crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

I have the M-1 and am happy with it. Now, however, I'm tempted by the M-1X which is on sale for $1,700. I would like to hear from users that have/had both bodies about what one gains from the pro body.
I know that you can shoot hand-held better and apparently do hand-held focus stacking. What other advantages are there? On the other side the M-1X is double the weight and much bigger, will probably need a taller camera bag. Any help is appreciated.

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Have you considered the M1 mkIII ? IIRC some of the impressive MX tech trickled down and wound up in the M1 mkIII.

I use the M1 mkII and find the mkIII very tempting but am having no GAS for that oversized MX.

Check out the M1 mkIII. While it’s not the whole MX in a smaller body, it may have the elements that you care most about.

crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

I found a video comparing the 3 bodies -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nYMXkgFAEY

The presenter's preference is for the mk3. I'll probably agree with him.

You have the most valid point - check for features you need and care about, this should be the driving argument. Then we have other considerations - size, weight, price, etc.

Hip Coyote

I have the M1 mk 2. The M1 mkiii looks tempting for the additional features, like built in ND. I have no desire to own, nor do I understand the MX. The thing is huge. In fact, I hear the US Navy is buying them....to use for anchors. Why not just get a ff? The MX is cheap right now but to me, the point is to lighten things up, not add weight. If you cant shoot hand held with the M1 mk3 then you cant shoot hand held. Add an Oly pro lens and you have something like being able to hand hold the camera for a few seconds if not longer.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

The main advantage of the E-M1X is the better weathersealing, two batteries without an attachment grip accessory, and the artificial intelligence. I will eventually buy an E-M1X, but it will be three to five years in the future without having a lottery win. I just bought the E-M1 mkIII for the electronic neutral density filters and star focus for my new astrophotography gear. With the sale on it recently, the vertical grip / second battery holder was basically free and makes it similar to the E-M1X in looks and operation. Both have the handheld 80mp shooting. Both are being sold at good pricing. The star focus was my main reason for choosing the E-M1 mkIII over the E-M1X. For birding, sports, cars, and planes, the AI in the E-M1X would be your better choice.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

You are using the Olympus EM-1 Mk. II and you are saying you are happy with it, indeed do you need a new camera? I use the original EM- 1 and perhaps I am somewhat limited when it comes to wildlife and action shots but the old EM-1 is satisfying my needs to perfection.
I have never used the EM-1 Mk. II or the M-1X precisely because right now I do not feel like anything is going to change updating my old camera. In my book and if a camera is performing the way I want and gives me the images I am used to with my type or style of photography I see no reasons for updating.

I would be a fool if I tell you that the Zuiko 40-150 f2.8 Pro is not a nice optic but the same focal lengths in the much smaller and lighter f4-5.6 kit lens version is what I use precisely because it is lighter and I do not feel as if I am loosing something. My biggest enlargements are usually 12x18 inches and at those sizes the cheaper lens does very well. Do not misunderstand me, the 40-150 f2.8 is a professional lens and you should expect superior results to those of the amateur lens, especially in low light BUT, if you do not get good results from the cheaper lens do not expect that the professional lens will make you better.

The EM-1 Mk II from all I know is an excellent camera and has incorporated many of the features present in the M-1X.

moonhawk Loc: Land of Enchantment

I've had every version of em1. I currently have the mkiii and the X. Size and weight are the obvious differences.

I only use the X with the 150-400, which is also a beast, but balances well with the X and is my birding rig here in Coastal SC. I like having the vertical grip for hand holding something that heavy in portrait mode.

For everything else, and for unmatched portability, versatility, and image quality, its the e-m1 mkiii with the 12-100 f/4 pro. I have a few other lenses as well, but use them infrequently.

NB, the X has the AI bird recognition while the mkiii does not. However, the mkiii has the star focus, which the
x does not, so on the very rare occasions when I want to shoot celestial objects, I put the 150-400 on the mkiii. I hope OM systems will get around to adding star focus to the X, and, if possible, the Bird AI to the mkiii.

sroc

I have both the E1 Mk iii and then 1x. When traveling by air I take the E1 as it is lighter and more compact. When traveling by car, I take both. X1,as was pointed out, is perfectky balanced for the 150-400mm pro lens. Battery grip is integrated into the 1X and holds 2 batteries. The 1X also has GPS. If you don't have the 150-400 lens, a good upgrade is the EM1 Mk iii.

Peteso Loc: Blacks Hills

I have had the EM1-II for several years and was recently faced with the decision to go with the EM1-III or EM1X. I decided on the EM1X and am happy with my decision. Two things... The larger body balances better with large lenses. Also, I do some bird photography, and the EM1X has the bird tracking feature, which the EM1-III does not have.

crphoto8 Loc: Anaheim, California

Another factor, for me, is that my Mk2 battery grip will also work with the Mk3. I'm going to take a hard look at the additional features of the Mk3 vs the Mk2. I do bird photography when on trips and the Mk2 is not bad at all, so the newer body should serve me well too.

JFCoupe Loc: Kent, Washington

I have two EM1 MKII's. One typically has the 12-100 f4 on it and the second body has the P/L 100-400. I typically add the battery grip to the body I am using the most on a particular outing. With the battery grip, the size is very comparable to the EM1x.

In my opinion, if you use OMS pro lenses, the size of the EM1x works/balances with the lens very well. I don't have the EM1 x but from watching videos, if you shoot a lot of action subjects the EM1x is a very good choice.

WYMAN69

I have the M1 Mk3 …. Awesome camera with a large number of the M1X features in a much smaller package.

ponchod5

I have the M1-2 and M1-3 bit would not want to lug the M1X around all day. Kinda defeats the purpose in going to m/43. Plus all the features that are in the M1X are in the M1-3

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Now hold on, there.
OM Systems is now coming out with a new body: https://fstoppers.com/business/new-om-system-brand-and-new-camera-way-584899

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

One more point: image stabilization. The E-M1 and E-M1 mkII have only 5.5 stops of stabilization. The E-M1 mkIII and E-M1X have up to 7.5 stops of stabilization. This also may or may not be a deal breaker for some.