Rediscover your old photos with OM Workspace...

Last Updated: 7th June 2026 (I added more Olympus E-3 image quality)

My thoughts wandered to the E-3 from Olympus while preparing a reference guide for my Kodak film simulations. Being from South Africa, I have a close connection to typical African colors. For example, I make an effort to visit places that shaped my color awareness when I am with family and friends in South Africa. My childhood experience with Africa's nature and wildlife reserves, combined with the refined "Kodak" image processing of the E-3, shaped my digital color preferences. Do you experience a similar connection to the colors found in the country or region you call home? For instance, I always associate Switzerland with snow, flowers, happy colors, and deep blue skies. That said, I'm aware that the E-3 has a Live MOS sensor and not the "Kodak" CCD sensor of cameras like the E-500.

The Olympus E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200 mm f/2.8-3.5 lens. I converted the RAW+ file in Workspace.

I recall experiencing exposure problems when I first took the E-3 to South Africa. I couldn't find the reason and filed the incident as unsolved. It felt strange to discover the cause so many years later in Workspace. Olympus introduced the gradation AUTO option with the E-3. It seems like I used the new option without resetting it. Having owned several versions of Photoshop Elements, I couldn't verify my camera settings as we do with the RAW+ format and Workspace. Everything changed when I set the gradation to "normal" 15 years later. See the portrait, wildlife, and Monaco examples.

Subsequently, I converted more RAW files from various Olympus DSLRs. In most cases, the results were noteworthy after changing settings like picture mode, sharpness, noise filter, color space, and gamma adjustments like curves & gradation. I also discovered several exposure-related mistakes I made in the past. Imagine tweaking and updating your camera settings 15+ years later.

PS. The TruePic processor and image processing became one of Olympus' most critical technologies...

The posted photos are from the Olympus E-3, the 50-200 mm f/2.8-3.5, the 14-54 mm f/2.8-3.5, and the 25 mm f/2.8 lenses. My RAW+ files from 2009/10 were converted and edited in Workspace. My E3 image look and my Kodak guide represent my color preferences. For instance, I adjusted the exposure and tonal values and left the colors as is for the posted images. I'd like to invite you to practice your color awareness as you do with framing your scenes. Lean on familiar colors as you define your color preferences. For example, would you add cyan to blue skies, desaturate the greens, or do any specific color changes? I think we will spend more time on these color basics in 2026.

PS. Some of my Monaco photos were taken with the Zuiko 70-300 mm f/4.5-5.6 lens.

E-3 with the Zuiko 50-200 mm f/2.8-3.5 lens. RAW+ converted & edited in Workspace.

Olympus cameras and Workspace never stopped surprising me. I like to keep my photography simple, which is what Olympus did with their cameras and Workspace. It's a process of basic photography and image editing principles, which enable us to have great results with 10MP or 20MP cameras. Imagine the possibilities when we add experience to the mix. What would your advice be if you could highlight one aspect of digital photography? My advice would be to step away from social media influencers and free your digital photography experience from unnecessary advertising and repetition. Imagine having only one Olympus E-3, E-5, or E-30 with 4/3rds Zuiko lenses and Workspace...

Folks, consider having cameras like the E-3 or E-520 in 2010 and editing your camera settings in 2026. The strategic future of the Olympus partnership with Kodak and cameras like the OM-3 becomes clear with the tonal and color control we see from products like the OM-3 and Workspace. The OM-3 is not just another camera; it looks more like the ultimate color and Kodak-look masterpiece.

PS: I converted and edited all my RAW+ images in this article with Workspace.

Monaco - here are a few more Olympus E-3 photos

I am more comfortable photographing in the southern parts of Europe.

OM Workspace, RAW+, and the Color Creator

Last Updated: 30th May 2026

I uploaded a new video to my YouTube channel about OM Workspace, the Enhanced RAW Format, and the Color Creator. As a practical example, I decided to illustrate the color creator with enhanced raw (RAW+) conversions. The goal is 7 raw conversions photographers can use as examples.

I used the following cameras and lenses:

- Olympus E-M1 III

- OM System OM-5

- M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens

- M.Zuiko 75-300mm f/4.8-6.7 lens

- M.Zuiko 12-200mm f/3.5-6.3 lens 

Finally, one of the editing examples includes the Olympus Gradation function. I used the AUTO option to rebalance the highlight and shadow ratios with different exposure and tonal ratios.

What to expect from my next video...

Inspiration is a common challenge for photographers. It's interesting to listen to artists talking about the events or life-changing moments that inspired them to take on a new challenge. New technologies or products are often an inspiring experience. In my next video, I am discussing how my articles and photography became an inspiration on my journey with Olympus and OM System cameras.

One of the aspects guiding my journey with cameras like the Pen F, the Pen E-P7, and the OM-3 is OM Workspace, the enhanced raw format, and film stock examples such as Kodachrome 25 or Portra 400. The Kodachrome 200 film from 1986 to 2007 inspired the profile I created for these 12 photos. I will discuss the technique I used to recreate my favorite Kodachrome 200 colors in the next video. Those with older cameras like the E-M1 and E-M5 II can use the same profile with the RAW+ format...

Tip: The TruePic VIII (E-M1 II, E-M5 III, and E-M10 III & IV) is great for Workspace (tonal and color focussed) raw conversions...

The above Kodachrome 200 inspired photos were done with the OM System OM-5 and the M.Zuiko 75mm f/1.8 lens.

Wallpaper with the Olympus E-M1 III, the M.Zuiko 12-200mm lens, and Kodachrome 200. Olympus excels when photographing nature!!

The above RAW+ files from my Olympus E-M5 II were converted with my Kodachrome 200 inspired profile.

The worst counter-marketing campaign ever...

Last update: 26th May 2026

The idea of becoming a paid influencer is unappealing, especially when encountering misleading info or astroturfing. Imagine being that person who would repeat anything for a lousy dollar. That is why I kept a basic policy of keeping this blog free from undisclosed promotions. Recently, I have observed weekly-generated AI channels suggesting that OM System will introduce three new high-end cameras for 2026. Given their performance over the past 5 years, it seems highly unlikely. It seems more like a question of corporate marketing directors using AI agents to craft rumors about a new OM-1 III while AI is drawing upon corporate promotional materials displayed in the office.

Study the camera box. Which brand or manufacturer comes to mind?

It's a shame when "trusted" influencers start sharing similar content in YouTube videos or live shows. I've also noticed AI YouTube presenters adhering to a common script. Recently, some of these AI videos started comparing the Panasonic L-10 to the OM-3, which are very different products. It does seem like a marketing program intended to slow down OM System sales. The OM-1 II, OM-3, and OM-5 II are some of the more capable M43 cameras in 2026. OM System also stands out as the only manufacturer dedicated to M43 photography, with new and unique photography solutions consisting of M43 cameras, lenses, and Workspace. There may also be a possibility that competitors are not geared for a new segment wanting updated OM System versions of the EP-7 and the E-M10 IV.

PS. Not a whisper of new high-end cameras from the M43 Rumors site...

Siegfried