make it a potent alternative for more varied terrain and faster hikes.

Sports: Tracking and Low-Light Performance

Again, E-M1X’s ultra-high burst rates shine here, especially for fast action photography such as football or motorsports.

The OM-1’s more advanced AF algorithms improve tracking accuracy and fill in gaps of its slightly lower burst capability, suitable for general sports shooting but not quite the relentless firepower of the E-M1X.

Both manage low light well, but thanks to the BSI sensor, the OM-1 holds a slight edge for indoor sports where lighting is challenging.

Street Photography: Discreteness & Portability

If you prefer blending into the urban fabric, the OM-1’s smaller size, lighter weight, and quieter shutter offer a significant advantage.

The E-M1X’s size and weight can draw unwanted attention, and despite the silent electronic shutter mode, its bulk may weary you on long walking sessions.

Macro: Magnification & Stabilization

Both cameras support focus bracketing and stacking - important for macro enthusiasts who want razor-thin depth of field results.

The OM-1’s newer sensor and firmware enhance focus precision, and combined with Olympus’s famous 5-axis sensor stabilization, you’ll get tack-sharp handheld macro shots, freeing you from tripod constraints more often than with the E-M1X.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance on the OM-1 lets you push ISO 25,600 and beyond with less noise, yielding cleaner nightscape shots.

Its articulated screen tilts to awkward angles, handy for framing star trails.

The E-M1X performs well too but with noisier images at high ISOs. The larger battery life of the E-M1X supports longer shooting sessions in cold weather, which can be advantageous for dedicated astro shooters.

Video Shooting

Both cameras support 4K UHD video up to 30p, with the OM-1 additionally supporting HEVC encoding, offering better compression and potentially longer recording times.

The OM-1 lacks 4K photo mode, whereas E-M1X has it, which some action videographers might miss.

Both has mic and headphone jacks, useful for professional audio monitoring.

Inside Look: Build Quality, Battery, and Workflow

The OM-D E-M1X boasts a built-in, high-capacity battery delivering an impressive 870 shots per charge, whereas the OM-1 uses a removable BLX-1 battery yielding about 520 shots. For extended fieldwork, E-M1X’s power advantage is clear, but many professionals keep spare OM-1 batteries close to hand.

Both cameras offer dual SD card slots with UHS-II support on the primary slot, ensuring speedy write speeds and backup functionality, ideal for critical shoots.

Connectivity-wise, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are present on both, allowing tethered shooting and image transfer via Olympus/Aptina app ecosystems.

As a working pro, the OM-1’s USB 3.1 Gen 1 port provides fast file transfer and charging support, while the E-M1X supports USB Power Delivery, enabling charging via external power banks or laptops, a boon for long remote sessions.

Which One Should You Choose? Recommendations Per User Type

• For Wildlife Photographers: The E-M1X reigns with its relentless 60 fps burst and rugged grip handling big lenses like the impressive Olympus 300mm f4. However, if eye detection AF and lighter weight appeal more, OM-1 remains a very strong contender.

• For Landscape and Travel: The OM System OM-1's improved image quality, better EVF, and compact size facilitate comfortable all-day hiking and shooting in variable conditions.

• For Sports Photographers: Where speed dominates, the E-M1X delivers. Still, the OM-1’s refined AF tracking and superior low-light prowess make it a compelling alternative for moderately fast sports or smaller events.

• For Street and Event Photographers: The discreet, light OM-1 offers much greater comfort and less conspicuous presence combined with great autofocus confidence.

• For Videographers: OM-1 edges ahead with newer codec support and slightly better video specification, though neither camera is ideal if filmmaking is your primary focus.

• Budget-Conscious Professionals: The OM-1 retails at around $2,199 out-of-the-box, considerably less than the $2,999 E-M1X, making it highly attractive for those balancing performance with price.

Wrapping It Up: The Verdict

OM System OM 1 front OM System OM 1 screen back Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back

Both the Olympus OM System OM-1 and Olympus OM-D E-M1X represent the pinnacle of Micro Four Thirds technology in their respective eras and niches. The OM-1 brings modern sensor innovation, astute autofocus, and a compact form tailored for versatility and image quality. The E-M1X is a fortress for speed and durability, made to conquer intense action and wildlife work with unwavering power.

My personal preference leans towards the OM-1 for its balance of cutting-edge imaging, portability, and adaptable performance. But if your work demands maximum burst rates, extended battery life, and a gripped body ready for beastly lenses, the E-M1X is steadfast.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on shooting style, ergonomic preference, and which trade-offs you accept between speed, bulk, and sensor technology.

I hope this detailed comparison sheds light beyond spec sheets and helps you make an informed, confident decision for your next camera purchase. Feel free to ask any more questions - I’ve been down the roads these two have carved.

Happy shooting!

Appendix: Summary Performance Ratings

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