The Enhanced Raw Format and Live View

Last Updated:- 31st May 2023

  

We are studying the history and growth of Olympus Live View. It all started with the Olympus E330 in 2006 and the E-3 in 2007. The E3 was the first Pro DSLR with a fully Articulating and Live View Display. The focus was functionality and the ability to compose an image while viewing the sensor's live data. The E3 was also the first DSLR to display the sensor's RAW data and update the display as the photographer adjusted settings like the WB, ISO, Auto & Manual Focussing, and Exposure. The photographer could also monitor the camera's IBIS operation on the Live View display.

This was the start of the Olympus Live View function. The current Live View and Workspace (Raw Converter) option advanced to a level one would think is absolutely normal. Interestingly, other manufacturers don't offer a similar solution, except for the Fuji X-RAW-Studio. We are reviewing the Enhanced Raw Format and the integration of Olympus cameras with Workspace.

What does this mean? We can now replicate the sensor's raw data, the camera's final Live View display, and our camera settings in Workspace.

I wrote a new article discussing different options to create profiles in January 2024.

Also, see the 2nd article I wrote about the Enhance Raw Format.

Also, see these articles:

- How I convert my Enhanced Raw Files - link

- Olympus Color and Creative Photography - link

- See this article for details on how Live View works - link

- How to use the Olympus Color Creator and Workspace - link

1. Introduction

What would photographers typically expect from the camera's display:-

• High-resolution LED or OLED screens with 1M-Dot or higher resolution
• Visibility and functionality are critical aspects for most photographers
• Fully Articulating 3" or larger touchscreen displays for video applications
• Bright displays with good viewing and controls, similar to mobile phones
• Large magnification EVFs (2.3M-dot +, and 120fps) with no black-outs
• The new Fuji XT-5 display is one of the best photography formats in 2023
• The eyepoint on the EVF is important, especially for those wearing glasses
• The Super Control Panel (SCP) on Olympus cameras is a great solution
• The existing Olympus menu is great and easy to use for M43 photographers
• Backward operational compatibility is a strength of the EM1 III UI & menu
• The ability to recreate the camera's Live View display in the raw converter
• The ability to develop and practice camera color profiles at home (software)

The EM1 III is the final Pro-level camera from Olympus with the familiar UI and menu. This menu system developed and improved over many years. The best advantage of the EM1 III is its backward compatibility with older cameras. For example, I recently bought a 10-year-old Olympus EM1 MKI and had no problem applying my preferred Olympus configuration to the older EM1.

The above image illustrates the conversion process of the Enhanced Raw File. It starts with adding the final Live View data and camera settings to the Enhanced Raw File. When uploaded to our PC, we open the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace. Only the sensor's raw data will be visible when we open the raw file. The next step is to "activate" the camera settings to enable the final camera's Live View display. The next step is adjusting our camera settings in Workspace. We could also apply more advanced editing in Workspace. The final converted raw file is exported (16-bit Tiff) to PS...

Tip:- Study the Live View Boost function from Olympus in the Users Manual. 

Olympus E-3 with an Articulating Display (Competing with the Canon 40D and Nikon D300).

Olympus continued to develop the Live View function and the compatibility between the camera and the previous Olympus raw converter, Viewer 3. The next step was the Creative Color concept. The Creative Color concept from Olympus consists of functions like B&W filters, Color Profiles (Pen F, EP-7), Color Filters, Adjust Color, and the Color Creator.

I discussed the Live View function in some of my other articles. My search for information on Live View and the Histogram started in 2019. For example, I found more data about Live View in my older E30 documentation. Older News Releases from Olympus and User Manuals are a treasure trove of "unfiltered" Olympus information on their cameras, lenses, and software...

Please study as I use this terminology in this article.

2. Live View and Olympus Cameras

Olympus photographers need to answer this, do you think Live View or the Raw Converter (Viewer 3 & Workspace) were only random thoughts? Olympus introduced Live View in 2006, and the Olympus Imaging Division's marketing team never re-launched or advertised any improvements. They looked like the worst marketing team in the industry. The enormous progress by the Imaging Engineering team is only visible when you study the new "Working Space" from Olympus.

For example, have you ever asked yourself why calling it, WorkSpace and Live View?

Any camera's Live View display should mirror the image sensor's response to camera adjustments and the reflected light reaching the sensor. This concept was part of Olympu's design criteria from day one. Combining the sensor's raw data with the functionality of Workspace was the next logical step for the Olympus Imaging engineering team...

But all cameras have Live View. Yes, it's possible to list and evaluate the design criteria of all mirrorless cameras by reviewing the unique photography landscape promoted by camera reviewers and what supposedly photographers (promoters) want from a camera and Live View display. 

Studying Olympus, we see the following:-

• A live connection between the image sensor and the Live View display
• The histogram with the same direct link to the sensor raw or image data
• The ability to monitor the raw or image data while adjusting the camera
• The ability to evaluate camera adjustments before capturing the image
• Selecting and changing any color or creative adjustments in Live View
• The ability to have an Enhanced Raw File with ALL the camera settings
• Compatibility between the Live View data and supplier Editing Software
• The ability to accurately apply & monitor exposure techniques like ETTR
• The ability to edit the camera settings or practice with them in Workspace

This basic Live View flow diagram matured with M43 Olympus cameras.

How to Enhance your Raw Files in Live View?" Your camera's Live View display or EVF replicates the sensor's Luminance Perspective. The only difference between the sensor's raw data perspective and the camera Live View image is a layered "Display Profile" placed onto the raw data. Olympus created another layer to add user profile settings (Creative Data) to the sensor's raw data. This is how the Enhanced Raw Format enabled Workspace to access the camera's layered Enhanced Raw data. In other words, we can now simulate the camera's final Live View display in Workspace. It also allows us to experiment with many camera settings or profiles in Workspace.

Regular Raw Converters are different because they access the sensor's Raw Data Layer. Traditional editors like PhotoShop, Lightroom, or PhotoLab cannot access or process the Enhanced Raw Data from Olympus cameras. It does not mean they are not good. WorkSpace has full access to the sensor's Raw Data and the user's Creative Layer via the Enhanced Raw Format. OM-System uses the same "Advanced Raw Format" terminology on its official website and press releases.

Traditional Raw File = Sensor Raw Data

Live View Image = Sensor Raw Data + Display Profile

Enhanced Raw File = Sensor Raw Data + Camera Creative Layers

This is BIG news because the Enhanced Raw Format enables us to test different camera settings while Workspace simulates the camera's Live View display. This process also improves our experience of testing and developing new camera profiles in Workspace. A good example is the Color Creator from Olympus. It is difficult to familiarize yourself with this function on the camera display.

The above illustrations demonstrate the Enhanced Raw Format and Live View in Workspace. It also shows how to activate your camera settings in Workspace. Those camera settings, like Picture Mode, which is not clearly marked, can be found in the Exif data. For example, the Color Creator...

Older WorkSpace versions could only replicate the Creative Color settings of specific camera models. The anomaly was the EM1 II. It was possible to overlay a Pen-F color profile onto the EM1 II raw data. Workspace V1.5 and later versions opened Color Profiles. 

How should we edit Enhanced RAW Files? The first step is to Activate your Camera Settings in Workspace. The camera's final Live View display will be displayed on your computer. You will only see the Sensor's RAW Data if you don't activate your Camera Settings in Workspace. See Tip 22 on my Workspace How-to-Page.

Why RAW files and not JPEGS? The reason is simple for WorkSpace. The editing space for jpeg and raw files is the same in WorkSpace. Considering only the available image data, you will find raw files have more than double the file size (amount of data). These reasons should be enough to use raw files. The biggest reason is the Enhanced Raw Format and Live View for Workspace. This changed everything for photographers and Olympus cameras...

Olympus Stylus SH50 Compact Camera - ISO125, f5.8, 1/200

The Live View display allows us to simulate or test our camera settings in Workspace. Trying new camera settings is the best advantage of the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. A good example is building new color profiles. Workspace also made it possible to fine-tune your camera settings in Workspace. This is an advantage Olympus photographers shouldn't ignore...

Should we Calibrate our Cameras and PCs? It's possible to select an sRGB or RGB Colorspace for the camera. The color space is embedded in the image Exif data. Color Calibration is a complex subject and warrants a separate article. To keep it simple, I have been using RGB for all my gear.

This short paragraph reminds photographers to use the same Colorspace for all their equipment. I selected my Embedded PC Profile (RGB) for Workspace (see below). These basic steps synchronize the camera, computer, and WorkSpace. Some forum "experts" promote the idea of using the sRGB ColorSpace. My biggest concern is the sRGB color space is the lesser option... 

What are the benefits of discussing this information? The advantage of using the same Colorspace on all your equipment is compatibility and the ability to improve your Color Awareness Skills in the comfort of your home. This enables Olympus photographers to grow their creative ART photography skills by editing and practicing their Creative Color camera adjustments in Workspace.

The more you use the WorkSpace Live View mode, the easier it is to apply this experience in the field with your Olympus camera. Live View and WorkSpace were the two most significant developments in the modern history of Olympus digital cameras...

The Olympus histogram:- The Olympus Histogram is as much a part of the Olympus Live View functionality as the image sensor raw data in Live View. The same principles of collecting data apply to the histogram and Live View. You can only benefit from practicing at every opportunity with the different features of Olympus cameras. For example, what is the function of the green add-ons in the Olympus histogram? How do they help us?

It is critical to study and master the Exposure Techniques discussed in this article. This will help you improve your image sensor's performance and exposure settings for creative photography and image quality. It's critical to master your shutter speed and aperture versus the ISO function.

Final Comments:-

What would an Olympus workflow look like? One would typically convert the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace and post-process (edit) the 16-bit Tiff file in Photoshop. Photoshop post-processing includes the Adobe Raw Converter as a layered Smart Object with access to LR features...

Olympus EP-7 w 17mm f2.8 - ISO200, f5.6, 1/500 - Enhanced Raw file, Gradation High, Color Graded and converted in WS and edited in PS.

The above image is an example of using the computational features of Olympus for ETTR, protecting highlights, and improving the shadow SNR and tonal data. See this article. 

Is OM-System a concern or a hope for the future? I bought my Olympus EM1 III from OM-System in 2021, and my Inbox turned into a junk box. The OM-1 has a new menu because they couldn't manage the pressure from promoters (product reviewers). PCRAW Mode segregated the OM-1 from the rest of the Olympus Pro cameras. Are these decisions and the OM-5 simply inconsistent decision-making or part of a future product strategy? Does a Photography DNA mean anything? For example, even my old Olympus Stylus XZ-2 works with Workpace and the Enhanced Raw Format.

I haven't used my Fuji XT-5 much because I am satisfied with the Olympus Pen-F, EP-7, and EM1 III. I even considered selling the XT-5 but decided to keep it until I make a final decision...

Why would competitors benefit from having promoters and a new OM-1 menu UI?

When you think about it, Olympus enabled photographers to "edit" the captured raw data before reaching the TruePic Image Processor. In other words, we are dynamically altering the "sensor raw data" before we release the shutter. This is the purest form of digital photography... 

Lensbaby and Olympus Creative Functions

Last Updated:- 25th October 2022

Introduction:

I believe M43 photographers are generally well-informed and eager to explore their digital cameras or the pros and cons of using different types of image sensors. This is why I like to share information when I discuss digital cameras. For example, we studied a basic block diagram of the camera, the evolution of sensor sensitivity, and the various aspects of reflected light. We also looked at concepts like Managing your Exposure Mix or Saturating the Image Sensor. 

This means we studied the different ways of managing the reflected light exposing the sensor or the efficiency of the image sensor. We also looked at the differences between creativity and image quality and how to apply the best exposure mix for either creative or maximum image quality.

For more about the above, see:-

• For more about managing image sensor performance - link

Index for this Article:-

• Introduction
• The Lensbaby Composer
• Secondhand Cameras and the Olympus E-30
• The Olympus Live View function
• More about Creative ART Photography
• All the images and descriptions can be used as examples

Olympus E-PL7 with 9-18mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/640 - Jpeg edit in WS with Pen-F 1020 Color Profile and Keystone

We also discussed Art filters, Color concepts, and Creative photography while reviewing the Olympus Color Creator and Color plus MonoChrome Profiles. We learned how to create and apply Color Profiles and started the Workspace How-To page. We studied WorkSpace and how it simulates the TruePic Image Processor with the same camera settings as your Olympus camera. 

• You will find my WorkSpace How-To page here, 
• And my different Pen-F (and E-P7) Profiles here. 
• This article about editing with Workspace here

I talked about the creative strategy Olympus introduced in 2006 with the E-330. Tracking the strategy, it seems like it coordinated R&D priorities and the creative and computational features from Olympus. For example, the E-330 was the first DSLR to offer Live View, and the E-30 was the next step in terms of creativity and the future of Live View. Each camera after the E-30 added more specifics to the creative roadmap Olympus introduced with the E-330.

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Color Creator, Shadows/Highlights, and Vignetting

Our next challenge is reflected light or luminance and how to control it. I cannot help to think of analog photography when I discuss reflected light. For example, should we take a new look at flash photography and how to manage light in future articles?

This article studies the Lensbaby Composer and how it modifies reflected light. This is only one of many ways to add another layer to your photography experience with Olympus cameras...

Taken with the EM1 II and 45mm f1.8 - I specifically controlled the light using only one FL600R flash

The Lensbaby Composer

When I finished my "1020" Color Profile in June 2021, my thoughts drifted to my Lensbaby Composer with the "1020" color profile. What a surprise when I tried the 1020 color profile with my Pen-F and the Composer. They proved to be an exciting and engaging combination.

This encouraged me to spend more time with my Lensbaby Composer, and from the images, one could see this was a good option for doing ART photography. In addition, more recent Olympus cameras have more freedom in terms of creativity, WorkSpace, and the "Enhanced Raw Format".

One of the challenges I have with my Lensbaby Composer is its physical diameter when putting it on my OMD camera. For example, I cannot put the Composer (Tilt Transformer) on my EM1 II. The Pen-F is OK with the older Composer because it doesn't have the OMD Viewfinder hump.

Taken with the Pen-F and Composer, using the New "1020" color profile - used as a display background image

One of the mistakes photographers make is to use the Composer with photo walks. The secret is a slower pace when photographing with something like the Pen-F and the Composer. It's best to relax and focus on your surroundings during the unique creation process of the Composer.

I found it becomes easier to work without a tripod when I use my Composer more frequently. It could be the Twist 60 add-on I use with my Composer. This is truly a unique way of ART photography and I highly recommend this type of Art Photography...

The next considerations with something like the Composer are image editing, sharpening, manual focusing, manual exposure, and selecting the right settings for your Composer. For example, which ART filter complements a particular image, editing, or photo style?

Olympus EM10 MKIII with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO100, f11, 1/60 - Normal and Pop Art converted Enhanced Raw Files blended in PS

It's fun to see the hypercriticism when mentioning ART filters. We don't see that with Adobe features like the new selection tools for Photoshop 2023. Instead, we have photographers exploring these new features. Why should it be different for Olympus? For example, most photography sessions start with planning, selecting the right settings, framing, and taking the image. Like Photoshop, none of these steps are identical between images. Is your histogram or ART filter only good for one thing?

That's why I like the idea of avoiding camera reviews and photography forums. It takes a little practice and out-of-the-box thinking to apply your Olympus ART filters in many ways. For example, the above example was created from 2 images which I converted from the same raw file in Workspace... 

Pen-F with Composer - taken with the new "1020" Color Profile and changed to the Diorama ART filter + frame in WS

Secondhand Cameras and the Olympus E-30

I discussed the growing supply of secondhand cameras in one of my previous articles. For example, while scouting our local sites, I found an E-30 at a good secondhand price. I tried the E-30 shortly after its launch in 2008, but having the E-3, I decided not to get the E-30.

I recall enjoying the E-30, the new ART filters, and the good image quality of the E-30. I went back and studied my E30 test images before buying it. It's interesting how Olympus evolved from the E-30 to the newer OMD and PEN models. I added a few of my E-30 test images to this article...

Olympus E-30 with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 - ISO100, f7.1, 1/320 - Jpeg edited in PS and Luminar 4

The Olympus Live View function

It's good to know how Olympus implements the Live View function. One of the more interesting aspects of Live View is the Creative Features from Olympus and how they use Live View to track the changes in the image. This differentiates Olympus from other camera manufacturers.

For more on Live View, see this article.

The Live View image on your camera display or EVF is basically a replica of what is happening on the image sensor. The only difference between the raw sensor data and the image on your camera display is the "Display Profile" decoding the raw sensor data. For example, we can add another layer of our own settings to the raw sensor data. The result is a new kind of Enhanced Raw Format which enables us to replicate this layered camera "Live View" file in WorkSpace.

E-520 with 14-42mm Kit Lens - ISO100, f5.6, 1/100 - Raw file edited in PS. Easy edit to preserve the Olympus look and colors

The reason I discuss Live View and WorkSpace is simple. Your Olympus Live View function plays a key role in the image creation process because it was designed to assist the Olympus photographer with a better "window" into the image creation process inside the camera and WorkSpace. 

That means your creative photography or Enhanced Raw File conversion (editing) experience benefits when you learn how to work with Olympus Live View in your camera and Workspace...

Olympus Pen-F with Composer and Tilt Transformer using my new "1020" Color Profile

In fact, the creative features from Olympus are so good, that it's very difficult to get the same results when processing Enhanced Raw Files with other raw converters. Add Workspace to the mix and the ability of Workspace to replicate the camera settings, and it's even more difficult to process raw files with any of the more popular raw converters. (See the E520 example further down)

I do have Photoshop and like to edit my 16-bit Tiff Workspace files with Photoshop. This gives me the best of both worlds. What makes the Composer combination with Olympus so interesting is Live View. It gives the photographer the ability to watch the image develop while adjusting the Composer. This reminds me of Live Composite, Live Bulb, and Live ND filters.

Olympus E-30 with 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 lens and using a fill-in flash - Jpegs slightly edited in Photoshop

More about Creative ART Photography

I never tested any of the newer LensBaby lenses. I prefer the unique style of the older Lensbaby lenses. That said, my Composer is not as engaging with older M43 cameras like the E-P1 or the E-M10. The older M43 bodies are not creatively as exciting as newer models. Another aspect of older Lensbaby lenses is they are not expensive secondhand and mostly in good condition. 

Yes, it's possible to have similar results from Photoshop, but it's not the same as using the camera and the Composer. It's possible to enjoy hours of creative photography with Olympus and the Composer. Think of nature photography, city streets, portraits, and botanic gardens. Your Olympus and Composer combination is compatible with almost any photography style.

See this Instagram account...

Olympus Pen-F with Lensbaby Composer and my new "1020" Color Profile

Pen-F with Composer and my new Color Profile, then taken back to Live View in WS and changed to an ART Filter

The different Olympus creative features like ART filters, Scene Modes, the Color Creator, and Color or MonoChrome profiles are all 100% unique. This means we have a camera and software platform with a unique set of creative features to practice and create new masterpieces... 

Olympus Pen-F with Composer - I used the new 1020 Color Profile with a bit of white vignetting

Folks, it might be too much for some when I repeat phrases with ART or creative photography. The thing is, photographers created art for years and it's nothing new to see special effects from filters, ND filters, or polarizers. Not even the Lensbaby concept is unique. What is new is how Olympus managed to create a software version of the same Truepic Image Processor in Olympus cameras.

See this interesting discussion on DPReview about Photography and Art...

Olympus Pen F with the Composer Pro and Sweet 35mm lens

The personal growth you can expect from expanding your thinking and using something like Lensbaby with your Olympus camera is more than exciting... 

For example, while photographing, think of the final image and the steps you will take when converting the Enhanced Raw File or editing the 16-bit Tiff file in Photoshop. It's now possible to continue the creative process in Workspace when converting your Enhanced Raw Files.  

Olympus Pen-F with Lensbaby Composer and my new Color Profile and Vignetting

If you need more information about Lensbaby, see this link. You will discover more information in the download section. Do a search for secondhand Lensbaby lenses and experiment with them. It takes time and patience to be more comfortable with these Lensbaby lenses...

As said, the Lensbaby Composer does not communicate like regular Olympus lenses with your Olympus camera. They also do not have AI, AF, or CAF. 

Lensbaby lenses are so basic that one literally takes the right aperture disk and places it inside the lens. See the diagrams below of my different Lensbaby components and a quick "How-To" guide.

The basic components of the Lensbaby Composer and so-called Tilt Transformer (bottom part).

What makes the Lensbaby Composer so interesting is its continuous adjustments. It's possible to "adjust" the Composer until one gets the right image look. For example, use a Nikon lens with the Transformer and you have a basic tilt-shift lens. 

The illustration below shows the Lensbaby Muse with the Tilt Transformer. I do not know if the Composer is still commercially available. You will find them secondhand...

Here you have different options or possible applications with the Composer

The next generation after the first Composer is the Composer Pro and now we have a Pro II. As you can see the Pro is the safe option for OMD cameras. That said, the newer Pro is not as flexible or interesting as the original Composer. 

Any of the older LensBaby lenses or next-generation lenses are worth trying if you like to experiment with these fine lenses. 

Olympus Pen-F with Lensbaby Composer - I used the Color Creator, WB, Curves, and Vignetting in the camera

Olympus Pen-F with 70-300mm f4.5-6.7 - ISO640, f8.0, 1/2500 - Raw edited in WS, Pop Art filter, and vignetting

If you prefer a simple walk-around lens, look for the Composer Pro. They are smooth and the Sweet 35mm add-on that comes with it has a built-in aperture unit. The EM10 II and EM5 II are good for the Composer Pro series.

The Lensbaby Composer Pro on my EM5 II - The Sweet 35mm with Aperture ring is fitted to the Pro

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Pop Art, and Shadows/Highlights

Olympus Pen-F with the Composer Pro with Macro and Sweet 35mm lens (1020 Color Profile)

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Pinhole ART filter

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Color Creator, Shadows/Highlights, and Vignetting

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Po - Raw edited in WS with Vintage ART filter, Shadows/Highlights, and Vignetting

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Grainy Film ART Filter, Shadows/Highlights, and Tone Curve function

Olympus EM5 II with Composer Pro - Raw edited in WS with Color Creator and Vignetting

Olympus Pen F with Lensbaby Composer and Twist 60 at f2.8 - I used the Watercolor ART filter in Workspace

Olympus Pen E-P7 review

Last Updated:- 28th March 2024 

Introduction.

The Olympus label on the Pen EP-7 and OM-1 signifies the end of a rich history of innovation by the Olympus Engineering team. The new OM-System OM-1 II and OM-5 (EM-5 III) introduced a new era for these cameras. All said the similarities between the EP-7 and older E-P, E-PL, and Pen F cameras are striking. I like the elegance and look of the new Pen EP-7 with its 337 grams. The lack of an EVF and the plastic camera body also introduced a future of low-cost OM-System cameras. Good IQ and low pricing will be critical differentiators for OMS cameras like the EP-7, OM-5, and OM-1 II.

I purchased my EP-7 from OM-System in 2021. Following this short introduction, I planned to spend more time with my new EP-7. More than eighteen months passed, and it's time for an update. See my comments in RED. My E-P7 was part of a special deal with an Olympus 75mm f1.8 Zuiko lens. I had this lens and only kept the Pen EP-7 because it became my "always with me" camera.

My Olympus Pen E-P7 with the MZuiko 17mm f1.8 lens plus the older Olympus VF-1 Optical Viewfinder.

What is new, and how does the EP-7 compare to the Pen-F

I discovered the updated User Interface (UI) with its new AP menu as I studied the Pen EP-7. The new UI is available for the EM-10 III & IV, E-PL10, and EP-7. I briefly considered renaming the title to "A New Generation of Olympus Cameras" as I learned more about this new AP-style menu.

When will we see a new Pen-F II, and will it have these EP-7 upgrades, or did the EP-7 quietly replace the older Pen-F? Did Olympus (OM-System) refocus the Pen-F by removing its OMD functionality? For many, the Olympus Pen E-P7 could easily be a perfect day-to-day or "always with me" camera.

I used my E-P7 for +18 months, and it quickly became my favorite camera. Its fewer menu options are refreshing, the controls are reachable with one hand, and the AP menu is a blast. Most pleasing is its excellent image quality. The original Photography and Color concept from Olympus included Creative Color and unique Computational features. Does the EP-7 signal a more simplified version of this concept. Should all OM-D cameras be that different from the Pen range in the future?

Source - Is this the future of the Olympus Pen Series?

As said, the new Pen EP-7 reminds me of the older Pen E-P cameras. Interestingly, the E-P1 and the EP-7 cameras are unique as they signify something new for Olympus and OM-System. For example, Olympus designed the EP-7, and OM-System launched it. Does the Pen E-P7 introduce a new design concept for OM-System? The future of the EP-7 relies on its commercial success. Like the Pen F, the new EP-7 came with a few surprises. The biggest is no EVF differentiating it from the Pen F.

Olympus experimented with more cost-effective body finishes in the past. The EM5 II was the first OMD with a cheap or painted camera finish. Many used EM5 II cameras look cheap today with rubbed-off body paint. This doesn't happen to the Olympus E-P7, EM1 II/III, or EM10 II. I saw the Olympus OM-1 has the same problem. Did OM-System improve the OM-1 II. For example, I have an Olympus EM5 II Platinum version in perfect condition. I decided to never place it in my camera bag...

The Pen E-P range was always the designer range of cameras like the above Pen E-P3 camera.

The Pen E-P2, 3, and 5 have the same auxiliary port for accessories like electronic viewfinders (EVF). The original E-P1 and the new Pen EP-7 do not have this port. The Pen EP-7 does have a tilt display like the previous Pen E-P5. The difference is the EP-7 display tilts downwards at 180 degrees. This is a feature Vloggers and Social Media presenters want. Is the E-P7 a typical Vlogger camera?

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/400 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

I didn't plan to discuss the benefits of an EVF and the E-P7. While it's a great feature, I don't need my EVF each time I use my Pen F. The main reason is mirrorless cameras are different from DSLRs, and modern camera displays are excellent. The biggest problem is bright or midday sunlight. I would have liked the same EVF option on the E-P7 as older Olympus mirrorless cameras like the E-P3...

The 25% of the time I benefit from having an EVF will also be a dealbreaker. Bright sunlight, Live View, and fine-tuning my creative settings are best done with an Electronic View Finder (EVF).

The old VF-1 from Olympus is an excellent OVF in combination with the 17mm f1.8 lens.

September 4th, 2023 update:- The POV Photo Guy, another YouTube reviewer, said the Pen E-P7's IQ and colors are exceptional in this review. I agree with him because my Pen-F and the E-P7 have excellent color and image quality. For example, See this short article about the EP-7.

The most exciting part of Workspace is reviewing and tweaking your camera settings and the ability to produce Olympus image quality and colors with Workspace. For example, Workspace does not change your OM-D's professional or the Pen-F or E-P7's creative image look. Olympus photographers can now get Olympus image quality and colors from their home PCs and Workspace. For example, raw images from older compact cameras like the XZ-2 or the Olympus E-620 DSLR are the same as the camera when converted with Workspace. The exported 16-bit tiff files from Workspace also provide cleaner and better image data to Photoshop when editing your images.

The Pen-F's Color and Monochrome Profile functions were added to the new E-P7. You will also see functions like the Color Creator, Highlights & Shadows, ART filters, and many more in the E-P7. The Pen E-P7 makes one wonder if OMDS targeted the E-P series for its simplicity and elegance?

The implementation of the E-P7 Color and Chrome functions is unique. Many photographers battled with the Pen-f when using it irregularly. The E-P7 is more user-friendly with its new Color/Mono lever, updated UI, and new AP Menu. My favorite applications with the E-P7 are Monochrome and Color profiles. I never created monochrome profiles because the Pen F and E-P7 give us excellent control while photographing. One can always fine-tune your monochrome settings in WS.

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/640 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

It's good that OMDS decided to continue with the Enhanced Raw Format and the benefits of Live View in WorkSpace. The difference Workspace makes is significant. All OMS photographers should be able to view honest social media discussions and enjoy a fair chance to experience Workspace.

The E-P7 is compatible with my Pen-F color and monochrome profiles. I created a few color profiles for the Pen F. They are fully compatible with the new E-P7 and other Olympus cameras.

Do we learn anything new about future OMDS cameras from the E-P7? We are lucky because we now have the OM-5 and the OM-1. You can also find my OM-1 MKI/II comments on this blog. Below is an updated list of what these cameras teach us about future OM-System cameras:-

• The Pen E-P range is a designer or elegant street and creative camera...
• The OMD E-M10 series for the enthusiast and entry-level OMD photographer
• The OMD OM-5 series for the demanding outdoor and hiking photographer
• The NEW OM-1 series for the serious hobby and professional photographer
• The OMD OM-1X - based on the EM1X popularity, will there be an OM1X?

What do you think the next OMD will be like? Well, we have the new OM-1. We saw the IQ benefits of the new stacked BSI sensor in my OM-1 review. We also know the 20MP Live MOS sensor performs well in the EM1 II & III and cameras like the new E-P7 and the Pen-F. It would be interesting to see if OM-System re-uses the new BSI sensor like Olympus did with its previous sensors.

                                 There is simply NOTHING like the Pen F on the market today...

Does the E-P7 have a similar 20MP Live MOS sensor as the Pen-F? It doesn't seem like the same sensor because the E-P7's continuous autofocus capability is better in video mode. The E-P7 has the same TruePic VIII processor as the EM1 II, EM5 III, and the OMD EM10 III & IV. 

For more about the TruePic VIII Image Processor in the E-P7, see the E-PL10 description at OM-System and how the TruePic VIII prevents image noise. The Pen F, the EM5 II, and the EM10 II all use the previous Truepic VII image processor.

Consider the complete offer when searching for a new camera. Image Processors are part of having better cameras with higher image quality. The 4 most important aspects to consider when searching for a new or secondhand Olympus are:

1. The camera - Truepic image processor version and firmware upgrade history
2. The image sensor - study the camera launch papers to see what they improved
3. The type of photography and which of the Premium or Pro lenses you need
4. Workspace - this is the most neglected and most critical Olympus editing option

A good example is the different EM10 models. Considering the EM10 MKII or MKIII, which is more relevant for 2024. The EM10 II is known for being an excellent camera, while the EM10 III updates offer more in terms of 4K, better AF, the new AP menu, and the newer Truepix III processor.

The Olympus Pen E-P7 with the 75mm f1.8 lens. The 75mm lens makes for a fantastic combo with good image quality...

I knew the E-P7 would produce excellent image quality. Each time I use one of my OMDs or go back to the Pen-F, I am surprised by the image quality of these Pen cameras. The obvious question is, did the new Pen E-P7 follow in these footsteps, or will we see a more neutral or Pro-like image quality from the E-P7? What is your preference? 

I am happy to report that the Pen EP-7 became my favorite "always with me" camera. It is quick and responsive, the VF-1 optical viewfinder is a joy with 17mm lenses, and the image quality from the Pen E-P7 is the best I have seen from any of the Olympus Pen cameras. It is also a fun camera when walking or doing street photography. The new E-P7 is simply an exceptional camera.

The Olympus R&D engineers simplified the E-P7 menu. The simplicity of the E-P7 menu is excellent, especially when you need to find or adjust a function. The new SCP and AP menus improved the E-P7 user experience and operation. Folks, the new E-P7 is a very different mirrorless camera...

Olympus E-P7 with 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO250, f2.0, 1/160 - Enhanced Raw Edited in WS.

I can only recommend the new ART filters and SCN modes of the E-P7. The ability to tweak your ART filters is a game changer, and new SCN modes like the HDR option are excellent. My first reaction was disappointment when I opened the "mini" menu of the Pen E-P7. The E-P7's secret is its new AP user interface, ART filters, SCN modes, Color Creator, and color and monochrome profiles. 

The E-P7 partners well with the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. I have been enjoying great results with the previous and the most recent versions of Workspace. See my Workspace firmware updates. Workspace is currently the best raw converter for your Enhanced  Raw Files, and Photoshop is the best editing option for editing your exported Workspace 16-bit tiff files.

It was clear that the Pen E-P7 is compatible with my Pen-F color and monochrome profiles after trying them with my Pen E-P7 and the E-P7 enhanced raw files. Study this article for more information about the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. The image above shows the new "Color" slider for ART filters. The color slider is available for both the E-P7 and Workspace. The video below explains how to use Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format to replicate the camera's image signal path.

It's now possible to change the effect or how much the ART filter changes the image. This makes the E-P7 a more exciting option for ART filters. One of the most powerful aspects of the new Pen E-P7 is the ability to replicate and tweak your camera settings in WS. Olympus is the only manufacturer with this level of Enhanced Raw control of the camera's ART Processor and Workspace.

I tweaked the E-P7 Instant Film ART filter in Photoshop. See a description of the technique below...

I use a similar technique as the new ART filter slider to tweak my ART filters in Photoshop. I start by converting two copies of the raw file in WS, one with the ART filter and another in the iEnhanced Picture Mode. I will open both in Photoshop layers with the ART filter image on top of the iEnhance image. I then use the Opacity Slider in layers to adjust the final ART effect. 

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/640 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

I enjoyed my E-P7 enough to keep it after having it for more than one year. Things like not having an EVF are frustrating. If this puts you off, then the E-P7 is not a camera for you.

Let's compare a few interesting E-P7 differences to the Pen-F:- (Updated)

• The E-P7 has 4K with 120fps @ 720p and the Pen-F, 1080p and 120fps @ SD
• The E-P7 video format is M-PEG, and it has no ALL-I or MOV like the Pen-F
• The E-P7 body is plastic and light, and IBIS is half a stop slower than the Pen-F
• The maximum sequential shutter speed for the E-P7 is slower than the Pen-F
• The Pen-F High-Resolution mode was not transferred to the new Pen E-P7
• The 4 Custom Modes on the Pen-F Mode Dial are not on the E-P7 (Use the SCP)
• To simplify the E-P7, much of the Pen-F external controls were removed
• The exposure comp dial on the Pen-F is not on the E-P7 - it's like the OMDs
• This simplification (No Creative Dial but UI) makes for a new E-P7 experience
• A new Instant Film ART filter was added, while the filter options UI is better
• The opacity of some of the ART filters is now adjustable - this is a good option!
• The Pen-F built-in EVF (with OVF) is not available with the new E-P7...
• Can now charge the battery via USB. We older guys simply use 2 batteries
• The Pen E-P7 user manual has been reworked and is easier to read/study...
• New AP Button activating the "creative" menus (AP, SCN, Live Guide...)
• The E-P7 new B-Mode - long exposures and light blending - user experience!
• OMDS added new SCN Modes to the E-P7 - it's part of the user experience!
• The panorama mode on the E-P7 also changed/improved, which is interesting.
• The filter/profile effects in movie mode are improved - need to be explored...
• The focus is everyday photography. It's small enough to always be with you...

I tried the 1st iteration of the "new user experience" or AP menu on my wife's EM10 III. I prefer the familiarity of my EM1 II and Pen-F. I can see the value of having a more "user-friendly interface." A simple example is selecting Live Bulb and Live Comp on the Pen-F. Many would say it's logical to turn the shutter dial to "B." While this is normal for older photographers, it might not be for young photographers. See the EM5 III implementation of the new user interface.

Little more than one year and my opinion changed. The new UI is simple, effective, and great to work with as you get to know it. This new UI interface is a great selling point for the E-P7...

Olympus Pen-F with the 8-18mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000 (Raw file converted in PhotoLab 4 & edited in PS)

Why do I regard the Pen-F as a more hands-on camera than the E-P7? The Pen-F and the photographer are like a team. Every dial and knob are intuitively placed and easy to reach as the photographer selects the image angle, framing, and final tweaks of the image look or enhanced raw file. The focus is photography and not the camera. The EVF placement, touch focus, exposure compensation dial, and creative dial are active parts of photographing creatively. Photographing with the Pen-F is a continuous process of tweaking and evaluating until one releases the shutter. For example, one of the most underestimated features of the Pen F is its features and the optional handgrip...

This is the Olympus version of the above image when the Enhanced Raw Files are converted in WS.

The new Pen E-P7 is more like the previous Pen E-PL10 series and not the Pen-F. The new UI and the touchscreen were implemented to target a specific segment and user profile. One can also see how Olympus preferred the simplicity of the older Pen E-PL cameras. Did they add the Pen-F profile functionality to the EP-7 because the target segment wanted this functionality?

I did change my mind after one year with the E-P7. My previous description of the Pen-F is correct because it has the minimum creativity every camera should have. What makes the E-P7 more like the Pen-F is its two control dials. The E-P7 feels like an OMD or the Pen-F in the hand. I need my left hand to switch on the Pen F. With the E-P7, everything is controlled with one hand...

The new Pen E-P7 is perfect for short video clips...

Short E-P7 with 12-50mm EZ lens video was edited in iMovie. I also added its music.

While I am not an experienced videographer, these 2 videos were interesting. You will see the video quality of the 1st clip could be better. I checked all my original clips, hoping the problem was Google or the video editing software. Looks like the problem is me and not the equipment I used...😀

I also experimented with different recording formats, lenses, exposures, and Variable ND filters. My results continue to improve at 1080p and 4K. The E-P7 was obviously not designed to compete with cameras like the GH5. The Pen E-P7 should be on your list of possible cameras if you are searching for a new "compact" style camera. The more I use the E-P7, the better it gets... 😊

The video I did in iMovie is better.

I did more tests with good colors and detail in 1080p and 4K. The secret is to free up the Image Processor. The best way of freeing up the image processor is to select fewer adjustments in the camera. I used the following settings to record my video clips:

• 1080p, Super Fine (bitrate), 25 bps, and MOV (auto-selected)
• My Picture Mode was set to Natural (to free up the processor)
• I used Exposure Mode S or Shutter Priority (not Movie Mode)
• The camera uses C-AF in video mode - Use all the focus points
• The ISO Auto range is 200 - 3200 with No Exposure Shift
• Tone Curves Function was set to +1 (highs) and -1 (lows)
• Shutter Speed was set to 1/50th and ISO to Auto
• I never adjust any of the other variables like sharpness
• I used the 12-45mm f4 Pro lens with a Variable ND filter
• The type of memory card is critical. I use a V30-rated SD card.

Olympus E-P7 with the 12-50mm EZ Lens.

Does everyone need 4K, or is 1080p good enough? It sounds good if 4K records 4 times as many pixels as standard HD (1080p). The reason I prefer 1080p is recorded data and quality. For example, a good balance between data and video quality is 1080p @ 25fps. Any increase like 1080p @ 50fps or 4K means more data and processing power. The requirements for recording good video quality are similar to taking photos. Regular practice and appropriate camera settings and lenses are essential.

One of the E-P7 improvements is its CAF performance. I couldn't find much info about the autofocus algorithm, except for noticing an improvement in the E-P7's continuous autofocus performance. It also performs differently from my older Pen F and the EM-5 II cameras. OM-System only mentioned better Face Detection and an improved Contrast Detect AF algorithm for the E-P7.

The new AP Menu and design of the Pen E-P7

The image below shows the similarities between the new E-P7 and other Pen models. The thought that we will not have a Pen-F II is disappointing. Is the Pen F too old to rebrand it as an OM-System Pen F II? Did OM-System decide to move on, knowing that M43 photographers rejected the Pen F? We also saw the launch of a new Fuji X100VI supporting Fuji's interest in this niche market?

Source

I often asked myself, what if photographers were a little more adventurous and accepted the Pen-F? Will this "failed" Pen-F experiment be the final push of the creative ART and color boundaries?

Source

One of the differences between the E-P7 and the older Pen F is functionality. Most M43 photographers felt intimidated by the Pen-F's creative dial and function lever. OMDS improved the EP-7's creative modes significantly. The creative dial was replaced with a lever, and the new AP menu replaced the Pen-F's function lever. Olympus also cleaned up the creative menus of the E-P7.

Source; The new Olympus E-P7.

It takes a little getting used to, but it was fun once I familiarized myself with the new menu system. The main strength of the Pen E-P7 is the new UI and the E-P7's one-hand operation. Everything can be done with one hand. The knobs and dials are all within easy reach and logically placed.

Source; The new Olympus E-P7.

My articles about color and the Olympus Pen F are as popular as when I first wrote them. The E-P7 is a great addition to the Pen Range because it is the same as what made the Pen-F so special. The longer you use the E-P7, the more you realize it's an exciting new creative solution...

OM-System also launched a new version of the OI Share Application. I tried the new App with the EP-7, and they work well together. The remote control function seems better, especially with LiveComp and Live-Time. Image editing is better with the App and now has Dehaze and Clarity like Workspace. The similarities between the IO Share Application and Workspace are interesting. I also liked the updated options for sharing images on the web. OM-System, why not give us more image ratios like the 5:4 ratio in the camera? You will learn more about the new OI. Share here.

The E-P7 with Color Profiles and Workspace

Below is an example of a Color Profile I did for the Pen-F. This profile is unique because it was designed to edit or prepare the image in the camera. This profile can also be used to color-grade videos while recording your clips. This is now also possible with the Pen E-P7. (I tried it on with my E-P7) See this Page Menu for more on this "1020" color profile...

Olympus Pen-F with 11-year-old 8-18mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000 (Raw file converted & edited in Photoshop).

This is the Olympus version of the above image when the Enhanced Raw Files are converted in Workspace.

Conclusion

My original idea was a detailed comparison between the Pen-F and the E-P7, but after studying the E-P7, it was clear these are two very different cameras. The Pen-F will always be the first creative camera with a special connection to Pro OMD cameras. The more simplified E-P7 is a more basic version of the Pen-F. The good news is the Pen E-P series continues with the creative flair of the Pen F. Interestingly, the Pen-F popularity continues to increase each month...

We also saw something encouraging from OMDS. They are pushing the complete Zuiko lens offer. Lenses like Basic Zuiko and Premium Zuiko lenses enjoy the same visibility as the Zuiko Pro range. For example, see the EM5 III or the E-M10 IV page if you can find it on OM-System's website. This is good news because Premium Zuiko lenses, like the f1.8 compact range, are fantastic.

Three images were taken with the E-P7 and one with the EM-1 III, which is the EM1?

I saw no major surprises with the new E-P7. It's basically a good and well-balanced camera. Though very different from the Pen-F, we now have 4 color and 4 monochrome profiles in the E-P7. That said, I find it easier to do color or monochrome settings on the go and to only tweak them in Workspace.

It will be a sad mistake if Olympus photographers underestimate the Pen E-P7 as they did with the Pen-F. For example, one can expect a new EM10 IV or a Pen E-P7 II because we now have a clear cut between OMD and Pen E-P cameras. We did get the EM10 IV..!