By Jacques Dumont
Photo News had the opportunity to participate in the “Olympus Press Experiential”, held in Orlando, Florida, where top experts from the world’s photo press corps were treated to a hands-on encounter with the brand new Olympus OM-D E M1X, a camera designed for professional photographers and enthusiastic Olympus aficionados.
The Olympus OM-D E-M1X is a professional Micro Four Thirds System body, with many technological advances.
The OM-D E-M1X body features a lightweight yet very solid magnesium assembly and includes an integrated ergonomic grip that holds two 1720 mAh BLH-1 Li-ion batteries.
The grip gives the working pro greater autonomy, optimizing ergonomics and making the vertical shooting mode easier thanks to an array of functional buttons that can be used in both horizontal and vertical positions. The lightness of the Micro Four Thirds System allows you to use long focal lengths up to the equivalent of a 600mm f/4 with relative ease compared to contemporary mirrorless systems, and is a much lighter alternative to the conventional DSLR systems, without giving up any major features. The viewfinder is very clear thanks to a new four-element optical system that incorporates aspherical lenses with a high refractive index. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) delivers a maximum viewfinder magnification of 0.83 x (35mm equivalent).
The lightness of this professional camera body allows the photographer to use long focal lengths such as the 300mm f/4 with TC14 Tele-converter (producing the equivalent of a 600m focal length) hand-held, thanks to its built-in stabilizer that expands your realistic vibration reduction by up to 7.5 stops… this is ideal for the professional photographer who has to work all day, and the traveller who is looking for some freedom of movement on expeditions.
Built for Professional Assignments
We were very impressed with the construction of the body, which is weatherproofed to protect from rain, snow and dust – ideal for use in extreme conditions. Sure enough, despite the usual balmy weather in Florida, Olympus somehow managed to schedule a downpour so we could have the opportunity to try the OM-D E-M1X out in the rain at the Daytona Speedway, and the equipment weathered the storm without a hitch.
This weatherproofing design is engineered with decades of experience, and thoroughly tested in the laboratory with high pressure jets that subject the camera and lenses to an intense shower for more than 10 minutes… Regardless of the working conditions you may encounter in the field, you can be confident that the OM-D E-M1X system is resistant to rain, dust and intense cold including snow and freezing. Even the cables are for the microphone and headphones are tested. While there may not be any real need for a “Rain Cover”, you might want to protect your camera bag, and aftermarket devices, which will probably not be as immune to the weather conditions.
State-of-the-art Autofocus
Among the many innovations that Olympus has included in the new camera body, we were very impressed with the ultra-efficient AF detection (tracking) system. Whether you want to photograph extreme action at sporting events, the motor sport park, or follow focus birds in flight, the camera has specific pre-programmed functions for automobiles, trains, planes, and other moving subjects.
The new AF System is state-of-the-art, giving you a range of options: single-point, 5-or 9-point group (collimators), and a 25 point group that is ideal for birds or small animals, and you can use the full sensor array with 121 points. The focus system (AF) can be fully customized according to the group (5-9-25 point), and you can move the focus point(s) by using the rear button control while you follow the movement in the viewfinder, you can stand back and make your adjustments by using the rear LCD screen.
High Speed Performer
The beauty of the Olympus system is its tactile (touch control) screen on the back of the camera. From a simple touch, you can change all the parameters at your leisure; every system is literally at your fingertips. Touch and sweep to change the ISO, the focus system, or the integrated ND filter, and more.
½ sec at 38mm f/8 ISO 64
Thanks to an extremely slow speed, it is possible to create effects of long exposures without a physical ND filter – the system has integrated ND effects at 5 levels: ND2 (1 Step) ND4 (2 steps), ND8 (3 steps), ND16 (4 steps) ND32 (5 steps).
Lens Adjustments
The Olympus OM-D E-M1X includes in-body perspective compensation that makes it possible to use a fisheye lens as an ultra-wide lens without distortion.
As you might expect, the OM-D E-M1X has quite an array of controls, and all buttons can be personalized according to the photographer’s taste.
