OM System & Olympus is way more than DR & noise

Last Updated:- 23rd October 2026 

It's fascinating to follow the contrast of valuing knowledge and the push for dynamic range and noise, which selectively prioritize post-processing and hardware concepts. The concerning part of cultivating software and hardware dependence is conformity or a lack of basic knowledge and creative thinking. The question each photographer should ask is, how do repetitive noise and DR conversations or the push for "better" cameras and more automated editing options enable photographers?

How many digital photographers master basics like selecting an appropriate exposure mix or managing the impact luminance has on sensor performance or differentiating between technical and optical sensor characteristics? One of the most basic challenges modern photographers face is understanding the role of the image sensor, the image processor, and modern RAW converters. For example, what is the specific purpose of tonal adjustments in modern digital cameras and raw converters?

From photography with analog cameras to almost unlimited creativity with OM Workspace and the Olympus E-M10 IV.

The previous Imaging Business created a powerful features set that let photographers plan, capture, and process their RAW+ files in Workspace. That simply means a more rewarding ability to personalize color harmonies in OM Workspace and Olympus or OM System cameras. Color harmonies like analogous and complementary colors are proven artistic techniques to enable the modern digital photographer. Promoters prefer photographers to continue focusing on noise and dynamic range or the commercial concept of simply pressing AI noise or color profile buttons. It's like motivating artists of old to look forward to the idea of improving their painting technique with automated brushes...

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Master your creative color skills with these essentials:

- Global color adjustments (Color Creator, color filters, WB compensation)

- Targeted color adjustments (adjust color and monochrome profiles, tone curve)

- ART filters (using ART filters as a baseline for a predetermined image look)

- Picture modes (powerful baseline option supporting specific editing results)

- Color harmonies (OM Workspace plus cameras like the EP-7, OM-3, and PEN)

- Tonal adjustments (the principle of using color and painting with light effects)

- The RAW+ format (having access to the Olympus TruePic imaging technology)

- These essentials are perfect for experienced and hands-on photographers.

PS. Mail me if you like profiles summarizing my editing steps.

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using a Soft Focus ART filter ( edited)

Surprisingly, most photographers reject dynamic range and noise conversations. They prefer to learn and receive more info about OM Workspace and Olympus or OM System cameras. The posted images reflect intentional adjustments while practicing converting 25 variations of the same RAW+ file. Each adjustment benefitted from leveraging color, luminance, and the TruePic imaging process.

Olympus and OM System features were designed to enable digital photographers. From planning the image to converting the Enhanced Raw file in OM Workspace, we have unique functions and options to optimize the camera's efficiency and personalize our photography style. For example, every ART filter I applied to the posted examples was processed to facilitate a specific image look.

PS:- It's best to study these photos on a large display like the iMac 27"

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (1) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Monochrome Profile (1) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Pin Hole ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (2) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Color Creator picture mode

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using a Vintage ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the iEnhance low picture mode

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using a Pop ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Monochrome Profile (2) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (3) function

E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace with the Key Line ART filter. You should try this ART filter? 

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (6) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Dramatic Tone ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (4) function

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using a something different Color Profile...

E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Soft focus ART filter and a Color Harmony profile

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace with the Natural Picture Mode

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using Monochrome Profile (3) function

E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and procssed using the Watercolor ART filter. I might have figured this one out...

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Vivid Picture Mode

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Pop ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Instant Film ART filter (edited)

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace using the Color Creator & Soft Focus ART filter

Olympus E-M10 IV (RAW+) file converted and edited in Workspace, using the Color Harmony Profile (5) function

Workspace, Pen F, EP-7, OM-3 & PEN autumn colors

Last Updated:- 7th October 2026

My YouTube video discussing color harmonies is perfect for those living in the northern hemisphere at this time of the year. Natural applications like landscape, macro, and seasonal photography are the best way to practice using color harmonies. One would typically target complementary, analogous, split-complementary, and analogous-complimentary color harmonies. I worked with opposite colors to target complementary colors while converting my Pen F raw images, posted in this article.

PS. See the EP-7 and OM-3 raw images converted with the same color profile.

Study the articles on my blog reviewing the creative color strategy of Olympus, which kicked off with the Olympus E-30 and ART filters in 2008. The video below discusses how to apply color harmonies with the Olympus and OM System Adjust Color (Color Profile) function. The same function is available in Workspace, which lets us apply color profiles to compatible Olympus cameras.

The application of color profiles with various editing applications could be a challenge for those not experienced in working with more advanced color techniques. Color harmonies are a better way to familiarize yourself with the complexities of working with color. The complementary color harmony below was selected for autumn colors and the Olympus color adjust (profile) function.

Olympus Pen F images

Olympus EP-7 images

OM System OM-3 images

Will the new OM System PEN replace the EP-7?

 Last update:- 14th October 2026 (See my Workspace update page for new info)

OM System announced a new PEN mirrorless camera on Monday, the 9th of September 26. Except for YouTubers discussing photography with Olympus and OM System equipment, others resurfaced for the first time to present the new PEN following the OM-3 launch in January 2025. It was amusing to see the instant love and joy over the fifth variation of a 12-year-old Pro mirrorless camera. This short article expresses some of my thoughts and whether the new PEN could replace my EP-7.

PS: Also, see my thoughts about the new PEN replacing the older Pen F.

One could literally repeat the top 5 OM System sales arguments after the third YouTube video, which is perfectly fine, as corporate press events were done like this forever. It's normal to work with press representatives and to place a print-ready article or script in each press package. The difference is, one never saw a line like, "The article is sponsored, but I am free to report my thoughts." The contrast between innovation with Olympus during the final 10 years and the 5 years with OM System reminds me of a small community of influencers admiring the Stone Age, where size matters.

See this video discussing color profiles with the OM-3.

Does the above segmentation strategy look like something supporting the next 10 years? Does it matter?

There is something special about professional Olympus or OM System cameras. It's always a joy to see the excitement when someone bought an older EM-1. The popularity of cameras like the E-1 & 3, the EM-1 series, and the EM1X are more examples. The Olympus EM-1 II introduced many photographers to the MFT segment, and the EM-5 series enjoyed a distinct enthusiast preference, which made the EM-5 III and the first OM-5 obvious progress. It's almost disrespectful to repurpose a 6-year-old professional camera like the EM-1 III to an entry-level and low-cost camera. We can only speculate what's next for pro-level cameras like the Olympus OM1, the OM System OM-1 II, and the OM-3.

If well "designed" (repurposed), the OM System PEN has the potential to quickly become the ultimate entry-level pro camera, while the modest EP-7 has proven to be a great everyday camera. Copying the color & mono lever from the EP-7 is an appropriate choice, as it's a more practical option than the creative dials of the OM-3 and older Pen F. The new mobile phone application (IO.Share) looks like a welcome improvement. See my Workspace update page for more information on why I removed the newer Workspace V2.5 and reinstalled the older V2.3.2 on my MacBook and iMac.

PS. I found answers for all my V2.5 concerns and frustrations.

Considering the knowledge we gained, would it be a mistake to move on...?

One cannot help but wonder if Workspace became an existential liability to OM System. Everything about the RAW+ format and Workspace points to innovation and a culture of designing cameras that would lead the industry. Olympus invested in loyal customers with exciting camera firmware updates and the unique RAW+ concept by extending the camera's TruePic imaging to Workspace.

The more experience I have with the enhanced raw format (RAW+) and the creative color options of OM System (Olympus), the more frustrating it is when basics like opening PEN raw files in Workspace have a negative impact on performance. Unfortunately, it seems like OM System lost interest in the one thing, adding tremendous value in a fluid and changing post-processing environment.

Interestingly, only a few social media influencers who introduced the PEN did a comparison between the PEN, OM-5, and OM-3. An OM-5 II body costs a little more than the OM-3 on our local market. How much are you willing to spend on the OM-3 or a repurposed OM-1 II? The EM-1 III, OM-5, or the PEN are great cameras, whereas the OM-3 is a beast with its TruePic X and Quad BSI sensor.

See this interesting report about the OM-3 from Mark McGee...

Would you partner with those loving the "new" look of a 12-year-old camera and repeating "bigger is better" sales lines the day after? One of them reviewed 9 products from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, and OM System in the same month. Why not select YouTube channels discussing segments like traveling, farming, and sailing, where influencers could showcase the new OM System PEN camera?

It's only fair to consider how much smiling YT promoters contribute to OM System's success over a 24-months period, while competitors are launching exciting new products, and software companies like DxO, Canva (Affinity), ON-1, and Skylum are working hard. Is a moment's "hype" over a 12-year-old repurposed camera and inconsistent software enough to foster a loyal customer base?

Will the new PEN replace the PEN EP-7? The new camera was developed to target new customers, not traditional Olympus photographers. The launch price was pitched at an acceptable street price, which would rather increase than loose value if the OM marketing team continues doing an excellent job. That means the Olympus EP-7 will become an even more appealing secondhand alternative. The Pen EP-7 is and will continue to be an excellent low-cost and everyday creative alternative.

While taking a peek at Canon, Nikon, and Sony, I again realized why the used MFT market is a worthy competitor to these brands, offering excellent cameras and lenses. It doesn't cost much to own the EM-1 III with the 12-45 mm and 40-150 mm f/4.0 Pro lenses. Cameras like the Pen EP-7 or the EM-10 IV make it difficult to justify the cost associated with an APC or FF camera. I would much rather have a new PEN on the back end of my M.Zuiko lenses than Nikon, Canon, or Sony kit lenses...

The best OM System PEN video I saw to date.

More about the OM System PEN.

Siegfried

The Olympus PEN EP-7 has been one of the most popular everyday cameras...

All the photos were taken with my Olympus EP-7 and 17 mm f/2.8 lens.

The images below are from the Pen F with my Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens. I used color harmonies while converting the RAW+ files in Workspace. See this video for more on color harmonies. The information shared in the video makes working with color harmonies a pleasure. It's safe to say that technically and functionally, the new OM System PEN is a worthy replacement for the Olympus PEN F. Those pointing to the look and feel of the Pen F also complained about the creative dial...

PS:- Is it fair to think they would continue to complain even if the PEN was an exact copy of the Pen F...?