3 Steps to create the camera's JPEG in Workspace

Last Updated:- 26th September 2024

Introduction.

I noticed this example while following some M43 forum discussions. An OM-1 photographer wanted to know why his converted Workspace Raw files were different from his out-of-camera JPEGs. I decided to experiment and see if it's possible to create a similar look and feel JPEG as the camera.

Another forum participant reported inaccurate colors from the OM-1 and Workspace. I converted one of my older OM-1 Raw files into a camera JPEG version. I rented an Olympus OM-1 shortly after the launch in 2022 to make a video about the new BSI sensor. My converted raw file was also different from the camera's JPEG file. I never saw this happen to any of my Olympus cameras. 

This screenshot is the camera's JPEG (left) and the converted Enhanced Raw File (right).

The above comparison is a screenshot of my converted Workspace RAW file and the EM1 III JPEG. One can easily see the exported JPEG from Workspace is identical to the camera's JPEG. What are the 3 things you would do to recreate the camera's JPEG in Workspace? Why do we need more steps to copy the Workspace conversion with Lightroom, Photoshop, PhotoLab, or any other raw converter?

In another DPReview discussion, I had a 3rd opportunity to compare an OM-1 converted Raw file to the camera's JPEG. The exported Workspace colors were the same as the camera's JPEG. This OM-1 had V1.6 firmware. My conversion was done with V1.2. Did V1.6 correct these discrepancies?

Basic information unique to Olympus M43 cameras and Workspace

Olympus photographers have the option to adjust (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 all 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 Tiff files for Photoshop because they have excellent information with RAW-like flexibility.

Step 2. The camera's image settings and White Balance reading are part of the Enhanced Raw File. That means the camera's settings plus White Balance data are available in Workskspace when we open the Raw. Study my articles on Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format for more information.

Olympus was among the first to specialize in taking accurate white-balance readings. They understood the importance of using an accurate white balance. It takes experience and a good understanding of light and the direction of light to improve the camera's WB measurement of complex scenes...

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...

An example of opening an Olympus Pen E-P7 raw file in Workspace. The Enhanced Raw File inserted the data/adjustments on the right.

The RGB Color Space has a larger color gamut with more color information. This benefits the raw conversion color data plus the process of reviewing and adjusting the 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.

E-M1 III with 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/200 - I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace and edited it in Photoshop.

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 he edited the RAW file. What would happen if he simply exported the JPEG version after opening the RAW file in Workspace? It takes practice to improve your results with Workspace. Those who learn about digital cameras, image sensors, advanced exposure techniques, and Workspace will enjoy Olympus cameras. I stopped converting my RAW files in Lightroom, Photoshop, or Photolab.

Photography is fun.

Siegfried