3 Steps to create the camera's JPEG in Workspace

Last Updated:- 15th September 2024 (New information with several updates)

Introduction.

Why discuss marketing programs like astroturfing and undisclosed promotions on a photography blog? One expected to see an end to counter-marketing when Olympus sold the Imaging Business, but forum participants on DPReview continued expressing concerns about OM System. I saw this example while following DPR forum discussions. An OM-1 photographer asked why his converted Workspace Raw files looked different from the camera's JPEG. Hoping to find good advice, I wondered if many of the forum statements and concerns were justified or if they had any relation to counter-marketing?

Something odd while discussing Workspace. One of my DPReview forum posts disappeared when I mentioned my professional background and why I don't trust the "size and capture" theory. I also saw that my OM-1 converted raw files looked different from the camera's JPEGs. I never had this with my Olympus cameras. I posted feedback on Rob Trek's forum and was blacklisted a second time.

I rented an OM-1 (V1.2) in 2022 to prepare for an article about the new sensor...

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

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.

Olympus was among the first to specialize in taking accurate white-balance readings. They understood the importance of having 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 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.

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 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.

What would your opinion of Workspace be if you followed the advice of social media influencers?

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