Last Updated:- 15th September 2024 (New information with several updates)
Introduction.
The above OM-1 photographer received the following advice. Seems like forum advice only focuses on camera or RAW converter details that could benefit competitors. For example, considering the lack of knowledge associated with the "size and capture" theory, don't you think photographers would benefit from training those who question the strange behavior of many social media influencers?
The above Comparison Window is a screenshot of the converted Workspace and camera JPEG. One can easily see the exported Workspace JPEG is identical to the camera's JPEG. List the 3 things you would do to recreate the camera's JPEG. Why do we need more editing steps to mimic a Workspace RAW conversion in Lightroom, Photoshop, DxO PhotoLab, or any other raw converter?
During a recent DPReview discussion, I had another opportunity to compare an OM-1 Raw conversion to the camera's JPEG. The exported Workspace JPEG was identical to the camera's JPEG. This second OM-1 used firmware V1.6. It seems like OM System corrected the color issues of V1.2...
Basic information unique to Olympus M43 cameras and Workspace
Olympus photographers have the option to adjust or tweak the camera's tonal response curve in the camera or Workspace. That's why we say Olympus photographers adjust the camera's tonal curve, not only the highlights or shadows. It's critical to study and master this concept of tweaking the camera's tonal response curve. Can we tweak the camera's tonal response curve in Adobe Lightroom?
Study the illustration below and the two videos in this article.
One of the key features of Workspace is the ability to adjust your camera's settings. Photographers need the following skills for good image quality with Workspace and Olympus cameras. They are advanced exposure techniques and credible information about digital cameras and Workspace.
3 Steps to recreate the camera's JPEG image in Workspace
Step 1. Always use the same Color Space for the camera, computer, and Workspace. Your default color space should be RGB for these components. Why RGB or RGB1998 for a Mac PC? We use the RGB color space to convert/edit our images, SRGB for the web, and CMYK for printing. I use 16-bit (RGB) Tiff files for Photoshop because they have excellent information with RAW-like flexibility.
Step 2. The camera's image settings and White Balance data are part of the Enhanced Raw File. That means the Enhanced Raw File transfers my camera's settings plus WB data to Workspace. Study my articles on Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format for more information.
Step 3. At this point, it's possible to recreate an accurate replica of the camera's JPEG in Workspace. This means we can create a synchronized JPEG in Workspace because we use the same color space as the camera and a copy of the camera's JPEG settings in Workspace. You shouldn't adjust your camera settings in Workspace if you plan to export a replica of your camera's JPEG file...
The RGB Color Space uses a larger color gamut with more color information. This benefits our raw conversion color data plus the process of reviewing and adjusting our camera settings in Workspace. The question is, are we editing or optimizing our camera settings with Workspace? We can ask this question because we are reviewing and tweaking our camera settings in Workspace.
Can we transfer our camera settings to Lightroom, Photoshop, or DxO Photolab? These raw conversion and editing software packages were not designed (structured) for Olympus cameras. It's better to use an Olympus JPEG or 16-bit (Workspace) Tiff file if you prefer accurate Olympus colors...
Step 4. In this step, we evaluate our image and tweak our camera settings. In previous articles, I said we only see the Live View effect of our camera settings when we activate the RAW file in Workspace. This was inaccurate because these settings are active when we open the Enhanced Raw File in WS. The latest version (V2.3.2) of Workspace is quick and capable of producing excellent results...
See this article about Workspace.
Conclusion
Did the new M43 photographer adjust the brightness of his RAW file, or does the OM-1 have different colors? You can study the OM-1 photographer's photos here. The converted JPEG would change if one edited the RAW file. What would happen if he simply exported the JPEG version after opening the RAW file in Workspace? Good forum advice would be to check the OM-1 's FW version, use an RGB color profile for your equipment, and not adjust the RAW file if you want the camera's JPEG.
It took practice to improve my results with Workspace. Those who learn about digital cameras, image sensors, advanced exposure techniques, and Workspace will always enjoy Olympus cameras. I stopped converting my RAW files in Lightroom, Photoshop, or Photolab. Folks, these basics are not difficult to master. The secret is to step away from counter-marketers and undisclosed promoters...
Am I now a regular on DPReview? Absolutely NOT. Being banned for years, I managed to post a reply to a conversation about Workspace. I have been critical of the info shared on DPReview and decided to focus on correct and positive information. Will I survive this excursion to DPReview..?
Read this M43 photographer report after purchasing a used EM-5 II...
Siegfried