Last update:- 4th January 2026
One of the more exciting applications of photography is home studios and photographing products. It's also a treat to watch product photographers advising others on how to grow successful businesses with "perfect" home studios. These vary from a basic mobile phone to professional product studios. I have been working on a more flexible home studio and lighting configuration after years with a small off-the-shelf home studio. I upgraded the standard lighting to two Olympus FL600 flashlights, which gave me more control in RC mode when placing them in the right positions for product shoots. I had little freedom with this home studio and wanted the option for more studio configurations.
This basic off-the-shelf home studio was a gift from my dear wife.
My son and I talked about photography and other while spending a day together in December. He told me about a training session he did with an experienced group of photographers. The focus was studio layouts and creating a specific mood or atmosphere with studio lights. Being interested in the subject, I couldn't wait to try some of the techniques he mentioned in our conversation. A few days later we enjoyed an eventful Christmas Day as a family with grandchildren, presents, dinner, and me sharing some of the photos I created with my improved home studio and lighting configuration.
Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f3.5, 1/100)
My son didn't say much about my photos other than suggesting a quick hands-on session while waiting for dinner. He shared more basics and creative ideas on studio lighting and how it relates to outdoor conditions. He was using my OM System OM-3, while I tried the older Olympus E-450 before and after our hands-on session. The children had fun creating handmade shadows on the backdrop...
OM System OM-3 and the M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens. (ISO3200, f3.5, 1/125)
I thought the image quality of the E-450 was way better than what most would have expected. What made my OM-3 an appropriate choice is its high-sensitivity BSI sensor and pro-level features. The OM-3 made it easier to capture excellent shots with better framing and creative angles. For example, the OM-3 photos were all handheld, whereas the E-450 lived on my tripod most of the time.
One of the interesting outcomes experimenting with home studios and new studio lighting options is how much I need to learn about color, light, and product photography. I am looking forward to taking a deep dive into these exciting aspects of M43 cameras and digital photography in 2026.
A few shots with the OM-3 and the SmallRig RM01 Kit before our Christmas dinner. (An example of the photographer's eye)
Considering social media claims about newer and high-resolution cameras, one typically expects large image quality differences between the OM-3 and the E-450. The OM-3 photos should literally jump off your PC's display with its newer sensor and double the resolution of the older E-450. It's amusing to watch "trusted influencers" desperately repeating the full-frame sales pitch as they refuse to accept M43 image quality results when reviewing OM System cameras like the OM-5 II and the OM-3.
We know that OM System does not have an entry-level camera. Some would like us to believe the OM-5 II is an entry-level camera, while knowing the E-M10 IV and E-P7 are more appropriate candidates. The OM System OM-5 II is simply a repackaged pro-level E-M1 III. A slightly improved and rebranded E-M10 IV and E-P7 have the potential to become an upgrade path for used compact cameras.
One of my older home studio variations. What does your favorite home studio configuration look like?
It was a process to create a working home studio layout for my unique needs. For example, you will see a different studio configuration in each of my images. Study my new studio layout below and how it gives me more control as I plan and frame my shots. Many of you will spot improvements I could consider while viewing my photos. What would you like to see from a new product studio?
You will find several similarities to modern AI and editing trends as you study my included photos. For example, those photos taken with a studio light pointing down are typically flat or two-dimensional. Experienced photographers develop a so-called photographer's eye, which helps them to use optimum camera angles and the right mix of natural-flowing highs, midtones, and shadows. AI masking and AI-generated images often fail to preserve these critical three-dimensional elements.
Secondhand cameras are one of the more exciting ways to rediscover and reconnect with photography and older Olympus cameras. It's a simple process of highlighting digital photography pioneers and the unique digital features they designed for older and modern digital cameras. While it's challenging to sell older DSLRs in 2026, I found they are excellent when sharing our passion for digital photography with the next generation of photographers. One such example is the E-450 from 2009.
I bought only a few brand-new cameras and accessories over the years. I also saved money because I basically have a fixed budget for adding and removing equipment from my collection. For example, I planned to test those famous "everyone agrees" claims when selling better image quality. I continue to disagree with everyone after testing a select group of used cameras. I sold most of them, added some improvements to my home studio, and added the change to my camera kitty.
The Olympus E-450 is an exciting DSLR from 2009. Many question the relevance of used mirrorless and older DSLR cameras. My experience rediscovering DSLRs like the E-3, E-450, and the Canon 6D II was very positive. A personal experience makes it harder to trust social media influencers making negative comments about used cameras or micro four-thirds (M43) cameras. I am looking forward to 2026 and learning more about home studios, lighting, and Olympus or OM System M43 cameras...
The E-M5 III, M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8, Rotolight Illuminator, and the Olympus FL900 in RC mode. Is this a possible option?
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO200, f5.0, 1/2)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f4.5, 1/2)
This was a quick illustration with more creative ideas for the future...
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens and a studio light pointing down. (ISO400, f5.0, 1/50)
Taken with the E-M5 III and the M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens. (ISO800, f3.5, 1/60)
OM System OM-3 and the M.Zuiko 25mm f1.8 lens. (ISO3200, f3.5, 1/125, Workspace AI noise reduction)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f4.5, 1/5)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f5, 1/6)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the 50mm f2 Zuiko macro lens. (ISO100, f4.5, 1/1.6)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f4.5, 1/2)
Taken with the E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens and a studio light pointing down. (ISO400, f3.5, 1/50)
Taken with the Olympus E450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f4.5, 1/2)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO200, f5.0, 1/1.6)
Taken with the Olympus E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 macro lens. (ISO100, f4, 1/2)
Taken with the E-450 and the Zuiko 50mm f2 lens and a studio light pointing down. How did I switch on the motorcar's lights?
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