Before the world came to an abrupt stop, I was able to get my hands on a camera that I’d been curious about for a while. Last year, 2019, had a packed release/announcement schedule for cameras, it was easy to miss some true gems.

Olympus took the mirrorless concept they launched in an unexpected direction with the OM-D E-M1X. Instead of minimizing size, their new flagship is desinged to maximize performance. The result is a very large Micro Four-Thirds digital camera with unprecendented speed and stamina.

Class-leading silent 60 FPS continuous drive; Best-in-class 5-axis image-stabilization; Low image-noise up to ISO 3200; Reliable multi-segment metering system; Ultra-fast hybrid AF; Virtually no shutter-lag; Class-leading shot-to-shot speed; Instant video response; Huge very sharp EVF; Blackout free...

Autofocus misses near light sources; Dynamic-range below competitors; Below average color accuracy; EVF is not Exposure Priority; Complex menu system; Flex on LCD hinge; Difficult to press left shoulder buttons; Quite bulky & heavy; Very expensive

Olympus South Africa very kindly loaned me an E-M1X for my recent Photo Safari to Sabi Sabi and while I only had a few days before leaving on the trip to become accustomed to the camera, I did manage to produce some great images (by my standards) while using it in conjunction with the Olympus 300mm...

This camera is simply stunning, it's perfect for my dog photography where I need to be mobile whilst on location whether I am in a river taking water based photos of Black Labs running into it or laying in a muddy wet forest getting down to a dogs eye level.

Durable; Ergonomics; Great Features; Great Picture Quality; Lightweight; Pro camera; Weather sealed

None

The E-M1X is the only twin-grip Four Thirds camera on the market squarely aimed at pros - it's large, fast and tough-built. But its price tag puts it in a tricky position, as plenty of other larger-sensor cameras can be had for considerably-less coinage - many even offer more reliable AF.

Current Micro Four Thirds shooters who want a twin grip camera to photograph fast-moving subjects

Anyone not already heavily-invested in Micro Four Thirds glass; Those seeking a small, light camera

The E-M1X is the only twin-grip Four Thirds camera on the market squarely aimed at pros - it's large, fast and tough-built. But its price tag puts it in a tricky position, as plenty of other larger-sensor cameras can be had for considerably-less coinage - many even offer more reliable AF.

Current Micro Four Thirds shooters who want a twin grip camera to photograph fast-moving subjects.;

Anyone not already heavily-invested in Micro Four Thirds glass. Those seeking a small, light camera.;

When the E-M1X is playing to its strengths, it's a top piece of kit, but the best way to describe it is "niche". If you're somebody who almost exclusively shoots action and can live with such a small sensor, with the various advantages and drawbacks that come with it, the E-M1X is worth checking...

Great battery life; Excellent for wildlife/action; Built-in portrait grip; 60fps raw shooting

Bulky; Expensive; Small sensor; Limited pro lens range

Andy Westlake investigates Olympus’s innovative new flagship camera: a pro-focused, rapid-shooting Micro Four Thirds powerhouse

Superb build quality and ergonomics make the camera a joy to shoot with; Excellent JPEG output with well-judged exposure and attractive colour; Incredibly effective in-body stabilisation keeps images sharp; Very effective continuous autofocus and subject detection; Huge range of useful additional...

Bulky body; Lower high-ISO image quality than larger-sensor peers; Restricted top-quality telephoto lens range; Bulky body; Lower high-ISO image quality than larger-sensor peers; Restricted top-quality telephoto lens range

Robust build and great handling; Very effective image stabilisation; Super responsive and very fast autofocus; Great 4K video quality;

Small sensor not always ideal ; Better viewfinders on some cheaper cameras; No status LCD on the top plate; Very expensive;

Robust build and great handling; Very effective image stabilisation; Super responsive and very fast autofocus; Great 4K video quality;

Small sensor not always ideal ; Better viewfinders on some cheaper cameras; No status LCD on the top plate; Very expensive;