Last Updated:- 8th March 2025
What drives the steady growth of the MyOlympusOMD blog, and why do I focus on the M43 community? It's intriguing that for every 100 views my blog receives, 85 originate from search engines, 8 from referrals, and merely 7 are from photography forums. Many forums tend to suppress discussions that challenge the prevailing negative reporting of OM System/Olympus and the M43 segment. This might explain the demand for a more balanced perspective on used cameras and crop sensors. Additionally, the rising interest in APS-C cameras like the Fuji X-T5 suggests a trend towards a growing acceptance of crop sensors. Let’s delve into this engaging and evolving photography landscape.
I prefer AI (Grok or ChatGPT) info to commercially biased photography forums.
This article delves into a growing community of photography enthusiasts who are reconnecting with digital photography. These individuals emphasize the importance of familiar camera menus, practical photography tips, and discussions on image editing, as opposed to the social media focus on larger sensors, "modernizing" camera menus, and having more megapixels. For example, these commercially driven spaces are losing appeal among contemporary photography enthusiasts. This shift highlights a return to traditional photography values, contrasting with the relentless pursuit of the latest camera models, extravagant video specifications, and the obsession with cropping large files.
We reviewed the concept of painting with light and the technical and optical characteristics of the sensor versus the mainstream view, in my previous article. This article explores the benefits of having manufacturer information. For example, press releases teach us more about older and new camera models. Manufacturer data is proving to be a more reliable source of information than social media. I will also review the ongoing conversation about image quality and how Olympus viewed IQ.
For context, I included some marketing snippets to clarify the benefits of manufacturer information, modern AI services, and the value of personalizing your photography needs. For example, the original OMD E-M1 is a wonderful camera and creative tool for the experienced photographer in 2025.
What would your top 5 reasons be for buying the new OM System OM-3?
Popular forum communities function as effective marketing platforms that enable marketers to cultivate the perception of collective support for new products or to counteract targeted brands. For instance, one can discern current marketing priorities by examining forum discussions, such as paid promoters suppressing discussions related to used cameras while highlighting misleading flaws associated with rival products. Though photographers often participate in the buying and selling of cameras, many manufacturers treat the used camera segment as a direct competitor. Consequently, analyzing the various interactions within large forums has led to a reliable approach for identifying proactive marketing and counter-marketing initiatives.
What prompts consumers to turn to social media rather than seeking information directly from manufacturers, and how have external marketers created a new layer of marketing between consumers and manufacturers? For example, it is not uncommon for third-party marketers to oversee “sensitive” corporate initiatives. Many companies invest significant resources to distance themselves from oversimplified marketing concepts like "size and capture." Could this be a reason behind the increasing trend of consumers rejecting commercial strategies that promote unrealistic expectations, rely on repetition to generate demand, or engage in tactics such as astroturfing?
Olympus E-M1 III Enhanced Raw File converted in WS (Color Adjust, ART filter, and more).
The Olympus E-M10 Mark III and Mark IV serve as prime examples of how supplier information can be effectively repositioned through alternative marketing platforms. Notably, the Mark III and IV models share the same TruePic VIII image processor and 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) as the EM-1 II, challenging the idealized portrayal of the E-M10 Mark II often seen on social media. Both models benefit from a 121-point autofocus sensor, complemented by advanced AF algorithms that enhance their focusing versatility. Additionally, the introduction of the new AP menu enriches the already robust set of creative and computational features available in these latest iterations. Both my wife and I frequently use the E-M10 III and IV, and we have found them to be quick and capable of delivering impressive image quality across the tonal spectrum.
The 240-point AF cluster feature is another valuable enhancement to these newer cameras. We are wholly satisfied with its performance. Although a great lens, the larger M.Zuiko Olympus 12-100mm f4 pro lens are idealized as an ideal traveling option while ignoring the 12-45mm f4 pro lens.
How much do you know about Olympus cameras like the EM-10 III, EM10 IV, and the Zuiko 17mm, 45mm, and 25mm f1.8 lenses?
The Olympus E-M10 II is one of the smallest OMD cameras and a wonderful day-to-day M43 camera. It offers great image quality and matches perfectly with the M.Zuiko f1.8 compacts. The newer Olympus E-M10 III & IV cameras excel in creativity, autofocusing, functionality, and performance.
The Olympus E-M1X and E-M1 III are also good examples. The social media favorite is the E-M1 II while the functional capability of the E-M1 III + TruePic IX compares well to the OM-1. Customer feedback has become a more reliable indicator than the social media version of various cameras.
OM-System OM-3 with M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 Lens. I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace (Color Creator / Color Adjust Profile).
My objective for 2025 is centered around the concept of "returning to fundamentals." This entails more accurate and dependable supplier information while disregarding superficial marketing claims. I much rather discover how Olympus presented advancements in the TruePic image processor, camera firmware, image sensors, Zuiko lenses, and raw converters/editors like Workspace.
The alternative presents a misleading marketing facade, suggesting that paid social media experts serve as reliable advisors. What is particularly striking is how this narrative emerged alongside the establishment of an erroneous theory claiming that full-frame cameras are inherently superior to Micro Four Thirds (M43) and crop sensor cameras. See forum conversations and camera reviews. In the realm of social media, the prevailing notion of image quality hinging on sensor size being a critical factor gave rise to the so-called "size and capture" or bigger is better commercial theory.
For example, social media advisors will say Olympus reused the same 12MP, 16MP, and 20MP image sensors (sensor focus) in different cameras. We know this is false because the E-P3, E-P5, and others (up to 40%) have new image sensors. What criteria did Olympus use to improve image quality?
Olympus E-30 with 14 - 54mm f2.8 - 3.5 Zuiko lens. The Enhanced Raw File was converted in Workspace.
Should the focus be on more pixels? What about Sensor Sensitivity (Optical & Quantum Efficiency)? Is the sensor's readout speed critical? Don’t you think the hype about sensor size, IQ, dynamic range, and noise drives photographers to underestimate the significance of the image processor, lens, and sensor combination? Should we only consider the sensor's "IQ" when buying a new camera?
The similarities between the E-M1 III and the OM-1 are striking, particularly in terms of image quality below ISO12,800, where the discrepancies are decreasing. Each successive model has demonstrated marginal enhancements in processed detail. Notably, the technical image data produced by these 20MP sensors exhibits a remarkable degree of similarity, even when considering the OM-1’s Back-Side Illuminated (BSI) sensor. The underlying reason for this lies in the effective pixel area and pixel wiring losses of LiveMOS versus BSI technologies. Moreover, the significance of the TruePic IX and X processors is such that they play a more decisive role in shaping final image quality than the sensors themselves. This results in the characteristic “film look” often associated with older models, as well as the unique image signature found among different brands. Regarding the OM-1, it would be interesting to know more about the sensor's specification and how this information could explain the new BSI sensor's improved dynamic range and shadow detail enhancements.
See this short article for more about the role of the Image Processor.
"Painting with light" - I optimized the sensor's saturation with SAT (Auto) and tweaked the tonal curve in the E-M1 III and Workspace.
The Olympus E-3, E-30, and E-5 are interesting examples. The E-3 and the E-5 were professional DSLRs that looked similar but were very different. The E-30 is an enthusiast DSLR with the same 12.3MP Live MOS sensor as the E-5. Yes the E-5 was launched in 2010 and does not have the same sensor as the Pen E-P3 from 2011. The E-30 has a TruePic III+ and the E-5 a TruePic V+ image processor. While both have excellent image quality, the E-5 has the edge with its new and more powerful IQ technologies such as fine detail processing and new optical filters. Study the E5 press releases.
This is an example of how Olympus improved its existing cameras.
The Olympus E-30 and 50mm f2.0 Macro. I used a CPL filter on images 2 and 3 and converted the raw file in Workspace.
Why do CCD sensors evoke a film-like look? The initial digital camera marketing strategy aimed to facilitate the shift from analog to digital. For instance, Olympus collaborated with Kodak during the transitional phase, which included using analog concepts such as ISO sensitivity for digital cameras. Today, we understand that the sensor's sensitivity is calibrated during manufacturing, while the ISO function serves to amplify the image signal generated by the sensor. Consequently, promoting a new "digital image look" to analog photographers would have proven challenging.
Everything changes as we learn more about digital photography...
I prepared a quick "image look" comparison between the E-500 (CCD) and the newer EM10 IV with its Live MOS sensor. I also converted one E-500 raw file in Workspace and compared it to the camera's JPEG. Except for some finer details, the images (results below) look surprisingly similar. This raises the question of whether Workspace uses one IQ database for all Olympus cameras, meaning older raw files benefit from modern IQ technologies. I wish Olympus had given us more information.
An interesting technical review of the Olympus E-500.
I used the Olympus E500 with the Zuiko 50mm f2.0 Macro. This is a crop of the out-of-camera (OOC) JPEG image.
Olympus did a great job quantifying the role of the image sensor, TruePic processor, and Zuiko lenses. Press releases are also one of the most reliable sources of information when studying older Olympus cameras. Most of the pre-2020 press releases can be downloaded from the Olympus website. These are the old Q&A pages for most Olympus 4/3 and M43 cameras (see the comparison tables).
This article discusses the new BSI sensor and has a copy of the OM-1 press release.
Press releases summarize the IQ technologies Olympus created while technologies like sensor readout speeds, sensitivity, noise floor, Zuiko lenses, IBIS, and autofocusing improved. It's also interesting how they focussed on more computational features and functions over the past 10 to 15 years.
I converted the E-500 Enhanced Raw File to a camera JPEG version in Workspace and prepped the final image in Photoshop.
How does Workspace differ from older to newer Olympus cameras? The available Workspace editing (camera) options are linked to the Enhanced Raw File or Exif data. For example, the E-500 does not have shadow, mid-tone, and highlight adjustments because it's 15 years older than the EM10 IV. Older cameras like the E-500 offered only limited control over the camera's tonal (gamma) curve.
"Difused light" - E-M1 with 17mm f1.8 Zuiko lens. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace (Color Creator, Tonal Curve, Curves).
How did Olympus plan image quality improvements? Did they focus on the new 20MP sensor of the E-M10 IV, or a combination of the TruePic VIII image processor, image sensor, Zuiko lenses, and newer IQ technologies? For example, Olympus introduced many firmware updates, new TruePic processors, and IQ technologies from the older E-500 to the EM10 IV. See the various press releases.
I used a Gray card for the next 3 images and did the WB "corrections" in Workspace.
"Controlled light" - Olympus E-500 and 50mm f2 Zuiko lens. ISO100, f6.3, 1.3 Sec. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
The Olympus E-M10 IV and 12-50mm M.Zuiko lens. ISO200, f6,3 1/5. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
I used 2 LED lamps and a tripod to control the final look of the test scene. More recently, I have been focusing on angles, contours, and lighting which enabled me to adjust the scene and the final image look. We can also compare Workspace to the TruePic processor. This makes it possible to finalize the image look (presentation) with the external LEDs and the camera's settings in Workspace.
Why is the E-M10 IV a more capable camera than the E-500? The TruePic VIII Image Processor offers higher processing speeds, more control, creative options, and computational features. Modern image sensors are more efficient (data collection), with higher SNRs (smaller noise floor), and design aspects like sensor read-out speeds (stacked sensors) and more dynamic range (sensor design).
"Color Profile" - Olympus E-500 Tiff version. I applied the Pen F (Kodak 160 VC) profile to the gray card Tiff version in Workspace.
Olympus' press releases and the information they share with customers are significant. For example, the original E-M5 and the E-M10 have the same sensor (E-M10 press release). The E-M5 has the older TruePic VI, and the E-M10 has a newer TruePic VII. The E-M5 has 35 AF points on the sensor and the E-M10 has 81 AF points. Does this mean the EM-10 has an upgraded version of the E-M5 sensor? Did the E-M10, therefore, receive a new sensor with 81 AF points? The E-PL7, E-M5 II, E-M10 II, and E-PL8 probably used the same high-speed 81 AF point sensor. A combination of the TruePic image processor and the upgraded sensor could explain the image quality improvements of the E-M10.
I had an interesting conversation with ChatGPT on whether the E-M10 has a new sensor. The AI reply raised a few questions which we reviewed with data from Olympus press releases and an OMD catalog. At one point I asked for a list of information references. Interestingly ChatGPT sourced its information from the alternative marketing layer. I used different questions to get ChatGPT to do a more in-depth search. Knowledge is critical today as the obvious is not always correct.
I paid for my OM System OM-3. This blog is ad-free and I am NOT sponsored by any company.
Update: The xAI service Grok received the highest info quality rating for going deeper than only the alternative marketing layer. I asked Grok if the E-M10 has 81 physical or software AF points? The reply was both physical and software AF points are possible with modern mirrorless cameras.
See this conversation I had with ChatGPT - link.
Olympus E-500 with 50mm f2.0 Macro. ISO100, f6.3, 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
Another interesting example is the Olympus Pen E-P3. The external marketing layer promotes the idea that all 12.3MP Olympus cameras use the same "old" sensor. Did you know these sensors and TruePic image processors were tuned to deliver the well-known Olympus color or film look? Olympus upgraded the Pen E-P3 with a high-speed (120fps) Live MOS sensor and the TruePic VI processor. Older 12.3MP cameras (M43 & DSLRs) used older image processors. See the E-P3 press release for more.
The Olympus E-30 is almost the same size and weight as the Panasonic G9.
The Olympus E-M1 II was a milestone targeting pro photographers. The E-30, E-P3, and Pen F were unique designs for enthusiasts and creative photographers. For example, the E-P3 Live Guide was the first iteration of in-camera Tonal Control and the Color Creator. Features like these were ignored by social media advisors. See the Pen E-P3 press release for more info plus the 2X digital converter designed for "standard resolution" photos with the M.Zuiko 40 - 150mm f4 - 5.6 kit lens.
This is the first article in a 6-Part series about creative color photography.
How would you define the Olympus analog or film look? Why the question? The same social media advisors who rave about Fuji's Classic Chrome film simulation question Olympus' color accuracy. What is more popular today, "correct" colors or something like Canon, Olympus, or Fuji colors?
Imagine having an Olympus E-5 III (plus handgrip) and the older E-450 in your camera bag...
What are the main benefits of owning an Olympus camera? The main advantage of photographing with Olympus cameras is an opportunity to discover more about digital photography than sensor size, dynamic range, and image noise. Used Olympus cameras offer a mix of basic to advanced exposure techniques, creative color technologies, and computational features at a competitive price.
Color and monochrome profiles are unique creative tools. Photographers have more options while creating and sharing color/monochrome profiles with their cameras or Workspace, and the simplicity of sharing profiles with Workspace has become a huge benefit. My next article will briefly overview the Pen F and E-P7's creative options such as the color creator and color/monochrome profiles.
A modern image look of the Olympus Pen E-P3 and Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. ISO200, f8.0, 1/650. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in WS.
Take a moment to carefully study the press release (below) with the 5MP and 8MP CCD sensors of the Olympus E1, E-300, and E-500. Imagine the surprise when the Olympus Engineering Team learned the alternative marketing layer promotes the idea that sensor size is critical for image quality and more pixels would not negatively impact Sensor Sensitivity, Dynamic Range, or the sensor's noise floor. What role did the alternative marketing layer and nodding consumers play in motivating the Olympus board of directors to walk away from 100 years of innovation and a visionary Imaging Business?
The next Press Release announced the first Live MOS sensor replacing older CCD Kodak sensors. I only included information relevant to this article. Study the Olympus E-330 press release for more. Folks, I spent hours studying and building a summary of the new IQ technologies, image sensors, image processors, software plus firmware updates, and the lenses Olympus developed for its cameras. It's a rewarding and positive experience learning about the visionary solutions Olympus pioneered, their planning and decision-making, plus segmentation and new product positioning.
See this article about the hyped Olympus financial scandal?
What about image quality? This is a complex subject because we don't have a definitive standard for image quality. I always smile when forum advisors say, "Everyone knows FF cameras are better." One advisor claimed full-frame cameras have 20 to 30 times "more" image quality. Others spend hours pixel-peeping while the rest make prints and enjoy them with good wine and friends.
The E-M5 and 14-150mm lens. The raw file was converted/edited in WS (ART filter).
How many image quality (IQ) tests have I done? See this article reviewing the DxOMark IQ database. I tested 15 cameras with a 20-year to 20-times pixel area difference. I also tested thirteen Olympus M43 cameras further down. From these and other examples, IQ arguments should not be at the top of your features list when buying a new camera. The application (ie landscape, BIF), type of camera, auto-focussing, computational features, and the final IMAGE LOOK are way more interesting.
Olympus E-M1 III Enhanced Raw File converted in Workspace. (Color Creator)
For example, the design criteria of the older (2015) Olympus EM5 II were flexibility, great video, IQ improvements, improved 5-axis VCM stabilization, and 40MP high-resolution images from the older E-M10 sensor. This is the same high-performance 16MP Live MOS sensor with 81 AF sensor points. It's fascinating to study the E-M5, EM5 II, E-M1, and E-M10 press releases and brochures while reviewing the improvements and computational features Olympus created with these cameras.
Olympus E-500 with Zuiko 50mm f2.0 macro lens. ISO100, f2.0, 1/3200.
In conclusion, why are Olympus cameras so popular? The Olympus Imaging Business earned a great reputation for its visionary solutions and technologies, the functional design of Olympus cameras (look and feel), the digital M43 sensor format, creative plus computational features, Olympus color, and unique image quality (film look). It's also an opportunity to experience the evolution of high-quality mirrorless cameras over the past 15 years. The classical look and feel of Olympus compact, DSLR, and M43 cameras played a large part in the increasing popularity of used Olympus cameras.
The Fuji X-T5 Press Release. How does this info compare to the mainstream view?
Would you question this ISO1600 (same camera settings) test if someone published it on social media?
ISO1600, f7.1, 1/50th. The DOF advantage allows for more detailed shadow info.
The smaller DOF of FF cameras and equivalence are not for everyone.
The Fuji X-T5 is a great alternative to M43 cameras.
Digital cameras had excellent image quality over the past 15 years, which allows us to convert older RAW files professionally in 2025. The various Olympus camera models differ in weather sealing, the focus on application, computational features, and processing speeds. For example, how much effort does it take to repeatedly take great images in different situations? Those photographers who have older cameras and do photography as a hobby appreciate using cameras like the E-30, E-620, and E-520 with Zuiko lenses for their film-like image quality and competitive pricing.
The Olympus Watercolor ART Filter. See the Pen E-PL5 press release for more about this interesting ART Filter.
Nothing we experience today is new. This is more apparent as we study cameras like the OM System OM-3. Future corporate marketers (AI) will likely "create" new camera options and features from a central camera database and match them to "new" photography segments and applications.
Olympus E-450 with Zuiko 14-42mm lens. ISO100, f9.1, 1/500. Something special about the film look of Olympus DSLRs.
I would much rather enjoy an annual Photoshop and Kelby One subscription or plan new photography excursions than "invest" thousands of dollars on a "better IQ" (hmmm) full-frame camera.
Imagine buying a complete camera kit, with film-look images, for less than $1000:
- Olympus E-30 or E620 DSLRs with Live View ($180)
- I recently paid $60 for my E-450 with 2 kit lenses
- Olympus Zuiko 12 - 60mm f2.8 - 4.0 lens ($210)
- Olympus Zuiko 50 - 200mm f2.8 - 3.5 lens ($120)
- Many other great Zuiko lenses to choose from.
- A used camera bag, carbon tripod, and flash.
- When last did you print DSLR images?
- This and more for less than $1000...
The OM System OM-3's width, height, and weight will be more than the Fuji X-T5 with an RSS bottom plate and handgrip.
Olympus DSLRs have a remarkable film-like image quality. I also view the world differently today. For example, it's a joy to edit my older photos. I also love the image look of older Olympus CCD and Live MOS sensors. I believe both these sensor types benefited from the transition to digital.
Olympus E-30 and 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 Zuiko lens. ISO100, f7.1, 1/100. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.
A key aspect of older digital cameras is supplier info. For example, Olympus never tweaked the IQ of its entry-level, enthusiast, and professional cameras. Olympus segmented its cameras with features, weather sealing, and functionality. See the E-500, E-520, E-3/5/30, and E-620 press releases.
How will OM System improve and differentiate its future cameras?
Olympus E-510 with 14 - 42mm kit lens. The jpeg was edited in Workspace (Color Profile, Soft focus ART filter, Gamma, and Curves).
Should we upgrade to the OM-3 version of Workspace? I recommend waiting for older Intel Macs. The current (V2.3.2) Mac version is stable and works well with my Olympus cameras. I upgraded to V2.4 on my older Macbook Pro (M1) and experienced no issues. It's quick and responsive.
Photography is fun.
Siegfried
PS. I used the same studio, M.Zuiko 60mm f2.8 macro lens, and camera settings for the images below. Spot the differences...
