My home studio layout continues to evolve...

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?

Olympus EM-5 III, Workspace, and AI noise reduction

Last update: 14th December 2025

My wife and I visited the X-mas show on the island of Mainau in Lake Constance, Germany. The island of Mainau is known for its seasonal flower presentations and the X-mas show in December. Expecting cloudy and low-light conditions, I decided to take my E-M5 III and my favorite 25mm f1.4 lens. I knew many people would be visiting the X-mas show, which meant less time to frame my images, handheld photography, and higher ISO values. I recently sold my M.Zuiko 17mm f1.2 pro lens and kept my Leica 25mm f1.4. The Leica has simply proven to be a more exciting and versatile lens.

I converted my RAW files in Workspace and prepped some of the posted images with Affinity. The photos in this article showcase the older 20MP sensor's ability to capture enough data for high-quality results across the sensor's linear operating range. Low-light photography is a joy with a combination like the EM-5 III, the Leica 25mm f1.4 lens, the Enhanced Raw Format, and the Workspace AI noise filter. One could get even better results when adding the OM System OM-3 to this mix.

Note: I added an example of changing my camera settings in Workspace.

Christmas reminds me of the birth of Christ and X-MAS of something totally different...

The E-M5 III is known for its image quality, pro-level sensor, and tiny noise floor. The depth-of-field (DOF) benefit of M43 cameras supported my decision to use f1.4 in these low-light conditions. I also knew the E-M5 III cluster AF option will optimize the DOF by selecting the right autofocus point. The AI noise filter from Workspace is perfect for ISO 800, 1600, 3200, or 6400 if needed.

The bright LEDs and overpowering colors of the event made it difficult to duplicate what we saw with my standard camera configuration. I knew it's possible to review my camera settings in Workspace and the enhanced raw format. I also knew I could use the EP-7's color functions on my enhanced raw files. See my articles on Olympus cameras, the TruePic image processor, and Workspace.

I highlighted several critical aspects about modern image sensors in 2025. The most significant aspect is the sensor's optical versus technical characteristics and the photons-to-electrons conversion graph. The latter help us to 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 knowledge for sensor size, AI masking, and AI autofocusing. A critical aspect for review is the difference between computational or AI features and statements from web services like 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 claim that bigger sensors are better when referencing data sources such as DPReview, or the camera's optical and technical design criteria guide the camera and sensor's operating efficiencies when referencing theoretical sources.

My personal highlight for 2025 is Affinity and learning more about the innovative RAW conversion and editing initiatives 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, color basics, the gamma (tonal) curve, sensor saturation, and SNR. Workspace is a reference to the groundbreaking solutions initiated by the previous imaging business.

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.

PS. I think we should acknowledge and support this commitment to the M43 segment more in 2026...

Global color adjustments like WB or the Color Creator works better for LED and reflected "color" presentations like these. Why?

The color control we have with Olympus (OM System) cameras and Workspace surprised me. Reflected light and WB are normal variables for camera manufacturers. WB is typically expressed as sunlight, shadow, clouds, and artificial light. The EM-5 did not know how to interpret the extreme color shifts of the colored light sources at Mainau. The Color Creator is not only unique in "normal" lighting but also for colored light sources like large concerts, laser shows, and LED presentations...

The images in this article show what's possible when we ignore "independent" social media influencers repeating the same scripted lines or those simply repeating similar "bigger is better" lines. Take the time to learn more about Olympus and OM System cameras, Workspace, and how they could benefit your photography and image editing. It shouldn't be a surprise that modern M43 cameras capture high-quality RAW data. Some just make it much easier to create excellent JPEG images.

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

Siegfried

An example of the extreme color effects at Mainau. Workspace gives us tremendous control.

Olympus E-M5 III with the 25mm f1.4 Leica lens. ISO3200, f1.4, 1/5th. I converted this night scene (Enhanced RAW file) in Workspace.