A new electromagnetic inductance tomography (EMT) system has been developed with 16 excitation coils, 16 detection coils and a circular cross-section region of interest. This paper highlights one aspect of the sensor design, the compensation of the largest empty space signal. The system is capable of resolving a conductive or ferromagnetic object positioned in the centre with a diameter which is approximately 5% of that of the region of interest. This resolution is comparable to other electrical tomographic techniques. A description of the sensor array and a selection of sensitivity maps are also presented.