A lot of people have been clamoring about the E-M1X size and price lately and what else you can get for that money. True, I think I would have liked to see this camera closer to $2,500 at most, but i’m sure it will get there later in the year on discount.
I keep hearing people complain that you can get “full frame cameras” for the same or less money. True. That doesn’t mean anything though. I think people are comparing the camera to the wrong standards. In terms of feature set and capability, this camera offers a very professional level across the board. And on an imaging level, the camera delivers an excellent 20mp image. When you compare the 20mp image from this camera to other 18-24mp cameras…the difference in the real world virtually vanishes. There just isn’t that much difference anymore. Maybe a little noise visible on screen at the highest ISOs…but I have yet to have that ruin an image, especially a printed image. I have clients that print plenty of my ISO 6400 images and I am always surprised by how good those look. Maybe my standards are low? I’ve heard people saying that images from micro four thirds sensors just don’t look professional. Everyone is entitled to their opinion I guess. However, how do I make a living? All of my clients are thrilled by the work I produce. Would a different sensor really make my images “professional?” I’m sorry, I just for the life of me don’t believe my work would look any different AT ALL if I shot it on a 35mm sensor or my E-M1. The sensor doesn’t make the “look” the photographer does. And yes, I have done my own testing. The difference is minute and negligible in the real world 99% of the time. At least for everything that I shoot.
Anyways…why compare the E-M1X to sensors and cameras that are similar priced…but high megapixel? Doesn’t make sense. Surprise…not EVERYONE wants 50+ megapixels. 18 – 24mp is the sweet spot for most people and printing. A stellar performing camera that delivers that is worth its money. That is what Olympus has done. They have created one of the very best cameras in that range. Plain and simple.
The way the E-M1.2 felt so much better in every way to a mk1 because of all the small changes they didn’t advertise is how I think the E-M1X will be. I think this camera will get out of the way so efficiently that even the mkII dated. I am personally looking very forward to spending time with one. I personally prefer a smaller body. For work I don’t really care since I am almost always on a tripod.
So, let everyone make noise…in the mean time we are out in the field making the best images we ever have in ways we couldn’t with other cameras.
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My name is Tony. When I'm not writing for this site, i'm often creating images for clients, recording music, or out in nature. You can always bet I have my E-M1 next to me...
Hi Tony
Here’s an excellent article titled: “Bigger Isn’t Always Better, Or Why You Can’t See The Difference Most Of The Time”.
URL: https://blog.mingthein.com/2019/02/21/bigger-isnt-always-better/
It clearly explains why smaller sensors like M 4/3 can outperform even larger medium format sensors in some situations.
The comments from the author’s international readers & students are equally educational as well, so do scroll down and read their comments too.
I hope you’ll find this article beneficial.
I think it strongly validates our continual support for M4/3 :-)
With regards, John
Great article. Thanks for sharing. You know I’ve run across that many times with medium format backs. I own one myself. There are times, in poor light, where even at base ISO the file was horrible. Under full controlled conditions, nothing comes close. However, I can exploit the full performance of a m43 camera in far more situations than I can a larger system resulting in al of more excellent shots made. And with each generation of m43, this gets more and more true. And those new high res 35mm sensors… not much better dynamic range by 200 iso. ISO 64 wants a lot of light.