Last Updated:- 12th August 2025
Everything changes as I evaluate more technical data and information about digital cameras. I spent months studying credible data on digital cameras. Did my image quality benefit from this learning curve? For example, is knowledge enough to improve my image quality, and how much would a new camera or the perfect exposure mix (SNR-to-ISO ratio) improve my image quality? The answer is yes, because the difference between an excellent and less expensive sensor is on average lower than two stops. Knowledge empowers us to reduce a 2 EV difference to a more manageable value.
ChatGPT has made it possible to discover and analyze large amounts of data. The secret is asking the right questions. For instance, if asked, ChatGPT will simply agree bigger sensors are better. Rather, ask for contradictions in the mainstream version claiming that "bigger sensors are better."
It helps to separate the technical and optical aspects of digital cameras. That means evaluating more than dynamic range, noise, and sensor size. A basic version of image quality should always include shadow, midrange, and highlight data. The next step is the optical effects created by the aperture, shutter, and lens. For example, why would some 24MP cameras capture better shadow and midrange data? A common challenge for all digital cameras is capturing more shadow information.
You will find my overview/review of the Pen EP-7 here.
The critical part of studying digital cameras is finding credible information while staying focused on the fun aspects of digital photography, image editing, and the camera. For example, always keep a camera with you? It's a simple measure of having a healthy passion for photography. It's sometimes difficult, but people appreciate discretion, and nothing is as rewarding as sharing your results.
The Olympus Pen EP-7 is good at capturing shadow details and is small enough to keep with you. I like the illustrated E-P7 configurations consisting of the camera with the Zuiko 17mm f/2.8, the 17mm f/1.8, and the Olympus Optical Viewfinder. The Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens oozes creativity and is almost always on my EP-7. I also own an older black & gray Olympus shoulder bag for my Olympus Pen F and EP-7. The M.Zuiko 17mm f/2.8 lens design is good at creating a natural 3D image look.
Many photographers prefer this "3D look." What should we do to create a 3D look? Should we rely on the sensor or a combination of the right lens, composition, time of day, and shadows?
The combination of Workspace, the Enhanced Raw Format, and the camera improves our results by replicating our camera settings in Workspace or when applying our experience with Workspace to select the right camera settings for our Olympus cameras. Always practice these unique editing skills because they're an integral part of photographing with Olympus cameras and Workspace.
The simplified menu structure of the EP-7 is designed to focus on photography. Did you know that as much as 80% of the E-P7, Pen F, OM-3, and Workspace functions support creative photographers? For example, some use tonal adjustments (highlights, midtones, and shadows) to tweak Color Profiles and ART filters, and exposure compensation is linked to the camera's exposure controller. It will take more than one article to discuss the different computational functions of these cameras.
For more about Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format, study this article.
How many of you tried the new ART filter options of the E-P7, Workspace, and cameras like the OM-3 or E-M10 IV? Workspace also let us apply these ART filter options to other Olympus cameras. This is a huge enabler for those tweaking their ART filters and a game changer for those using their cameras with Workspace to prepare the final image. Study this link and the E-P7 images below.
The above image is an interesting example. I used the Partial Color ART filter twice and combined the 2 results in Photoshop. I applied the Soft Focus Effect in the ART filter and adjusted the intensity with the Clarity and Dehaze sliders. I used a Color Filter in Workspace and duplicated the background layer in Photoshop to add a Soft Light Blending effect. It is possible to edit or adjust the intensity (opacity) of each step. I used DxO FilmPack to add a frame to the image.
This image was taken in South Africa. The EP-7 is a great little camera...
4 comments:
What size is that viewfinder?
It's an Olympus VF-1
Hello! The photos look great, but it seems to me that these shots are far from the quality that the SOOC EP-7 produces, there is a feeling of significant processing in the converter or some intensive recipe was applied.
Excellent comment, thank you, YZ. You are right; the E-P7 offers exceptional image quality and creative freedom. In fact, all Olympus cameras have great image quality and creativity in combination with Workspace. The images in this article lean more towards creativity than pure IQ because I used the E-P7's unique ART filter features to create them. Imagine DPReview missed the opportunity to review this amazing camera. My E-P7 article has been consistently averaging 10X the daily views of my most popular articles, and this page is also very popular. Does this trend tell us something about real customers and what they really want? For example, the new OM-3 is an amazing camera and upgrade to the Pen F and E-P7. Did you know that the only reason social media "influencers" complain about price is because they refuse to accept that M43 sensors are highly capable…? Best Siegfried.
Post a Comment