OM-D E-M1X for general photography???

Day Hiker · May 17, 2019

Virtually everything, overwhelmingly, being showcased here from the E-M1X is bird photography. Is anyone here using the E-M1X for general photography and thrilled with it?

I’m looking to combine a new OM-D E-M1x with with my four Pro lenses, leaving my Pen F for primes 12mm f/2, 25mm f/1.4, 45mm f/1.8, and 75mm f/1.8. I rarely shoot birds. I most often shoot lots of other stuff; no birds, no planes, no trains, no automobiles.

Please don’t comment about size or weight. I get that. Has anyone found the E-M1X terrific for general photography?

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Living above life in the Rocky Mountains

AussiePhil · May 17, 2019

short answer yes

i have a mk2 as well but the em1x still gets picked up first

ps... not really a birder

--
Cheers and best wishes
Phil
Galleries at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/byphilg/

Donald B · May 17, 2019

Its a pro sports camera and so far have rarely seen a pro sports image on this forum. couldnt imagine it being any better that the em12 in shooting happy snaps, im not understanding why every thread is started with em1x who cares what camera let the images speak for themselves.

Don

Skeeterbytes · May 17, 2019

Jim, is there anywhere handy you can at least get hold of one? I'd be challenged to justify the investment for non-action work given the many features, components and specs shared with the E-M1ii, but is a wonderful camera to hold and use, and I suspect would be a pleasure to adapt as my main camera for those times I'm not toting a weight-conscious kit.

Not addressed above is the level of customization, including My Menu, personalized AF patterns, center priority, and so on, for which I am extremely jealous and wish they'd migrate to the mkii via FW update. And oh yeah HHHR, it's not a unicorn, it works, as does ND view.

In case the E-M1ii leaves you cold the new camera has a lot of advances and improvements that may overcome that.

I'm also curious how it is in the studio, particularly with the new flash command system. Hopefully, somebody can chime in.

Cheers,

Rick

DLBlack · May 17, 2019

I have owned the E-M1X since the end of February. I like it better than my E-M1.2 so I have been using for everything. The HHHR and the Live ND both work really well. The user interface is better. I love having B on the control dial. The EVF is better. The ergonomics are better. I love My Menu. Still the E-M1X is a lot more money than the E-M1.2 and the big adva6is the improve C-AF.

I kept my E-M1.2 for a backup since they share the same battery. I have my Pen F with the zpremium prime lenses for my small social camera. It is amazing the different shapes and sizes to mix and match with MFT.

Paul Auclair · May 17, 2019

Donald B said:
Its a pro sports camera and so far have rarely seen a pro sports image on this forum.

right. Wild guess as to how many Pro sports shooters use the 1X? How many of those would frequent, or ever have frequented, this forum or would have any reason to spend their free time at these forums?
My guess would be between 0-1 for the first question and 0 for the second.

Member said:
couldnt imagine it being any better that the em12 in shooting happy snaps, im not understanding why every thread is started with em1x who cares what camera let the images speak for themselves.

what is the hard part of understanding that some people appreciate knowing what equipment was used to capture images. alot of replies are simply asking what equipment was used with regards to posted images which do not contain such information.
this particular forum we visit is a gear forum. The gear being used should be known.
Also when people search the web for sample images captured with prospective camera(equipment), having the camera listed in the title does a much better job of it.
If a person does not care to know what equipment was used to capture an image...great...having the camera EXIF data available in no way harms the image or disables the image from speaking for itself now does it?

Member said:
Don

400trix · May 17, 2019

My only experience was at a launch event, but for me the improved stabilization (I have a bad tremor) and ergonomics have me very interested. I also see opportunities daily where the ND filter and HHHR would make my life better.

Now if someone would buy one of my kidneys so I could afford it

).

Day Hiker · May 17, 2019

Donald B said:
Its a pro sports camera and so far have rarely seen a pro sports image on this forum. couldnt imagine it being any better that the em12 in shooting happy snaps, im not understanding why every thread is started with em1x who cares what camera let the images speak for themselves.

Don

Hi Don,

I don’t characterize my photos as happy snaps. The images from my iPhone I would almost always characterize that way. Then again, I’m not you.

I hope your day is a good one.

Jim Pilcher
Summit County, Colorado, USA
Living above life in the Rocky Mountains

HRC2016 · May 17, 2019

This is like saying that you move a lot of furniture but are interested in a sports car.

The strengths of this camera are not suited to what you described.

I'd suggest not buying more than you need. Besides, the prices of new models does drop ...

AussiePhil · May 17, 2019

Donald B said:
Its a pro sports camera and so far have rarely seen a pro sports image on this forum.

Yeah and how many pro sports images are actually posted in other camera brand forums?

There is a large amount of sporting images shoot with the EM1X outside of this birders paradise.

Member said:
couldnt imagine it being any better that the em12 in shooting happy snaps,

If you concept of a happy snap is the typical facebook image of the family bbq/gathering etc then yeah your right

but general photographic stuff practiced by many enthusiasts there are benefits such as the HHHR and increased IBIS capability. This doesn't even factor in the ergonomic improvement

Member said:
im not understanding why every thread is started with em1x who cares what camera let the images speak for themselves.

Don

<general comments not directed at Don>

It's even more baffling that

in every EM1X thread that we have at least 3 people who have never picked it up but so it must be no good because it's just a mk2 with a grip ...... it's more than a mk2 with a grip.
one or more that will call out it's a pro sports camera and won't be good for anything else ..... Olympus blew the marketing on this one, it's a great general camera
five that will say it is too expensive and they won't buy it but would love to own it.
some of those 5 plus a couple more will claim it should have been priced the same as a mk2 ---- seriously dream on, i hated the price but think Oly actually got it right, despite the various trade up promotions.

This is not a discrete camera, many sporting venues likely won't let it through the door due to it's pro look and it is likely not really a single camera option for an average user just like a 1DX2/D5 is not normally a single camera in the bag option.

The EM1mk2 ungripped, or the EM5 fill the discrete side when required and i'd be surprised that a EM1X user didn't have a discrete low profile option.

AussiePhil · May 17, 2019

HRC2016 said:
This is like saying that you move a lot of furniture but are interested in a sports car.

The strengths of this camera are not suited to what you described.

HHHR - improved IBIS - Live ND - improved ergonomics

imo Olympus could have promoted the general improvements better ... the sum of the parts say if you don't care about the weight/size then this is a better overall camera than the em1mk2

yes i own and use both

HRC2016 said:
I'd suggest not buying more than you need. Besides, the prices of new models does drop ...

Chris DC · May 17, 2019

Hi Jim:

I am a generalist amateur photographer. I went from the E3 to the EM1x and only have a bunch of FT lenses to use.

Since getting the EM1x I have found it to be a fine all around use camera. I've done some nature photgraphy (mostly flowers and such), a few community events (easter egg hunt) and a class picture of about 100 fidgety fourth graders. I've taken handheld night shots and even some hand held wildlife shots that allowed lots of cropping.

The EM1x has been just fine in all these cases. I even got some use out of the on the fly keystone corrections when shooting buildings up close for a calendar project. I'd give the camera three stars as a triathlete. It does everything very well.

Today I was in Mike's Camera in Boulder, CO. They have one sitting in their display case. Take a drive and try it out. I think you'll like it.

CDC

OlympicGuy · May 17, 2019

I use the X for landscape and wildlife photography. I especially like to use it with my older SHG lenses. Since I have had the X I seldom use the EMIii, although it is there as a backup.

Here's a photo from this morning's outing, along the north coast of California:

Donald B · May 17, 2019

Paul Auclair said:
Donald B said:

Its a pro sports camera and so far have rarely seen a pro sports image on this forum.

Click to expand...

right. Wild guess as to how many Pro sports shooters use the 1X? How many of those would frequent, or ever have frequented, this forum or would have any reason to spend their free time at these forums?
My guess would be between 0-1 for the first question and 0 for the second.

Member said:

couldnt imagine it being any better that the em12 in shooting happy snaps, im not understanding why every thread is started with em1x who cares what camera let the images speak for themselves.

Click to expand...

what is the hard part of understanding that some people appreciate knowing what equipment was used to capture images. alot of replies are simply asking what equipment was used with regards to posted images which do not contain such information.
this particular forum we visit is a gear forum. The gear being used should be known.
Also when people search the web for sample images captured with prospective camera(equipment), having the camera listed in the title does a much better job of it.
If a person does not care to know what equipment was used to capture an image...great...having the camera EXIF data available in no way harms the image or disables the image from speaking for itself now does it?

Member said:

Don

Click to expand...

The problem is the images are just mediocre at best. doesnt do anything to promote the camera of this level and price. in fact its the opposite.

Don

Donald B · May 17, 2019

DLBlack said:
I have owned the E-M1X since the end of February. I like it better than my E-M1.2 so I have been using for everything. The HHHR and the Live ND both work really well. The user interface is better. I love having B on the control dial. The EVF is better. The ergonomics are better. I love My Menu. Still the E-M1X is a lot more money than the E-M1.2 and the big adva6is the improve C-AF.

I kept my E-M1.2 for a backup since they share the same battery. I have my Pen F with the zpremium prime lenses for my small social camera. It is amazing the different shapes and sizes to mix and match with MFT.

are your images any better ? Because i dont see any improvement on the Pentax forums even after the K1 was released.

Don

NCV · May 17, 2019

It costs twice as much as the Em1. I just wonder if for general photography, this specialised camera is using a hammer to crack a nut.

Money is better spent on lenses.

ScottoG · May 18, 2019

Phil, I hope this doesn't come across as nitpicking, but can you clarify that you are referring to the 'discreet' nature (or otherwise) of a camera?

Thanks, Scott

avalvo · May 18, 2019

The 1x is much like Nikon's Pro bodies. People complain that they are larger, but go and use one and you will understand the benefits of a well thought out design, ergonomics, etc. The camera is really good. It's made for a photographer.

C-L-P · May 18, 2019

avalvo said:
The 1x is much like Nikon's Pro bodies. People complain that they are larger, but go and use one and you will understand the benefits of a well thought out design, ergonomics, etc. The camera is really good. It's made for a photographer.

Fantastic, well said and lovely photos too. Clearly the camera is up to the task of taking photos. Which leads me on to a point that seems to be missed by certain forum members...

"Someone bought a camera I don't like and paid more money than I think is fair". Nobody cares what you think, give it a break.

Okapi001 · May 18, 2019

James Pilcher said:
Please don’t comment about size or weight. I get that. Has anyone found the E-M1X terrific for general photography?

It's great for general photography, mostly thanks to handheld hi-res. ND Live is also useful, as well as several other features, already known from E-M1 II.

OM-D E-M1X for general photography???

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Donald B

Guest

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Paul Auclair

Guest

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Veteran Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Leading Member

Veteran Member

Donald B

Guest

Donald B

Guest

NCV

Guest

Well-known member

Veteran Member

Attachments

Forum Enthusiast

Veteran Member

Keyboard shortcuts