VideoPic Blog: Olympus EM-5 III, Workspace, and AI noise reduction

Last update: 11th December 2025

My wife and I enjoyed a lovely evening at the island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany. The island of Mainau is known for its seasonal flower presentations and X-mas lights in December. Knowing that it would be dark and partly cloudy while visiting Mainau, I decided to take the E-M5 III and my favorite 25mm Leica f1.4 lens. I expected many visitors to the island during this event, which meant less time for me to frame my images, handheld photography, and higher ISO values. Interestingly, I never used my M.Zuiko 17mm f1.2 pro lens, which was part of a special offer on the Pen EP-7.

I converted my RAW files in Workspace and prepped the posted results in Affinity. The images in this article illustrate the 20MP sensor's ability to capture the required tonal data for high-quality results across the sensor's linear operating range. Low-light photography is a joy with a combination like the Olympus EM-5 III, the 25mm Leica f1.4 lens, Workspace RAW conversion, and the Workspace AI noise filter. It's possible to enjoy even better results by adding the OM System OM-3 to this mix.

The E-M5 III is known for its high image quality, pro-level sensor, and tiny noise floor. The depth-of-field advantage of the M43 format supported my Leica lens at f1.4 in these darker conditions. I also knew that the cluster AF function of the E-M5 III would improve the DOF by selecting the right focus points. The AI noise filter of Workspace was also perfect for ISO 800, 1600, and 3200.

I highlighted several critical aspects about modern image sensors in 2025. The most significant aspect was the sensor's optical versus technical limitations and the photons-to-electrons conversion graph. The latter help us master aspects such as sensor saturation, SNR, and the linear nature of recording reflected light. I will focus more on this linear aspect of sensors, the gamma or tonal curve, and color in 2026. For example, modern pro-level sensors perform well across this linear range.

Photographers learned to appreciate the human aspects of photography in 2025. The introduction to AI highlighted concerns about photography know-how when substituting experience with sensor size, AI masking, and AI autofocusing. A critical aspect for review is the difference between computational or AI features and general services such as ChatGPT and xAI. The mix of theoretical, political, and commercial platforms serving as AI data sources highlighted critical discrepancies when receiving information from xAI or ChatGPT. For instance, AI will "say" bigger sensors capture more light when referencing data sources like DPReview, or the camera's optical and technical design criteria will determine the camera and sensor's efficiencies when referencing theoretical sources.

A personal highlight for 2025 was Affinity and learning more about the innovative RAW conversion and editing technologies of the previous imaging business. Workspace became one of my preferred options while testing and studying Olympus cameras. See my articles for more about creative color, the M43 digital sensor format, sensor saturation and SNR, color basics, and the gamma curve. Workspace is a reference to the groundbreaking solutions the previous imaging business initiated.

Another highlight of 2025 is OM System's ongoing commitment to photography and the M43 segment by introducing exciting new products. My personal favorite is the OM System OM-3. The new OM-3 has quickly become a worthy replacement for my older Pen F. I am looking forward to writing more about Workspace and cameras like the OM-3, the E-M1 III, the E-M5 III, the E-P7, older cameras like the E-M5 II, and Olympus DSLRs like the E-3, the E-30, the E-620, the E-500, and the E-450.

The photos in this article illustrate what's possible as we step away from "independent" social media influencers repeating the same scripted lines or those repeating the same "bigger is better" lines. Take the time to learn more about digital cameras and how your photography and editing skills will benefit from experience and knowledge. Many will be surprised to learn that most Olympus and OM System M43 cameras capture similar results. Some just make it easier to create better photos.

Folks, I like to wish you a blessed Christmas and only the best for 2026.

Siegfried