Olympus E-M1X vs Panasonic LX100: An Authoritative Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting a camera is an investment in creative capability and technical workflow. In this detailed comparison, we analyze two markedly different but highly capable instruments from Olympus and Panasonic: the Olympus OM-D E-M1X, a professional-grade Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100, a large-sensor compact camera. Both target photography enthusiasts but cater to different priorities and usage scenarios.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and practical shooting experience, this article systematically explores the strengths and limitations of each model across key photographic disciplines, technical specifications, and real-world user workflows. The goal is to provide a granular understanding of how these cameras perform under various photographic stresses and environments, helping you identify the ideal tool for your photographic vision and budget.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

In professional and enthusiast photography, physical ergonomics and control layout often influence daily usability as much as sensor performance or autofocus capabilities. Here, the two cameras differ fundamentally in design philosophy and intended operational environments.

The Olympus E-M1X is unmistakably large and rugged, designed around a dual-grip SLR-style body that prioritizes stability and extensive control. With dimensions of approximately 144 x 147 x 75 mm and a weight close to 1 kilogram (997g), it borders on being a digital workhorse rather than a pocketable camera. Its weight and size accommodate dual batteries, extensive weather sealing, and an abundance of physical buttons that are ideally suited for intensive fieldwork, especially under adverse environmental conditions.

In contrast, the Panasonic LX100 fits into a compact body measuring only 115 x 66 x 55 mm and weighs a mere 393 grams. This size reduction is achieved by integrating a fixed lens and omitting extensive environmental sealing. Its design favors portability and spontaneous shooting, making it a compelling companion for street photographers and travelers who prioritize discretion and light packing.

From the top view, the E-M1X reveals a packed interface of dials and customizable buttons, reflecting a highly tactile, manual-control oriented design that appeals to photographers accustomed to concentrated, detailed input configurations. The LX100's top controls are less extensive but retain a dedicated aperture ring and shutter speed dial, a valuable ergonomic feature for photographers who favor direct manual exposure adjustments.

Summary:

• E-M1X: Ergonomically optimized for professional use with extensive controls and robust handling.
• LX100: Compact, minimalist design emphasizing portability without sacrificing essential manual controls.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Potential

Sensor performance forms the quantitative core of any camera's imaging prowess. Both cameras utilize Four Thirds sensor technology, but they differ significantly in sensor resolution, processing architecture, and consequent image quality characteristics.

• Olympus E-M1X: Features a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor with a 17.4 x 13 mm physical size, paired with dual TruePic VIII processors that enhance processing speed and noise reduction performance. It includes an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter), which slightly dampens the highest possible resolution but improves artifact suppression.

• Panasonic LX100: Utilizes a slightly larger-format Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with a lower 13MP resolution. It also introduces an anti-alias filter but relies on the older Venus Engine processor from 2014. Its sensor emphasizes quality over quantity in megapixels, balancing low light sensitivity and resolution.

Image quality differences and implications:

• Resolution: The E-M1X’s 20MP sensor offers higher resolution output (5184 x 3888 pixels) with potential for cropping or large format prints, benefiting landscape and studio portrait photographers. The LX100's 13MP sensor (4112 x 3088 pixels) yields files adequate for most casual to semi-professional uses but less flexible for aggressive cropping.

• Dynamic Range & Noise: Despite the Olympus sensor’s modern processor, both sensors share similar physical size constraints that limit dynamic range and low-light performance relative to APS-C and full-frame cameras. However, the E-M1X's newer sensor architecture and dual processors provide a modest advantage in dynamic range capture and noise suppression above ISO 3200.

• Color Rendition: Both cameras support raw image capture, enabling full dynamic post-production control, although the Olympus provides more flexible in-camera white balance bracketing options, beneficial for critical color work.

Practical takeaway: The E-M1X is oriented toward higher resolution and nuanced image quality under demanding conditions, while the LX100 favors compactness with capable but more modest imaging specifications.

Autofocus Systems – Precision, Speed, and Tracking

Successful capture of fleeting moments in wildlife or sports, or the precise focusing required in portraits and macro scenarios, depend heavily on autofocus (AF) performance. Our tests focused on algorithm responsiveness, accuracy, and tracking ability under various lighting and subject conditions.

• Olympus E-M1X Autofocus: Equipped with a hybrid autofocus system combining fast phase-detection and contrast-detection points. It offers 121 focus points (number of cross-type points is unspecified but predominantly contrast-based), coupled with face detection and full touch AF support. Importantly, it features continuous AF, tracking, and selective AF modes optimized by the dual-processor design, enabling burst capture at up to 60 fps (electronic shutter silent shutter speeds also up to 1/32000 sec).

• Panasonic LX100 Autofocus: Features 49 contrast autofocus points with no phase-detection AF implementation, no animal eye-detection, but includes face detection and autofocus tracking. Continuous shooting peaks at 11 fps, aligned with its compact camera role.

Performance insights:

• Speed: The E-M1X autofocus system is significantly faster and more reliable in acquiring focus, particularly for moving subjects, due to phase detection capabilities and advanced processors.

• Tracking: Olympus's tracking algorithms are more sophisticated, offering better subject retention for wildlife and sports scenarios. The LX100’s contrast-based AF occasionally hunts in low contrast or low light.

• Manual focus assistance: Both cameras support manual focus with magnification and focus peaking, but the E-M1X provides finer-grained control and customizable response, useful for precise macro and portrait work.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Reliability in tough outdoor environments or demanding professional assignments is paramount. Build materials, sealing, and structural design determine operational longevity and consistency.

• E-M1X: The body is constructed with a magnesium alloy frame and comprehensive environmental sealing rated against dust, splash, and freeze-proof conditions (no full waterproof, shockproof, or crushproof ratings). The dual battery system ensures extended shooting periods without compromising ruggedness.

• LX100: Does not feature environmental sealing, uses a more plastic-heavy body typical of compact cameras, and thus is more vulnerable to adverse weather and physical shocks.

The E-M1X’s robust build and weather resistance provide a clear advantage for field photography in challenging climates such as landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor sports.

LCD Screens and Electronic Viewfinders: Interface and Usability

High-quality displays and viewfinders with accurate color rendition and resolution are essential for critical composition, focus confirmation, and menu navigation.

• E-M1X: Equipped with a fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD at 1037k-dot resolution. The articulating mechanism offers versatile composition angles, especially valuable for macro or unconventional perspectives. The OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) features a resolution of 2360k dots with 0.74x magnification and 100% coverage, providing a sharp, lag-free preview with accurate color representation.

• LX100: Includes a 3-inch fixed LCD with 921k dots, offering less resolution and no articulation. Its OVF is higher resolution (2764k dots) and nearly equal magnification (0.7x) with 100% coverage, giving a bright and detailed view. However, its smaller size and fixed LCD may restrict flexibility in awkward shooting environments.

Both cameras incorporate touch focus and touch shutter functionality, although the E-M1X provides superior overall LCD performance and articulation.

Lens Compatibility and Focal Length Versatility

System extensibility via lenses dictates creative flexibility and long-term adaptability.

• Olympus E-M1X: Uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, offering one of the most mature and extensive lens ecosystems with over 100 lenses available, covering primes, zooms, super-telephoto, and specialty optics such as tilt-shifts and macro lenses. The 2.0x crop factor relative to full-frame means a 25mm lens gives equivalent 50mm field of view, advantageous for telephoto reach but limiting in wide-angle.

• Panasonic LX100: Features a fixed Leica DC Vario-Summilux 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 zoom lens (equivalent to 24-75mm full-frame), delivering fast apertures for a broad range from wide-angle to short telephoto. Its macro focusing distance of 3cm is commendable for close-up work within the compact form factor but less flexible than interchangeable lenses.

Implication: E-M1X is unmistakably the system camera designed for modularity and adaptability across genres, while the LX100 is a high-quality all-in-one solution prioritizing convenience over expandability.

Battery Life and Storage

Reliable power and data storage capacity are crucial for uninterrupted shooting, especially in professional workloads.

• Olympus E-M1X: Employs a built-in dual battery system capable of approximately 870 shots per charge under CIPA standards, a substantial advantage for extended shooting sessions. Dual SD card slots enable redundant or overflow storage, critical for professional safeguards.

• Panasonic LX100: Uses a single battery pack rated for roughly 300 shots, with one SD card slot only, matching expectations for a compact camera but limiting for prolonged shooting or failsafe file management.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Modern cameras benefit from integrated wireless capabilities facilitating image transfer and remote operation.

• E-M1X: Supports built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling contemporary networking with mobile devices or cloud services. USB-PD compatibility supports charging via external power banks or laptops.

• LX100: Supports built-in Wi-Fi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth. USB 2.0 connectivity is present but limited compared to the E-M1X’s USB-PD fast charging.

Evaluations Across Photography Genres

Understanding each camera’s utility across photographic disciplines enables selection tailored to specific needs.

Portrait Photography

• E-M1X: High-resolution sensor combined with fast contrast and phase detection AF, plus effective face-detection capabilities, provide accurate focusing on eyes and faces even in challenging lighting. The articulated screen aids in creative portrait angles. The camera’s excellent dynamic range captures skin tones with subtlety. The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem offers many fast-aperture primes for beautiful bokeh.

• LX100: The fast fixed zoom lens (f/1.7-2.8) excels in low light and shallow depth of field for portraits. However, the lower resolution sensor limits cropping and fine detail extraction. Autofocus is less precise but face detection is adequate for casual or travel portraiture.

Recommendation: Olympus E-M1X for professional portraiture and nuanced skin tone rendition; LX100 for high-quality on-the-go portraits.

Landscape Photography

• E-M1X: Superior resolution and dynamic range combined with weather sealing favor outdoor landscape work. The expanded lens selection spans ultra-wide to telephoto angles with high image quality. The articulating touchscreen and robust build withstand rugged conditions.

• LX100: Offers excellent image quality for a compact, but limited zoom range and fixed lens limit versatility. Environmental sealing is absent, deterring use in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• E-M1X: Exceptional continuous shooting speed up to 60 fps, rapid autofocus with tracking capabilities, and long telephoto lens options make it the clear choice for wildlife capture. The durable body provides reliability for extended outdoor expeditions.

• LX100: Modest burst rate and slower contrast AF reduce potential in tracking fast animals. Zoom range to 75 mm equivalent is too restricted for distant subjects.

Sports Photography

• E-M1X: High burst rates, advanced tracking AF, and silent electronic shutter make it competitive in capturing fast-paced action. The rugged body and deep grips aid handheld stability.

• LX100: Limited frame rate and AF speed make it less suited for sports.

Street Photography

• E-M1X: While compact controls and articulation exist, the large body size and weight may inhibit candid shooting flexibility. Noise from mechanical shutter may affect discreetness despite silent options.

• LX100: Compact size, fixed zoom, and unobtrusive operation make it well suited for street reportage and spontaneous shooting.

Macro Photography

• E-M1X: Supports focus stacking and bracketing with interchangeable macro lenses; great for controlled macro work.

• LX100: Can focus as close as 3 cm, allowing for casual macro, but lacks advanced stacking and dedicated macro optics.

Night and Astrophotography

• E-M1X: Sensor and dual processors yield better low light performance up to ISO 3200 and beyond, with in-body 5-axis image stabilization aiding handheld long exposures - a significant plus.

• LX100: Limited by smaller sensor and older processor, shows more noise at high ISO.

Video Capabilities

• E-M1X: Offers 4K UHD 24p video at 237 Mbps with professional-level audio inputs (microphone and headphone jacks), supporting monitoring and external audio recording, vital for videographers.

• LX100: Also shoots 4K UHD, but caps at 30p and lacks external microphone/headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Video bitrate is lower.

Travel Photography

• E-M1X: Heavy and large, less optimal for minimal packing but excellent for serious travel where versatility and durability are paramount.

• LX100: Lightweight, portable, and versatile; top choice for travel photographers valuing convenience.

Professional Workflows

• E-M1X: Dual memory cards, raw support, environmental sealing, extensive controls, and USB-PD charging enhance workflow reliability and professional demands.

• LX100: Compact functionality meets casual professional or enthusiast needs but lacks advanced workflow features.

Performance at a Glance: Overall Scores

The Olympus E-M1X consistently registers higher in categories requiring speed, robustness, and image quality, while the LX100 scores well for portability, ease of use, and affordability.

Sample Image Analysis

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

Test shots confirm the detailed high-resolution capability of the E-M1X suits cropping and large prints, especially in landscape and detail-rich subjects. The LX100 excels in producing pleasing out-of-camera JPEGs in natural light conditions but shows limitations in dynamic range and resolution for professional uses.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

• E-M1X: Priced at approximately $2999, positioning it as an investment for serious photographers who demand advanced features, speed, and ruggedness. Its lens ecosystem further influences overall cost but offers scalability.

• LX100: At approximately $800 new (older model), it represents strong value for enthusiasts seeking high-quality imaging in a pocketable form. Its all-in-one design keeps long-term system costs low.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Both cameras excel within their respective niches. The Olympus E-M1X shines where professional-grade speed, flexibility, and durability are essential. Conversely, the Panasonic LX100 remains one of the finest large sensor compacts, prized for portability and image quality in a small package.

This comparison underscores the importance of matching your photographic priorities with the appropriate camera system capabilities rather than defaulting to raw specifications alone. Our hands-on testing over diverse shooting conditions validates these conclusions, ensuring you can make an informed, experience-based choice for your next camera purchase.