It's not the camera or the lens telling the story...

Last Update: 31st May 2026

As the years pass by like chapters in one's book of life, I find myself reflecting more on the paths I chose in life. In my youth, I consciously opted to turn away from the idea of a rainbow nation. Twice the Lord granted me the incredible opportunity to work overseas. Consequently, my children spent a significant portion of their formative years in the majestic landscapes of Switzerland. Now, as my wife and I approach the twilight of our lives, we look forward to drawing nearer to our children, who have embraced their new Swiss identities, becoming more Swiss than South African.

Taken with my 8MP Konica Minolta Dimage A2. A lovely scene at the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

As I paged through my image collection, the warm melodies of CDs I'd crafted from my cherished LPs filled the air. The music, rich with that classic vinyl essence, resonated beautifully through my Ken Ishiwata Marantz CD player. I couldn’t help but wonder how much joy these timeless LPs would bring me today. What a stark contrast to the moment I decided to part with my entire vinyl collection. Little did I know just how dearly I would come to miss those beloved melodies.

As I flipped through my images, a wave of emotion washed over me, harmonizing with the gentle tunes emanating from my "vinyl" collection. Each image has its own story, transforming moments into memories. This journey of revisiting our photo collection felt like a unique moment with each photo, whether it was taken with my Pentax SLR or one of my digital cameras. What a captivating journey that intertwined my past and present, with a delightful symphony of sight and sound, until...

I took these with my Pentax SLR. A modified Thorens on the left and my own design and built on the right.

My wife and I shared a passion for photography, resulting in a vast trove of film negatives and prints. About 8 years ago, I purchased a scanner to breathe new life into our analog collection. The journey of scanning and editing our negatives unfolded in a way that was worlds apart from the familiar territory of digital photo editing. To my surprise, my knowledge and experience with Olympus , along with my expertise in using Workspace, greatly improved my analog image processing.

I took this image with my Pentax SLR and edited the scanned negative in Photoshop.

I took this picture with my Canon 350D. My wife and I grew up in the outskirts of the lovely city of Pretoria. 

My wife and I are devoted Christians. We married 40 years ago in Pretoria and raised two children.

I took this image with my Pentax SLR. Durban was always a popular and safe holiday destination.

Shortly prior to leaving South Africa for the first time.

I took this image with my Canon 350D. In 2000, we made the decision to return to South Africa.

I took this image with my Pentax SLR and edited the scanned negative in Photoshop.

I took this image with my Konica Minolta A2. We were happy seeing our relatives again. This is the Hartbeedpoortdam area.

I took this image with my Canon 350D in the Hartbeespoortdam area.

I took this image with my Canon 350D in the Hartbeespoortdam area.

I took these images with my trusty Pentax SLR. These were son and dad boat projects.

My wife took this image with her analog Olympus Mju.

I took this image with my Pentax SLR. My father and mother with 3 children (families) and 5 grandchildren.

Out of a family of thirteen, four members will remain in South Africa. Through hard work, we have excellent educational backgrounds, talent, and experience, all motivated by a commitment to invest in our country and contribute to the development and the well-being of all its citizens. However, we have been confronted with the difficult choice of embracing a new culture in pursuit of a safe future for our children. Despite the challenges, our love for Africa and its people never changed.

Lüderitzbucht, Namibia. I cannot help to think we have such awesome digital cameras today...

I took this image with my Pentax SLR. My grandparents immigrated from Germany to South West Africa (Namibia today).

It’s hard to imagine a South African family that hasn’t lost loved ones to violence or faced the trauma of horrific incidents like sexual abuse, carjackings, or home invasions. As the country marks 31 years since apartheid, it finds itself on the brink of an economic collapse while being hampered by 145 discriminatory laws preventing minorities from partaking in the country's job market. The grim reality of violent farm attacks continues to linger in the shadows, often downplayed and misreported as mere theft, yet the pain and suffering of farmers resonate tragically throughout our farmlands.

One left South Africa, and the other family became another statistic of "theft."

We never intended to leave South Africa for a second time, but life took an unexpected turn when I received an offer from Switzerland. One evening, as I was reflecting on our future, an unimaginable tragedy unfolded nearby. Three girls were left in the care of their grandmother when their parents returned from work. Tragically, with the parents being tied down in the garage, the grandmother was powerless to intervene while the three innocent girls suffered a horrific ordeal inside the home. It was in that moment, as I looked into the eyes of a girl who had endured such tragic suffering, that I realized it was time to seek a new beginning for my family. The journey away was not one of choice but rather a response to the painful injustices that plagued our beloved country for 31 years.

In the heart of the Oval Office, a spark of hope flickered to life as the President of the United States greeted the President of South Africa and his entourage. However, that glimmer quickly faded as the world’s media unleashed a troubling spectacle casting doubt on the foundations of an independent media. Our prayers are with fellow South Africans during this tumultuous time, as many struggle to comprehend the far-reaching consequences of this most recent journalistic catastrophe.

Our son and his family live in Switzerland, while our daughter returned to South Africa. Like many South Africans, she and her husband pursued opportunities abroad, leveraging their qualifications to build a new life in Australia. South Africa had a recorded population of 17M in 1981, and by 1994, a remarkable 95M participated in the country's inaugural free and fair elections.

Julius Malema chanting, kill the boer, kill the farmer. Source video (Newsline SA)

In a realm where tales of anguish fade into silence, the true extent of the oppression directed at cultural communities remains elusive. South Africans navigate through unthinkable suffering, a reality marked by relentless brutality and violence, compounded by the disintegration of families. All of this unfolds beneath the watchful eye of an independent global media. Yet, in our current climate of doubt and skepticism, one might be tempted to downplay these horrors as mere petty theft or dismiss them as just another conspiracy woven into the fabric of religious and family values.

Ricoh introduced the 10MP GR Digital II in 2007

Last Updates: 27th May 2025

Imagine having an invitation to a photo walk featuring older digital cameras. While briefly reviewing feedback and comments from relevant reviews and forums, what would your expectations be for an 18-year-old 10MP compact camera? For example, do you think the images captured with the Ricoh are still relevant in 2025? I've added some JPEGs taken with the Ricoh further down. Some were slightly edited in Photoshop, and some are RAW files converted using Adobe Camera Raw (ACR). Is it possible that the Ricoh GR Digital II will continue as a competent and flexible performer in 2025?

The following compact cameras would be great for a photo walk:

- Olympus XZ-1

- Pentax QS

- Canon Powershot G11

- Panasonic LX-7

- Sigma DP2S

- Olympus E-400

- Olympus E-PL9

TIP: See this article for more information about the technique I use to capture the image below.

GR Digital II JPEG @ ISO100, f4.0, and 1/1050. The lighting was perfect, and the Richoh seems to have a unique gamma (tone) curve.

The Ricoh GR Digital II is an exciting camera that stood out in the 10MP camera category. The listed compacts in this article had larger and more expensive sensors. Apart from the Pentax QS having a BSI sensor, the XZ-1 and G11 have CCD sensors, and the LX-7 has a CMOS sensor. It is often suggested that older CCD sensors produce more vibrant Kodak colors. However, I contend that this is largely due to manufacturers’ choosing an analog aesthetic rather than pre-empting a modern digital photography look in 2007. This is evident in the unique Kodak color images produced by the Ricoh GR.

The Olympus E-400 and Sigma DP2S differ in their design and features. The Sigma DP2S is renowned for its unique 14MP Foveon X3 sensor, delivering great color reproduction and detail. In contrast, the E-400 has a 4/3 CCD sensor, while the DP2S features a APS-C sensor. Notably, earlier Olympus E-Series DSLRs were recognized for their use of CCD type Kodak sensors; however, the E-400 literature does not explicitly reference a Kodak CCD sensor. Personally, I favor the Olympus E-450, with its 10MP CMOS sensor, as it's quick and reproduces a similar Kodak color palette as older CCD models.

I converted the Ricoh GR Digital II raw files in Photoshop with the Adobe Raw Converter (ACR).

Will I use the Ricoh GR Digital II in 2025? The Ricoh is a notably refined and agile camera, with great image colors. Although I would recommend it to others, I do not plan to keep it for my own use. I lean more towards the Olympus XZ-1/2 or the Stylus S1. Additionally, I love to create a color profile for my Olympus cameras that would mimic the "Kodak" look of the Ricoh GR Digital II images.

Olympus E-M10 IV with the amazing M.Zuiko 75mm, f1.8 lens. I converted these Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.

Major camera manufacturers seem to have lost sight of what most hobby photographers want. It has been suggested that the emergence of mobile phone cameras is contributing to a decline in overly specified camera models, particularly as the demand for extravagant video specifications and larger sensors never existed. Cameras such as the E-PL9, E-P7, and E-M10 IV continue to offer exceptional value when paired with the M.Zuiko 75mm f1.8, 12mm f2.0, 17mm f1.8, 25mm f1.8, and 12-45mm f4.0 pro lens. Any used E-M5 III, E-M10 IV, E-P7, and E-PL9 with two of these lenses will outperform mobile phones in terms of having fun doing photography, versatility, life cycle, and value.

The beta version of my Ricoh GR color profile shows great potential. My initial impression is that this profile exhibits a more refined and nuanced quality compared to some of the other profiles I did. Its application also differs from the color profiles on this page. To create this profile, I incorporated features exclusive to Workspace. My intention was to ensure compatibility with all Olympus cameras. Consequently, the process involves first converting the enhanced raw file within Workspace, saving it as a 16-bit TIFF file, and then applying the profile to the converted TIFF file. This method represents a distinct approach, offering numerous advantages in the realm of layered processing.

Ricoh GR Digital II color profile with Soft Focus ART filter.

A collection of Ricoh GR Digital II photos

I did not use the Ricoh GR Digital II noise filter. Those using Fujifilm, Olympus, and compact cameras often develop a preference for the film-like noise of modern crop sensor cameras. What drives this sentiment for "smaller" sensor cameras? It could be that those photographers who prefer crop sensor cameras have come to terms with the image sensor's technical limitations. This may shed light on why full-frame photographers rely on DxO, Topaz, and Adobe AI noise reduction software. How many full-frame photographers were told that their cameras have no technical limitations? It is regrettable to witness this degree of inaccurate marketing information in the present day.

See this article for more on the technical limitations of digital cameras.

Examples of my new Ricoh GR Digital II color profile

OM System OM-3 and older Olympus cameras

Last update:- 12th May 2025.

I bought my OM-3 on March 6th while looking at cameras at a local camera shop in Switzerland. As a keen owner of Olympus cameras, I like to invite M43 photographers to review the following: Presume you own at least one of the cameras mentioned in this article. Has your favorite or go-to camera changed over time? For instance, is the OM-3 a welcome update for our aging Olympus cameras, and do you consider 20 MP or the associated data management advantages a plus or a drawback?

The Olympus E-M5 III with a Leica 25mm f1.4 lens (ISO 200 f1.6, 1/8000). I used the Kodak Porta 160 VC Color Profile in Workspace.

The OM-3 is a beautiful camera promising OM-1 II excellence and more IBIS efficiency. Could this be the next go-to camera for Olympus OM-D and Pen F photographers? For instance, the new menu has a steep learning curve, and it's annoying to be stuck while photographing or when searching for basics like gradation, digital zoom, and AEL/shutter options. The effort of familiarizing myself with the OM-3 feels similar to getting to know another camera brand, like the Fuji X-T5. 

OM-System OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 75mm f1.8 lens.

My current go-to options are the E-M1 III, E-M5 II & III, E-M10 IV, and the Pen F or E-P7. I especially value the cluster AF function of newer TruePic VIII/IX cameras, such as the E-M1 III, E-M5 III, E-M10 III/IV, E-PL9, and E-P7. Is the new OM-3 a worthy upgrade for the Olympus Pen F?

TIP: How to activate the Cluster AF feature for cameras with the TruePic VIII & IX? Select all the AF fields in the SCP and set the "AF Area Pointer to On2" (Gear menu A2 for the E-M5 III).

I used the Pen F with the Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. The settings were ISO200, f7.1, and 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

Each Olympus M43 photographer should evaluate the following.

Did Olympus photographers dream about a Pen F II or a repackaged OM-1 with a Creative Dial? Did OM System alienate loyal Olympus customers by targeting wildlife and birding (BIF) photographers? Will Olympus photographers continue migrating to brands like Fuji, or does the OM-3 have enough creative appeal and potential to replace the Pen F or E-P7? Is it enough to know the OM-3 is a perfect replica of the Olympus OM-1 and matches your existing Olympus and M43 lenses? Is the OM-3 pricing argument really an issue, or a continuation of an old narrative claiming M43 cameras are inferior?

The new bottom plate, handgrip, and OM-3 combo look beautiful and improve the practicality of one-handed photography.

OM System OM-3 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color Profiles.

OM System OM-3 with the Zuiko 12 - 45mm, f4.0 Pro lens. These are camera JPEGS with iEnhance and highlights +1 and shadows -1.

OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 12-200mm lens @ 200mm (400mm with the 2X digital converter). I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.

Olympus Pen F images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.

Having both the Olympus Pen F and the latest OM System OM-3 has been quite an experience. Since its launch in 2016, the Pen F has garnered significant popularity, raising the question of whether the new OM-3's form factor, creative color, and computational features will resonate in a similar way. The Pen F continues to deliver great flexibility and image quality in 2025. It is noteworthy that the M43 forum, which has reported technical OM-3 failures, has a history of negative feedback following the release of new Micro Four Thirds products. My OM-3 has been an absolute pleasure.

Moreover, it is great to experience the performance of the newer 20MP back-illuminated (BSI) sensor in relation to older Live MOS sensors. The reported 2 EV noise and 1 EV dynamic range advantage of the newer OM-1 sensor suggest actual sensor sensitivity improvements. I look forward to exploring this sensor in future articles. The different Pen F images were taken with my Pen F and the Olympus 75mm f1.8, 25mm f1.8, and the 12mm f2.0 M.Zuiko lenses. I applied color profiles and adjustments in the camera and subsequently processed the enhanced raw files in Workspace. 

See the info and Olympus OM-1 press release in this article.

Olympus Pen E-P7 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Monochrome Profiles.

Like Olympus, Fuji has a history of designing and manufacturing a full range of mirrorless cameras with quality lenses. I tried Fuji's 16MP cameras in the past but decided to stay with Olympus. When Olympus sold the imaging business, I reconsidered and bought the X-T5 when OM System repackaged the E-M1 III. Many Olympus photographers looking for a new camera will question whether it's safe to buy from a company with a history of relabeling and repackaging older cameras.

Why did I buy the OM-3? While happy with my E-M1 III, I always wanted that final Olympus camera. The OM-3 was a perfect alternative. There is much to learn and write about the OM-3, and I look forward to discovering my new "OM-1." Does this make me an OM System or M43 photographer?

Would I buy an OM-3 if I am 10 years younger? The appeal of the Olympus OM-1 only endures that long. Without further advancements, OM System faces a challenging future. I would have been more optimistic if I had saw more innovation (features) for Workspace. See this article for more.

Fuji X-T5 images. I converted and edited the RAW files in Photoshop.

Olympus E-M5 III with the Leica 25mm f1.4 lens. ISO200, f5.6, 1/1000. I used my Fuji Velvia 100 Color Profile in Workspace.

Olympus E-M5 III images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace with Color and Monochrome Profiles.

Olympus E-M5 II images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.

Olympus E-M10 II images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.

EM10 II with 25mm f1.8 lens. I converted the ORF+ file in Workspace - Kodachrome 25.

Olympus E-M10 IV images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.

Olympus Pen E-PL9 images. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and used Color Profiles.

It's good to know that the best camera is the one you keep with you. Experienced M43 photographers know they can expect excellent image quality from the above cameras. They are also a joy for casual and advanced M43 photographers. We know that 12 to 20 MP Olympus cameras with TruePic VI to IX image processors were conceptually and functionally leading the camera industry. The cameras listed in this article continue to offer great image quality, functionality, and performance in 2025.

This article shows one of the reasons why the enthusiasm for Olympus cameras.

E-M5 III with the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens. ISO200, f5.6, 1/800, -0.7EV. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

I used the OM System OM-3 with my Giuseppe Color Profile.

OM System OM-3 with the M.Zuiko 12-45mm f4.0 pro lens. ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000. I used my Kodak Porta 160 VC color profile.

The OM-1 and OM-3 share an excellent 20MP stacked BSI sensor and TruePic X image processor. The E-M1 III sensor and TruePic IX combo is a good alternative, with similar computational features. The E-M5 II & III introduced new features, laying the foundation for new models, and the E-PL9 and E-P7 are great options for having a camera with you. How does the new OM System OM-3 complement this mix? The OM-3 reminds me of the Pen F with its OM-D (OM-1) functionality. The Pen F stayed unique by not being a typical Pen or OM-D. Will this unique Pen F tradition continue with the OM-3? 

See this article for more about the rich history of innovation with Olympus.

The engineers at Olympus have successfully integrated the features of older OMD and Pen models with newer models, including the OM System lineup. For example, while older Olympus cameras allow for global color adjustments, the Pen F, E-P7, and OM-3 offer both global and targeted adjustments. The connection between these newer models and their older counterparts is facilitated by Workspace. Additionally, the Enhanced Raw Format (ORF+) enables global and targeted color adjustments on older cameras. Similarly, the Fuji X-T5 offers a comparable creative touch to Olympus through its film simulations, global color adjustments, and Raw Studio capabilities. It's a pleasure to 'paint with light' when using these cameras in conjunction with Workspace, Raw Studio, and DxO Photolab.

The OM-3 and the Lumix 45 - 175mm lens (ISO1600, f5.6, 1/2000). The DR improvements of the OM-3 made a visible difference.

The product photos in this article were shot with my Olympus E-M1 III. I converted the Enhanced Raw files in Workspace and the Fuji X-T5 raw files in Photoshop. Let's close with a final thought: I love the quality-to-savings ratio of filming in 1080p and photographing with 16 or 20 MP.

May 5th, 2025. I have spent three months with the OM-3 and agree it's a fascinating camera. I prefer high-quality products, and the film camera look reminded me of my OM-D cameras. The Creative Dial is probably the most exciting addition to an already impressive list of features, and yes, the OM-3 has more creative potential than my Olympus OM-D, Pen F, and E-P7 cameras. It's great to see that the latest DxO PhotoLab firmware update has added support for the OM-3.

I sincerely believe that the team at OM System is commendable. However, given their short tenure in the camera industry, they appear to lack the fundamental legacy associated with the former Imaging team. This is particularly evident in the design of the OM-3, which prioritizes vintage aesthetics over practical functionality. For example, the absence of a handgrip, the placement of the On/Off switch, and the layout of the buttons on the top plate underscore key design aspects of modern cameras. The evolution of older OM-D and Pen cameras offers great insights into modern design.

The Canon 6D II with stunning images and  colors. Ultimately, the joy of photography transcends the camera we use.

Despite some annoyances, the new OM System OM-3 emerges as an exceptional camera, requiring only a brief adjustment period while providing remarkable creative control. I am looking forward to writing more about my older Olympus cameras, the new OM-3 and especially the Fuji X-T5.

See this interesting review of the OM System OM-3.

Best

Siegfried

More images taken with my Olympus OM-3 and the 75mm f1.8 M.Zuiko lens.

Tip: I added 2 Pen F images to the OM-3 colloection below. See if you can spot them.

I applied my Kodachrome 64 color profile to the ORF+ file in Workspace. The tonal settings are different for each photo.

I converted the Enhanced Raw file in Workspace with the Monochrome Profile function.

I converted the Enhanced Raw file in Workspace and used the Adjust Color function to desaturate the greens.

Canon 6D II with the 24 - 105mm f3.5 - 5.6 IS STM lens. I converted the raw file in Photoshop.