Experienced photographers rely on their equipment and experience when preparing for that winning image. Most photographers are familiar with image editing with Lightroom or Photoshop. The question is, how does one personalize your images in the camera?
Olympus Pen F with Lumix 14-140mm f3,5-5,6 @ ISO200, f7,1, and 1/400 shutter speed (Exposed for optimum Dynamic Range)
Most say, everything starts with good image quality, that is the reason why we purchase expensive camera gear. To record great image quality, we know we need to consider the following:-
- Make sure you selected optimum Exposure (Aperture and shutter speed + ETTR)
- Set the camera White Balance - This will improve the IMG color accuracy and IQ
- ISO impacts dynamic range and image noise, keep the ISO as low as possible
See these articles for information on how to improve your image quality
This article applies to the following Olympus cameras:
- All Olympus OMD bodies
- Olympus Pen cameras, EPL5/6/7/8/9/10 plus the Pen F
This article has 3 parts:
- Discuss general but important camera settings and techniques
- How to prepare and edit raw or jpeg files in your camera
- How to personalize your images with the Olympus OI Share App
General camera settings
The settings I discuss in this section will improve your general experience with your camera. If you are familiar with these settings, please scroll to the next section.
I used my Pen F and the EM5 II to prepare the different images and illustrations for this article. I will not discuss all the camera settings available with your camera, please refer to your User Manual.
Image Quality
Shooting Menu 1:- Always select the RAW+JPEG option. This allows you to save your raw files for future use. Raw files do not change when editing your images in the camera. All edited images are saved as JPEG files in the camera. The RAW+JPEG option enables photographers.
Use your camera SCP as a window into which image settings are available with each Picture Mode. For example, use the camera SCP to check the jpeg file quality. You want your jpeg files set to LSF (Large Super Fine) to have more image data. If you need web-ready files, use smaller file sizes like Medium or Small. No matter what file size you select, always use SF (Super Fine). To change the image quality, go to the Custom Menu "G", and select "IQ Set". Follow the steps below:-
Image Aspect Ratio
Image aspect ratios are a personal choice and part of creating a unique personal style. The Micro Four Thirds sensor has a native ratio of 4:3. Raw files have a ratio of 4:3 with the full 16 or 20MP capacity. Photographers are generally comfortable using image ratios of 3:2 because that is the native ratio for APC and full-frame sensors. The image at the top of this article has a 4:3 ratio. This ratio is unique and a first step in differentiating yourself...
Customizing AFL and AEL
Mode 2 is a great choice when using SAF (Single Auto Focus). Think of a portrait photo with the model not in the center of the frame. Mode 2 enables you to point the camera to the subject, focus, and keep the shutter halfway while reframing and taking the image. The camera will measure the exposure when you press the shutter all the way.
"S-AF AEL/AFL" - Mode 2 is therefore good for static scenes. It's perfect for photographers using hyper-focal distances when doing street or landscape photography. Mode 2 is also great for weddings or portrait photography.
Mode 1 (camera default) is general and suitable for both moving and static subjects. When selecting Mode 1 you will not focus and reframe like you did with Mode 2. You will basically focus and take the image in one movement. The reason is Mode 1 measures and locks both AE and AF when you take the image.
Configure your camera for ETTR
Those not familiar with ETTR (Exposing to the Right), see this article. My preferred camera settings for ETTR are the following:-
- I always set my OMD back dial for exposure compensation. (Not the Pen F)
- I use the following exposure Info settings, Highlights, Shadows, and Histogram
- Camera Histogram set the over/under-exposure warnings limits to 254 and one
- Set the exposure (EV) steps to 1/3 EV steps and the ISO (Auto) steps to 1/3 EV
- Set Noise Reduction to Auto
- Noise Filter to "Low" (You can always change this when editing the raw file)
- ISO high limit to 1000 and the low limit to 200 (Rely on IBIS and not high ISO's)
- Depending on the scene, use full ESP or center-weighted exposure metering
Why do we use ETTR? The main reasons for using ETTR are:
- Recording more tonal data (image data)
- Improve image quality
- Reduce shadow noise
Olympus has an interesting function, Exposure Shift. It's important you first read the user manual. Using the exposure shift function, dial in an auto-exposure compensation of +3/6 (+.05EV).
One of the challenges in applying ETTR manually is the photographer needs a good understanding of exposure and the role of ISO. When using the Exposure Shift function it all is a little easier. My Pen F reacts a little differently than my EM5 II. You need to practice using this technique.
Select your preference AF configuration
For accurate focusing, select the center group or the single frame AF option. Olympus cameras have two single AF frame options. The small AF frame (image on the right) is more accurate and perfect for macro photography. Using all the focus points is not always the most effective way to apply your camera autofocus. Selecting the single AF frame option will offer several advantages:
- The center AF point is almost typically a cross-type focus point
- It is fast and the camera will focus accurately in various situations
- It complements the AF Mode 2 (AEL and AFL) we discussed above
- The photographer is in charge and not some eye-tracking or AI protocol
- This is a great strategy for repeatedly having the same result
Personalizing your images in the camera
There are basically three ways to create our own personalized images in the camera:-
These color options are available with the:
- Do not be afraid to select and experiment with the "standard" Picture Modes
- Experiment with the Creative Color functions like Curves and the Color Creator
- Create your own custom profiles or presets (Camera, WorkSpace, and OI Share)
Using Olympus picture modes
In my Creative Color series, I said it's important to make small adjustments when changing contrast, saturation, or sharpness. Apply one click at a time and test the effect for a few days until you find a combination that works well for you. I used the following Pen F settings for all the images below:-
- Picture Mode (Vivid)
- Contrast (+1)
- Saturation (-1)
- Graduation (See image notes)
- Curves
I then used different tonal (curve) settings on the image in the middle and the image on the right. I used the following settings for the image in the middle:-
- Shadows (-2)
- Mid tones (-3)
- Highlights (+1)
- Graduation (Normal)
With the image on the right, I activated Graduation which lifts the shadows and balances highlights and mid-tones. Besides, I used the following tonal settings:-
- Shadows (-4)
- Mid Tones (-3)
- Highlights (-4)
- Graduation (Auto)
The tonal (curve) function is great for adding that unique image look or when "pulling back" the excess brightness you get from ETTR. Here are a few curve adjustments (profiles) you can use and practice with:
- Add contrast - Highlights (+1) and Shadows (-1) - for more contrast, Shadows (-2)
- ETTR images - Pull back the Mid Tones while checking the histogram
- Misty look - Highlights (-2), Mid Tones (+2), Shadows (+3), and Contrast (-2)
- Experiment with the camera curves function, it's a powerful creative tool...
Olympus creative color functions
With the OMD EM5 II Olympus took the bold step and introduced the Color Creator. The Color Creator introduced Olympus owners to the artist's Color Wheel and color concepts like opposite or complementary colors. The Pen F took this to the next level by introducing the Color Profile and the MonoChrome Profile tools. The Pen F inspired me to write a 6 Part Creative Color series.
You will find Part 6 here.
Olympus Scene Modes and Art Filters offer creative photographers more creative options. The key is to practice using SCP. The SCP will show you when curves are available and when not. Curves are available with ART filters and not with SCN modes. The steps below demonstrate how to activate the SCP for the different camera Modes.
Many Olympus owners do not know it's possible to fine-tune ART filters with curves. You can now select any ART filter and fine-tune that ART filter to create the image look you prefer. See the example below or at the bottom of this article:-
Another option I discovered with B/W ART filters, is the option to apply color filters and/or change monochrome base colors. See the SCP or ART filter menus below.
These color options are available with the:
- Dramatic Tone II
- Grainy Film 1
- Grainy Film II
Another option is Photo Story. Photo Story has different in-camera image templates. Each template has different options to finish the final Photo Story look and feel. This is a great way of creating your own unique Instagram presentation...
Photo Story Template
Instagram images have an image ratio of 4:5 or 8:5. The 2nd ratio is more complex because it's best done in Photoshop with the slice tool. You can prepare your 4:5 ratio in the camera or with the OI Share app. Before uploading your image to Instagram resize the image vertical to 1350. See the example below...
Editing your raw files in the camera
I never used this function. I was pleasantly surprised to see just how much one can do with the camera. With your Olympus camera, you can edit raw files and JPEG files separately. The raw editor is more flexible and powerful than the jpeg editor.
Follow the steps below to open the camera raw editor:-
Step 1 - From the "Playback" menu select "Edit"
Step 2 - Select "Sel. Image"
Step 3 - Scroll through your images until you find the image you like to edit, press "OK"
Step 4 - Select "RAW Data Edit"
Step 5 - Next you will select how you will edit your raw file, see the descriptions below
Option 1 - "Current"
The camera will take the current camera configuration and apply that to the raw file. You need to prepare any special settings before opening the editor.
Option 2&3 - "Custom" 1&2
Option 1
Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press OK. The camera will use the previously used Custom adjustments. Think of Custom 1 or 2 as "editing" profiles.
Option 2
Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press the right arrow. Next, you will see the raw editor. See the images below.
Scroll through the different raw settings to edit/adjust your camera raw file. The settings you use will become part of the Custom "profile". Next time you select the Custom option and press "OK", these settings will be applied to your raw file.
When done press "OK" and then "Yes". The edited raw file is now saved onto the memory card. Next press "No" and you will be able to select the next image...
I did not discuss all the different editing functions separately, we will do that in the next article. You could also try the jpeg editor. You will see the raw editor has more editing functions.
Olympus OI Share and OI Track
Most Olympus cameras have a Wi-Fi function and some of the later models have Bluetooth. This makes it possible for you to track your location, control your camera, upload images, and edit images with your mobile phone. This is great news for those traveling.
See the Olympus OI Share Page
See the Olympus OI Track Page
How-to connect to these applications? I first connected my OI Share app with my camera (EM5 II) and next, I connected the OI Track app. It's easy to make the connection, press the WiFi logo on the back of your camera screen, and follow the steps below...
Now you are ready to start using your Olympus App with your camera. See the images below showing some of the editing screens available with the OI Share Application.
The image on the left is the application "Control Center" from where you have access to all the App settings and functions. In my follow-up articles, I will discuss more.
The interesting part is, that as you get used to working with WorkSpace, the different camera functions, and the mobile phone application, you will find all use the same look and feel. You basically familiarize yourself with one set of tools with which you can do most of your cataloging, image editing, editing on the go, and image sharing...
