Olympus today introduced their new OM-D E-M1X camera, designed for the needs of professional users in terms of reliability, speed, precision and image quality.

Olympus’ newest addition to the professional OM-D line-up underlines the potential of the Micro Four Thirds sensor format and is packed with the latest imaging technologies in a dust-, splash- and freezeproof casing with integrated vertical grip. It is featuring image stabilization (IS), a re-developed autofocus (AF) system, as well as two TruePic VIII image processors.

With a new gyro sensor, Olympus has taken their 5-axis sync IS to a new level offering up to 7.5 shutter speed steps of compensation. The OM-D AF system has been completely redeveloped, offering additional focal points and a new intelligent subject detection function to automatically track certain subjects. The high-speed shooting capabilities have been enhanced and anti-flicker shooting has been added. Further improvements i.a. include a handheld High Res Shot, a live ND filter functionality as well as a customizable menu, USB powering & charging capabilities and two UHS II SD card slots.

The layout, shape, and height of all buttons and levers were redesigned to deliver controls enabling users to concentrate on shooting with the viewfinder – which features a new optical design with a top class magnification of 0.83x (35mm equivalent). A multi selector joystick is included in both the horizontal and vertical positions. In addition to the standard lock lever, a new C-lock lever allows for locking the controls in the vertical position and locking selected controls only.

The sensor dust reduction system now features an improved Super Sonic Wave Filter (SSWF) with special coating which vibrates 30,000 times per second further reducing the possibility of dust or dirt ruining photos and equipment by factor 10. Further features enhancing the camera’s durability include a construction that dissipates heat when shooting movies and during sequential shooting and a shutter operation life of 400,000 times.

Due to a cartridge insertion system for two BLH-1 batteries (also used for the E-M1 Mark II) in the E-M1X, users can capture up to 2,580 images before having to recharge. Featuring USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) from up to 100 W power sources, both batteries in the camera body can be fully charged in approximately two hours.

The OM-D AF system has been completely re-developed for the E-M1X: building on the 121-point all-cross-type on-chip Phase Detection AF sensor from the OM-D E-M1 Mark II, the AF algorithm has been re-worked and was improved. The E-M1X furthermore utilizes AF information from recorded images to enable quick tracking of unpredictable subject movements and changes in subject speed.

Various additional AF settings are available on the OM-D E-M1X, including different AF target modes (now supporting groups with 25 focus points) and custom AF area position settings when holding the camera vertically or horizontally. Focus points may quickly be shifted with the new multi selector (joystick).

A new intelligent subject detection feature allows the AF system to automatically detect specific subjects (motorsports, airplanes, trains), focusing and tracking the optimal area, so that users can fully concentrate on the composition.

With an AF low intensity limit of down to -6 EV steps, the E-M1X also takes the worry out of shooting in low light.

Speed and image quality of the new E-M1X are fueled by a 20.4 MP Live MOS sensor with a new coating in order to deliver improved sensitivity as well as two TruPicVIII high-speed image processors improving fundamental performance factors such as start-up time and recovery time from sleep mode. The dual processor design not only contributes to a faster camera, but also allows the support of two high-speed UHS-II SD card slots and enables the latest shooting functions such as Handheld High Res Shot, Live ND, and Intelligent Subject Detection AF.

By introducing a redeveloped gyro sensor, Olympus says that the camera allows for the world’s best compensation performance. In combination with a M.Zuiko IS PRO lens, this technology enables the 5-axis sync IS to compensate for approx. 7.5 shutter speed steps, eliminating the need for a tripod and enabling free-hand shooting in various conditions.

With locked AF, the E-M1X features high-speed sequential shooting at a maximum of 60 fps to capture split-second moments that the human eye cannot see. With AF/AE tracking, a maximum of 18 fps may be reached.

The camera’s Pro Capture Mode records up to 35 frames retroactively from when the shutter button is released during shooting.

In addition to high-resolution maximum 80 MP images that can be captured in Tripod High Res Shot, a Handheld High Res Shot functionality is now available on the OM-D E-M1X: designed for photographers who don’t want to be limited by using a tripod, this function generates a single highresolution shot equal to that captured with a 50 MP sensor – without any signs of blur caused by handshake.

In addition to professional-quality photos, the new E-M1X features all the extras videographers need to capture moments as they happen. With the ultra-high Cinema 4K (C4K, 4096 x 2160) movie format, videographers not only have the highest recording resolution to date, but also more flexibility when it comes to postproduction. The 5-axis IS and electronic stabilization enable refined handheld 4K and C4K video recording with three selectable levels of movement compensation depending on the photographer’s posture and movement. To counteract changing lighting conditions typical during documentary and nature shooting, the E-M1X supports log shooting. Moreover, 120 fps high-speed movies are now supported in Full HD.

The OM-D E-M1X contains a built-in GPS sensor, temperature sensor, manometer and compass, collectively known as ‘field sensors’. In addition to location information such as longitude and latitude, these sensors detect and record the temperature, elevation, and direction of the camera for adding detailed shooting information to images.

With an anti-flicker shooting feature, the camera detects the flicker frequency of artificial light sources and activates the shutter at peak brightness to minimize uneven exposures and coloring between sequential frames. Flicker scan suppresses striped patterns that can occur when using Silent Mode (electronic shutter) and when shooting movies, so that users can fine tune the shutter speed.

A new Wi-Fi capture allows tethered shooting without a cable and makes it possible to transfer images wirelessly to a computer with the “Olympus Capture” camera control software.

The OM-D E-M1X is compatible with Olympus’ range of professional-grade Micro Four Thirds lenses and accessories, including tailor-made camera bags, electronic flashes and flash accessories.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X (black) will begin shipping in late February 2019 for $2,999.99 (U.S.) and $3,899.99 (CAD).

Electronic Flash FL-700WR

The FL-700WR is a high-performance electronic flash compatible with wireless radio wave shooting. During wireless shooting, it can be used as a commander or flash with built-in receiver. The lightweight design delivers portability with high intensity at a maximum guide number of 42 (ISO 100/m). Due to a dust-, splash-and freezeproof (-10°C) construction, the flash offers reliability when shooting in a variety of environments including rain.

Wireless Commander FC-WR & Wireless Receiver FR-WR

The FC-WR and FR-WR can control multiple flash units remotely from the camera, enabling wireless flash photography. As is the case with the FL-700WR flash, dust-, splash-, and freezeproof (-10°C) design allows use in a variety of fields. The commander can connect to three groups and an unlimited number of flash units.

To further enhance the telephoto shooting capabilities of the E-M1X, Olympus today announced the development of the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150- 400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO super telephoto zoom lens. Also in development is the M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter MC-20. Combining both products will make handheld super telephoto shooting possible at 2000mm (35mm equivalent).

The M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO is a super telephoto zoom lens in the M.Zuiko PRO series designed for optical performance in a lightweight form, along with dust-, splash-, and freezeproof (-10°C) performance and portability due to its compact construction. It will feature a built-in 1.25x teleconverter, which can instantly be extended to the maximum focal length of 1000mm5 (35mm equivalent). Also incorporating in-lens IS, the lens will support 5-axis Sync IS when operating in concert with the image stabilization of the camera body. This product is scheduled to go on sale in 2020.

The M.Zuiko Digital 2x Teleconverter, MC-20 is a teleconverter that doubles the focal length of the master lens, and features portability as well as dust-, splash-, and freezeproof (-10°C) performance. It can be attached to the M.Zuiko Digital ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO currently in development as well as the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO and M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lenses. This product is scheduled to go on sale in Summer 2019.