WorkSpace How-to Page...

Last Updated:- 22nd April 2024

Why do we need raw files? The reasons are simply when you think in terms of image data. For example, the Workspace editing window is the same for raw or jpeg files, and we get a simulated Live View image with the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace.

Olympus created a unique front-to-end solution with the Olympus camera, Enhanced Raw Format, and Workspace. Fuji is the only manufacturer to challenge Olympus or OM-System.

For more about the Enhanced Raw Format or editing in Live View mode - link

This Blog supports BOTH creative photographers and those needing good image quality.

How-to Techniques for Workspace

1. How to speed up your refresh rate for Workspace?
2. How to link your preferred Image Editor in WS
3. How to Personalize Your Exif Data
4. How to apply fast adjustments with Workspace
5. How to save your Editing steps as a batch-processing file
6. How to use Olympus Capture Software
7. How to edit with your Olympus camera in PCRAW mode
8. How to manage your Pen F color and monochrome Profiles
9. How to edit and create videos
10. How to apply the Dark Frame option to reduce Image Noise
11. WorkSpace editing steps - How to step backward and forward?
12. See this quick and easy technique to edit your images...
13. How to sharpen your Olympus images
14.  How to create your editing space for WorkSpace
15. How to adjust your Shadows and Highlights in WorkSpace
16. How to use Tone Curves with WorkSpace
17. How to save your edited image?
18. How to save a PDF copy of the WorkSpace Users Manual?
19. How to activate your camera settings in Workspace.
20. How to use the Color Creator function in WS?
21. A new feature was added to WS with the V1.5 upgrade
22. Which are the "Enhanced" and "Normal" raw options?
23. How to see your Pen F adjustments in Workspace?
24. How to prepare and Export an image for Instagram?
25. How to display and check your autofocus in WS?
26. How to make WorkSpace faster with PCRAW mode?
27. Workspace and the 13" M1 MacBook Pro (16GB memory)
28. How to install the new AI Noise reduction in Workspace.
29. How to edit your Enhanced RAW Files in 2 steps - NEW
30. Which version of Workspace is better? - NEW
31. Workspace Essentials for 2024 - NEW
32. ...

Here are more articles about WorkSpace

- Creative editing with WorkSpace Part 5 - link

- Olympus Pen F color and monochrome profiles with WorkSpace - link

- Guide to Olympus creative color techniques Part 6 - link

- How to create and edit a video with your EM5 II and WorkSpace - link

- WorkSpace is the new Olympus image editor - link

- Olympus Live View and Enhanced Raw Files - link

WorkSpace - How-to Techniques 

1. How to speed up the screen refresh rate for Workspace?

Olympus added a new feature to speed up the screen refresh rate. Click on the button in the illustration below, and Workspace will slightly reduce the display resolution to improve the refresh cycle. Click the button again for a detailed display (image).

2. How to link your preferred Image Editor in WS. 

Many Photographers work with image editors like Photoshop or Luminar. You can link your favorite image editor to the EX button in Workspace. Go to Settings and follow the steps below.

Do your raw conversions in WS and benefit from the Olympus Image Processing and Workspace. Transfer the converted 16-bit Tiff file to Photoshop or Luminar for any additional editing.

- When editing your 16-bit Tiff file in Photoshop:-

1. Change the 16-bit Tiff file to a Smart Object and create a duplicate layer.
2. Select ACR from the Filter menu and open the Tiff file in the PS raw editor.
3. Apply any of the raw adjustments you would apply in the PS raw converter
4. The final step is to continue editing the converted raw file with Photoshop...

3. How to personalize your Exif data

You can personalize your Exif data in the "MY Tab." 

See the steps below:-

- Go to the "Window" menu and click "Show Properties."
- Select and link your preferred Exif data to the MY Tab.

- Select the data field you want in the Exif data, right-click, and select "Add to my Properties."

How to link the "Picture Profile" to the MY tab. Look for color profiles or color-creator settings if you received an image with Exif data (illustration below). This is a good way of checking for Exif data on photos you received from a friend or found on the web.

Another option is to check the images you received or downloaded or hold the mouse over the thumbnail. This will open a new window, like the example below.

4. How to apply fast adjustments with Workspace

Workspace might feel slow, even though it is faster than the older Olympus Viewer 3 editor. The reason is that Workspace first applies new adjustments before going to the next one.

Is it possible to change that? See the steps in the illustration on the left. Select the value you like to change, and you will see an Up/Down window. You can adjust the values one click at a time or click and hold the mouse button for continuous changes.

5. How to save your Editing steps as a batch-processing file

You might work on a new color profile or repeat a specific editing sequence on other images. The solution is to save an Editing Profile as a Batch Processing File. See the illustration below and follow the steps to create a batch-processing file.

- See the steps and the illustration below (illustration below):-

1. Click the "Save Processing Batch file" button.
2. Select the "Save a Batch Processing file" option
3. Select or de-select any settings you like to include
4. Give the profile a name and Save it. (Create/use your own Profile folder)
5. This is a list of profiles or batch-processing files I saved

Repeat the above steps BUT select the "Load a Batch Processing" file option, and apply your profile to the next image.

Your personal profiles are saved or recalled via the "Batch Processing" option in Workspace.

6. How to use Olympus Capture Software

See this video from Peter Forsgard about Olympus Capture.

Here you can find the latest information about Workspace, Olympus Capture, downloads, and the most recent software updates.

7. How to edit with your Olympus camera in PCRAW Mode

The reasons for having this option are speed, Olympus Image Processing, and synchronizing your camera settings with Workspace. See my OM-1 review for more information. Workspace uses the same Editing window for raw files and jpegs files. The disadvantage of converting raw files without the PCRAW option is speed (especially on older PCs). Connect your EM1 II & III or OM-1 via the PCRAW mode. The raw editing window only changes for the EM1 (II & III).

Workspace has two raw conversion windows for the EM1s. The 2nd conversion window activates with the EM1s in PCRAW mode. There are 2 additional options in PCRAW mode. Editing with the camera SD card or with your PC hard disk. The PCRAW editor has fewer options for the EM1s.

Workspace V2 received a new PCRAW editing window for the OM-1. It's not a separate raw conversion window like the EM1s. The OM-1 received full access to the default conversion window in Workspace. This is a significant improvement...

Also, see Tip 27

- How to connect your camera, follow the steps below:

• Connect the camera to your PC with the supplied USB C cable
• Switch the camera ON and select PC-RAW on the camera display
• Open Workspace if not already open
• WS will prompt you to select which files you like to edit (Camera SD card or PC)
• The EM1 II & III have a separate and the OM-1 default editing window.
• You can apply profiles, copy settings, and paste them on multiple files when needed.
• Export the edited file (the file format options change with the camera connected)
• It takes a little practice...

Step 1 - The above schematic shows the Editing window and Step 2 is the window for the EM1s. The main difference is less editing options in step 2. I tested the EM1 II & III. PCRAW does not work for older cameras like the EM5 II or the Pen F.

- Update for the OM-1

Connecting the OM-1 is different. Connect the camera like normal to the PC and select PCRAW on the camera. Instead of activating PCRAW mode like the EM1s, use the PCRAW button in the standard Editing window. The OM-1 has full access to all the "Enhanced" Raw Features. 

The OM-1 is noticeably quicker in PCRAW. It makes WS even more attractive as a RAW converter. It's easier to go between the OM-1 PCRAW mode and the regular editing pallet with Workspace.

I use my baby Macbook Pro (M1 processor). This is my main editing PC for enhanced raw files. I never experienced that Workspace V2 is slower on the M1 Macbook Pro or PCRAW mode. See my article on upgrading my iMac. OM-System corrected this problem with V2.11.

8. How to manage your Pen F color & monochrome profiles  

- This brief description with 4 scenarios:-

1. WorkSpace developed profiles - How to transfer the profile to the Pen F
2. Saving your Pen F configuration/settings on your PC
3. Extracting and saving color or monochrome profiles from JPEG images
4. Creating/using your WorkSpace Profiles with WorkSpace (See Tip 4 above)

I. WorkSpace developed Profiles - How to upload profiles to the Pen F

This article reviews DXO-FilmPack and how to create Pen-F or E-P7 profiles. It also explains the differences between the Pen-F and WorkSpace profiles. These differences also explain why we can't upload Workspace profiles to the Pen-F. That said, the most practical way of adding new profiles to the Pen-F is to manually program them into the Pen-F.

II. Saving your Pen F camera configuration on your PC

It is possible to share your complete Pen F configuration with a friend. If you need to share your Pen-F settings and profiles, connect the Pen-F to your PC and select "Save settings /MySets" from the menu (window below). Another method is to use the "Custom Settings" and "Save" functions from the WorkSpace "Camera" menu. (2nd image).

Transfer the Pen F configuration (file. set) to your PC and save it. Mail the "file. set" file to your friend. The recipient will use "Load" from the "Custom Settings" menu to transfer the Pen-F configuration and profiles to his or her camera.

For more information, see the illustrations below...

Olympus Updater.

Select Option B to transfer the Pen F settings/configuration from the PC to the camera or vice versa. Follow the steps in the illustration below.

If you don't know when to select "Load" or "Save," see the illustration below. You will always see the "direction" of the transfer on the panel to the left in the Update Window, 

III. Extracting and saving a color or monochrome profile from jpeg images

You can share Pen F profiles with a jpeg file. Select a profile, take a photo, and mail it to a friend. You can resize the jpeg in WS or select a smaller file size in the Pen-F.

Open the jpeg in Workspace and select "Export" from the "File" menu. See the illustration below to include the Exif Data.

Follow the steps below to extract a Pen-F Profile from a jpeg file...

Select Option A.

If you discover a Pen-F image on the web and need to verify its profile data, right-click on the image to download it. Open the image in WorkSpace and check the Exif data. See the example below...

It's possible to extract the profile data if you find a color or monochrome profile. Also, see this article with profiles with a similar description (above).

9. How to create videos in WorkSpace?

I prepared a short article on how to record videos with your Olympus and how to edit them in WorkSpace. Included are the instructions to edit and export the final video in WorkSpace.

Read the article in the above link for how to Export the file. The image below has info on how to convert video formats.

See the article (above link) for more information about Workspace and title pages or audio tracks.

10. How to use the Dark Frame function

Olympus improved the noise reduction capability of Workspace. They added new spot removal and dark frame options. Use a second "dark frame" image with higher ISOs. Use the dark frame image with the new function to reduce the noise.

Olympus EM1 II with 50mm f1,4 Leica - ISO6400, f7.1, 1/13Sec - Raw edited in WorkSpace and finished in Photoshop.

Image noise increases with higher sensor temperature. Higher temperatures change the camera's noise floor. The dark frame function is perfect for high-temperature situations.

Put the lens cap on and take a second "dark frame" image. Practice with this function before using it. It's often better to cancel the in-camera noise reduction and to use Workspace and your Enhanced Raw Files. This makes it possible to selectively apply the noise reduction options in WorkSpace. You will have the same results with Workspace and often better as with your camera.

11. WorkSpace Editing History - Step backward/forward

How does one go back one or more steps when editing with WorkSpace? You did a few editing steps in WorkSpace, and you like to go back a few steps. Study the image below:-

- Click on the WorkSpace "History" button,

- A new "History" window will open in WS,

Go one step back and select the Highlights & Shadows by "selecting A" in the above example. Select the "Highlight & Shadow" step to cancel this step and everything below...

Practice this technique, and it will become easy. It's quick to move backward and forward in the editing history window and to cancel or monitor your editing steps.

12. A quick way to edit your images...

Many photographers completely underestimate ART Filters. Photography became a quest for technically perfect images. We need to choose between technically correct and pleasing results.

Also, see my How-To tip No-17 further down...

This technique consists of editing jpegs and showing the advantages:

• This is an easy and quick editing technique...
• It's a repeatable technique or steps to edit your images
• It's quick to develop a unique editing style or look for your images
• Create your own Batch Profile if you are happy with your new editing style

Follow these simple steps to edit your JPEG image with ART filters:-

Step I

- Open an image in WorkSpace and select the ART filter you like to use...

The Pop ART II filter works for bright and energetic colors... Experiment with the different ART filters to find a look that works for you. The ART filters are more flexible in WorkSpace. 

Step 2

Fine-tune the image with the Highlights & shadows function. I used the settings in the image below to remove contrast and lighten the Pop ART II filter for the above intro image...

Experiment with your "curve" adjustments until you find a look that works for the ART filter.

Step 3

The final step is to sharpen the image. I found the settings below work well for my O-MD cameras. You could also use 15 for the threshold and/or 30 for the Amount.

Save your adjustments in a "batch processing" file if you are done and satisfied. Use this batch file or "profile" to edit your future images. You might get away with only your batch "Profile," and people might already recognize your work from your new profile or batch processing file...

See the final image below. I did not use layers for this example...

This image was taken with the EM5 and 14-42mm lens in 2012 - Salt Lake City (USA)

It also works well to use two images, the original and an edited ART profile image. Open both in PS in layers. Experiment with the Blending modes and the opacity slider until you find the right image look. Layers is a powerful editing option and perfect for taming down some ART filters.

13. How to sharpen your Olympus images

The question often is, should I sharpen my images, and when or how much? The secret is to keep any image post-processing or sharpening as little as possible. Olympus jpegs are already good and don't need much sharpening. Never use the sharpening sliders in the camera or WorkSpace. Use the Unsharp Mask filter in WorkSpace. See the image below.

The settings in the above example are safe or enough for most of your Olympus images. This is if the sharpening sliders in the camera or WS were not used. 

Sharpened in WorkSpace (on the right)

14. How do we change the editing space in WorkSpace

How do we change the editing space in WorkSpace? For example, it's possible to always have a "large" version of your image in WS. I prefer smaller files when I edit with my Macbook Pro.

The above image is the typical editing window of Workspace on my Macbook Pro. The WorkSpace window can quickly transform into a new editing space. It is nothing new to change the editing window while editing. See the examples below...

With 2 clicks (see above), the working space (below) is optimized for my laptop...

With 2 clicks, the working space is optimized to compare the edited image with the original image...

Experiment with the different windows, panels, and layouts in Workspace. Getting used to that also makes it difficult to use another image editor.

See the above example for one final option to improve your image editing experience with Workspace. Drag the editing pallet away from its docking position and place it anywhere you like. When done, click the "restore" icon (see arrow), and the editing pallet will return to its docking position...

Also, see  Tip 1 for more about speeding up the screen refresh rate...

15. How to adjust your Shadows and Highlights in WorkSpace

Also, see this article...

16. How to use Tone Curves in WorkSpace

The tone curves or the curves function is one of the most powerful editing functions. We can adjust the highlights, shadows, and mid-tones with the curves function. For example, an S-curve will increase your contrast. See the video links further down.

We can also adjust any of the 3 RGB colors with the curves. The curves function will change the selected and opposite colors. Use the Olympus color creator to find the opposite colors.

Try this quick exercise:-

- Open a raw file with blue or yellow colors (grass) in WorkSpace

- Select the blue on the Color Creator (See example above)

- Adjust the Vividness to -2 or -1

- Select the opposite color in Tone Curves (yellow)

- Move the midpoint of the curve up or down while monitoring the image

- The secret is small steps or adjustments...

For more information, see the videos below:-

• For an explanation of the Tone Curve function, see this - link
• Serge Ramelli is well known for his work - watch this video - link
• A very informative explanation of the Histogram and Tone Curves - link
• Also, see this video from Rob Trek on the Tone Curve function - link

The above videos show why. Layers will benefit WorkSpace. This includes basic layer features for the Pen-F. Mastering layers is one of the most fundamental steps to improve your editing skills...

17. How to save your edited image?

See the diagram below.

The export function has more options. See the Users Manual for more details.

18. How to get a PDF copy of the WorkSpace Users Manual

Install the free copy if you didn't install Adobe Acrobat Reader. To see the PDF version of the Users Manual, follow the steps in the diagram below...

19. How to activate your camera settings in Workspace

See this article and this 2nd article for more on Live View.

We can simulate the camera's last Live View display on your PC in WorkSpace. Opening the raw file in WorkSpace is the same as viewing the raw sensor data. It is possible to see the final camera Live View display in WS when you activate your camera settings in WS. The reason is the unique similarities between the camera and WorkSpace. 

Functions like shadows & highlight, the Color Profile, and the Color Creator will change the camera Live View before you release the shutter. All these camera settings are available in WorkSpace.

This unique feature makes it possible to experiment in WorkSpace and manually transfer the settings to your camera.

Does the WorkSpace Live View feature support jpeg files? 

You need the raw image data to see the final Live View display in WorkSpace. The raw data simulates the image signal coming from the sensor. After activating your camera settings in WorkSpace, you will see the camera Live View display before releasing the shutter. 

Why is this Live View capability not in the User Manuals? 

The WS user manual is a short overview. I assume Olympus wanted to introduce these and other unique color and creative photography features. They probably thought Olympus photographers were not ready after the criticism from "reviewers and forums experts" on DPReview and Mu-43.

Almost all the camera settings are available in the raw file. The challenge is that you only see the "neutral" or unchanged raw file in WS when you open the raw file. Activate the camera settings in WS to see the Live View display in WS.

This is what you see when you open the raw file in WS. The settings are displayed but not activated. You need to select the "Adjust Color" function. See the image on the right on how to activate the camera setting in Workspace.

What makes this step more complex is functions like the Color Creator. You will only see Picture Mode and "Neutral" in WS. Go to "Picture mode" and "Color Creator" to activate them in Workspace.

One can have a quick overview of all the camera settings in Workspace?

Add the Exif data on the left to your "My list" in WS. See the User Manual for details on how to set it up.

One of the craziest examples is:-

- Sharpness

- Saturation

- Contrast

These camera settings are not visible like the Color Profile in WorkSpace because they are treated as "presets." That means you will only see the effect of these camera settings in WS. Activate the ones you used in the camera. To see which ones you used, go to the Exif data...

You will see the camera Live View display in Workspace to evaluate what you did in the camera. The more you practice using the enhanced raw format, the better you will get with the corresponding camera and Workspace features.

For more about WorkSpace and the Live View mode, see this article. 

20. How to use the Color Creator in the camera and WS?

See this short article with examples...

21. A great new feature was added to WS in the V1.5 version

Like Photoshop, move the mouse over the image and identify the colors and tones on the Color Adjust (Profile) tool and the Tone Curves function.

This is great because you can now more accurately select and adjust colors or tones...

22. Which are Enhanced and which are Normal Raw settings?

For more about the Enhanced Raw Format, go here. Learn which settings are unique to the camera and the Enhanced Raw Format and which are Normal Raw settings.

The image below is a copy of the WS Editing tools. I marked the Enhanced Raw File settings "Enhanced" and the Normal Raw settings "Normal."

None of the settings are active when you open the enhanced raw file. What you see is the raw sensor data. You need to "activate" the camera settings before they are active in WorkSpace. For example, select the white balance to activate the camera WB setting. (See below)

The same is true for all the Enhanced Raw settings. Activate the Color Creator if you applied it to your camera and want to see the effect in Workspace.

How does one "activate" these enhanced raw file settings in WorkSpace? See my article explaining Live View and how to work with Enhanced Raw Files. See the illustration below for more information.

23. How to see your Pen-F adjustments in Workspace

Much of my writing is about the Olympus Pen-F and its creative functions. What about other Olympus cameras? One of the versions made it possible to use Pen-F color or MonoChrome Profiles with E-M1 II raw files. More recent versions included most Olympus cameras...

The solution is simple. Open your raw file in WorkSpace and activate the camera settings. Export a 16-bit Tiff copy to your "converted" folder. Edit the Tiff file in WS and apply the Pen F profiles on the Tiff file...

All the Olympus cameras with the ART filter, the Color Creator, or Shadows/Highlights (Curves) functions have the "Enhanced" type raw files. See this article. The only features unique to the Pen-F or the E-P7 (raw format) is the Color and MonoChrome Profiles Functions.

This means if you have a camera like the EM10 II or the EM5 II, then you will edit your enhanced raw files in WS with all the creative freedom of the Pen F. If you like to add a Color Profile, open the 16-bit Tiff file and apply one of your saved profiles.

24. How to prepare and Export an image for Instagram

The steps to prep and export an image for Instagram. See the illustration below:

1. Open and edit the image in Workspace.
2. Crop the image for Instagram (The crop ratio is 4:5 - the dimensions are 1080 x 1350)
3. Export the image (Use 1350 in Step 4 to apply the correct dimensions for Instagram)

25. How to display and check your autofocus in WS?

Olympus added a function to Workspace to show the autofocus point in the image. It is now possible to activate this feature in WorkSpace. You can then check your focus points on the image. This is a great tool to help you improve your autofocus results. The Autofocus On/Off button can be found at the bottom of the Workspace window. See the image below...

Having used this for a few weeks, the AF point is always in the center of the image. My preferred AF mode is (S2/C2/M1). This makes it possible to apply AF, keep the shutter halfway, reframe, and press it. Looking at the AF point in WS, it's always in the center?

26. How to speed up WorkSpace by connecting your EM1s or OM-1?

We can speed up Workspace with the EM1 (II & III) and OM-1 connected to the PC in PCRAW mode. The benefits are significant. I linked my EM1 II to my older iMac and tested the effectiveness of this feature. I then applied the same editing with and without the camera connected. The cycle times are faster in PCRAW mode and up to 30 seconds when not.

See Tip 7 for more information about PCRAW and connecting the OM-1...

What are the main benefits of using the EM1 (II or III) image processor? It helps to reduce the waiting times between the editing steps when trying new techniques, practicing with raw files, creating color or monochrome profiles, and experimenting with ART filters.

This is how to connect the camera:-

1. Open Workspace and open your EM1 II raw folder
2. Connect your EM1 II USB cable to the camera and your PC
3. Switch the camera "ON" and select "PCRAW" on the camera
4. WS will automatically jump to Step 2 (see image below)

This is your Normal Workspace editing screen.

How to return to the connected EM1 II editing window? It's possible to return to the PC Raw editing window if you accidentally "canceled" the "PCRAW" editing window and you are back in the "normal" mode. Select the option in the above image and follow steps 2 and 3.

Here you select the file you like to edit with your EM1 connected.

This is the EM1 II (connected) editing screen.

PCRAW mode is automatically opened when the EM1s or OM-1 is connected in PCRAW mode. The EM1s editing window has fewer options than the normal editing mode. The editing speed improvements are significant. PCRAW mode is ideal with the camera and the WS image processors working together. Transfer the edited raw files to Photoshop and continue your editing in Photoshop...

27. Workspace with the 13" M1 MacBook Pro with 16GB Memory

I started with Windows when I bought my first Desktop PC. I kept my final Windows 7 version for unique cases. I changed to the basic 13" Macbook Pro and a well-specified iMac in 2014. Both these Macs work well with Workspace V1.5. The only problem was I could not use the Graphics Processors with WS. These older Macs also work well with my EM1 II & III in PCRAW mode. OMWS V2 did not work well with these Macs. The new AI Noise Reduction filter did not work on these Macs. 

I have a newer basic Macbook Pro with an M1 processor. I added 16GB to the Macbook Pro. Workspace V2 works with the M1 Macbook Pro. The Graphics Processor connects automatically. I never used the "detailed screen" option (See tip 26) on my older Macs. With the newer M1, this feature is fast to keep it ON while editing with the new M1 Macbook Pro.

28. How to install the new AI Noise reduction filter

Here is a link to the Version 2 upgrade for Workspace and additional information on how to upgrade. If you have an older version of Workspace on your PC and you like to upgrade, go to the Help menu and select the "Upgrade Software" option. It will install the new updater and then version 2. It does take a little while to do all this.

The new AI Noise Reduction filter (App) does not work with older Macs. I installed the V2 version on my newer Macbook Pro M1, and everything was OK.

Workspace will verify if the PC is compatible with the AI Noise Reduction Filter when updating to a newer version. If yes, you will see the message below. (left). You will have no message window when not compatible. Nothing happens if you install it again. The filter is installed if your PC has the correct hardware configuration. The image to the right (below) is what the function looks like in the Workspace editing window.

The AI Filter deactivates when installing the V2 upgrade, and you receive the OK. You need to install it again. Go to the help menu in Workspace V2 and select and download the new AI Noise Reduction filter. When installing the AI filter, you see a message window asking which cameras you like to include. All 3 cameras are automatically selected. Leave the selections as-is and press OK. I removed the OM-1 and then had to re-install the AI filter. It's a complete installation each time...

When done, it's easy to use. Be aware of the following:-

- The AI reduction filter works for the OM-1 and some older models

- It does not have any effect on images recorded at lower than ISO800

- It does not have any effect on Live ND images

- It does not have any effect on images recorded with multi-exposures

- It does not have any effect when using the "Merge Images" option in the camera

I photographed a few variations of a poorly lit scene at ISO12800...

Olympus EM1 III with 12-45mm f4, ISO12800, f5.0, 1/13th - edited with WS and the new AI Noise Reduction filter.

The above image is edited in Workspace( V2), and I used the new AI Noise Reduction filter. The AI filter has a few options and is easy to use. I did not expose for max SNR. I also did nothing else to improve the recorded image data. Study the images on a larger display. The scene was reasonably dark, and the shadows darker (probably 3 stops below neutral gray). You will see the shadow recovery is OK. The reflected information (data) might be too weak.

The same image was edited in PhotoLab 5 with Prime noise removal (I used slightly different colors in PL-5).

The same image was edited in PhotoLab 5 with DeepDive noise removal.

I use PhotoLab 5 on my iMac. When studying the results, you will see Workspace and the new AI filter causes a yellow cast. The Olympus noise filter is excellent for all Olympus cameras. I mostly use the "Low" option. The best way to manage noise is to improve your exposure skills...

Pls speed up WS, do any necessary upgrades, and open the AI filter for older PCs. The PhotoLab 5 AI filter works well on my older Macs. 

This EM1 III image was edited with WS with normal NR - The settings are in the Exif data.

29. How to edit your Enhanced Raw Files in 2 Steps

Most photographers edit their raw files in one session. PhotoLab and Lightroom are good examples of processing raw files in one step. While one session is OK for "standard" scenes, more complex scenes and Workspace benefit from converting and editing raw files in two stages.

See the link to the article...

30. Which version of Workspace is better?

The two versions in question are the older V1,5 and the newer version V2 of Workspace. They are almost identical, except for the AI noise reduction feature in V2. The more frustrating difference is the V2 version is slow on older computers which are doing well with version V1.5.

All Olympus cameras before the EM1 III are OK with V1.5. I kept one of the final V1.5 copies on my older Macbook Pro.

It is not a good idea to upgrade to V2 and to re-install V1.5. The reason is the Workspace database stays on the PC, and the V2 upgrade is not downward compatible...

Personally, I had it with all the software upgrades and reinstalled a previous OS on my older Macbook Pro. This allows me to continue with the software that's working perfectly well. I am even at the point of having only one PC on the web and using my older iMac and Macbook Pro offline...

Update: OMDS updated WS to V2.1.1.1 in January 2023. It works perfectly well will my older iMac 2014. I haven't tried the AI noise reduction feature...

31. Workspace Essentials for 2024

Decison-Making Process and Social Media...

Last update:- 3rd September 2023

We are reviewing the general Decision-Making Process when purchasing new products. For example, when collecting his car from the service center, the Service Manager advised John to replace his tires. This changed John's current status as he now needed new tires. This series of events or needs creation process happens every day. Needs originate from advertising, social media promotions, something like your toothpaste is done, or your partner wanting bread. 

John started his purchase or Decision-Making Process when he started searching for information. Next is the Evaluation Phase, when John reviews the various inputs from friends, experts, social media opinions, and product reviews. All these inputs influence John when selecting the right product. His final step is the so-called backbox or decision to buy.

Critical expenses like motorcar tires are complex purchasing decisions. They are characterized by a detailed purchasing process. Repetitive needs like milk, toothpaste, or bread do not require complex purchasing processes, as the person will simply purchase the item. 

What is Post-Buying Behavior? What part of John's buying experience influences his future purchases most? His so-called Post-Buying Experience is critical and is influenced by the delivery, packaging, presentation, service, and initial experience with the product.

Marketers refer to the Decision-Making Process as a series of complex processes. They specialize in influencing each process. For example, consumers spend more time buying cameras, mobile phones, or personal computers. Critical considerations are feedback from friends, family, group pressure, referrals, social media hype, brand, technology, and general perceptions.

How do Product Reviews influence consumers?

Product reviews play a critical role in complex purchasing processes. Consumers value trusted advisors or social media experts. People always place a high value on what others say or think. Marketers know that and spend millions on "coaching" consumers into making the "right" decisions...

Product reviewers and AI are expert advisors or virtual friends to many. Marketers understand the importance of approval from reviewers or forum experts. A "Gold Award" literally makes or breaks new products. Both manufacturers and competitors invest time and energy in getting an advantage via competitive product ratings. The process of influencing consumers is perfectly legit. Consumers should study, research, and think before making a purchasing decision.

I've been following product reviews and their impact on the success or failure of new products. Let's take an average camera review. Some study them in detail, and others go directly to the summary. Consumers only want more in-depth information after buying the product (post-buying behavior). Product ratings play a more critical role during the information search.

Product ratings and summaries include information or statements that will make or break purchasing decisions. Here are some meaningless or "deal-breaking" lines found in summaries:-

- Shutter shock at slower shutter speeds concerned us...

- The camera displayed more than average image noise...

- The camera has no external mic input or headphone output...

- The video output had too much rolling shutter...

- The small sensor has a limited dynamic range...

- We are concerned with the red color cast from this camera...

I am not concerned with what reviewers say or report. The question is when to say something, and is the information valuable or relevant? For example, a "rolling shutter" is something all Standard CMOS sensors have. Stacked BSI sensors were the first to offer a good solution for Rolling Shutter.

Example:- Does the Olympus EPL-9 require dust and water sealing? One reviewer stated he was concerned with the camera's poor dust and water protection. None of the cameras in this segment had any water or dust protection. Why mention this if it's NOT relevant?

Reviewers do not only determine the success of "competitor" products, they also promote some brands over others when they discuss only some aspects of one brand. In some cases, the success of great products is throttled, and in other cases, less capable products are promoted.

Example:- Years back, Pentax launched the crazy little Pentax Q. Yes, it had a small sensor, but it was a fully-fledged mirrorless system with a great selection of lenses. It offered many special effects and a good IQ for what it was designed. This little camera was endlessly criticized. The result is no more Pentax Q. Regardless, it's a sought-after camera today with a large following...

Should you study product reviews? Absolutely, go read as much as you like, and see as many videos as you can. The key is to learn to question reviewers and forum advisors. Think before you blindly trust any advice on social media. Most reviewers use articles or marketing material from the manufacturer's marketing department. One of the best ways to spot a marketing campaign is to look for the repetition of keywords and phrases in reviews or product descriptions. 

Why is repetition critical? This is an interesting question. Corporate marketers are experts in influencing people with fake storylines and repetitive keywords and phrases. For example, most photographers will believe "small sensors have less noise" if marketers offer enough incentives to let reviewers and experts (promoters) repeat this for months.

Also, see this article on marketing - link.

Make your own decisions.

Siegfried

OM WorkSpace update history

Last Update: 14th March 2024

Olympus WorkSpace Page and Download - Link

OM-System update page for Products & Software - link

General Q & A page - link

OMDS Workspace V2.3.2

Launch date:- 1st April 2024

I updated my copy on the 25th. The good news is it seems quicker than the previous version. I will add more info in a few days...

OMDS Workspace V2.3

Launch date:- 31st January 2024

OM-System updated Workspace for the new OM-1 II. I installed this version on my Macbook Pro with the M1 processor and will give more feedback in the future. OM-System also updated the Instruction Manual to V2.3. You will find a link to the instruction manual in the Help Menu of Workspace.

You will see a link to the same "old" summary when updating to the new version.

Notes (12th March 2024):

   - There was a version 2.3.1 update a few days later. No info is available...

   - These 2 versions are slower than the previous version. No info as to why...

   - Other than an OM-1 II update, I couldn't find any new Workspace functions.

   - I regretfully installed these new versions on both my Mackbook and iMac...

   - The access required to PCs is accessive. I mentioned this in my V2.2 update.

   - I simply block OM-System in my Mac settings after installing the update.

   - That means I cannot update my camera via WS. I haven't tried the App yet.

   - OMS also requested my personal data when I bought my EM1 III and EP-7...

   - The only "benefit" I get from OMS having my data is an inbox with advertising...

   - The latest EU regulations highlighted the practice of selling customer data...

The previous Olympus Workspace versions never wanted this level of access. See this DPReview post. Whether this is an innocent discussion is irrelevant. Many Olympus photographers reading this post will never experience the benefits of the Enhanced Raw Format or Workspace. OM-System is making it hard to build trust and a long-term customer relationship...

OMDS Workspace V2.2.2

Launch date:- 31st September 2023

The V2.2.2 update is for a new server with camera update information. I updated my Laptop and iMac, and WS works well and is quick on both PCs. I question if OM-System has the in-house capacity to update the EM1 III or older Olympus cameras. I am OK with that because I will not update my Olympus cameras via OM-System. I am not planning to get any new OM-System products either...

OMDS Workspace V2.2.1

Launch date:- 29th September 2023

I was reminded of an update when I started Workspace. I updated my Macbook Pro M1, and all seems OK. I will wait before doing the update to my new iMac.

                                                                          Source: OMSystem.com

It looks like a tiny update. I will give more feedback in a week or two...

OMDS Workspace V2.2

Launch date:- 2nd July 2023 

Special update: 21st August 2023. I purchased a "like new" 2017 iMac 27". It has the i7 processor, Radeon Pro 850 8GB graphics, 500GB SSD, and 16GB RAM. The plan is to increase the RAM to 64GB. The purchase price was less than $900. I installed Ventura (macOS), the latest version of Photoshop, and Workspace V2.2 with the AI noise reduction option. The "new" iMac is quick, and the 5K display is excellent. Workspace and the AI noise reduction option work great. I am still concerned about Olympus cameras plus marketing research and will cover all this in my next article...

XXX

I upgraded my Macbook Pro (M1) first. The installation went quick, and everything seemed OK. See a summary of the V2.2 updates at this link. It's the same as V2.0. (Right-click and copy the link if it doesn't open.) The experience is different for my iMac. The PC-RAW "update" opens more questions. I saw some photographers demand unconditional support for OM-System. How much loyalty should companies enjoy when our personal computers and applications are accessed by marketers? 

Why a different PC-RAW experience for OM-1 and EM1 photographers? OM-System gives no technical reasons for "conventional" versus OM-1 photographers. Are they simply segregating "conventional" photographers? One group with "conventional" Pro cameras gets less functionality, and another with OM-System cameras enjoys FULL functionality? Is this a winning strategy for OM-System? 

See my OM-5 comments here.

Keep a watchful eye on the following trends. This applies to ALL editing applications:-

• Newer programs like PS only open with a direct Web link to Adobe.
• Another trend is AI wanting more processing power and expensive PCs
• Editing applications should be free from market research on customer PCs

Please check the required PC specifications for V2.2...

Do NOT upgrade if you use an older PC.

                                                           Copied from the latest Workspace Manual

My comments as I discover V2.2:-

• My Macbook M1 is slower with Version 2.2. It's now the same as my iMac with V2.11.
• There are no improvements for conventional EM1 II/III/X cameras in PC-RAW mode.
• I really like the AI Noise Reduction from WS. OM-System is becoming a leader in NR.
• Being a leader among camera manufacturers means AI NR is tailored for our cameras.
• The standard NR function in WS is excellent. I use the Low option most of the time.
• I tested the AI NR option versus standard NR, and the results were the same at ISO800.
• I updated my old iMac to the new V2.2 version. This version is way slower than V2.11.
• I have Cataline V10.15.7 installed on my iMac. All my editing software is OK, except...
• The color card in my iMac is not compatible with the AI version of PS and PhotoLab 6.
• Interestingly, the color card does have 2GB memory but is still not OK for Workspace AI.
• The V2.2 upgrade is the SLOWEST version of Workspace - this is so frustrating!
• My iMac gave a security warning after the installation. Do they need this much access?
• Market research & personal PCs are a conclusion, as I found no other reason for V2.2.
• I am preparing a separate article to discuss image/video editing and what PC you need.

Conclusion

Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format combination offer excellent raw conversion and photo editing. It has the perfect environment to review and edit our camera settings while maximizing the computational features of Olympus cameras. It also delivers high-quality 16-bit Tiff files. All this means nothing if AI or more market research needs 4-minute update cycles for each adjustment. My Macbook Pro with the M1 processor was also slower after the V2.2 upgrade. I am happy with my older iMac. ON1 2023 uses AI and performs perfectly OK with my older iMac.

I did a lunchtime photo shoot this week. As expected, the lighting had a little more contrast. I used ISO800 and center-weighted AE for my EM1 III. This improved my sensor's saturation for the subject areas and overexposed the background areas with up to +1EV. This is an example of managing your SNR to ISO ratio. I noticed Photoshop had more noise in the converted raw files than WS. 

I see no difference between the standard and AI noise reduction functions at lower ISOs. AI is more effective at higher ISOs. OM-Systems should prioritize Workspace because it is one of the most user-friendly and appealing differentiators by any manufacturer. OM-System enjoys a significant head start with Workspace. I hope they stop the silly "segregation" games and improve their marketing efforts on promoting the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace...

Standard NR set to Low.

AI NR with the Low setting.

 

OMDS Workspace V2.11

Launch date:- January 2023

One of the biggest problems with the previous versions of OMWS was speed. They were so slow that I decided to keep the previous (V1.5) version of Workspace on my older Macbook Pro. I am happy to see that V2.11 is FAST. This is the best news possible for those of us using Workspace. Thank you, OM-System. I will add additional information as I get to know the upgraded version...

Copy and paste the link (below) in your browser for more information from OM-System.

file:///Library/Application%20Support/OMDigitalSolutions/OMWorkspace/Guide/index_ENU.html

Comments:

• I tried PCRAW mode with my EM1 III, and the editing window did NOT change. It's still different from the regular editing window. Why does the OM-1 get access to the default editing window in PC-RAW mode and not the EM-1s? This is annoying and frustrating...
• We can't save our converted raw files as 16-bit Tiff files in PCRAW mode. I have been using DxO PhotoLab while waiting for a faster OMWS V2 upgrade. I can export my PhotoLab 16-bit Tiff file to Photoshop, plus Deeprime works with my 2014 iMac...

OMDS Workspace V2.10

Launch date:- November 2022

Speed continues to be the biggest problem for this version. Why is this not a priority..?

OMDS Workspace V2.01

Launch date:- May 2022

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - None

Updates:

- Workspace was updated to allow for OM-1 updates via WS

- The following cameras now have the backup function

- OM-1, EM1X, EM1 II/III, EM5 II (V3 and later), Pen F (V2 or later)

- OMDS recommends using WS V2.01 when updating your camera  

- It seems OMDS added some stability improvements in V2.01

Comments: (reviewed)

• The more powerful version 2 is much slower than the V1.5 plus requires more PC power. It could be a good idea to keep the V1.5 version and only upgrade if you bought an OM-1. 
• One of the issues with V2.0 is the button or link to your preferred editing application. This button stopped working with V2.0. This is mainly an issue with Photoshop 2022 because the actual PS App is now in a sub-dir from the Adobe folder in the Applications folder. WS V2 does not allow us to access subfolders from the Applications App folder. It is not an issue with V1.5...
• Workaround - (I tested the option (see illustration) below)
• It works, but it opens the basic raw file and not the edited WS file
• Another option is to go back to the first (Photoshop) option in WS (see below)
• It takes a longer time to open the image in PS (maybe a minute)
• When you select the 8-bit file option, then it will open a jpeg
• If you do not use the 8-bit option, then it defaults to the Tiff format
• With this option, the WS adjustments are transferred to PS
• This does not happen with the older V1.5 version.
• I wish OMDS would see this and prioritize a fix. I reported this to Adobe.
• Waiting a minute is no good (time). What is the alternative OMDS?
• I experienced NONE of this with my new M1 Macbook Pro and WS (V2)

• I removed V2 from an older Macbook Pro and my iMac and reinstalled V1.5. It worked on my Macbook. Workspace was super fast again on my older iMac. I experienced problems transferring files to Photoshop, plus some editing reset features are no longer available in WS... I reinstalled V2.01 on my iMac and created a new database. See my comments below...
• You will lose the new AI noise reduction from V2.0 if you downgrade. I am happy with both DxO Photolab and the new Deep-Prime option. Update: - Be aware that V1.5 and V2 are using the same image database, and this causes the downgrade to be a problem. The best option is NOT to upgrade to V2 and to wait for a fix)
• Like older versions, V2 does not accept my iMac graphics card with 2GB memory!! Why does this happen? It has to be quicker with a "non-compatible" color card than without.
• I bought my new Macbook Pro with the M1 processor (baby model). It works like a dream with V2, it's super quick, and the AI noise reduction works... (It's a good solution for WS!!)

OMDS Workspace V2.0

Launch date:- Feb 2022

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - The new OMDS OM-1 camera was launched

Updates:

- Workspace has been re-introduced as OMDS software 

- Sequential shooting image group display

- This feature makes it easier to find specific scenes in a series of recorded images

- A new Focus Analyzer for groups of images 

- It evaluates the focus in each group of sequential images 

- A new AI Noise reduction option for Olympus cameras 

Comments:

• The powerful Workspace V2 seems slower than the older V1.5 version and requires much more PC power. It could be a good idea to keep V1.5 and only upgrade if you bought the new OM-1. 
• I removed V2 from an older Macbook Pro and iMac and reinstalled V1.5. Works great and is super fast...
• One of the issues with V2.0 is the button or link to your preferred editing application. This button stopped working with V2.0. This is mainly an issue with PS because the actual PS App is in a sub dir in the applications folder. WS V2 does not allow us to access subfolders from the Applications App folder. The older V1.5 version is not slow...
• You will lose the new AI noise reduction with V2.0 when you downgrade. I am happy with both DxO Photolab and the new Deep-Prime options.
• Like other versions, V2 does not accept my iMac graphics card with 2GB..!!
• I replaced my old Macbook Pro (baby model) with the newer M1 processor (baby model) in Dec 2021. It works like a dream with V2. It's quick, and the AI noise reduction works...
• See my previous upgrade comments, as most problem areas are the same...
• I hope OMDS will fix these issues soon...

Olympus Workspace V1.4 & V1.5

Launch date:- June 2021

I didn't add new information on V1.4 because the changes are not noticeable, plus it is unclear who did the updates, Olympus or OMDS...

Updates: (This is an exciting update BUT poorly communicated)

The V1.5 update happened in June 2021. The only "official" info I could find was the update added new products and general improvements.

See my comments below for this upgrade:

- It seems support for the new E-P7 was added (Most other raw converters offer no support)

- The Color Adjust function will show what colors the cursor is pointing to. Great!!

- A significant upgrade to the Color Profile - See How-To tips No. 21 - here.

- Workspace is now faster and more responsive...

- You can now also show the AF point in the image - this is great!! (See my how-to page)

- It also seems the AF point in WS does not work - it always reports the center point.

- The Color and MonoChrome Profile was opened to several other cameras' raw files

- New ART filters and Options added (E-P7). These are NOT open for all cameras

- All MK III and AP Menus can be edited with the new ART filters (raw format)

Comments:

1. Olympus didn't fix software (WS) settings or options. When I added my iMac graphics card to the WS settings, it was accepted and rejected immediately. Even while my iMac has the 2GB video card WS requested.
2. The Display Color Management option does not work. (That said, if you edit an image, then WS uses the image's color settings. If the image is set to RGB and your PC display to RGB, you're OK...
3. The User Manual has not been updated to V1.5 - it's still at V1.4.1
4. ART Filters. OMDS opened the new options for cameras with the AP Menu. That means you can edit any E-P7 raw file. The E-M1 was also added to the AP list, but the other OMDs were not...

Olympus Workspace V1.3

Launch date:- 27 March 2020 (V1.3.1)

WorkSpace has been updated to V1.3.1, and includes the following:-

- Actual WorkSpace
- Olympus Updater
- WorkSpace Help File

Launch date:- 12 February 2020 (V1.3)

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - Olympus EM1 III was launched

Updates:

 - Video sound replacement was added (Replace video sound with LS-P4 recording)
 - Print background color selection added
 - Stability improvements

Comments:

None

Olympus Workspace V1.2

Launch date:- 17th October 2019

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - Olympus OMD EM5 III was launched
 - Olympus Pen E-PL 10 was launched

Updates:

 - Multiple Composites added
 - JPEG Picture Mode (MonoChrome and Sepia)
 - Level Adjustment (Opacity) of ART filter effect added (only some)

Comments:

The ART filter opacity slider is compatible with the EPL10 and the EM10 III. Not all the ART filters can be adjusted, only the Pop Art and Soft Focus1 filters.

Olympus Workspace V1.1

Launch date:- 19th June 2019

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - Olympus OMD EM1X Firmware V1.1
 - Olympus OMD EM1 II Firmware V3.0

Software Updates:

 - Connecting the EM1X and the EM1 II to a PC for high-speed Raw Data Editing
 - New functions were added

- Focus stacking

- Lighten Composite

 - New and improved Noise Reduction options
 - There are software and stability improvements
 - Multiple screen views are possible with V1.1

Comments:

 - USB RAW data edit is compatible with the EM1 II (V3), EM1X (V1.1), and the EM1 III

Olympus Workspace V1.0

Launch date:- 28th January 2019

New Products or Firmware Updates:

 - The EM1X was launched.

Comments:

Olympus Workspace was released and is available for download. First impressions were positive, but it also had some initial problems, like a strange purple screen at times or it would freeze.

One of the first things one noticed is that Workspace is much quicker than the older Viewer 3. Olympus completely redesigned the editing environment and new functions like Dehaze and Clarity. Olympus Workspace also lost a few tasks that were part of Viewer 3. See the article I wrote.

Olympus Viewer 3

Viewer 3 was the previous image editing software from Olympus. Apart from being slow, Viewer 3 was a reasonably powerful editing tool. I kept my copy of Viewer 3 on my PC.

The free download from Olympus was terminated on 31st March 2019.

Workspace, the new Olympus Image Editor

Last Update:- 18th August 2021

The current WorkSpace Version is V1.5

What is the minimum you expect from the image editing software supplied with your camera? In this article, we will take a quick look at WorkSpace, the new editing software from Olympus. 

Content:-

1. Introduction
2. A short summary of the improvements in WorkSpace
3. New editing space layout options
4. WorkSpace and Wi-Fi connectivity
5. Video editing with WorkSpace
6. Image editing with WorkSpace
7. Conclusion

What is the minimum functionality one would expect:-

 - Fast image viewer with good image comparison and selection/grading capabilities
 - A raw converter with the ability to render the Olympus look and lens corrections
 - Focus on image corrections/editing functions including batch processing capabilities
 - Creative editing like layers, basic selections, color, filters, and text functions

Also, see my other WorkSpace articles:-

- Tips and tricks working with WorkSpace - link

- Creative editing with WorkSpace Part 5 - link

- Your personalized image style with WorkSpace in "Live View" - link

- Olympus Pen F color and monochrome profiles with WorkSpace - link

- Guide to Olympus creative color techniques - link

- How to create and edit a video with your EM5 II and WorkSpace - link

Updated WorkSpace editing space view - Version 14.1

1. Introduction

Typically, manufacturers will not offer everything in the above wish list. For example, I have not seen layers with any other manufacturer software. Photoshop Elements is one of a few budget editors with both basic and creative features. Photoscape X is another affordable editor that offers both image editing and creative features with layers. Luminar is a great option with both layers and creative features.

The main advantage of adding WorkSpace to your workflow is it uses the same image-processing engine as Olympus cameras. We have seen that it's possible to create color profiles in WorkSpace, transfer the settings to the camera and have the same image look as on the PC. WorkSpace makes it possible to see what the color profile really looks like, before using it with the camera.

Previous Olympus Viewer 3

Image editing software is a personal thing and something each photographer should investigate for themselves. For example, image viewing and organizing needs will be different from photographer to photographer. For example, some photographers think Lightroom is slow while others prefer working with Lightroom. Some prefer extensive cataloging options while others prefer more control over their image collections.

I have a personal dislike when raw converters have extensive database functions. It slows down the software and it's a mess to work with. I have my own cataloging system that works well for me. This is one of the reasons I always preferred Adobe Bridge. I think Olympus did right the right thing, Workspace has one of the most unintrusive viewers, it's easy to mark and select images or to create collections. It's quick to find images and fun to work with.

New Olympus Workspace

2. Short summary of the improvements in WorkSpace:-

- A new fully customizable and fast User Interface - this is truly a great improvement
- A fast and new-look image viewer, it's flexible with customizable layouts
- The new image viewer offers great organizing features and image sorting tools
- Workspace has a completely reworked image editor plus its now user-configurable
- Workspace now offer a basic video editor that can cut and merge clips into basic projects
- Workspace is good for viewing videos, selecting/cutting, and organizing video projects
- Workspace is fast and it works extremely well (it now supports PC graphic cards)
- A PDF User Guide is available for each version, and accessible via the help menu
- Olympus Capture is now compatible with Workspace
- Workspace automatically recognize the camera and will enable or disable functions
- Keyboard shortcuts are now available and it helps to improve your working speed
- In general, the image zoom function is much quicker when in detail zoom views
- One can now import images via the Wi-Fi connection on the camera
- One can add images to collections - or the same image in different collections
- A new clone stamp tool to repair/remove small imperfections - not as good as PS
- The Color Wheel is upgraded with Hue, Saturation, and Luminance adjustments

2.1 What Viewer 3 functions have been excluded from Workspace:-

- Social media options were removed and the MyOlympus community
- Older color functions are now all consolidated in Workspace

- The Basic Text editor has not been added to WorkSpace

- The separate Viewer 3 editor with Gamma function

- The "Optical" Auto Tone Correction Tool

- False Color Suppression
- Sharing of color profiles have a new format in WorkSpace?

Olympus EM1 II with Lumix 7-14mm, ISO200, f8, 1/250, FL9mm (RAW edited in PS)

Workspace consolidated the various editing menus/areas from Viewer 3 into one new editing space. This simplifies the editing process. When working with RAW files, each Olympus camera will activate a different function unique to that camera. For example, the Pen-F will activate the new Color Profile function while the older EP-5 raw file has no access to the Color Profile. The good news is, all jpeg files work with the new Color Profile function.

2.2 New or improved editing functions in WorkSpace:-

- Clarify and Dehaze sliders are NEW
- The NEW Adjust Color Menu now have Saturation, Luminance, and Hue adjustments
- The previous Color Creator and Monochrome Profile now in the Picture Modes menu
- NEW noise removal options plus dark frame option added
- NEW Clone stamp tool - very basic but with practice objects can be removed

- You can now connect your EM1,2 to your PC and use its CPU to edit raw files

Olympus Workspace different editing views

3. New editing space layout options.

See the above image. The screen layout on the left is perfect for my iMac. When used with my smaller 15" laptop it is not practical. Photographers can now change the screen layout with the click of a button. The screen layout on the right demonstrates this flexibility. It is now possible to quickly scroll through 5 different screen layouts and select one. The screen layout on the right works well on smaller laptops. It is also possible to use two monitors. This new work area flexibility is really great.

The new image viewer and the zoom function are now much faster. Image detail in the image viewer is better than with Adobe Bridge CC. It is nearly more practical to now use Workspace as your main image Viewer/Organizer. It is also possible to assign an external image and separate video editor to WorkSpace. That means you can launch Photoshop or Final Cut Pro from Workspace.

4. Workspace and Wi-Fi connectivity.

I tested the Wi-Fi function on my iMac and my laptop. The first step is to set up a connection between the camera and the PC. Activate Wi-Fi on your camera and then add the camera Wi-Fi network to your PC networks. When the connection is made the camera SD card will appear in Workspace and one can then simply select an image and Workspace will import it from the camera.

What I did notice is the Wi-Fi connection with Capture did not work with my EM1 II. Today this option seems exclusive to the EM1X and the EM1 III.

Also interesting is the integration between Olympus Capture and Workspace. One would expect Capture to be a part of Workspace. Workspace and Capture will only "integrate" when they both open at the same time. When Workspace "discover" Capture, then use the folders window to open the Capture tab.

Workspace Video Editor

5. Video Editing with WorkSpace

Workspace offers basic video editing. It's important to connect the camera to the PC when opening video files for the first time. Thereafter all video files linked to that camera can be opened without the camera connected to the PC. Also, see this article of a film project I tested with the EM5 II.

See the basic Video Editor in the above image. One can cut videos and save them in project folders. The clips will then be linked to the timeline in the window on the right. A basic transition fading option is available between clips. One can also select any "image" frame and export that as a jpeg file. No color, or toning, or white balance adjustments are available in video mode.

Viewing video files in Workspace works well, it's fast, detailed, and sharp. It's quick to go through video files in the viewer, cut the clips, and save them into a project folder.

6. Image Editing with Workspace

One of the unique aspects about Olympus is they always focussed on the Photographer and not the camera or the image editor. The camera does have fully automated exposure modes but also has a complete palette with different options the photographer can use as needed.

WorkSpace automated functions:-

• White Balance
• Focus Stacking
• Time-Lapse function in WorkSpace 
• Live composite in WorkSpace
• Gradation function
• Creating Multiple Composite
• Batch processing of raw files
• iEnhance function
• Panorama building function

Something unique about WorkSpace is how it selects the working color profile. Photoshop will use a global color space taken from the settings or preferences configuration. WorkSpace will use the color profile included with each image. You, therefore, select the color profile in the camera and not a global WorkSpace setting. That said, it is possible to change the color profile for each image in the editing panel. Printing from WorkSpace is something different. Check the manual because in some cases WorkSpace will select the computer color space.

Why mention this? I personally do not calibrate my PC display. I always used the Adobe RGB1998 color space on all the different devices I use. I assume using the same color profile on all my digital devices means the color between these devices is synchronized.

Short description of the color features in WorkSpace

I am currently updating this part of the article...

A quick example, editing a raw file in WorkSpace

I edited the image below in WorkSpace and then did a before and after. I copied my WorkSpace screen and placed it below. I hope this will help those who are new to WorkSpace.

Below are all the adjustments I did to the above image. Those settings not included below have not been adjusted in WorkSpace. I focussed on the colors in the image and only adjusted those. My aim was to create a more colorful image, increase the contrast, highlight the reflections in the water, and add a little warmth.

What I did with the 3 RGB adjustments, is to adjust opposite colors. If you look at the color wheel you will see the opposite of blue is yellow. When you reduce the blue channel the image will show more yellow. This only applies to the 3 RGB colors in the "Tone Curve" adjustments.

7. Conclusion

Olympus did many updates and improvements on WorkSpace. OM Digital took over from Olympus in 2020 and did one more update. The current version of WorkSpace is a day and night improvement over the first version launched in January 2019.

It's fast, responsive and Olympus did several improvements. Its color features were worked on and are now a pleasure to work with. Color profiles and how to work with them have also improved. The link to the community and sharing of color profiles is not yet up to date.

It is not difficult to recommend WorkSpace to other Olympus photographers. In fact, Olympus photographers can only benefit from adding WorkSpace to their workflow.

As with anything new, practice makes perfect. Photographers need to practice or edit at least one image every day for a few months. Try and experiment with the different functions and color tools. From my own experience WorkSpace is more powerful each day I work with it.

It is possible to consistently get amazing results with WorkSpace...

7.1 A few improvements I like to see in future updates:-

- Social media, Mobile Phones, and Wi-Fi integration - all need to improve
- Please open all Olympus cameras to have access to color functions in RAW
- Color profiles sharing, upload/download to cameras like the Pen-F - improve, please
- Mobile phone App - Sync with Workspace - color profiles sharing will be great
- The PDF User Manual is a great idea - pls add more info, especially for new functions
- Full Layers, gradient filtering plus Tex functions....this will make a huge difference
- The ability to show the AF & tracking point on the image (assist selecting images)

- Will be great to see more powerful but basic video editing - ad a proper timeline pls!

Images edited in Workspace

Olympus Pen F with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/1250 (Raw edited in WorkSpace, worked w color)

Olympus EM1 II with 75-300mm f5.6-6.3 - ISO1600, f7.1, 1/2500 (Raw edited in WorkSpace, ART filter part of edit)

Olympus EM1 w 12-40mm f2.8 lens - ISO200, f4.5, 1/250 (Jpeg edit in WorkSpace)