Walking away from a great photography solution...

Last Update: 17th June 2024

Introduction.

Imagine a river flowing through a beautiful Alaskan landscape. On the one side, we see photographers with Color Profiles and film simulations. Simplicity and basic camera settings differentiate Fuji's Film Simulations from the rest. Conversely, we see an almost perfect solution and photographers worrying over basic technical characteristics, like sensor size, pixel count, diffraction, image quality, lens quality, image noise, dynamic range, and AF technologies.., basics that apply to all cameras.

Olympus EM10 IV with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/400 - Enhanced Raw file converted with WS (Monochrome profile)...

A small group of Olympus visionaries at the Imaging Business introduced the Olympus E1 in 2003 with a new 4/3rds sensor format. In the years following, we saw how competitors formed a collective full-frame DSLR community with the promise of having "superior" image quality. Oversimplified "size and capture" theories followed while the M43 format was targeted in counter-marketing campaigns.

Olympus Pen F with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f7.1, 1/100 - Enhanced RAW, WS, Color Adjust, and Pop ART filter w Soft Focus effect.

It's exciting to learn more about this digital 4/3rds format, the general evolution of image sensors, and the vision the Olympus engineering team had as they pioneered and developed the future of M43 mirrorless cameras. It's also exciting to see photographers break from the collective FF mediocracy and discover Olympus M43 cameras like the Pen F, EM5 II/III, EM1 II/III, and the OM-1.

Olympus E-M10 IV with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/400 - Enhanced Raw converted and edited in Workspace.

Why a collective FF mediocracy? Because every FF talking point applies to all digital cameras. For example, the FF mediocracy cannot explain the unique differences between the technical and optical characteristics of two sensor sizes because the "size and capture" theory assumes the bigger one is better. In fact, the "size and capture" theory became so charged on social media that it's impossible to take anything serious full-frame promoters and fanboys say. Consider the absurdity of saying the "bigger one is better" without having a credible technical paper supporting your theory.

More about an almost-perfect photography solution...

The Imaging Business refined its photography offer before Olympus closed it. For example, they optimized their 16MP and 20MP digital Live MOS sensors with new sensors, FW updates, and the first Stacked M43 BSI sensor of the Olympus OM-1. They created an advanced Image Processing typology with dedicated Image and Art Processors. The same processing topology is embedded in Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format. It's possible to summarize the evolution of this advanced solution in 3 R&D phases. The result is an M43 camera that will record the image and process the final JPEG in the camera, the OI Share App, or Workspace (16-bit TIFF) via the Enhanced Raw Format.

Did you know it's possible to tweak your camera's tonal adjustments (highlights, mid-tones, shadows, and Gradation) in Workspace? This is possible with the Enhanced Raw Format from Olympus...

Development Phase 1

Olympus introduced their ART filters with the new E-30 in 2008. Cameras like the E-30, E-620, E450, E-P1/2, and E-M5 had the first generation of ART filters. Olympus also introduced new features at the end of this phase like Live Time, Live Composite, and Photo Story with the Olympus E-M5 II. Did you know that one can apply almost any aspect ratio to the image (frame) below with Workspace..?

Olympus E-M10 IV with 17mm f1.8 - ISO125, f1.8, 1/4000 - Enhanced Raw File converted in WS (ART filter).

Development Phase 2

In this phase, Olympus introduced improved Tonal Adjustments, which included the "Auto" Gradation option, Highlights/Shadows & Midtones, and the Workspace Tone Curve function. The Color Creator lets photographers add a "chrome" or "global" color effect, and the Monochrome and Color Adjust Profile functions let us focus on individual colors with the Pen F, the E-P7, and Workspace...

Olympus E-PL9 with 14-42mm EZ - ISO200, f9.0, 1/200 - Enhanced Raw converted/edited with WS (ART filter).

Development Phase 3

This was an exciting phase for M43 photographers. Olympus introduced the next-generation ART filters plus more control for the E-M1 II/III, E-M10 III/IV, E-P7, E-PL9/10 E-M5 III, and the OM-1. Workspace improvements enabled M43 photographers to apply MonoChrome and Color Profiles (Color Adjust) to almost all Enhanced Raw files. This phase also introduced new computational features like Pro Capture, handheld High Ress Mode, advanced AF, Starry Sky AF, and ND-Filters...

The 6 steps to unlock your creativity with Olympus cameras...

Your creative photography with Olympus cameras will radically improve if you:

1. Learn to walk away from all counter-marketing or dumb-down fanboy statements.
2. Accept that the Olympus Imaging Business was part of the Olympus Corporation.
3. Break away from the hold and negative programming effect of counter-marketing.
4. Improve your knowledge and experience of photographing with digital cameras.
5. Work hard to rediscover the M43 format and your Olympus or new OMS camera.
6. Be part of the discussion and constructive criticism of OM-System and the future.

Olympus E-M5 II with 12-50mm f3.5-5.6 lens - ISO200, f6.9, 1/320 - Enhanced Raw, Instant Film ART Filter, Color Adjust + Tonal tweaks.

Imagine what if... Fuji photographers had access to these features...

Fuji developed a wide range of mirrorless cameras plus firmware upgrades to support a community of photographers who appreciate their "Color Science" and the community's Color Profiles. It's interesting to see what Fuji photographers do with only a few camera settings. For example, study the camera settings in this Color Profile (recipe) from a well-known Fuji photographer.

One can indeed do much with Fuji cameras and Fuji's Raw Studio. Knowledge and experience are equally important when working with Olympus or Fuji cameras. I like Olympus photographers to see what Fuji photographers achieved with only a few camera settings. The following illustration is only a snapshot of what M43 photographers can do with Olympus M43 cameras and Workspace...

Did you know that the best way to familiarize yourself with these creative functions is to convert/edit your Enhanced Raw files in Workspace? The more I practice with Workspace, the easier it gets to be creative with my Olympus camera or to plan my editing workflow while photographing... 

Conclusion

The initial Olympus ART filters were wild, and most M43 photographers rejected them. What we have today is something completely different. It's now possible to tweak some ART filters or target specific colors. The editing scope of both Raw and Jpeg files is endless in Workspace. Phase 3 made it possible to create complex and unique color profiles that will support almost any photography style...

Olympus created an M43 digital camera solution that lets photographers enjoy unique photography styles. Workspace and the Advanced Raw Format are an integral part of this complete solution. This includes a comprehensive lens offer and cameras like the older E-series (E-30, E-620, E-450) plus M43 cameras like the E-M1, E-M5 II/III, E-M1 II/III, the EM10 series, the Pen series, and the OM-1. 

Thank you for a great time discussing Olympus cameras. 

Siegfried

Olympus E-M1 III with 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II lens - ISO200, f6.1, 1/125 - Enhanced Raw, Partial Color ART filter, Adjust Color + Tonal Tweaks.

FW updates for the EM5 II, Pen F, and EM1 series

Last update:- 14th June 2024

Introduction.

I found several Press Releases with "new" firmware updates while working on my next article. Paging through the updates and improvements, I was reminded of the changes we saw over the past 4 years. A new world enfolded where people celebrate when paying the equivalent of a new camera for a firmware update or a rebranded product. It's a different world where marketers and repetition know no end, as they govern our personal spaces, certitude, and collective values.

Source: Olympus Europe

Transforming from a technological leadership position to rebranding means previous Olympus products are as relevant as before but at a much lower price. They can be had for a fraction of buying a new camera, and many used Olympus cameras are "like new." Most Olympus mirrorless cameras were also years ahead of larger competitors, which only started selling mirrorless cameras in 2018.

How many megapixels is enough? Some say we need high-resolution sensors, or 16MP sensors cannot compete with newer 24MP cameras. Image quality is the sum of sensor sensitivity, lens quality, and the image processor. Sensor sensitivity (IQ, DR, & noise) plus Image Processing (features) are the main differences between cameras like the E-P3 (12MP), E-M5 II (16MP), and the OM-1 (20MP). We also know that 16MP cameras like the E-M10 II and E-M5 II deliver excellent image quality. Some have good arguments in favor of 8MP. Imagine the sensitivity benefits of a modern 8MP BSI sensor...

The OM-1 closed a decade of innovation excellence with the Olympus Imaging Business...

The posted Press Releases are linked to the cameras below. Olympus enjoyed excellent customer loyalty with its commitment to innovation, listening, and responding to customer feedback. For example, the E-M1 was launched in 2013 and received its final FW upgrade 6 years later in 2019. 

Here is more info about the current firmware versions: (Also, see this list - link)

• The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II firmware version V4.1 from January 2019.
• The Olympus Pen F's current firmware version is V3.1 from January 2019.
• The Olympus OM-D EM-5 III firmware version V1.7 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 II firmware version V3.7 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III firmware version V1.6 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1X firmware version V2.4 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 firmware version V4.6 from February 2019.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M10 II firmware version V1.4 from March 2019.

This OM-System page has a summary of some cameras and firmware updates.

The Olympus EM1 III sells for as little as $650 on the used market.

Transferring years of know-how resulted in a loss of available documentation. Fortunately, Olympus kept its pre-2020 Press Releases, and OM-System created a new library of Olympus information. I am always looking for new documentation. Let me know if you have camera brochures, technical papers, or any camera-specific information you could share with me in PDF format.

Always keep a copy of the latest user manuals and FW information. For example, Olympus released a separate E-M1 II Video Manual with its V3 firmware update. Also, download any information covering video features, tethering, LOG, and LUT profiles for the different Pen or OM-D cameras.

Press releases about new cameras are always a good read. See this example. 

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X with the 40-150mm f2.8 Pro lens.

One has to go back to 2012/13 and study the original E-M5 and E-M1 to appreciate the technological leadership position of the Olympus Imagaging business. It explains the counter-marketing programs like astroturfing and repetition to discredit and cancel the Olympus R&D team. Three years of NO innovation and rebranding reveal much about the future of this once-great brand. It literally looks like a victory lap after a successful counter-marketing campaign. This article reviews the turnaround after the 2012 financial crisis. See this E-M1 Manual with all the firmware updates.

Olympus photographers had good reasons to be optimistic in 2019...

A history of new features and incremental improvements

Olympus used firmware to improve and add new features to its existing cameras. The press releases below are only a partial list of improvements done on the above list of cameras. One has to study each camera to appreciate the extent of these improvements. An achievement of particular interest is the evolution of the Olympus autofocus algorithm for the OMD and PEN series of cameras.

For example, this video shows the Cluster Autofocusing function, and this example shows the final CAF for the EM1 MKI with firmware V4.6. My experience with the EM1 MKI is similar...

TIP: Go to the end of the article for info about OM-System's unwillingness to update older Olympus cameras. 

This decade of innovation was characterized by one of the most aggressive counter-marketing campaigns against another manufacturer...

Enjoy a decade of FW updates with Olympus...

Source: www.Olympus.com - click on the 1st page to study all the pages in the image viewer.

Why is OM-System unable to manage Olympus FW updates..?

Check the Firmware status before you buy a used Olympus camera. This is, unfortunately, an issue for Olympus cameras and lenses. OM-System seems to blame Apple for improving the security of its Mac Operating System. I question this because an older version of the Mac OS (Catalina) flagged these access requests of OM-System. See my Workspace update page for more information.

Also, see this announcement and FW update discussion at 43rumors.com - Link.

Is it safe to buy used Olympus cameras? Used cameras and lenses are attractive because the prices are steadily going down. The secret is to check the condition of the camera and negotiate. Used Olympus cameras and lenses are always exciting to those loving the outdoors, even with no support from Olympus or OM-System. Should one buy OM-System cameras? Take a good look at the past 3 years. They haven't developed anything new and only printed their label on existing products. The OM-1 was a final R&D achievement of the Olympus Engineering Team. Camera manufacturers like Fuji, Nikon, Canon, and Sony continue to innovate and sell exciting new camera gear...

How to update your Olympus? I bought a used Olympus EM10 IV with firmware V1. Several Olympus cameras had a general update to improve the camera's autofocus accuracy with compact lenses. One of my concerns with my used EM10 IV versus the E-P7 was shadow noise. The noise disappeared after updating the EM10 IV to firmware V1.1. In fact, the image quality between the 2 cameras is now identical. I asked my local camera shop if they could do the firmware update.

Build a relationship and support your local camera shop...

The OM-System Audio and Workspace Updaters. Also, see the comments on my Workspace page. The above 2 screenshots show the access OM-System wants from your Mac PC when installing WS or OM DVR. I recently upgraded to DxO PhotoLab 7 and had NO security issues. In fact, the DxO PhotoLab lens database connects to the DxO servers each time I open a new raw file...

How about new firmware for the Fuji X-T5. It couldn't be easier to update my X-T5. I downloaded the updated firmware from Fuji, formatted my SD card, transferred the new firmware to my SD card, inserted the SD in the X-T5, and the camera did the rest. It reminded me of Olympus...

OM-System created several pages in the local or English language to support Mac PC owners. Should I apply the M1 "upgrade" steps to my M1 and Intel Mac, and which of these pages is up to date? Here is an example of an OM-System "support" page. Is it that difficult to follow Fuji's lead..?

Best

Siegfried

Video basics and modern digital cameras

Last updated:- 29th April 2024

Introduction.

I decided to invest more time in videography with Olympus M43 cameras after an increased interest in my introductory article on videography. My articles discussing image sensors, digital cameras, and subjects like exposure also formed a strong foundation for exploring the video creation process with M43 cameras. This and future articles are written for those who are new to videography.

We all appreciate the difference between a Toyota Aygo and a Porsche 911. They are profound when driving fast on a German AutoBahn. One often assumes the differences between cameras are similar when listening to YouTube presenters. For example, one of my articles revealed relatively small differences between sensors with up to 20 times pixel area variances. We, unfortunately, live in a world where folks like to exaggerate about digital cameras, video specs, and sensor sizes.

The Panasonic G100 has become an exciting hybrid camera amongst M43 photographers...

My wife and I transferred our VHS video collection onto DVD. We enjoy watching them with our son and his family. Imagine your grandchildren see their father learning to ride a bicycle on an old VHS video. I never experienced the same fun recording and watching videos on my mobile phone. There was something special about making memories about the family with my VHS video camera. The new Olympus E-M5 II was exciting and a huge inspiration when Olympus launched it in 2015. I made many short videos with my DJI Phantom P3, the Olympus EM5 II, and Premier Elements.

Did you own a VHS? I like to see marketers re-focus on consumer segments?

Modern marketing has become a window into the so-called "perfect" world. A world where cows don't fart, and everyone uses 8K hybrid cameras. One can't help asking if manufacturers gave up on casual video creators or purposely ignored them. Eager to learn more, my enthusiasm faded as I watched YouTubers crying for new menus and more specs. My E-M5 II had to have 4K, and Premier Elements was no longer good enough. Next, I needed a 6K mirrorless camera, 8 stops of IBIS with no crop, autofocusing like Sony or Canon, 4.2.2 10-bit (Pro-Ress RAW), mic plus headphone ports, and a host of LOG profiles plus LUTs before I could even start thinking about my next film project. 

This short video illustrates the correct behavior in a "perfect" world...

Olympus EM1 III with the 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO1250, f4.5, 1/15 - Enhanced Raw converted in Workspace.

Another option is to simply return to basics...

Taking a step back, one quickly realizes how accurately the Olympus Imaging Business targeted hobby and casual filmmakers. Cameras like the original EM5 and EM1 continue to fill that gap as capable photography cameras while helping those developing their videography skills. Take a moment and list the main video differences between Olympus M43 cameras from 2012 to 2024. 

It's, therefore, critical to familiarize yourselves with the basics of videography before purchasing your next 8K hybrid FF mirrorless camera. For example, many photographers think "hybrid" means two systems in one camera body. Many photographers also assume the image signal path from the scene to the saved recording changes from photography to videography.

Study this video for a detailed explanation of the illustration below.

What are the differences between photography and videography? Considering Step 1 (above), the same principles of saturating the sensor or improving the SNR apply. The basics of managing video quality and dynamic range while capturing more tonal data are the same. The main difference is how we manage the 4 exposure variables in video mode. Looking at Step 2, the camera's processing of the image signal does not change from photography to videography. The main difference is Olympus added more options like the Flat or OM-400-Log to tweak the camera's Gamma (Tone) Curve. Looking at Step 3, the main difference is the file format creators select for video or photography.

The above illustration also helps us with V-LOG profiles and "Color Grading." For example, when filming in V-LOG, one needs an LUT to convert the recording back to the REC 709 display format. Color grading is similar to image editing or creating a specific look and feel for your final video...

The Olympus Pen F and E-P7 enable us to create "Flat" video (exposure) profiles plus "Color Grade" in the camera.

We will explore the following in this series about videography:

1. A short overview of the Olympus M43 menu selections for video.
2. What does one typically need to create videos with M43 cameras?
3. We will focus on tips and techniques when recording video clips.
4. Basic principles of taking video clips and creating/editing a video.

Olympus EM1 III with the 45mm f1.8 lens - ISO1250, f3.5, 1/25 - The Fuji XT5 is a great photography and filmmaking camera...

Why do I believe crop sensors are perfect for filmmaking?

We need to discuss the segmentation of the filmmaking market. Camera manufacturers neglected to view mobile phones as competitive products. This resulted in a singular and not segmented consumer focus, as each new camera has to be a "better" Pro Camera. For example, list the 3 main benefits hybrid cameras have over mobile phones. Consider the basic to intermediate G100. When launched, this small hybrid was highly criticized because reviewers and promoters could not position the G100 in the "pro" segment or properly evaluate its scope of applications. The G100's acceptance increased when the target segment discovered it in the used markets. Imagine the possibilities of a new G100 hybrid camera with the processing capacity of an iPhone 14 or 15?

See these discovery videos of the Panasonic G100. Link 1, link 2.

The above illustration is only an educated guess of the most likely market situation...

Don't let YouTube "Pro Talk" or social media promoters distract you. M43 (crop) cameras are perfect for filming. Olympus M43 cameras are great for video projects and those returning to filming with M43 mirrorless cameras. I will discuss various Olympus cameras and lenses in this series...

What's interesting about the video below is how sailors select the best tools for the job. They will use drones, GoPros, mobile phones, and hybrids like the Olympus EM5 III. Each of them offers unique functionality and applications that enable videographers. An interesting approach, right..?

An example of creating lasting memories with different cameras. See the EM5 III in the video...

Conclusion

This series of short articles supports those new to filming with Olympus mirrorless cameras. I planned more time for future articles to discuss frame rates, aspect ratios, the 180-degree shutter rule, the need for ND filters, camera movements, autofocusing techniques, and video editing.