Video basics and modern digital cameras

Last updated:- 24th April 2024

Introduction.

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

We all appreciate the differences between the Toyota Aygo and the Porsche 911. They are profound when driving fast on a German AutoBahn. One often assumes the differences between cameras are similar when watching YouTube presenters. For example, one of my articles found surprisingly small differences between sensors with up to 20 times pixel area variances. We, unfortunately, see a high level of exaggeration when watching video specs, sensor size, and videography discussions...

My wife and I transferred our VHS video collection onto DVD and had much fun with our son and his family watching them. Imagine your grandchildren experience their father learning to ride a bicycle on an old VHS video. I never had the same fun recording and watching videos on my mobile phone. There's something special about memories created with a homemade video and family. My new E-M5 II was a huge inspiration when Olympus introduced it in 2015. I did many short videos with my DJI Phantom P3 drone, the Olympus EM5 II, and Premier Elements.

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

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

This short video illustrates this "perfect" world well...

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

Another option is to simply return to basics...

Taking a step back, one quickly realizes how accurately the Olympus Imaging Division targeted hobby and home video creators. Cameras like the original EM5 and EM1 continue to fill the need for capable photography cameras while supporting those developing their videography skills. Take a moment and list the main video differences between Olympus M43 cameras from 2012 to 2024. 

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

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

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

We will discuss the following subjects in this series about videography:

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

Conclusion

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

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

What is the size of the videography market? The open question is, did camera manufacturers fail to treat mobile phones as a competitor and, therefore, never implement a segmented video strategy? Instead, they seem to push for the "perfect" Pro Camera? A great example is the Panasonic G100. When launched, this small hybrid camera was highly criticized because reviewers and promoters could not position it in the "pro" segment or intelligently discuss its scope of application. The G100 was only accepted once the target segment discovered this gem on the secondhand market...

Don't let YouTube "Pro Talk" or social media promoters distract you. Your Olympus camera is perfect for videography. Olympus M43 cameras are great for filmmaking and those planning to return to filming with M43 mirrorless cameras. We will review some Olympus cameras in this series...

How much of a difference does size make?

Last Update: 4th April 2024

Introduction.

My son said I may try his Sony ZV-E1 while he tried my Fuji XT-5. The Sony ZV-E1 uses the same 12MP FF BSI sensor as the Sony A7S III. A camera like this should be tested. I would have liked to include my Fuji XT-5. The test results are exciting and reveal much about what to expect from various cameras. For example, the Sony ZV-E1 pixel area is 5 times larger than the Olympus E-M1 III and almost 20 times larger than the Olympus XZ-2. How much do these pixel area differences impact the IQ of these cameras? What should we look for, and how will you test these cameras?

Sensor Sensitivity is determined by the Optical and Quantum efficiencies of the pixels. That means larger pixels should capture more light and convert more photons into electrons, right? The secret is to study shadow details because more sensitive sensors capture more info in the shadows. How many shadow detail variances do you expect to find between the Sony ZV-E1 and the older Olympus XZ-2? While I am not testing for noise, what do you expect to find between these 2 cameras? Those studying my articles have enough information and knowledge to evaluate these questions.

I included several Olympus cameras in this test. We can learn much from the different pixel areas of these cameras. For example, the pixel area of the Olympus E-1 is 3 times larger than the EM1 III. It is sometimes easier to simulate sensor differences with the equipment you have...

Why do golfers use a handicap? It lets experienced and weaker golfers play competitively. It's safe to say equivalence is often applied like a golf handicap. That means equivalence sets unnecessary restrictions on M43 photographers. Do we need a handicap to evaluate cameras? Each camera is unique and should get a chance to showcase its capabilities. The only variable that should be the same is the test studio. I applied this basic philosophy to the test images further down.

Preparing the Test Studio

The test image had a 4EV variance between the brightest and darkest parts. Each exposure was set at the brightest point with the camera's spot meter. Each sensor's Saturation and SNR levels were 4 stops lower in the shadows. Study the photons to electrons graph in this article for more about sensor saturation and SNR levels. Every digital photographer should know this graph...

Every sensor is technically different. This knowledge helps us to plan our camera tests correctly. One typically focuses on pixel area and not sensor size when evaluating the technical aspects of image sensors. Sensor size only determines the optical characteristics of the camera. I created the following chart to help you study the different pixel areas of the tested cameras.

The chart shows each sensor's megapixels in red. For example, go to the 12MP FF sensor on the horizontal axis and compare its pixel area to the 12MP (1/1.7") sensor on the vertical axis. We can compare all the sensors in this chart. That means we are focussing on pixel area and not size! For example, how much will the Olympus E1 shadow details differ from the Olympus E-M1 III?

Sensor size is a marketing tool used to entice those with little knowledge. It's meaningless and tells us nothing about the sensor. For example, it's more effective to focus on the diagonal measurements of the sensor. The reason is the lens image circle has to cover the complete sensor. This explains the more light "effect" FF enthusiasts rave about or the equivalence factor when comparing the optical differences between M43, APC, and full-frame lens mounts. See the table below.

How should we study these controlled image quality tests on different sensor sizes and pixel areas? To prepare yourself, take a few moments, select a few cameras (pixel areas), and write down what you like to learn from these tests. For example, how many more shadow details do you expect from the 12MP full-frame sensor over the smaller 1/1.7" sensor? Also, study the Fuji X-T5 or Medium Format 100MP sensor and explain why their shadow details could technically be similar to the 20MP Olympus M43 sensor. Why is image noise a potential challenge for these two Fuji cameras..?

Olympus C-770UZ  (4MP) - ISO64, f3.2, 1/160 - OOC JPEG and not edited...

Let's study the different test images...

All the noise filters were off while taking 4 RAW files with each camera. The Olympus RAW files were converted in Workspace with no NR, and I used the Photoshop 2024 Raw Converter with no NR for the rest. I brightened the shadows to reveal the captured details of each camera. All the cameras were optimized to deliver better detail and IQ. One typically expects less visible noise from a saturated sensor with higher SNR values. That said, these test images are all about detail...

The test images are best viewed on a large display. Click on the first image...

What were my camera configurations? I used the 17mm f1.2 lens on my M43 cameras and the 50mm f2 macro lens on my 4/3rds DSLRs. The Canon 6D II had an EF 35mm f2.0 lens, and the Sony ZV-E1 had a 55mm f1.8 Zeiss lens. That means I used my tripod distance to the image to compensate for lower megapixel sensors and the different focal lengths. I used Manual Exposure with an Aperture of f3.5 or f4 on these cameras. I also used the 2s timer and +1EV ETTR on each camera.

I used the same white balance (marker) to convert the raw files.

Conclusion

You don't need an expert to tell you the Olympus XZ-2 and Sony ZV-E1 image results are very similar. For example, I couldn't find 20 times more image details for the Sony. That means the Olympus XZ-2's image details compared well to the Sony ZV-E1 with its 20 times larger pixel areas. The 20-year age difference between some cameras also didn't make a big difference. Finally, less than 100% pixel area differences seem insignificant. That means one can ignore the sensor sensitivity differences between M43 (Live MOS) and APC (Standard CMOS and BSI) sensors. What makes a real difference is knowledge, lens selections, and regularly using Workspace and one's Olympus camera.

I used the Olympus E-M1 II for years and the E-M1 III for +18 months. These are exceptional cameras with excellent IQ, speed, and functionality. The most fascinating part about them is the 20MP Live MOS sensor. I would love to see the specifications Olympus used to find this sensor.

What does one learn from this? We simply can't trust those repeating the same meaningless size and capture phrases. Photographers are rediscovering older cameras and image sensors. For example, the TruePic processors and 16MP sensors used in cameras like E-M1, E-PL9, E-M5 II, and E-M10 II/III deliver excellent results. You will get a better camera by evaluating functionality, speed, application, and form factor. Any camera is a joy in good light with good user experience and knowledge.

Those photographers who make a habit of developing their Enhanced Raw files and Image Editing skills have an advantage. The benefits of improving one's knowledge plus camera and editing skills are remarkable. I often write about the benefits of converting your Olympus Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace. Also, see this video reviewing the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace.

See this article I did on 12MP versus 100MP printed samples.

Best Siegfried

Advanced Exposure Techniques and Workspace

Last updated:- 17th March 2024

Introduction

I lost my left arm in a motorcar accident and have been on pain medication ever since. It's difficult to say which is worse, losing my left arm or the opioid-based pain medication. My wife and I worked hard to reduce my pain medication, and we reached the point of cutting it completely. Those who followed my blog know how it benefitted me personally and my ability to write better articles.

I bought my first digital camera in 1998, which also started my craving for that perfect digital camera promoted by camera reviewers and social media experts. Breaking free from commercially biased theories, repetition, and the collective social media influence is similar to walking away from addictive medication. I can write a book about these processes and the similarities...

Olympus EM5 II with 25mm f1.4 Leica - ISO800, f3.2, 1/25 - Enhanced Raw File converted in WS. I used my ISO to control the highlights.

I use a simple strategy or rule when studying technical info. I reject any "interesting" information that does not improve my photography. My understanding and articles about digital cameras focus on information that improves the average photographer's image quality. My regular readers appreciate the benefits of marketing free camera knowledge. This is an ongoing learning experience...

The technical aspects of cameras interest me the most. My wife and I enjoy taking photos and using them in different projects. We love photography and regard ourselves as hobby photographers.

Fuji FinePix A201 (2MP) compact camera. ISO100, f4.5, 1/45 seconds. Slightly edited in Photoshop.

My focus in 2024 and onward...

The challenge of learning and growing the MyOlympuOMD blog impacted my recovery positively. I will continue to develop the blog and plan to focus on used Olympus cameras while we are waiting for a real OM-System camera. This includes exploring unique cameras like the Fuji XT-5, the Sony ZV-E1, the Panasonic GM-1, and the EP-7. I also plan to create more YouTube videos in 2024. 

My focus will be the following subjects for this blog and YouTube:

• Videography with basic principles, casual videos, and documentaries
• Digital camera knowledge and techniques improving our photography
• OM Workspace, the Enhanced Raw Format, and general photo editing
• I am planning to write informative articles on older Olympus cameras

My first two videos for 2024

I uploaded 2 YouTube videos over the past 8 days. They give an overview of my articles on exposure and Workspace and will benefit those who prefer watching a video. I will create shorter videos in the future that will focus on specifics. I am working on my sound quality and will have a solution for my next video. Please subscribe to my YouTube channel and post your thoughts in the comments.