Olympus EM1 II with Leica 25mm f1.4 lens - ISO6400 f7.1 1/13Sec with ETTR - Enhanced Raw file converted in WorkSpace and edited in Photoshop.
What is ETTR or Exposing to the Right?
ETTR means an optimum aperture, shutter speed, and luminance mix. The goal is to increase the sensor's SNR and saturation. The key is knowing that the ISO function does not control the light from the building to the sensor, whereas the shutter, aperture, and flash control how much reflected light is reaching the sensor. I also adjusted my flash to match the illumination and light reflecting from the inside of the building. A fully exposed sensor means less noise and increasing the camera's tonal data and image quality. This article discusses luminance, reflected light, and the types of light.
This article discusses 7 critical points photographers should know.
What is the role of the ISO function?
We manage 4 of the camera's exposure variables. These are the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and reflected light. The ISO does not change the sensor's sensitivity. It amplifies the image signal and the noise coming from the sensor. See my other articles for more about the sensor's noise floor.
My flash illuminated the building and increased the reflected light, and the fixed ISO and my aperture and shutter speed settings controlled the light reaching the sensor. Study this article for more about the interaction between the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and luminance. This article reviews the ISO as an image signal amplifier or brightness adjustment. I often use my ISO strategically.
The most critical aspect impacting image quality is understanding the ISO. Avoid Auto ISO settings and learn how to manually use the ISO.
What are the benefits of ETTR?
ETTR is not something we use daily. The most effective way to manage the sensor's performance is to master the roles of the aperture, shutter, and ISO. The average consumer camera records more tonal data (image quality) with a saturated sensor. Digital cameras typically double the tonal data for every +1 EV of ETTR. That means the histogram moves to the right, the sensor's saturation and SNR improve, and the camera records better image quality (tonal data).
The under-exposed version has approximately 75% less total data.
How does one apply ETTR?
I only use ETTR for the most challenging cases. An Exposure Shift of up to +1 EV is enough. I also prefer Aperture or Shutter Mode with a fixed ISO. For example, an ISO of 64 or 100 is perfectly OK in most daylight conditions. I also use my ISO function strategically because we know it adjusts image brightness and is part of the exposure formula. A fixed ISO lets us use exposure compensation for ETTR while monitoring the sensor's saturation and SNR levels with the histogram...
A copy of the Olympus EM1 II display when the camera selected the exposure.
Olympus cameras have a default safety Headroom to prevent the sensor from clipping. For example, the camera's exposure meter shows a correct exposure while the sensor is not saturated. It's possible to manage this safety headroom with ETTR. For example, one can increase the exposure by up to 2 EV with the blue sky as a background. Another scene might limit the possible ETTR compensation to 0.5 EV. The camera's exposure meter will show an overexposure reading with ETTR. We correct this in Workspace with the exposure compensation (ISO) function.
Study the image below. I used an ETTR of 1EV. There was enough available dynamic range to increase the exposure with another stop. This is how much the camera's exposure meter desaturated the sensor. The processed tonal data in the shadows suffer most in these conditions...
A copy of the Olympus EM1 II display with an ETTR of 1EV.
General comments
Photographers think that ETTR only works at the camera's base ISO. This is not 100% correct because digital cameras are designed to capture more tonal data with the histogram to the right, irrespective of the ISO value. The dynamic range does reduce a little at higher ISOs. Does this mean we shouldn't use ETTR at higher ISOs, or should we manage the situation?
Tip:-The ISO effectively adjusts image brightness and not the exposure.
In terms of exposure, the following basics are critical:-
The aperture and shutter are the only variables controlling the light to the sensor
The ISO function only amplifies the image signal coming from the image sensor
Do this quick ETTR experiment:-
Find a scene with deep shadows and not overly bright areas.
Set the camera to A, S, or P Mode with Auto ISO and take an image.
Use the above camera settings (fixed ISO) for a 2nd image in Manual Mode.
Use your aperture or shutter speed to increase the exposure in 0.5 EV steps.
The histogram shows what's happening on the sensor with a fixed ISO.
Download the images to your PC and study the shadow areas for noise.
Conclusion
The camera's histogram tells us when the image sensor desaturates at base ISO or when the camera applied a safety exposure headroom. This "safety headroom" is one of the main reasons having visible shadow noise. Knowledge and experience taught me it's safe to overexpose Olympus cameras with up to 1EV (ETTR) and correct the exposure in Workspace. The secret is a fixed ISO and keeping an eye on the histogram for highlight clipping while applying ETTR (adjusting the aperture/shutter).
The most important aspect I learned from studying M43 sensors, testing Olympus cameras, and writing is, that image noise has become an effective counter-marketing strategy in favor of full-frame cameras. I recently tested the impact pixel area has on 15 cameras. The image quality differences, especially in the shadows, were surprisingly small. You will find the article here.
Do I often apply ETTR? I have several Olympus cameras in my collection and photograph almost each day with one of them. I regularly use these cameras while preparing articles and is confident the Olympus engineers selected well specified 16MP and 20MP sensors. This means these sensors perform well in a wide range of applications. I occasionally need to apply ETTR, but learned that my understanding of Olympus cameras is more valuable than focusing on noise and ETTR...
Sony A7 III with 50mm, f1.8 lens - ISO25600, f7.1, 1/30sec, and ETTR - The Raw file was edited in PhotoLab 3 plus PhotoLab 3 noise reduction.
Update - I am updating this article - 23rd July 2025
I always wonder what happened to those keen filmmakers of yesterday. Those spending hours filming family events, breaking waves, zoo animals and wildlife, and playful pets. This filming culture seemed to have vanished when those older VHS cassettes transformed into hybrid digital cameras.
It seems like most camera manufacturers underestimated the market potential and the enthusiasm amongst casual filmmakers? Instead, they decided to target "professional" filmmakers using dedicated filming equipment from RED, Canon, and Panasonic. It's fun to learn how Olympus targeted casual and family VHS filmmakers. Let's discuss how to apply our VHS know-how with Olympus cameras.
A basic documentary using simple movie-making techniques and three Olympus cameras.
This article takes a closer look at digital filmmaking, Olympus M43 cameras, and what VHS filmmakers need to get started. We will study camera settings and how to edit videos with Workspace. The aim is to support readers with the basics of filming and editing YouTube and Instagram videos.
Which Olympus camera and video accessories do I need?
Most of the older and more recent Olympus or OM System M43 cameras can be used for filming. Many Olympus compact cameras have interesting options for VHS filmmakers. This includes cameras like the original EM1, EM1 II, EM5 II/III, Pen F, E-P7, EM10 II/III/IV, and the EPL8/9. Older M43 cameras like the EM5, EM10, and the E-PL models are capable candidates for VHS filmmakers. Some of these older M43 cameras are growing in popularity for their unique image and film look properties.
Any of the following lenses are good enough for filming:
Olympus 12-50mm EZ Kit Lens - great for filming; benefit is the motorized zoom
Olympus 14-42mm EZ Kit Lens - Smaller zoom range but with motorized zoom
Olympus 30mm or 60mm Macro lenses for close-ups or more detail views
Olympus Pancake Lenses - any of the fixed f1,8 focal length lenses are perfect
Olympus M43 40-150mm and the 14-150mm general or kit zoom lenses
Olympus M.Zuiko 12-45mm f4 Pro and 40-150mm f4 Pro lenses
I personally prefer to use Olympus lenses with my Olympus cameras
Any of the Olympus standard M.Zuiko compact and Pro lenses
Depending on your personal progress, you could benefit from an ND filter to manage the 4th variable in the exposure mix. Study this article for more. Variable ND filters are often more practical than one or more fixed ND filters. Use lens adapters or lenses with the same filter diameter. The above list of M.Zuiko lenses has filter diameters ranging from 46 mm to 58 mm.
Smallrig flash mount filming handle with LED light and mic
What else could we need for filmmaking with Olympus M43 cameras? The following items are practical items, but not necessarily must-have items:
Camera cage or camera handle that fits into the hot shoe (see above)
A couple of inexpensive, small and portable (LED) light sources
An external microphone, or a mobile phone as an external recording device
An external monitor (not necessarliy the recorder type)
A good understanding of digital photography is a great plus for filming
Tripods and various types of reflectors
The SmallRig "Video" handle helps while filming from a lower position or when closer to the ground. It's also good for specific camera movements such as moving closer to or away from subjects. When used in combination with IBIS, video handles enable us to do complex camera movements.
Like photography, I was intimidated by the mainstream views of filmmaking. I decided to keep the original content in the next chapters and to add my current camera information and configuration as an alternative. Sometimes it's better to take a step back and start with a clean sheet of paper.
What camera settings are best for digital filming?
I used the EM5 II for the video clips, final video, and illustrations in this article.
From the camera menu, select the gear menu "I. Movie." Study the examples below to adjust your camera.
This is what I recommended in the past:-
Select shutter priority or S-Mode - 2nd image from the left
Set the Noise Filter to "Standard" - 4th image from the left
Other settings - copy all the above settings to your camera
Select "Movie Specification Settings" - Press OK & copy the settings below
Wind Noise Reduction - Deselect with no wind and the best option for wind
The preferred shutter speed while filming is double the frame rate. That's 1/50th for a frame rate of 25 fps. The next step is an ND filter because lower shutter speeds can be problematic in bright light. Fixed shutter speeds with ND filters work well in controlled conditions but are cumbersome in nature or city walks. This complexity is one of the reasons why I don't film more. The next question was, do I need all the things social media experts claim are crucial? For instance, I never needed to film in 4K, do color grading, use VLOG profiles, or collect all the video accessories social media experts promote on social media. What settings are best for family events or filming the dog playing?
These are the camera settings or configuration I prefer today:
Select program or P-Mode. I selectively use an ND filter for more control.
I exclusively use 50 fps (Europe) for smooth panning and slow speed options.
I mainly film in 1080p (FHD) and Super Fine (SF) quality when possible.
I use both IBIS only and IBIS plus digital IS while filming.
The camera applies a cropped sensor section for the digital IS option.
Cropping is not a problem because it's approximately 1.4X digital zoom.
I prefer to tweak the camera's Picture modes or the Color Creator for filming.
I use CAF (continuous AF) for video, and the shutter to start and stop recordings.
The camera uses the center of the display to focus in movie mode (see the marking).
That means you need to keep the subject in the center of the display.
The focus point can be moved by pointing at subjects on the display.
One can also apply face recognition. Study the manual and practice.
In terms of image or movie sharpness, as said filmmaking is not like photography. Don't think of image sharpness when selecting video options, think data. The compression ratio determines how much data the camera records. Keep in mind the camera records 25 or 30 fully sized jpeg images per second.
The data transferred to the SD card is huge. This is why videographers use high-speed SD cards. For example, select F (above image) if you work with an older PC. In terms of SD cards, see the EM5 II specifications listed in the user manual. As long as you stay with 1080p, the EM5 MKII specification is all you will need for all the above Olympus cameras.
The basic setting selected up to this point is to prepare the camera for video recording. With the next step, we will determine the day to day video settings. Select "Movie Mode" on the camera mode dial and press OK. Next, you will see the "Live Control" below. Use the up/down arrows to scroll up or down to the video recording format. To change the video recording format, press "Info", and with the left and right keys to select the different options displayed in the image below.
The above video format is perfect for home video recording. This video format determines:-
The actual file compression rate SF or F (data compression or volume data)
Frame rate (typically 25p for Europe and 30p for the US or cinema is 24p)
Clip Recording Time (If you new to video, start with clips, its easy and works well)
Slow-speed and high-speed recording is great for recording emotion
Check the video format: 1080p and MOV (this should be visible in the selection)
Your camera is now ready for video recording. Similar to the SCP screen, "Live Control" offers quick access to important video settings. With Live Control, you can adjust the frame rate, change the clip recording time, select the recording speed (standard, slow or fast speed), and adjust the compression ratio from F to SF or vice versa. To disable the clips or slow/fast functions, select "Off".
Scroll up or down to activate or deactivate things like the microphone, and Picture Modes. Study the "video recording" screen below and you will see that Olympus added a few more interesting video effects at the bottom of the screen. You will find more on those in the user's manual.
Tip:- When using the camera digital zoom, change to MF. That will prevent the AF from hunting.
General video recording Tips and Techniques
A typical social media video should not be more than 4 minutes. In fact, one of the Instagram video options is only 60 seconds. People's average web attention span is between 2 and 5 minutes. In fact, I was watching a video and the presenter said the attention span is the swipe of a thumb, think of that! One can set the camera clip duration from 1, 2, 4, to 8 seconds. The aim is to record a collection of video clips related to the same storyline. The next step is to combine these clips in a storyline (video) with WorkSpace.
Press the Info button until you see the view below on your camera. Olympus cameras and WorkSpace offer basic "editing" functions. It's important to get the clip right in the camera. The first step is to set the shutter speed, to 1/50 or 1/60 depending on the frame rate (25p/24p or 30p). This is referred to as the 180-degree shutter angle. (Search my favorite videos page information on shutter angle)
With Shutter Priority selected, the camera is now in full Auto mode and will automatically select the aperture and ISO. When outside in sunny conditions, the camera will need higher shutter speeds. The challenge is the shutter speed should stay fixed at 1/50th or 1/60th. This is why we have ND filters. ND filters are used to control the amount of light reaching the sensor (exposure). Use the histogram and adjust the variable ND filter to control the final exposure.
To plan your movie or "walk my dog" report, see the points below:-
Introduction - What can people expect (2 seconds Title or walking shoes & dog)
The story - the story consisting of the different elements described below
The closing - Text like "The End" or a short clip of the dog "resting"
Use the following techniques to build the story:-
Show an overview shot of the event, venue, or situation (slow panning movements)
Find & record detail - zooming in, macro or close up's, focus on subjects or people
Look for emotional moments - slow motion, close up facial shots, and/or animals
Tip:- Some Olympus cameras have a 120fps slow-motion option. Some are 720p and others 1080p. We selected 1080p for his article. That means the 720p options will not be a good fit.
See this interesting article with 7 tips on camera movements.
Additional comments and ideas
Study YouTube videos for ideas on how to move the camera - practice & apply
Configure the camera direction keys to control electric zoom on Oly EZ lenses
Practice using the camera special effects (Picture Modes, Filters, Monochrome)
Practice camera movements, working with/without the Camera Handle and IBIS
Plan ahead, think what the final video/project will look like before recording
Practice controlling available light using LED sources, reflectors, and flashes
Home filmmakers do not really need Log Profiles and/or special flat profiles
As you grow more advanced in editing, then 4K and Log Profiles are great
Color Grading - when starting with video, Auto WB is perfectly OK and safe
Study the Users Manual (P78-83) when it's your first Olympus video project
What you don't need
Running in and out the camera screen to check your camera CAF
4K, 6K, or 8K to create great videos - 1080p or FHD is perfectly OK
The lowest noise, highest DR, and fastest AF or the best EVF
The best sharpest lens on the market - filming is not like photography
Fact is, with practice Olympus cameras will deliver amazing recordings
Panning the camera fast from left and right to test "Rolling Shutter"
The GH1 is a classic and capable of producing great results - selling for +/- $65
The advice I would pass on to those interested in filming is to steer away from photography forums and YouTubers worshipping specifications and the virtues of full-frame cameras. Most of them dwell in perfect make-believe bubbles, which are disconnected from casual filmmakers. Master your Olympus, and learn to trust your eyes. Be brave and creative while filming as often as possible.
Recording video clips and managing them in the camera
Follow the steps below when recording your first video clip:-
Select the camera Movie Mode on the mode dial
Use a storyline to help you identify which clips to record
Fit a fixed or variable ND filter to the lens
Set the shutter speed to 1/50th for 25p/24p or 1/60th for 30p
Adjust the final exposure using the ND filter and check the histogram
Select the "Clip" duration and recording speed
Check IBIS plus digital stabilization for video is "ON" (MS1)
Press the "Red" recording button to start & stop the recording
While recording, you will see a small "clip" timer at the bottom right of the camera screen. When the clip is done the camera will automatically switch to the screen below.
Press the down button and follow the steps below. You can also press the Up button to review the clip. It's better to first go to the step below and review the clip later. The reason is when you review the clip first, you will not have an option to go back to the step below.
The above two images show the current projects and timelines in the camera. The first view you see is the view on the left after pressing the down arrow.
With the view on the left, you can remove clips from the timeline or start new projects. It's possible to work with multiple projects. One can move clips to the left or right on the timeline or up to "Create a New Project". One can also "Remove the Clip". The image on the right shows 2 projects. When done press OK.
Now you ready to record the next clip. Always check the clip recording time and recording speed before recording the next clip. If at any time you like to "edit" (shift clips on the timeline) while in the field, follow the steps below:-
Press the playback button to see the view on the above left. For more menu options press the OK button. This will open the menu on the right. This menu has no option to edit clips. To edit clips you need to press the Menu button to go back to the view on the left. Then turn the camera back dial one-click to the left to see the view below, on the left.
The above images show 3 steps. Follow these steps to edit or rearrange your project timeline. Press the buttons on the views in steps 1 & 2 (see the arrows). This will take you to step 3. In step 3, you select the clip you like to "edit" and press OK. This will take you to the view on the bottom left.
From the menu, select "Rearrange Order" and press OK. This will open the image on the right. Now you can move the clip to the "New" tab. You can also remove the clip. When done press OK. This will take you back to step 3. Select the next clip you like to move and press OK. Continue to apply the same sequence while editing the timeline. When done press the shutter button halfway to go back to video recording mode.
Below is an alternative method to edit the timeline.
To export the final video directly from the camera, press the image review button, and select "Export My Clips". Keep in mind exporting clips directly from the camera takes battery power and it can take a while.
When exporting the video with the camera, you need to check the following:
Clip effects - Select one of six effects
Transitions - Select "Fade" or "None".
BGM - Background Music - the EM5 II has one melody pre-installed
Clip Volume - Adjust the clip playback volume
The short video below was prepared with the EM5 MKII. When I exported the video, I selected no transitions, the Light Tone picture mode, and BGM (Back Ground Music). When uploading the video to YouTube, it is safer to upload the video in MP4 format.
In this project we selected MOV. To change the video format, open the video with Workspace and exported it again as an MP4 file. For more, see further down.
All video clips recorded with the EM5 II and the video was rendered in the EM5
Download clips from the SD card & editing in WorkSpace
Workspace has basic but functional video editing tools for beginners. They are similar to what you will see in advanced editing environments.
Please study the image below.
Workspace offers 4 easy steps to edit and prepare videos:-
Prepare and trim the clips with the Clip Trimming tool (Step 1)
Build the Timeline with the Merge Frames tool (Step 2)
Add external audio or music to your project
Export or render the final video
Follow steps 1 and 2 (see above image). If you need more information on WorkSpace, go to the help menu and download the pdf version of the WorkSpace User Manual. The image below shows how to organize your clips, where to file your "edited" clips, and how to save your final video.
Import the video clips from the SD card to the Video folder and the edited clips to the Projects folder. Give the edited clips descriptive file names and give each clip a "scene" number. When working with many clips it's important to clearly mark each clip. Study the example below.
I did not test the "add audio" or external music function on WorkSpace. Workspace does not have an audio editor. If you like to prepare separate audio files with music and sounds from the clips look for a separate audio editor you can use with your Mobile Phone.
The final step is to export your video. See the image below for more details. I used the MP4 format. When uploading MOV files to YouTube, they will be compressed and the results are not good. The export function (image below) is also a great tool to convert video formats. Open the video in WorkSpace and export it again with the new format.
Congratulations, you completed your first video project. Have fun, produce many videos, and show your grandchildren how it's done on Instagram...
Below is a video my wife recorded with her EM10 MKIII fitted with the 14-150mm. She uses full Auto Mode with no ND filters. She edits her clips in iMovie. This an example of not applying the basic video principles we covered in this article. It also shows that anything is possible.
Video clips recorded with the EM5 II and the video was prepared in WorkSpace
Final Thoughts and Q&A
How does one add Titles in WorkSpace
Olympus Workspace or the camera cannot add text to images or videos. One could prepare the text separately in Powerpoint. The idea is to then film a clip with the title:-
Print the Powerpoint or Keynote page and film a 2s clip of the title
For example:- Record a 2-sec clip of a black screen and then a 2-sec title clip
The timeline will then have a 2-sec black, then the title, and then the video...
You could also film the title clip directly from the PC screen (using a presentation)
On my Mac, I have a screen recorder. (It records what is happening on the screen)
With something like iMovie, text, titles, and openings are all done in iMovie
How to create separate Audio Tracks
Workspace has a basic Audio Editor but it does have the option to add separate audio tracks to the video. If you like to create a music track with a combination of sounds from your clips, try this:-
Play the edited and ready timeline on your PC
Simultaneously play a separate music track on your home stereo
Adjusting the volume on these 2 tracks, use your mobile to record the final audio track
Link the final audio track to your video with WorkSpace
With a different editor like iMovie, this process is all done in iMovie
The above method might look like a strange technique but keep in mind it works. Add a bit of flair and creativity and you will have the necessary tools to create great video projects in WorkSpace.
How should I manage my web presence?
At the moment, much is written about vlogging and video reporting. Many photographers are discovering the power of video and people like to create holiday or event videos.
There are basically two on-line options, one is live streaming and the other is to first build the video from different clips. The first is a live event and for experienced presenters and vloggers. The second is great for storytelling and for those who prefer to control and select their best clips first and then edit a final movie. For those who are starting with a video and those who like to start a web presence, see the steps below:-
Open a Google account which will give you access to YouTube
Go to Google and YouTube Training Center and search for how-to videos
The first step is to upload edited videos to YouTube
From YouTube, share the links with friends and family
Create an Instagram account
Search the web for info, how to prepare images and videos for Instagram
The final step is, be active, comment on others work, and follow people
What is the next step?
This is an open question. The options and variations to this question are endless. Keeping it simple, my advice is the following:
Shoot longer clips to cut/edit shorter clips (from the same recording or clip).
Move to more powerful video editing software, the options are:-
Various iPad options of which one is iMovie
iMovie for Mac is simple and easy to learn plus it's powerful
I used Adobe Premiere Elements for years - great for video editing
I stopped using Premiere Elements because it had a problem with Mac's
I use Apple's Final Cut Pro, a professional video editing package
Davinci from Black Magic is free for personal use and it's easy to learn
Adding monitors, gimbals, microphones, and a camera cage
Join groups or training courses to improve your video editing skills
Join local clubs that do video as a hobby - its great for support
It is important to ask questions before buying new video gear. There are many great toys but chances are you will never use them.
Experienced photographers rely on their equipment and experience when preparing for that winning image. Most photographers are familiar with image editing with Lightroom or Photoshop. The question is, how does one personalize your images in the camera?
Olympus Pen F with Lumix 14-140mm f3,5-5,6 @ ISO200, f7,1, and 1/400 shutter speed (Exposed for optimum Dynamic Range)
Most say, everything starts with good image quality, which is the reason we purchase expensive camera gear. To record great image quality, we know we need to consider the following:-
Make sure you select an optimum Exposure (Aperture and shutter speed)
Set the camera's White Balance - This improves the color accuracy and IQ
ISO impacts the dynamic range and noise; keep the ISO as low as possible
See these articles for information on how to improve your image quality
This article applies to the following Olympus cameras:
All Olympus OMD bodies
Olympus Pen cameras, EPL5/6/7/8/9/10 plus the Pen F / E-P7
This article has 3 parts:
Discuss general but important camera settings and techniques
How to prepare and edit raw or JPEG files in your camera
How to personalize your images with the Olympus OI Share App
General camera settings
The settings I discuss in this section will improve your general experience with your camera. If you are familiar with these settings, please scroll to the next section.
I used my Pen F and the EM5 II to prepare the different images and illustrations for this article. I will not discuss all the camera settings available with your camera; please refer to your User Manual.
Image Quality
Shooting Menu 1:- Always select the RAW+JPEG option. This allows you to save your raw files for future use. Raw files do not change when editing your images in the camera. All edited images are saved as JPEG files in the camera. The RAW+JPEG option enables photographers.
Use your camera's SCP as a window into which image settings are available with each Picture Mode. For example, use the camera SCP to check the JPEG file quality. You want your JPEG files set to LSF (Large Super Fine) to have more image data. If you need web-ready files, use smaller file sizes like Medium or Small. No matter what file size you select, always use SF (Super Fine). To change the image quality, go to the Custom Menu "G", and select "IQ Set". Follow the steps below:-
Image Aspect Ratio
Image aspect ratios are a personal choice and part of creating a unique personal style. The Micro Four Thirds sensor has a native ratio of 4:3. Raw files have a ratio of 4:3 with the full 16 or 20MP capacity. Photographers are generally comfortable using image ratios of 3:2 because that is the native ratio for APC and full-frame sensors. The image at the top of this article has a 4:3 ratio. This ratio is unique and a first step in differentiating yourself...
Customizing AFL and AEL
Mode 2 is a great choice when using SAF (Single Auto Focus). Think of a portrait photo with the model not in the center of the frame. Mode 2 enables you to point the camera at the subject, focus, and keep the shutter halfway while reframing and taking the image. The camera will measure the exposure when you press the shutter all the way.
"S-AF AEL/AFL" -Mode 2 is therefore good for static scenes. It's perfect for photographers using hyper-focal distances when doing street or landscape photography. Mode 2 is also great for weddings or portrait photography.
Mode 1 (default) is general and suitable for both moving and static objects. When using Mode 1, you will not focus and reframe like you did in Mode 2. You will basically focus and take the image in one go. The reason is that Mode 1 measures and locks both AE and AF when you take the image.
Configure your camera for ETTR
My preferred camera settings for ETTR are the following:-
I always set my OMD back dial for exposure compensation. (Not the Pen F)
I use the following exposure Info settings: Highlights, Shadows, and Histogram
Camera Histogram sets the over/under-exposure warning limits to 254 and one
Set the exposure (EV) steps to 1/3 EV steps and the ISO (Auto) steps to 1/3 EV
Set Noise Reduction to Auto
Noise Filter to "Low" (You can always change this when editing the raw file)
ISO high limit to 1000 and the low limit to 200 (Rely on IBIS and not high ISO's)
Depending on the scene, use full ESP or center-weighted exposure metering
Why do we use ETTR? The main reasons for using ETTR are:
Recording more tonal data (image data)
Improve image quality
Reduce shadow noise
See this interesting article (7 Tips for getting better results with your Olympus Camera)
Olympus has an interesting function, Exposure Shift. It's important you first read the user manual. Using the exposure shift function, dial in an auto-exposure compensation of +3/6 (+.05EV).
One of the challenges applying ETTR manually is a good understanding of exposure and the role of ISO. When using the Exposure Shift function, it is all a little easier. My Pen F is a little different from my EM5 II. You need to practice using this technique. That said, I do not use ETTR on a daily basis. See this article for more on advanced exposure techniques.
Select your AF configuration preference
For accurate focusing, select the center group or the single frame AF option. Olympus cameras have two single AF frame options. The small AF frame (image on the right) is more accurate and perfect for macro photography. Using all the focus points is not always the most effective way to apply your camera's autofocus. Selecting the single AF frame option will offer several advantages:
The center AF point is almost typically a cross-type focus point
It is fast, and the camera will focus accurately in various situations
It complements the AF Mode 2 (AEL and AFL) we discussed above
The photographer is in charge, and not some eye-tracking or AI protocol
Practice and this will improve your success rate with any camera
Personalizing your images in the camera
There are basically three ways to create our own personalized images in the camera:-
Do not be afraid to select and experiment with the "standard" Picture Modes
Experiment with the Creative Color functions like Curves and the Color Creator
Create your own custom profiles or presets (Camera, WorkSpace, and OI Share)
Using Olympus picture modes
In my Creative Color series, I said it's important to make small adjustments when adjusting your camera settings. Apply one click at a time and test the effect for a few days until you find a combination that works well for you. I used the following Pen F settings for all the images below:-
Picture Mode (iEnhance - low)
Contrast (+1)
Saturation (-1)
Graduation (See image notes)
Tonal adjustments (highlights, mids, and shadows)
I used different tonal adjustments for the center image and the image too the right. I used the following settings for the image in the middle:-
Shadows (-2)
Mid tones (-3)
Highlights (+1)
Graduation (Normal)
With the image on the right, I activated Gradation, which lifts the shadows and balances highlights and mid-tones. Besides, I used the following tonal settings:-
Shadows (-4)
Mid Tones (-3)
Highlights (-4)
Graduation (Auto)
The tonal (curve) function is great for adding that unique image look or reseting ETTR effects. Here are a few tonal adjustments (profiles) you can use and practice:
Add contrast - Highlights (+1) and Shadows (-1) - for more contrast, Shadows (-2)
ETTR images - Lower the Mid Tones while checking the histogram
Experiment with tonal (Gamma) adjustments, it's a powerful creative option...
The Olympus Color Creator function
With the OMD EM5 II, Olympus took the bold step by introducing the Color Creator. The Color Creator introduced Olympus owners to the artist's Color Wheel and color concepts like opposite or complementary colors. The Pen F took this to the next level by introducing Color Profiles and Monochrome Profiles. The Pen F inspired me to write a 6-part Creative Color series.
Olympus Scene Modes and Art Filters offer creative photographers more creative control. The key is to practice using SCP. The SCP shows us when tonal curves are available and when not. Curves are available with ART filters but not with SCN modes. The steps below demonstrate how to activate the SCP for the different camera Modes.
Many Olympus owners do not know it's possible to fine-tune ART filters with curves. You can now select any ART filter and fine-tune that ART filter to create the image look you prefer. See the example below or at the bottom of this article:-
Another option I discovered with B/W ART filters is the option to apply color filters and/or change monochrome base colors. See the SCP or ART filter menus below. The E-P7 introduced more options to control the ART filter effect. One option is to edit a JPEG image in Workspace. Apply an ART filter and experiment with the adjustment slider controlling the ART filter effect.
These color options are available with the:
Dramatic Tone II
Grainy Film 1
Grainy Film II
Another option is Photo Story. Photo Story has different in-camera image templates. Each template has different options to finish the final Photo Story look and feel. This is a great way of creating your own unique Instagram presentation...
Photo Story Template
Instagram uses an image ratio of 4:5 or 8:5. The 2nd ratio is more complex because it's best done in Photoshop with the slice tool. You can prepare the 4:5 ratio in the camera or with OI Share. Before uploading the image to Instagram, resize the vertical to 1350. See the example below...
Editing your raw files in the camera
I never used this function. I was pleasantly surprised to see just how much one can do with the camera. With your Olympus camera, you can edit raw files and JPEG files separately. The raw editor is more flexible and powerful than the JPEG editor.
Follow the steps below to open the camera raw editor:-
Step 1 - From the "Playback" menu, select "Edit"
Step 2 - Select "Sel. Image"
Step 3 - Scroll through your images until you find the image you like to edit, and press "OK"
Step 4 - Select "RAW Data Edit"
Step 5 - Next, you will select how you will edit your raw file. See the descriptions below
Option 1 - "Current"
The camera will take the current camera configuration and apply that to the raw file. You need to prepare any special settings before opening the editor.
Option 2&3 - "Custom" 1&2
Here you have two options:-
Option 1
Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press OK. The camera will use the previously used Custom adjustments. Think of Custom 1 or 2 as "editing" profiles.
Option 2
Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press the right arrow. Next, you will see the raw editor. See the images below.
Scroll through the different raw settings to edit/adjust your camera raw file. The settings you use will become part of the Custom "profile". Next time you select the Custom option and press "OK", these settings will be applied to your raw file.
When done, press "OK" and then "Yes". The edited raw file is now saved onto the memory card. Next, press "No" and you will be able to select the next image...
I did not discuss all the different editing functions separately; we will do that in the next article. You could also try the JPEG editor. You will see the raw editor has more editing functions.
Olympus OI Share and OI Track
Most Olympus cameras have a Wi-Fi function, and some of the later models have Bluetooth. This makes it possible for you to track your location, control your camera, upload images, and edit images with your mobile phone. This is great news for those traveling.
How to connect to these applications? I first connected my OI Share app with my camera (EM5 II), and next, I connected the OI Track app. It's easy to make the connection, press the WiFi logo on the back of your camera screen, and follow the steps below...
Now you are ready to start using your Olympus App with your camera. See the images below showing some of the editing screens available with the OI Share Application.
The image on the left is the application "Control Center" from which you have access to all the App settings and functions. In my follow-up articles, I will discuss more.
The interesting part is that as one get used to working with WorkSpace, the different camera functions, and the mobile phone application, you will find all create the same look and feel pictures. You basically familiarize yourself with one set of tools with which you can do most of your cataloging, image editing, editing on the go, and image sharing...
