The EVIS X1 is Olympus' current flagship GI endoscopy platform. Buying it refurbished puts that imaging generation within reach of clinics and hospitals that could not justify a new tower.
Short answer: yes. For most GI units planning an upgrade, a refurbished EVIS X1 is one of the strongest value choices available today. It combines the video processor and a five-LED light source in a single CV-1500 unit, adds TXI, RDI and BAI-MAC imaging to the proven NBI, and works with a broad range of Olympus endoscopes, which can help protect the scopes you already own.
Key takeaways
- Current-generation Olympus imaging, typically at a lower acquisition cost than new equipment.
- One compact unit replaces the separate processor and light source of earlier towers.
- Cross-compatibility with EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE endoscopes widens your scope options.
- Every unit should be checked for configuration, scope compatibility and documented testing before purchase.
If you are weighing whether an EVIS X1 is worth it for your facility, the real question is rarely about image quality. It is about value: what the platform adds to daily practice, how it fits the equipment you already have, and whether a refurbished unit lets you get there within budget. This guide answers those questions in plain terms, so you can make the decision with confidence.
The platformWhat is the EVIS X1?
The EVIS X1 is the newest generation of Olympus GI endoscopy systems. It brings the EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE lines together into one platform, and its core is the CV-1500 video system center, which combines the video processor and an LED light source in one box. The system was first launched in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, India and Hong Kong, and the US Food and Drug Administration cleared it in May 2023, together with the GIF-1100 gastroscope and the CF-HQ1100DL/I colonoscope. In May 2025 the FDA also cleared the EZ1500 series endoscopes, which bring Extended Depth of Field (EDOF) to the platform.
In short, the EVIS X1 is not a transitional product. It is Olympus' current GI platform and the one on which the manufacturer says it is developing its AI-powered imaging applications. You can see the unit we currently offer on our refurbished EVIS X1 page.
What "refurbished" means at Endoscopy Image. The Olympus systems we offer are refurbished by Endoscopy Image, an independent supplier of medical equipment. They are not new, they are not refurbished or certified by Olympus, and they are not sold through Olympus channels.
Before any purchase, ask our team for the unit's configuration, inspection and testing documentation.
7 reasons a refurbished EVIS X1 is worth it
Each reason below starts with the practical benefit and then explains where it comes from, based on the manufacturer's public product information.
1You get the current imaging generation, not a legacy platform
Buying refurbished often means buying a system that is one or two generations behind. With the EVIS X1, you are buying the platform Olympus currently positions as its most advanced GI endoscopy system. That matters for the useful life of your investment: your team works with the current generation of Olympus imaging, and your facility is not locked into an older architecture from day one.
2Processor and light source in one compact unit
Earlier EVIS EXERA III towers pair the CV-190 video processor with a separate CLV-190 light source. The EVIS X1 CV-1500 integrates both in a single unit powered by five-LED spectrum technology. For your endoscopy room, that means a smaller tower footprint, fewer boxes and cables to manage, and a simpler setup when you move or reorganize a procedure room.
3A broader toolkit of imaging modes
The EVIS X1 keeps the Narrow Band Imaging that endoscopists already know and adds several observation modes designed for specific clinical situations. Here is what each one does, based on Olympus' public product information:
NBI (Narrow Band Imaging)
Uses specific blue and green wavelengths to increase contrast between blood vessels and the surrounding mucosa, supporting detailed characterization.
TXI (Texture and Color Enhancement Imaging)
Optimizes the structure, color tone and brightness of the mucosal surface while keeping an appearance close to white light.
RDI (Red Dichromatic Imaging)
Designed to improve the visibility of deep blood vessels and bleeding points, which is particularly relevant in therapeutic procedures.
BAI-MAC
Brightness Adjustment Imaging with Maintenance of Contrast brightens darker areas of the image without flattening contrast.
EDOF (Extended Depth of Field)
Available with EZ1500 series endoscopes. Two prisms split the incoming light into near and far images and combine them into one continuously sharp view.
AFI (Autofluorescence Imaging)
Listed among the CV-1500 observation modes and available with compatible endoscopes.
Which modes you can use in practice depends on the endoscopes paired with the CV-1500, so the scope list is part of every configuration we prepare.
4It can protect the scopes you already own
One of the most practical advantages of the EVIS X1 is cross-compatibility. The CV-1500 brings together two families that were previously separate, EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE, giving access to a much wider portfolio of compatible endoscopes. For a facility that already owns Olympus scopes, this can mean upgrading the imaging platform without replacing the entire scope inventory at once.
Always confirm compatibility model by model. Compatibility and available imaging modes vary by endoscope series and generation, and some older generations require additional interface hardware. Send us the exact models you own, and we will check them against the manufacturer's compatibility information before you commit.
5Lighter, more ergonomic endoscopes
EVIS X1 endoscopes use the ErgoGrip control section, which Olympus reports is 10% lighter than the control section of its 190 series scopes, with a rounded handle and easy-to-reach angulation knobs and switches. Across a full day of procedures, a lighter, better-balanced scope is a comfort gain your physicians will notice.
6A simpler daily workflow
The CV-1500 is operated from a touch panel on the front of the unit, where settings and procedures can be started and controlled from one place. Customizable settings can be programmed for different procedures, which reduces setup time between cases and helps keep image settings consistent.
7Budget left over for what completes the room
A refurbished system is generally acquired for less than new equipment, and the difference can be redirected to what makes the platform productive: additional video gastroscopes, colonoscopy equipment, monitors, staff training or a second procedure room. For many clinics, that balance is what turns an upgrade from a plan into a purchase.
EVIS X1 vs. EVIS EXERA III: what changes
Many facilities considering a refurbished EVIS X1 are currently running EVIS EXERA III. This table summarizes the practical differences. For a deeper side-by-side, including EVIS EXERA II, see our refurbished Olympus endoscopy system comparison.
| Aspect | EVIS EXERA III (CV-190) | EVIS X1 (CV-1500) |
|---|---|---|
| Tower architecture | Previous Separate processor and CLV-190 light source | Upgrade Processor and five-LED light source in one unit |
| Special imaging | NBI | NBI, TXI, RDI and BAI-MAC, plus AFI with compatible scopes |
| Extended Depth of Field | Not available | Available with EZ1500 series scopes |
| Scope families | EVIS EXERA III 190 series and earlier compatible series | EVIS X1 scopes plus cross-compatibility with EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE |
Is a refurbished EVIS X1 right for your facility?
The EVIS X1 delivers the most value when its advanced imaging will be used every day. These profiles can help you place your facility.
Strong fit
- High-volume GI units doing screening and therapeutic work
- Facilities replacing an EVIS EXERA II or EXERA III tower
- Teams that want TXI, RDI and NBI in routine practice
Worth evaluating
- Clinics with a mixed Olympus scope inventory
- New endoscopy rooms planned for long-term growth
- Teaching or referral centers
Consider alternatives
- Low-volume diagnostic practices
- Budgets that must also cover a full scope set now
- In these cases, a refurbished EXERA III or a pre-owned Pentax or Fujinon system may fit better
You can compare those options in our full catalog of refurbished and pre-owned endoscopy equipment.
The processHow to buy a refurbished EVIS X1 with confidence
A good purchase is mostly about confirming the right configuration before anything ships. This is how the process works with our team.
- Share your current setupTell us which endoscopes, monitors and accessories you already have, and which procedures you perform most.
- Compatibility checkWe review each scope model against the CV-1500's compatibility information and flag anything that needs extra hardware.
- Configuration proposalYou receive a proposal for the unit and the components that complete your tower, with no surprises about what is included.
- Documentation reviewBefore closing, you review the unit's configuration, inspection and testing documentation.
- Delivery and setup coordinationWe coordinate shipping and setup for your location, in the United States, Latin America, Brazil or India.
How to get the most from your EVIS X1
Plan the scope mix early
The imaging modes you use depend on the scopes connected, so plan the scope list together with the processor.
Check your reprocessing setup
Confirm that your automated endoscope reprocessor and cleaning protocols are validated for the scope models you will use.
Train the team on the new modes
TXI and RDI add value only when physicians know when to switch to them. A short onboarding plan pays off quickly.
Save presets per procedure
Use the customizable settings to store the configuration for each procedure type and keep image quality consistent between cases.
If your facility also performs laparoscopic procedures, explore our pre-owned video surgery equipment from Stryker and Karl Storz to equip both rooms with one supplier.
Ready to see if a refurbished EVIS X1 fits your unit?
Send us your current setup and our specialists will check compatibility and prepare a configuration for your facility.
Talk to a specialist on WhatsApp See the refurbished EVIS X1Frequently asked questions
Is a refurbished EVIS X1 worth it?
For most GI units planning an upgrade, yes. A refurbished EVIS X1 gives access to Olympus' current imaging generation, including TXI, RDI, BAI-MAC and NBI, in a single compact CV-1500 unit, typically at a lower acquisition cost than new equipment. The value is highest when the advanced imaging will be used routinely.
What is the difference between the EVIS X1 and EVIS EXERA III?
The EVIS X1 CV-1500 integrates the processor and a five-LED light source in one unit, while EVIS EXERA III uses a separate CV-190 processor and CLV-190 light source. The EVIS X1 also adds TXI, RDI and BAI-MAC imaging, supports EDOF with EZ1500 scopes, and is cross-compatible with EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE endoscopes.
Can I use my current Olympus endoscopes with the EVIS X1?
In many cases, yes. The CV-1500 is cross-compatible with EVIS EXERA III and EVIS LUCERA ELITE endoscope families, but compatibility and available imaging modes vary by model, and some older generations need additional interface hardware. Send us your exact scope models and we will confirm before purchase.
Does a refurbished EVIS X1 include AI lesion detection?
Olympus presents ENDO-AID CADe as its first AI application for the EVIS X1 platform. AI features should not be assumed as part of a refurbished unit, so confirm the exact configuration of each unit with our team before purchase.
Is Endoscopy Image affiliated with Olympus?
No. Endoscopy Image is an independent supplier of refurbished and pre-owned medical equipment. The Olympus systems we offer are refurbished by Endoscopy Image and are not new, certified or sold by Olympus.
Do you ship refurbished EVIS X1 systems internationally?
Yes. Endoscopy Image serves clinics and hospitals in the United States, Latin America, Brazil and India, and coordinates delivery and setup for each location.
Olympus, EVIS X1, EVIS EXERA III, EVIS LUCERA ELITE, NBI, TXI, RDI, BAI-MAC, EDOF, ErgoGrip and ENDO-AID are trademarks or registered trademarks of Olympus Corporation or its affiliates. Endoscopy Image (Are Medical LLC) is an independent supplier of refurbished and pre-owned medical equipment and is not affiliated with, authorized by, sponsored by or endorsed by Olympus. Product names are used for identification purposes only. Technical descriptions are based on publicly available manufacturer information; specifications, configuration and compatibility must be confirmed for each unit before purchase.
