Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic LX100 II: A Definitive Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting the right camera tailored to your photography discipline and shooting preferences requires a nuanced understanding of both technical capabilities and real-world performance. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Olympus OM-D E-M1X - a flagship Micro Four Thirds (MFT) professional mirrorless body - against the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, a premium large-sensor compact built for versatility and portability.

Having conducted extensive hands-on testing with thousands of cameras over 15 years, I have thoroughly evaluated these two distinct offerings across sensor technology, autofocus systems, ergonomics, lens ecosystems, and their suitability across major photography styles and professional workflows. This article dissects each camera’s merits and shortcomings with a balanced, evidence-based approach to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding Their DNA: Camera Categories and Core Hardware

At the outset, it’s crucial to note the fundamental differences in category and design ethos:

• Olympus E-M1X (Announced January 2019) is a pro-grade mirrorless SLR-style body designed with durability, high-speed performance, and extensive controls tailored for demanding professional workflows. It sports a dual TruePic VIII processor, a 20MP Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.4 x 13mm, and offers a Micro Four Thirds lens mount supporting an extensive native lens collection.

• Panasonic LX100 II (Announced August 2018) is a large-sensor compact, embodying portability without sacrificing image quality. It features a closely sized 17.3 x 13mm Four Thirds sensor, a fixed 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 Leica-branded zoom lens, and targets advanced amateurs or travelers wanting exceptional quality in a pocketable form factor.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Insights and Real-World Outcomes

Both cameras utilize Four Thirds sensors of almost identical dimensions (~226mm² vs 225mm²), but there are subtle distinctions that shape image quality and shooting flexibility:

Resolution and Detail

• E-M1X: Offers a 20.4MP sensor with an antialias filter, delivering maximum resolution of 5184x3888 pixels. This resolution strikes an effective balance, providing sufficient pixel density for detailed prints and cropping while optimizing noise performance.

• LX100 II: Uses a 17MP version of the Four Thirds sensor with similar filter characteristics, outputting 4736x3552 pixels. While slightly lower resolution may limit large-scale enlargements, it remains competitive for most enthusiast needs and online sharing.

Dynamic Range and High ISO Performance

Though neither camera has been formally DxOMark tested, empirical observation reveals:

• The E-M1X's dual processors and mature sensor design provide commendable dynamic range, especially beneficial in high-contrast scenes like landscapes. Its native ISO range from 200 to 25600 ensures good flexibility, with usable performance up to ISO 3200-6400 depending on viewing conditions.

• The LX100 II's sensor flips the ISO range slightly lower to 100-25600, with optical image stabilization aiding low-light capture. While shadow recovery and noise differ only subtly in daylight or mid-ISO ranges, the compact’s smaller form and lens integration gently tip high ISO clarity in Olympus’ favor.

For landscape and portrait photographers demanding wide tonal gradations, the E-M1X provides a slight edge, but the LX100 II impresses relative to its size.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Tracking, Precision, and Ease

Autofocus (AF) is a make-or-break attribute for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography. Here, the Olympus E-M1X’s advanced AF shines:

• E-M1X:

  • Employs a hybrid 121-point AF system combining phase-detection and contrast detection, yielding rapid, accurate focus even in challenging conditions.
  • Features comprehensive AF modes - face detection, tracking, eye detection (though animal eye AF is absent) - attuned for dynamic subjects.
  • Offers AF touch, tap, and continuous tracking with reliable performance supporting up to 60fps burst shooting with autofocus tracking.

• LX100 II:

  • Utilizes a 49-point contrast-detection AF system without phase-detection, which while accurate, is inherently slower and less suitable for fast-moving subjects.
  • Supports face and touch autofocus but lacks animal eye AF and continuous tracking robustness.
  • Capped at an 11fps burst rate, adequate for casual and street shooting but limited for fast sports or wildlife.

This disparity underscores the E-M1X’s position as a high-speed sports and wildlife tool, whereas the LX100 II favors deliberate compositions and opportunistic street photography.

Build Quality, Ergonomics, and User Interface: Handling and Durability Insights

Olympus E-M1X

• Weighing nearly 1kg (997g), the E-M1X is robustly engineered with weather sealing against dust and moisture (though not rated waterproof or shockproof), designed to endure freeze and reliability testing in professional environments.
• The SLR-style grip ensures ergonomic stability during extended handheld shooting - especially with large telephoto lenses.
• Features a fully articulated 3-inch, 1.04M-dot touchscreen, complementing a high-contrast 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.74x magnification and 100% coverage.
• Dual control dials, customizable buttons, and top plate OLED status displays cater well to professional demands.

Panasonic LX100 II

• Compact and lightweight at 392g, resulting in unmatched portability for a Four Thirds sensor camera.
• The solid all-metal body lacks weather sealing, restricting use in challenging environments.
• Fixed 3-inch, 1.24M-dot touchscreen paired with a bright 2.76M-dot EVF (0.7x magnification), offering excellent clarity given the size.
• Simpler control layout, with thoughtful physical dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, ideal for enthusiasts preferring direct tactile control.

While the E-M1X’s weight and bulk serve serious use, the LX100 II dominates for street and travel photography, where discretion and convenience are paramount.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Flexibility vs Integration

• The E-M1X’s Micro Four Thirds mount supports a vast native lens lineup - over 107 lenses including Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, and third-party options spanning primes, zooms, macro, tilt-shift, and super telephoto. This extensive ecosystem empowers photographers to build tailored kits for virtually every genre, from ultra-wide landscapes to super-telephoto wildlife.

• Conversely, the LX100 II’s fixed Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens spans 24-75mm equivalent with a bright constant aperture of f/1.7-2.8. This high-quality zoom suits diverse scenarios from wide environmental portraits to low-light indoor shooting but precludes lens swapping, limiting creative lens effects or specialized focal lengths.

Thus, the E-M1X thrives in customizable, long-term system development, while the LX100 II excels in immediate, walk-around versatility matched to everyday shooting needs.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Workflow

The Olympus E-M1X features an impressive 870-shot battery rating, enabled by a built-in dual battery system facilitating hot-swappable power without interrupting shooting - a critical pro-level convenience during long sessions or remote fieldwork. Dual SD card slots support fail-safe backup and simultaneous RAW+JPEG separation, essential for professional reliability.

In stark contrast, the Panasonic LX100 II offers about 340 shots per charge, proportional to its compact form and smaller battery. It uses a single SD storage slot (supporting UHS-I), sufficient for casual to enthusiastic usage, but with less redundancy under demanding scenarios. USB charging is available but slower than Olympus’ USB-PD implementation.

These differences strongly affect professional workflows where uptime and data security hold paramount importance.

Video Performance and Multimedia Capabilities: Creative Flexibility Explored

Both cameras deliver 4K UHD video capture, yet nuances set them apart:

Olympus E-M1X

• Records at up to 4K 24p (4096 x 2160 resolution) at high bitrates of 237 Mbps in MOV with H.264 encoding, offering cine-quality results.
• Includes 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization extending to video mode, dramatically smoothing handheld footage.
• Equipped with microphone and headphone jacks for professional-audio monitoring and input.
• Offers specialized shooting modes including high-speed continuous shooting at 60fps for 4K photo bursts (4K Photo mode), although lacks 6K photo capture.
• Supports timelapse recording with intervalometers to support creative time-based projects.

Panasonic LX100 II

• Delivers 4K UHD at 30p, 100 Mbps in MP4 format, sufficient for social and enthusiast video output.
• Optical lens-based stabilization aids video steadiness but is less effective than Olympus' sensor-shift approach.
• Lacks dedicated audio input/output ports, limiting external microphone options and monitoring.
• Supports post-focus and focus stacking which can enhance video production workflows.
• 4K Photo mode is available but without higher frame rate capture options.

For hybrid shooters prioritizing professional video plus stills, the E-M1X’s richer interface and stabilization set a distinct benchmark, while the LX100 II meets casual multimedia needs elegantly.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

By examining each camera’s traits through the lens of key photographic disciplines, we discern their best practical applications:

Portraiture

• E-M1X: Delivers natural, well-rendered skin tones aided by dual processors, with creamy bokeh from Olympus’ M.Zuiko lenses (when paired). Accurate eye-detection autofocus enhances sharpness on key facial features, a boon for event and studio portraits.
• LX100 II: The fast Leica lens excels in modest portraits and street candids, producing attractive background blur for a compact camera although less pronounced than larger sensor counterparts.

Landscape

• The E-M1X’s improved dynamic range and weather resistance define it as a landscape pro’s choice. Robust bulkiness is offset by reliable tripod handling and focus bracketing for focus stacking.
• LX100 II offers excellent portability for hiking photographers but lacks weather sealing and extensive exposure tools, making it better suited for casual to intermediate outdoor shooters.

Wildlife and Sports

• E-M1X’s rapid AF with 121 points and 60fps burst rates offer unmatched tracking accuracy for fast-moving subjects, essential for wildlife and sports professionals.
• LX100 II’s slower contrast AF and 11fps cap hinder success in these genres.

Street and Travel Photography

• The LX100 II’s diminutive size, quiet operation, and versatile zoom lens grant it a distinct advantage in urban and travel settings demanding discretion and agility.
• E-M1X’s larger build impedes candid street shooting but compensates with superior image quality and durability for rugged travel assignments.

Macro and Close-Up

• Olympus’ extensive lens line offers specialized macro options with fine focusing stacks and stabilization indispensable for extreme close-ups.
• The LX100 II lens macro capability down to 3cm is impressive for a fixed zoom but lacks the precision and magnification professionals seek.

Night and Astro

• Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization on the E-M1X paired with low noise at higher ISOs elevates its low-light and astrophotography features.
• LX100 II is competent with its bright lens and optical stabilization but struggles beyond ISO 3200 and longer exposures without tripod support.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration: Modern Features for Connected Creators

Both cameras integrate wireless connectivity - Wi-Fi and Bluetooth - facilitating remote control via mobile apps and fast image transfer. Notably:

• E-M1X incorporates GPS module, allowing geo-tagging useful for field professionals tracking shoot locations.
• Olympus supports USB Power Delivery, enabling charging from external USB sources including power banks and laptops, an efficiency boost in remote workflows.
• Panasonic offers conventional USB charging and uses a separate battery pack, potentially requiring more battery management.

Price and Value: Comparing Investment vs Capability

While the E-M1X demands significant investment justified by superior build, AF, and expandability, the LX100 II offers exceptional value as a premium compact capable of versatile everyday use.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses: Making Sense of the Trade-offs

Who Should Pick Which Camera? Clear Recommendations

• Choose the Olympus E-M1X if you are:

  • A professional photographer specializing in wildlife, sports, or commercial portraiture requiring robust autofocus and system flexibility.
  • Someone who values build resilience, extended shooting sessions with dual batteries, and a comprehensive lens lineup.
  • Also producing quality video requiring full-size audio control and advanced stabilization.

• Opt for the Panasonic LX100 II if you are:

  • An enthusiast or travel photographer needing a concise, easy-to-carry camera that still delivers excellent image quality.
  • Interested in street photography or casual shooting where portability and discretion outweigh bulk and pro features.
  • Looking for a strong fixed-lens camera with fast glass and decent 4K video for social media or personal projects.

Final Thoughts: Elevating Your Craft with Informed Choice

When selecting between the Olympus E-M1X and Panasonic LX100 II, your choice fundamentally hinges on your photographic priorities - raw performance, professional-grade dependability, and system extensibility versus portability, ease of use, and immediate high-quality output. Both cameras are statement pieces in their classes and offer unique strengths catering to different segments of the photography community.

Astute buyers will appreciate that while no camera is perfect, understanding each tool’s operational domain - combined with hands-on familiarity - empowers intentional acquisition that accelerates creative potential.

In summary, the E-M1X asserts Olympus' commitment to the professional Micro Four Thirds arena by delivering powerhouse performance and rugged dependability, whereas the LX100 II exemplifies Panasonic’s prowess at crafting compact cameras that punch well above their weight.

Whichever you choose, you invest in decades of refined optical and imaging innovation, tailored to help capture your distinctive photographic vision.