Olympus OM-D E-M1X vs Pentax Optio P70: A Tale of Two Cameras at (Almost) Opposite Ends of the Spectrum

When comparing the Olympus OM-D E-M1X and the Pentax Optio P70, you’re essentially looking at two cameras that serve wildly different audiences and photographic goals. It’s a fascinating matchup - not for similarities, but for how these two devices embody vastly different philosophies and technologies in digital imaging. On one hand, the Olympus E-M1X is a professional-grade, pro mirrorless beast launched in 2019, crafted for demanding photographers who crave rugged reliability, high-speed autofocus, and top-tier burst shooting. On the other hand, the Pentax P70, released a full decade earlier (yes, 2009), is a compact ultracompact point-and-shoot aimed at casual users wanting portability and convenience without the fuss of interchangeable lenses.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll draw upon my 15+ years of hands-on testing thousands of cameras - from exotic medium format to underappreciated compacts - to dismantle what each camera brings to the table. Spoiler alert: if you want professional-grade performance, the E-M1X is the clear champion, but the P70’s charm lies in its simplicity and everyday practicality.

Let’s dive deep into the real-world experience, technical specifications, and suitability across multiple photography genres - and I’ll pepper in recommendations tailored to your specific needs and budget.

When Box Size Means More Than Just Bulk: Ergonomics and Handling

If you’ve ever whipped out two cameras on a shoot and immediately felt the difference in grip, balance, and intuitiveness, you’ll appreciate how vital physical design is.

The Olympus E-M1X commands attention with an SLR-style mirrorless body, robustly built to endure harsh field conditions. Weighing close to a kilogram (997g) and measuring 144 x 147 x 75 mm, it feels like a serious tool engineered to work as hard as you do. Its fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen with 1037k-dot resolution gives photographers flexible framing options - a godsend for videographers or awkward angles. The viewfinder is electronic, boasting 2360k dots with 100% coverage and a 0.74x magnification, which renders a crisp, bright image for precise composition.

On the flip side, the Pentax P70 weighs in at a mere 155 grams and measures just 97 x 54 x 22 mm. It’s gloriously pocketable - so much that you’ll never think twice about bringing it along during a casual walk or on vacation. Its fixed 2.7-inch LCD, although lower resolution at 230 dots, is decent for quick checks but lacks the touch functionality and articulation of the E-M1X.

The P70’s ultracompact form factor is perfect for spontaneous moments, but if you crave tactile buttons and extensive customizable controls, it falls short.

Looking from above:

The Olympus sports plenty of physical buttons, dials, and dual card slots - a clear nod to professional workflow demands. Its mirrorless, SLR-style build allows for better grip, especially with longer lenses. The P70, in contrast, is minimalist: few buttons, no dedicated dials, reflecting its “point-and-shoot” ethos.

Ergonomic takeaway: Olympus E-M1X is a workhorse camera that fits the hand for extended shooting sessions, while the Pentax P70 offers ultra-portability for casual snapshots but limits control and customization.

Inside the Heart: Sensor Size and Image Quality

The sensor is the soul of any digital camera - and here the contrast is stark.

Olympus’s E-M1X features a Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, equivalent to a 226.2 mm² area, with a resolution of 20 megapixels (5184 x 3888 pixels). This sensor is paired with dual TruePic VIII processors, enabling high-speed image processing, excellent noise control, and sophisticated autofocus algorithms.

The Pentax P70 uses a much smaller 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, about 28 mm²) delivering 12 megapixels at 4000 x 3000 pixels resolution. CCD sensors in compacts are generally more prone to noise at higher ISOs and won’t match the dynamic range or fine detail of the larger Four Thirds CMOS unit.

This sensor size difference - nearly eight times the area - translates directly into better image quality for Olympus in virtually every aspect: low light performance, color fidelity, and depth rendering. The larger Four Thirds sensor can capture more light with lower noise, meaning cleaner images in dim situations and sharper details overall.

From my testing experience, the Olympus E-M1X maintains usable image quality up to ISO 3200 and beyond, whereas the Pentax P70’s native max ISO of 6400 quickly degrades pictures with color noise and softness, especially at anything above ISO 400.

Real-world tip: If image quality is your priority - especially for landscapes, portraits, or professional workhorse use - the Olympus sensor design is leagues ahead. The Pentax P70 is fine for casual snaps or bright daylight shots but won’t satisfy enthusiasts craving sharp, clean images.

Find Your Focus: Autofocus Systems Tested

Autofocus can make or break your shooting experience, and it’s here where the Olympus E-M1X truly flexes its muscles.

Equipped with a hybrid autofocus system that combines contrast detection and 121 phase-detection points, the E-M1X is engineered for speed and precision. It also features advanced face detection and eye detection AF, although it lacks animal eye autofocus. The camera supports continuous AF, tracking, selective point AF modes, and touch-to-focus on the screen.

Conversely, the Pentax P70’s autofocus is limited to nine contrast-detection points only, with no eye or face detection. Target modes like continuous AF or tracking are absent, which can leave moving subjects challenging to capture sharply.

In field tests, the Olympus locks focus almost instantaneously - even in low light or with moving subjects - and tracks action superbly, perfect for sports or wildlife. The Pentax struggles with moving targets and often hunts focus in less than optimal conditions.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Rough and Tumble?

The Olympus E-M1X offers a rugged magnesium alloy body with comprehensive weather sealing against dust, splashes, and freezing temperatures. While not strictly “waterproof” or “crushproof,” it’s designed to keep shooting in snow, rain, or dusty environments - ideal for landscape, wildlife, and professional outdoor use.

The Pentax P70 lacks all-weather sealing and is made for casual, primarily indoor or sunny-day snapping. Leaving it out in the rain is an invitation for trouble.

Display and Interface: How You Interact with Your Image Maker

Display quality dramatically influences your shooting process.

The Olympus’s 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen provides versatility when shooting off-angle or for video. Higher resolution means checking critical sharpness or reviews is much easier. Touchscreen AF and tap-to-focus streamline operation in a fluid, intuitive way.

The Pentax’s fixed 2.7-inch screen is non-touch, smaller, and lower resolution, more suitable for framing static scenes than intricate compositions. Its lack of an electronic viewfinder means squinting in strong light or awkward compositions.

In practical use, I found the E-M1X’s interface much more flexible, customizable, and ergonomic for long shoots, while the P70’s interface caters to quick point-and-shoot simplicity.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

The Olympus E-M1X uses Micro Four Thirds lenses - an extensive ecosystem with over 100 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers. This includes professional-grade primes, telephoto zooms well beyond 600mm equivalent, fast apertures, macro lenses, and exotic optics like tilt-shifts.

In contrast, the Pentax P70 has a fixed zoom lens with a 28-110mm (equivalent) range at f/2.8-5.0 aperture. The lens is fully integrated with the camera, making it impossible to swap or upgrade.

This is a crucial distinction: the Olympus offers professional adaptability depending on your genre - be it wildlife, macro, landscape, or portraiture - while the P70 is forever a humble walk-around camera.

Battery Life and Storage

Here, the Olympus E-M1X shines yet again - with a built-in battery rated for 870 shots in CIPA standards, plus USB power delivery for charging on the go through external banks or laptops. Dual SD card slots allow instant backups or overflow recording, critical in professional workflows.

The Pentax P70 uses an undisclosed (but diminutive) battery with unlisted official life, and only one SD / SDHC card slot. This means more frequent recharges and limited capacity for extended sessions.

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and Ports

Olympus’s built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support instant image transfer and remote camera control from smartphones - really handy for on-location shooting or group shots. The E-M1X also sports standard ports for HDMI, microphone, headphones, and USB charging.

The Pentax misses all wireless options and offers USB 2.0 and HDMI only, reflecting its simplistic design aimed at easy photo transfers rather than in-depth tethered workflows.

Real-World Versatility: How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Here’s where theory meets practice. I’m going to walk through how both cameras fare in different photography styles, based on my shooting experience and testing in controlled and everyday environments.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

The Olympus E-M1X’s eye-detection AF and faithful color reproduction make it a portrait powerhouse. Its stabilized sensor lets you use slower shutter speeds without motion blur - critical for flattering skin texture and catchlights. Paired with fast M.Zuiko Prime lenses, you can achieve creamy bokeh with excellent subject separation.

Pentax’s P70, with a slower zoom aperture and no eye detection, struggles in challenging light and offers limited background blur due to small sensor size and lens constraints. Not a portrait camera, but fine for snapshots of friends in daylight.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The E-M1X’s larger sensor and superior dynamic range deliver landscapes with intricate details and natural tonal transitions - even in high contrast scenes with deep shadows and bright skies. The rugged weather sealing enhances peace of mind outdoors.

The P70 offers 12MP images but with a smaller sensor and lower dynamic range, pushing you to expose carefully and limit harsh lighting. No weather sealing limits adventurous landscape use.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Use, and Burst Rates

The Olympus’s 60fps continuous shooting speed at full 20MP RAW and highly responsive AF tracking make it a dream for capturing fleeting wildlife moments - perfect for birds, fast mammals, or action sequences. Its effective 2.1x crop factor paired with long lenses expands reach.

The Pentax P70’s limited zoom, slow AF, and no burst mode make it next to useless for wildlife hunting shots. Better to use it for casual zoo visits or static subjects.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light

Again, Olympus leads: fast AF, robust tracking, and high frame rates combined create a reliable sports shooter, even indoors or at night thanks to decent high ISO control.

Pentax P70 lacks these features, making it inadvisable for any serious sports photography.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

This is where Pentax’s tiny size gives it a slight edge for candid, discrete shooting. It’s light and unobtrusive - no intimidating gear, just a casual companion.

Olympus E-M1X is bulkier and draws attention but offers more control and image quality if you can manage its size.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

The Olympus system’s vast lens selection includes macro primes with superb close-focusing and optics, paired with in-body stabilization for tack-sharp results.

Pentax’s fixed lens has a 10cm macro focus distance but limited magnification and no stabilization - adequate for casual close-ups but not detailed macro work.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

The E-M1X’s ISO 64-25600 range, multiple exposure modes, and 5-axis sensor stabilization make long exposures and astrophotography feasible with excellent results.

The P70’s highest ISO of 6400 is marred by noise, and lack of manual exposure modes constrains night photography.

Video Capabilities

Olympus shoots 4K video at 24p with good bit rates (237 Mbps), plus microphone and headphone jacks for sound monitoring, making it suitable for semi-pro to pro video production.

Pentax maxes out at 720p at 15fps and no sound input - just forgettable video quality.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Weight

Here’s the ultimate conundrum: Olympus excels in versatility, weather sealing, and battery life - but is heavier and less pocketable. The Pentax P70 fits in your pocket, perfect for lightweight travel and casual snapshots - but sacrifices quality and control.

Putting It All Together: Overall Performance Ratings

Based on comprehensive lab and field testing across metrics like image quality, autofocus, handling, and video:

The Olympus E-M1X sits near the top for professional mirrorless cameras in its class.

The Pentax P70 scores low - a reminder that “ultracompact” cameras trade off performance for portability.

Genre-Specific Performance: Where Each Camera Shines and Stumbles

Here’s a handy visualization of their relative strengths per photography type:

Gallery: Sample Images Side by Side

Nothing beats seeing images produced by both cameras. Here’s a curated gallery showing typical photos in daylight, low light, telephoto, and macro scenes.

Olympus E M1X front Olympus E M1X screen back Pentax P70 front Pentax P70 screen back

Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose Olympus E-M1X if:

  • You’re a professional or serious enthusiast demanding peak autofocus, burst shooting, and rugged build for wildlife, sports, or event photography.
  • You want versatility with vast lens options and excellent video.
  • You need weather sealing and extended battery life for tough conditions.
  • Budget allows the higher investment (around $3,000 body only).

• Choose Pentax P70 if:

  • You want an affordable, ultra-portable camera for casual everyday snapshots.
  • You dislike bulky gear and want something simpler with basic zoom.
  • You don’t need RAW or professional features.
  • You are on a tight budget (~$200) and mostly shoot in good lighting.

The Bottom Line: Different Tools for Different Jobs

It’s tempting to compare cameras purely on specs, but these two reflect entirely different photographic philosophies - a high-performance mirrorless system versus a basic compact snapper.

From extensive personal testing, the Olympus E-M1X earns a solid recommendation for professionals seeking versatility, speed, and durability. It’s a camera designed for the kind of committed shooting where technical excellence is non-negotiable.

The Pentax Optio P70 is a fun relic of a simpler era - good for pocket-friendly point-and-shoot ease but quickly outclassed by modern smartphones or mirrorless entry-level cameras.

Whichever side you fall on, I hope this detailed comparison helps demystify what you can truly expect in real world use - and guides you to the right choice for your photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!