How to use the Olympus Gradation Function?

 Last Update:- 27th November 2024

1. Introduction

The Olympus composite, stacking, and computational features are highly regarded by those using them. Unfortunately, many Olympus photographers will not experience the benefits of computational photography or the extended benefits of High-Resolution Imaging and the Gradation function. It's surprising to see such a high level of counter-marketing programs and filters in 2024.

It only takes a little to understand why the previous Olympus Engineering Team became a clear industry leader. For example, the original Olympus EM-5 from 2012 offered a 5-axis IBIS solution for both stills and video. Canon and Nikon were designing and selling DSLR cameras like the 60D, 5D3, D800, and D5200 when Olympus introduced its first OM-D E-M5 with new Creative Color options.

Olympus EP-7 with the 45mm f1.8 lens, Gradation = "Auto." These Enhanced Raw Files were converted and edited in Workspace.

We reviewed the importance of saturating the sensor or increasing the SNR. For example, how do we add more reflected light onto the image sensor? Should one increase the ISO, use a flash, or use the Aperture/Shutter? We discussed ISO amplification and the role of the Aperture and Shutter. We will apply this know-how while learning more about Olympus cameras and the Gradation function.

TIP: View the images on a large screen and study the descriptions...

EM1 III with the 12 - 45mm f4.0 Pro lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/1.16Sec, +0.7EV - The focus stacked OOC image was edited in Workspace.

My wife bought the flowers, and I created a small studio with my Olympus EM1 III, tripod, diffuser, and Rotolight Neo 2. Did you know the Gradation function varies your camera's exposure settings? For example, try the 4 Gradation options and see how they change your Auto Exposure settings. 

A focus-stacked ISO3200 example. I used 4 (bracketed) Enhanced Raw Files and applied the AI noise filter before stacking them in Workspace.

We will discuss the following:

1. Introduction
2. Why is the Gradation High option interesting for ETTR?
3. The three reasons why photographers use ETTR in 2023
4. Practical discussion on using ETTR with Olympus cameras
5. A brief overview of noise and the Olympus Noise Filter...
6. Conclusion (See my thoughts about the EM1 III and XT-5)

The Pen F and 17mm f1.8 lens (Edited version). I selected Gradation High in my Pen F and Normal to "color grade" the Enhanced Raw File.

2. Why is the Gradation HIGH option interesting for ETTR?

The Gradation function has four unique tone curves (Normal, Auto, Low, and High). The EM1 III user manual shows that these Gradation options make tiny adjustments to the camera's tones. See the EM1 III user manual (any Olympus M43 manual) for a description of each Gradation option.

I have been using the Gradation function more frequently in the past year. For example, we can use the Auto option while editing an image (raw + jpeg) with Olympus cameras or Workspace. I also use the Highlights, Midtones, and Shadow sliders to fine-tune the camera's Tone Curve. It's also possible to simulate these "camera" settings in Workspace. In a previous article, I said the graduation function should be great for ETTR. This article explores the Gradation "High" option for ETTR.

I often experience the WOW factor as I learn more about the Olympus computational functions. One can compare the Gradation "High" option with a V-Log profile and the "Normal" option to the Counter profile. I tested the "High" option with my EM1 III and applied the Counter profile with the Enhanced Raw File and Workspace. That means it's possible to apply ETTR without much effort.

Why do I adjust my final image brightness with the mid-tone slider? Because it does not change the Neutral Gray setting. Neutral Gray (18%) means the camera's colors are accurate. The exposure compensation slider adjusts the camera's Neutral Gray values. (Ref. the Zone System) That's why we treat our exposure and mid-tone settings separately in the camera or Workspace. Does this also apply to ETTR? Yes, we typically correct our ETTR settings with the exposure compensation slider.

Did Olympus change or improve the Gradation function (Tone Curves) over the past 10 years? They said they did with the EM-5 launch documents. I didn't verify this for more recent cameras...

The unedited OOC jpeg of the above image with the Gradation option set to High. I used the Gradation function for ETTR.

3. The three reasons for using ETTR in 2023

Here are the 3 main reasons for using ETTR:-

1. Cameras do not saturate the sensor in Auto Exposure mode
1. The reason is a built-in DR safety margin for Auto users...
2. These safety margins impact your shadow details & noise
3. ETTR enables photographers to saturate the image sensor
4. How did I learn this? Knowledge and an unfiltered mindset
2. ETTR helps us to improve the sensor's Signal to Noise ratio (SNR)
1. The visibility of the sensor's noise floor increases at lower SNRs
2. Upping the SNR means the sensor's noise floor becomes less visible
3. ETTR is especially effective for the shadow areas of an image
3. ETTR improves our tonal data in the shadow areas of the image
1. Sensors are linear devices with less tonal data in the shadows
2. ETTR shifts the tone curves to the right to record more data

See this article about exposure, gamma curves, and tonal data...

4. Practical discussion about ETTR and Olympus

The Gradation function is one of the several computational functions from Olympus and a powerful option for ETTR. The HIGH option automatically saturates the sensor without clipping the highlights (EM5 Press Release). That means Workspace, the Enhanced Raw Format, and the Gradation High option help us to increase our SNR, saturate the sensor, and shift the camera's histogram to the right. We reset (counter) the HIGH option with the NORMAL Gradation option in Workspace. 

The converted 16-bit Tiff file from Workspace will have a higher SNR, more tonal data, a regular image look, and more flexibility when editing the converted 16-bit Tiff file in Photoshop.

Here are a few practical Tips:

• Our goal is more light on the sensor (camera settings, time of day, and flash)
• It's critical to be clear about the ISO's role versus the Aperture/Shutter Speed.
• Use a fixed ISO value to prevent the camera from amplifying the image signal
• Never disregard the importance of using a flash to add more light to the sensor
• It's a good idea to use the camera's White Balance. (Not critical for ETTR)
• It helps to create a flat profile with Highlights/Shadows for Gradation High...
• Experiment with your Histogram Settings and use the Histogram with ETTR.

Olympus Pen F with 45mm f1.8 lens. ISO1600, f7.1, 1/8 Sec. Converted and "color graded" in Workspace, no noise reduction.

Experiment with the Gradation High and Highlight/Shadows functions to create your unique "ETTR" camera profiles. A flat Tone Curve means negative Highlight values and positive Shadow values. (Try Highlights -3 and Shadows +4). Always use the same principle of having a Tone Curve in the camera and a "Color Profile" for Workspace and the Enhanced Raw File. "Color grading" Olympus Tone Curves do not mean opposite values like one typically applies with V-Log Profiles. It simply means returning the camera's settings to their default state. The Enhanced Raw File lets us reset our image to Neutral Gray in Workspace. It takes practice because it's not always necessary to "reset" our camera settings in WS. The best option is to master these basics and to experiment with Workspace. 

Raw Converters use a fixed Gamma curve (profile) to adjust the sensor's linear data. The older Olympus editor Viewer 3, had a basic Gamma option to vary the profile's shadows, midrange, and highlights. Consider the Gradation and Highlights/Shadow settings as the camera's "Post-Gamma" or Tone Curve options. It's also possible to Correct or use them as Pre-Gamma adjustments.

The Gradation and highlight/shadow options let us use flat tone curves or correct the image look. Always ask yourself, how can I get more light on my sensor, and what should my final image (jpeg) look like? This is why we use the aperture/shutter or exposure compensation to control our exposure (reflected light) and tonal adjustments to adjust the image's final look in the camera or Workspace. The Enhanced Raw Format allows us to access most of our camera (image) settings in Workspace.

The Olympus FL300R needs almost no space.

Does the Counter Profile affect any of the ETTR benefits? No, the recording happens in the camera, and any ETTR benefits become part of the final image "DNA". Workspace does not add or remove light from the sensor. This is why it's possible to simulate the ETTR technique in Workspace. 

A "Counter Profile" means we reset our camera settings in Workspace. That means we will change the camera settings, Shadows +5 and Highlight -5 (flat tone curve), to zeros in Workspace. Experiment by applying "ETTR" with the camera and Counter the Tone Curve in Workspace. Take the time to practice using your camera's Exposure Meter and the feedback from the Histogram. It's not necessary to use a counter profile. Develop your own preferences and editing style for Workspace.

Did the noise disappear in the above illustration? No, the size of the sensor's noise floor is the same. We only improved the SNR, which means the noise floor is less visible. Is it correct when reviewers say smaller sensors have more noise? Absolutely not... ALL sensors have a noise floor...

The Olympus XZ-2 is a great compact camera. I prefer to get my info from manufacturers and don't trust camera reviewers or photography forum experts. My research and knowledge of digital cameras are also a great help. Discovering the XZ-2 and the satisfaction of using great oldies like the XZ-1 and the XZ-2 is exhilarating. The XZ-2 has a 12MP BSI sensor, and the XZ-1 has a 10 MP CCD sensor.

Olympus Stylus XZ-2 - ISO100, f4.0, 1/500. The Gradation Auto option of the camera, and color-graded in Workspace.

The EP-3 is another excellent camera and oldie. I took my EP-3 with the 12-50mm lens for our late afternoon walk with the dog. The XZ-2 and the EP-3 are compatible with the VF-4 Electronic View Finder. The Olympus XZ-2 was set to Auto Gradation for the above image.

I typically apply 2-steps to convert and edit my Enhanced Raw Files. I select and edit my camera settings in Workspace for step 1, and the focus is specific or advanced image editing in step 2. Advanced editing can be done in Workspace or something like Photoshop. For example, I used the Gradation Auto option, Highlights/Shadows, and Tone Curves to edit the image below. We only need Step 1 or the converted 16-bit Tiff file to post-process the image in Photoshop.

The EP-3 and the 12-50mm lens - ISO3200, f5.2, 1/80 - I converted the Enhanced Raw File with WS (Noise Filter = Low) and tweaked it in Photoshop.

The EP3 raw file was converted with PhotoLab 5, and I used DeepPrime (AI Noise Filter). The final image was edited with Photoshop.

5. A brief overview of image noise and the Olympus Noise Filter

Photographers should experiment more with the Olympus Noise Filter. The main reason newer camera models have less noise is the smaller noise floor of modern sensors, more sensitive sensors, and more processing power like the Pen EP-3 versus the EM1 III. DxO PhotoLab became my benchmark for rating the Noise Filter of Olympus cameras and Workspace. The PhotoLab "Prime" option is enough for my general photography needs with my PEN, OMD, and XZ-2. I only use DeepPrime in extreme cases. One can cancel the Olympus Noise Filter in favor of the PhotoLab noise filter...

Olympus cameras and Workspace have excellent Noise Filters. The Workspace AI noise filter is enough for most situations with the EM1 II/III or the OM-1. The default Olympus Noise Filter setting is "Normal." I prefer the "Low" option for my Olympus cameras. One can always use the Enhanced Raw Format to change to the Standard or High options in Workspace. I rarely use the additional two sliders in the Workspace. Study this article for more on image noise and image sensors.

I used the Gradation "Auto" and Noise Filter "Low" options for the image below. I was surprised by the excellent DR and IQ of my Pen EP-3 and the XZ-2. The Pen EP-3 is a surprisingly good camera when all the marketing filters are removed. For example, always study the Official News Releases of Olympus if you like to learn more about Olympus cameras. See the Stylus XZ-2 News Release.

The reason for less shadow noise (image below) must be the small noise floor of the XZ-2, plus the SNR was high at ISO100. Shadow Noise, or the visibility of the noise floor, increases at ISO800. The size of the sensor is irrelevant when I use my camera. I am only thinking of the available light at the sensor, any Tone Curves settings I prefer, and optimizing the SNR of my image signal...

Olympus XZ-2 - ISO100, f4.0, 1/400 - ND filter ON.

6. Conclusion

Marketers mislead photographers with statements like "Workspace is just another raw converter." Why shouldn't we compare Workspace, Lightroom, ON1, and Capture One to Workspace? Because these Raw Converters cannot simulate your Olympus camera settings. It's not the first time Marketers used false information to distract photographers. Micro Four Third cameras were some of the most filtered products in 2023. How many photographers are familiar with the Color and Creative Strategy from Olympus and how they showed this strategy in the E30, EM5 MKII, and Pen F?

Folks, we don't need ETTR to get good results with M43 cameras. Knowledge gives us an overview of photography. Knowledge empowers photographers to improve their image quality, and knowledge is a light placing a different perspective on the misleading filters of global marketers.

I am working on an article about the EM1 III and the Fuji XT-5. Should one compare only IQ, or should one do more? For example, while focus-stacking with my EM1 III, I tried computational ETTR techniques including processing an 80MP High-resolution image in the camera. 

Considering the unique level of computational flexibility of the Olympus EM1 III, Workspace, and the Enhanced Raw Format, how does one plan a balanced and factual comparison between the EM1 III and something like the Fuji XT-5? Both these cameras are good while radically different...

For more on Creative Color and Computational Photography, see this article.

Take care and God's Bless

Best

Siegfried

A few casual images while walking the dog...

The images below are from my Pen EP-3 and the 75mm f1.8. I didn't do anything special with my camera settings. The images benefited from converting the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace. I used the adjustments below on my raw files before exporting them as 16-bit Tiff files to Photoshop.

Older 12MP sensors have more noise (larger noise floor) than newer M43 sensors. Skies were known for more visible noise from these older cameras. The Noise Filter "Low" option was enough to clean the skies without losing details. It helps to manage older sensors with the SNR-to-ISO ratio.

These are my final post-processing steps in Photoshop:-

• I cropped the image for Instagram (4:5 ratio)
• I added a little contrast with Curves in Photoshop
• I sharpened with the High Pass Filter (setting = 1.6)
• Using a "Soft Light" blending mode on a duplicated layer

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/800.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/200.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/800.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/1000.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/500.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/160.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/640.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/160.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f14, 1/80.

Olympus EP-3 and 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/400 (Action shot).