VideoPic Blog: Olympus EM-5 III, Workspace, and AI noise reduction

Last update: 14th December 2025

My wife and I visited the X-mas show on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany. The island of Mainau is known for its seasonal flower presentations and the X-mas show in December. Expecting cloudy and low-light conditions, I decided to take my E-M5 III and my favorite 25mm f1.4 lens. I knew many people would be visiting the X-mas show, which meant less time to frame my images, handheld photography, and higher ISO values. I recently sold my M.Zuiko 17mm f1.2 pro lens and kept my Leica 25mm f1.4. The Leica has simply proven to be a more exciting and versatile lens.

I converted my RAW files in Workspace and prepped some of the posted images with Affinity. The photos in this article showcase the older 20MP sensor's ability to capture enough data for high-quality results across the sensor's linear operating range. Low-light photography is a joy with a combination like the EM-5 III, the Leica 25mm f1.4 lens, the Enhanced Raw Format, and the Workspace AI noise filter. One could get even better results when adding the OM System OM-3 to this mix.

Note: I added an example of changing my camera settings in Workspace.

Christmas reminds me of the birth of Christ and X-MAS of something totally different...

The E-M5 III is known for its image quality, pro-level sensor, and tiny noise floor. The depth-of-field (DOF) benefit of M43 cameras supported my decision to use f1.4 in these low-light conditions. I also knew the E-M5 III cluster AF option will optimize the DOF by selecting the right autofocus point. The AI noise filter from Workspace is perfect for ISO 800, 1600, 3200, or 6400 if needed.

The bright LEDs and overpowering colors of the event made it difficult to duplicate what we saw with my standard camera configuration. I knew it's possible to review my camera settings in Workspace and the enhanced raw format. I also knew I could use the EP-7's color functions on my enhanced raw files. See my articles on Olympus cameras, the TruePic image processor, and Workspace.

I highlighted several critical aspects about modern image sensors in 2025. The most significant aspect is the sensor's optical versus technical characteristics and the photons-to-electrons conversion graph. The latter help us to master aspects such as sensor saturation, SNR, and the linear nature of recording reflected light. I will focus more on this linear aspect of sensors, the gamma or tonal curve, and color in 2026. For example, modern pro-level sensors perform well across this linear range.

Photographers learned to appreciate the human aspects of photography in 2025. The introduction to AI highlighted concerns about photography know-how when substituting knowledge for sensor size, AI masking, and AI autofocusing. A critical aspect for review is the difference between computational or AI features and statements from web services like ChatGPT and xAI. The mix of theoretical, political, and commercial platforms serving as AI data sources highlighted critical discrepancies when receiving information from xAI or ChatGPT. For instance, AI will claim that bigger sensors are better when referencing data sources such as DPReview, or the camera's optical and technical design criteria guide the camera and sensor's operating efficiencies when referencing theoretical sources.

My personal highlight for 2025 is Affinity and learning more about the innovative RAW conversion and editing initiatives of the previous imaging business. Workspace became one of my preferred options while testing and studying Olympus cameras. See my articles for more about creative color, the M43 digital sensor format, color basics, the gamma (tonal) curve, sensor saturation, and SNR. Workspace is a reference to the groundbreaking solutions initiated by the previous imaging business.

Another highlight of 2025 is OM System's ongoing commitment to photography and the M43 segment by introducing exciting new products. My personal favorite is the OM System OM-3. The new OM-3 has quickly become a worthy replacement for my older Pen F. I am looking forward to writing more about Workspace and cameras like the OM-3, the E-M1 III, the E-M5 III, the E-P7, older cameras like the E-M5 II, and Olympus DSLRs like the E-3, the E-30, the E-620, the E-500, and the E-450.

PS. I think we should acknowledge and support this commitment to the M43 segment more in 2026...

Global color adjustments like WB or the Color Creator works better for LED and reflected "color" presentations like these. Why?

The color control we have with Olympus (OM System) cameras and Workspace surprised me. Reflected light and WB are normal variables for camera manufacturers. WB is typically expressed as sunlight, shadow, clouds, and artificial light. The EM-5 did not know how to interpret the extreme color shifts of the colored light sources at Mainau. The Color Creator is not only unique in "normal" lighting but also for colored light sources like large concerts, laser shows, and LED presentations...

The images in this article show what's possible when we ignore "independent" social media influencers repeating the same scripted lines or those simply repeating similar "bigger is better" lines. Take the time to learn more about Olympus and OM System cameras, Workspace, and how they could benefit your photography and image editing. It shouldn't be a surprise that modern M43 cameras capture high-quality RAW data. Some just make it much easier to create excellent JPEG images.

Folks, I like to wish you a blessed Christmas season and only the best for 2026.

Siegfried