Last Updated:- 14th April 2023
Everything changed as I uncovered more technical information about digital cameras. I spent months searching and studying credible information about cameras. Did my image quality benefit from this learning curve? For example, how much does a new camera or fine-tuning my exposure with the SNR to ISO ratio improve my results for 2023? My first reaction is not much. The correct answer is not a fixed improvement because most image quality improvements vary from case to case.
We also need to consider the technical aspects of image quality. A basic description of image quality should always include things like shadow, midrange, and highlight data. The next step is optical variables like DOF, focusing, and composition. Most cameras capture good tonal data in the midrange and highlight areas. A common challenge is capturing good shadow data.
You will find my overview/review of the Pen EP-7 here.
The critical part of studying digital cameras is finding credible info while staying focused on the fun part of digital photography, image editing, and the camera. For example, always keep a camera with you? It's a simple measure of having a healthy passion for photography. It's sometimes difficult, but people appreciate discretion, and nothing is as rewarding as sharing your results.
The Olympus PEN EP-7 captures good shadow details and is small enough to always keep with you. I like the above configuration with the 17mm f2.8 or f1.8 Zuiko lenses and the Olympus Optical Viewfinder. The Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens oozes creativity and is almost always on my Pen EP-7. I have an older black/gray Olympus shoulder bag for my Olympus Pen F or EP-7. The 17mm f2.8 is also one of a few M43 lenses that are excellent for recording 3D-looking images.
Many photographers like a "3D look" or a sense of depth in their images? How does one create this 3D look? With the lens, composition, background blur, leading lines, or shadows?
The combination of Workspace, the Enhanced Raw Format, and Olympus cameras benefit the look and feel of our final images. It also improves the photographer's creative process while editing with WS or photographing the "edited" version of the photo with the camera. Practice these skills in the camera and Workspace. This process should be an integral part of your photography.
The EP-7 has just enough features to stay focussed on photography. How many knew that 90% of the Pen F or EP-7 and Workspace settings are the same? For example, the highlights and shadows function is part of the camera's exposure calculation. Neutral gray changes as we set the highlights, shadows, or exposure compensation. We can adjust or correct this in the camera or Workspace.
For more about Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format, study this article.
How many of you saw the ART filter upgrades in Workspace or some of the newer Olympus cameras, like the EP-7? They are great for tweaking these final ART filter effects. Target primary or secondary colors or any opposite combinations in the scene. See the examples below and study this link.
The above image is an interesting example. I used the Partial Color ART filter twice and combined the 2 results in Photoshop. I applied the Soft Focus Effect in the ART filter and adjusted the intensity with the Clarity and Dehaze sliders. I used a Color Filter in Workspace and duplicated the background layer in Photoshop to add a Soft Light Blending effect. It is possible to edit or adjust the intensity of each step. I used DxO FilmPack to select a frame for the image.
This image was taken in South Africa. The EP-7 is a great little camera...
2 comments:
What size is that viewfinder?
It's an Olympus VF-1
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