Last updated:- 27th April 2024
Introduction.
I decided to invest more time in videography with Olympus M43 cameras after an increased interest in my introductory article on videography. My articles discussing image sensors, digital cameras, and subjects like exposure formed a strong foundation for exploring the video creation process with M43 cameras. This and future articles are written for those who are new to videography.
We all appreciate the difference between a Toyota Aygo and a Porsche 911. They are profound when driving fast on a German AutoBahn. One often assumes the differences between cameras are similar when listening to YouTube presenters. For example, one of my articles discovered surprisingly tiny differences between sensors with up to 20 times pixel area variances. We, unfortunately, see a high level of exaggeration when discussing video specs, sensor size, and videography needs...
My wife and I transferred our VHS video collection onto DVD and had much fun with our son and his family watching them. Imagine your grandchildren experience their father learning to ride a bicycle on an old VHS video. I never had the same fun recording and watching videos on my mobile phone. There's something special about memories created with a homemade video and family. My new Olympus E-M5 II was exciting and a huge inspiration when Olympus launched it in 2015. I made many short videos with my DJI Phantom P3 drone, the Olympus EM5 II, and Premier Elements.
Modern marketing has become a window into the so-called "perfect" world. A world where cows don't fart, and everyone uses 8K hybrid cameras. One can't help wondering if marketers purposely neglect that large segment of casual video creators. Eager to learn, my enthusiasm faded as I watched YouTubers crying for more specs. The E-M5 II suddenly had to have 4K, and Premier Elements was no longer good enough. I also needed a new FF mirrorless camera with 6K video, 8 stops of IBIS (no crop), autofocusing like Sony or Canon, 4.2.2 10-bit (Pro-Ress RAW), mic plus headphone ports, and a host of LOG profiles plus LUTs before I could even start thinking about my next video project.
This short video illustrates this "perfect" world well...
Another option was to simply return to basics...
Taking a step back, one quickly realizes how accurately the Olympus Imaging Division targeted hobby and home video creators. Cameras like the original EM5 and EM1 continue to fill that gap for capable photography cameras while supporting those developing their videography skills. Take a moment and list the main video differences between Olympus M43 cameras from 2012 to 2024.
It's, therefore, critical to familiarize yourselves with the basics of videography before purchasing your next hybrid mirrorless camera. For example, many photographers think "hybrid" means two different camera systems in the same body. Many photographers also assume the image signal path from the scene to the saved recording changes from photography to videography.
Study this video for a detailed explanation of the illustration below.
What are the differences between photography and videography? Considering Step 1 (above), the same principles of saturating the sensor or improving the SNR apply. The basics of managing video quality and dynamic range while capturing more tonal data are the same. The main difference is how we manage the 4 exposure variables in video mode. Looking at Step 2, the camera's image signal processing does not change between photography and videography. The main difference is Olympus added more options like Flat or OM-400-Log to tweak the camera's Gamma Curve. Looking at Step 3, the main difference is the file format creators select for video or photography.
The above illustration also helps us to understand V-LOG profiles and "Color Grading." For example, when filming in V-LOG, one needs a LUT to convert the recording to REC 709 (display format). Color grading is similar to image editing and having a specific look and feel for the final video...
We will explore the following in this series about videography:
- A short overview of the Olympus M43 menu selections for video.
- What does one typically need to create videos with M43 cameras?
- We will focus on tips and techniques when recording video clips.
- Basic principles of taking video clips and creating/editing a video.
Conclusion
This series of articles will support those new to filming with Olympus mirrorless cameras. I added more time for future articles discussing frame rates, aspect ratios, the 180-degree shutter rule, the need for ND filters, camera movements, autofocusing techniques, and video editing.
The above illustration is only an educated guess of the most likely market situation...
What is the size of the videography market? The open question is, did camera manufacturers fail to treat mobile phones as a competitor and, therefore, never implement a segmented video strategy? Instead, they seem to push for the "perfect" Pro Camera? A great example is the Panasonic G100. When launched, this small hybrid camera was highly criticized because reviewers and promoters could not position it in the "pro" segment or intelligently discuss its scope of application. The G100 was only accepted once the target segment discovered this gem on the secondhand market...
Don't let YouTube "Pro Talk" or social media promoters distract you. Your Olympus camera is perfect for videography. Olympus M43 cameras are great for filmmaking and those planning to return to filming with M43 mirrorless cameras. We will review some Olympus cameras in this series...