Why I don't trust those repeating "bigger is better..."

Last update: 24th September 2025 

Photographers benefit as they learn why information is repeated by social media experts, reviewers, and commercial outlets. For years we've been told that sensor size governs optical characteristics like depth-of-field (background blur) and technical characteristics such as dynamic range and image noise. Photographers were led to believe that physical size equals the technical efficiency of image sensors. This practice unfortunately also extends to raw conversion software and the art of image editing. The net effect of photographers receiving insufficient "commercial" information is a lack of knowledge. A basic technical understanding is enough to hugely benefit your digital photography.

Study my articles if you like to learn more about digital cameras...

Also, see this interesting article at Fstoppers...

Best

Siegfried

Walking with my E-M5 II and 12-45mm Pro lens

Last updated: 16th September 2025

The E-M5 II introduced many innovative features in 2015 and continues to be a joy in 2025. Olympus engineers knew that physical size is not a reliable measure for sensor sensitivity. This led to the Live MOS digital M43 format, computational photography, tonal control, IBIS, and the 40MP high-resolution mode to overcome technical limitations, such as the noise floor found in all image sensors. We don't need expensive PCs or SSD drives to edit 16MP files or 1080p videos. For instance, a 32GB V30 SD card is sufficient when using the E-M5 II. Imagine all this plus filming for less than $450.

I have been using the Olympus E-M5 II extensively over the past few weeks while working on the next article in my series on filming with M43 cameras. I am always intrigued by the engineering excellence of these older Olympus OMD and PEN cameras. The combination of knowledge and experience makes filming and photographing with Olympus cameras a breeze. For example, the histogram tells us more about our camera settings, sensor data, and scene information. This includes shutter, aperture, ISO, color, shadows, midtones, highlights, luminance, sensor saturation (ETTR), and SNR info.

I converted and edited the following enhanced raw files in Workspace. This includes Color Creator and tonal adjustments, a warm color filter for some photos, and the "Low" noise filter in the camera and Workspace. The color space was RGB, and some of the images were sharpened. I prefer iEnhanced, but in some cases I used the natural picture mode to adjust colors in Workspace. My color space is sRGB when I export my processed images from Affinity Photo 2. These were 16-bit Tiff files, which I resized and exported from Workspace. The bird-in-flight shots were taken with the M.Zuiko 12-45mm f4 Pro lens, while the close-ups were done with the M.Zuiko 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens.

While perusing the images below, ask yourself what is more important, the perfect camera or telling the story? How about learning more about the photographer as you page through these photos? For instance, what was the time of day? Were they all taken on the same day? Is this a casual, hobby, or professional photographer? What did you learn about this photographer's photography style and post-processing preferences? What is your editing and preferred photography or creative style?

Photography is fun and a wonderful way to experience and relax in nature...

PS: These images are best viewed on a 4K, 27' iMac PC.

Olympus M.Zuiko 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens in macro mode (An amazing lens for less than $100)

High-sensitivity sensors for cameras like the OM-3

Last update: 29th August 2025

I have been observing YouTube channels focusing on the OM System OM-3. What sparked a discussion with ChatGPT were those explaining their preference for M43 cameras like the E-M1 III or the EP-7. It also seems like YouTubers feel compelled to justify positive reviews of the OM-3 or the OM-5 II. Does this indicate a trend or an accurate reflection of the M43 segment, or should we rather focus on the overwhelming positive feedback from those opting for smaller camera solutions?

My discussion with ChatGPT highlighted the technical weaknesses in the commercial layer's definition of digital camera efficiency. We reviewed the reasons why the OM-1 II or the OM-3 stacked BSI sensor is most likely a high-sensitivity sensor. It's rare to experience this amazing sensor with the OM System OM-3, as one expects this level of refinement only from pro cameras like the OM-1 II.

I was working with ChatGPT to analyze the Olympus E-M1 III and the Sony A7 IV in an effort to find a more reliable measure than physical size for sensor efficiency. The E-M1 III has a Live MOS sensor, and the Sony A7 IV has a BSI sensor. The EM-1 III is the most capable pro-level camera from the E-M1 series. What differentiates the OM-5 from the E-M5 III is the TruePic IX image processor. The latest OM-1/OM-3 TruePic X processor and the stacked 20MP Quad BSI sensor offer significant advantages. This commitment to photography cameras has become a rarity over the past 5 years.

My discussion with ChatGPT explained the 2-stop sensitivity gain of the OM-1, the OM-1 II, and the OM-3's new BSI sensor. We also discussed a more reliable way to rate sensor sensitivity, including the unique ISO-to-SNR benefits from the two-stop M43 depth of field (in-focus) advantage. Everything changes when we learn there is more to digital cameras than the physical size of the sensor.

Did you know that the OM-1, OM-1 II, and the OM-3 have the same sensor?

Olympus EP-7 enhanced raw file converted and edited in Workspace.

A brief summary of my discussion with ChatGPT.

We started with basic knowledge and how to measure the efficiency of complex electronic parts. This know-how benefits all digital photographers, not only M43 photographers, as a good understanding of these basics will improve your ability to evaluate new product releases. 

I cropped ChatGPT's replies so that they can be viewed as pictures.

The following ChatGPT reply reviews the above feedback and how it applies to image sensors. For instance, is physical size a good indicator of sensor efficiency, or do we need more?

The chances of a truly equivalent sensor size comparison are almost impossible. Equivalence means all optical and technical aspects need to be similar. Focusing only on the optical aspects of cameras will result in inaccurate comparisons. See this fun example of rating the bigger one better.

The next question reviewed camera and sensor differences. Searching for a better way of expressing sensor efficiency, the aim is to quantify these differences in exposure stops. A more practical way is to say the difference between pro-level (more sensitive) and budget sensors is 2 to 3 stops? 

The next discussion examines the E-M1 III and the Sony A7 IV. The aim is not to compare them but to highlight the technical differences. AI questioning and probing techniques are crucial when searching for specific and theoretically accurate information. Poor questioning techniques generally leads to pleasing replies from most AI platforms. All information from AI needs to be verified and challenged. Use the AI replies in this article to start your own search for accurate information.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

ChatGPT reply: Part 1:

                        CFA = Color Filter Aray

Part 2:

Part 3:

I included the following replies, as they share relevant information for those wanting to improve their digital know-how. Much of what I write in my articles is reflected in these AI replies. There is much more to digital photography than what is presented in the commercial information layer. The secret is to focus on those aspects making a real difference for all digital photographers.

This link discusses the commercial versus factual information layers.

The next question discussed the 2-stop M43 depth-of-field advantage. For example, how do we apply this benefit to optimize our ISO-to-SNR ratio? This knowledge is only crucial if you want top results from digital cameras. Typical applications are landscape, low light, or product photography. Study my articles discussing the digital photography flow diagram for digital cameras.

The final question considers the 4th exposure variable in the exposure formula. Yes, it is possible to manage shadow and highlight clipping. The sensor's dynamic range is only another variable.

Folks, there is no need to apologize for the M43 segment or when recognizing that there are almost no visible image quality differences between most cameras. The OM-3's shadow details did benefit from the new BSI sensor. What surely makes a difference is the new TruePic X image processor and stacked BSI sensor combination. That said, I get great results from both my E-M1 III and the OM-3.

If physical sensor size is not a reliable indicator, what criteria could we use to rate digital cameras? As said, budget sensors are 1 to 2 stops less sensitive than professional sensors. The key difference between digital cameras is advanced features and autofocusing options that enable us to repeatedly capture great results in diverse conditions. Some of these differences are not associated with casual or hobby photography but are more relevant to professional photography applications.

Olympus EP-7 enhanced raw file converted and edited in Workspace.

The camera's image processor governs critical image quality markers, such as the gamma curve, white balance calculations, image sharpening, image color priorities, and fine detail processing. This makes it factually incorrect to say that larger sensors capture and produce "more" image quality. It is better to highlight the roles and definitions of the sensor and image processor more accurately.

I appreciate that AI is still developing and is not a mature and reliable service today. My intention is not to suggest AI as a reliable source of information. Nothing beats human engagement, experience, and knowledge. My recommendation is to learn and to test everything you read, see, and hear.

See this interesting image quality test I did with 15 cameras - link.

Best

Siegfried