Many photographers convert and edit their raw files with the same software. PhotoLab and Lightroom are examples of converting and editing raw files with the same applications. While safe for accurate White Balance and evenly exposed raw files, converting your Olympus raw files in Workspace and editing the 16-bit Tiff in Photoshop is often a more rewarding editing strategy.
We are studying an example of converting and editing the same raw file with different applications. You should know I used the same White Balance for the various raw converters in this article. My default Color Space is typically RGB for my raw files and SRGB for the web.
Olympus EP-7 with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - Out of the camera jpeg (ISO200, f5.0, 1/100).
The above scene had more shadow detail in real life. It's easy to assume there was no reflected light from the shadows when viewing the JPEG. No reflected light means no image, no matter how hard we push the ISO. The example below is an edited version of the above JPEG. Did the camera capture or process too few color details, or will the Enhanced Raw File reveal more color information?
This is the OOC Jpeg. I increased the shadow brightness with PS.
The Enhanced Raw Format plus Workspace lets us extract more image information from the captured raw data. The key to success is the Exposure Mix we applied with the camera, the Truepic Processor, and its similarities to the Image Processor in Workspace. The Olympus Enhanced Raw Format is unique and helps us to evaluate and adjust most of our camera raw settings in Workspace.
For example, we can fine-tune the camera's exposure compensation in Workspace. That means we can verify our White Balance (18% Gray) and "Gradation" (Gamma) settings in Workspace. See the ETTR technique in the next paragraph. See this article on how to use the Gradation function.
The Gradation "High" option automatically selects the best ETTR values for your image. Think of the Olympus Gradation function as another variable in your exposure mix. You should always ask, how can I improve my image sensor's output signal, and how do I finalize my neutral gray values in Workspace? How do we reset the camera's Gradation values in Workspace? Simply select the default "Normal" option in Workspace. This will reset your image and the final tonal values to neutral gray.
Why would one use the gradation function with techniques like ETTR? We learned the image sensor does better when it is saturated. It's sometimes better to prioritize the sensor's saturation and SNR values over an accurate Neutral Gray in the camera. Think of low-light or high-contrast scenes.
It's good to prioritize Tonal Data with the camera. This is something we will review in more detail in the future. For example, how many of you worked with the Gamma function in Olympus Viewer 3? Those reading my articles can explain the Gamma function and the benefits of using ETTR.
Also, study my article explaining the Gradation function and this article by Adobe.
It's also good to always keep a Polarizing Filter (PF) in your camera bag. Use it on your camera with the Gradation "High" option to control or cancel any reflections from water or bright surfaces. For example, why does the Spider Cube have a little chrome ball on the top of the cube?
The images below are illustrations only.
Olympus E-P7 with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - Enhanced raw file converted in Workspace (ISO200, f5.0, 1/100).
The real benefits of the Enhanced Raw Format are Step 2
The converted 16-bit Tiff files are edited in the 2nd step. It's normal for more advanced image editing techniques with more image data. Workspace (image processor) and Sensor Sensitivity (captured details) enable us to extract more image data from our Enhanced Raw Files. We know the Olympus Live MOS sensor is more sensitive than Standard CMOS sensors, and BSI sensors further improve the Optical Efficiency of the sensor. BSI sensors are more sensitive than Live MOS or Standard CMOS sensors. High-sensitivity sensors are known for their ability to capture more shadow detail.
More image data and 16-bit Tiff files enable us to apply more advanced image editing techniques, like editing parts of the image separately. The image below is an example of using different editing techniques for the shadows and the brighter parts of the photo. I upped my shadow brightness in Photoshop. The ability to divide and mask the image improves with new editing software.
It's also good to treat sensor sensitivity and image noise separately. For example,all image sensors come with a noise floor. The sensor's saturation level (exposure) and SNR are responsible for any visible image noise. Olympus gave us several options to control and manage image noise. See this excellent video. Unfortunately, the presenter did not add the Exposure Mix to his list.
Olympus E-P7 with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - Raw file converted with Photoshop 2023 - (ISO200, f5.0, 1/100).
I never use Lightroom because my preferred Adobe application is Photoshop. I like Photoshop for my raw, jpeg, and 16-bit Tiff files. Photoshop 2023 seems better than previous versions, especially with Olympus raw files. The 2023 version of the Adobe Raw Converter also improved a lot.
Adobe said my perfectly working iMac (2014) is too old for Photoshop 2023. I decided to upgrade to a "new" Intel iMac. See the article here...
Olympus E-P7 with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - Raw file converted in PhotoLab 5 - (See the color cast on the house ).
Olympus E-P7 with 12-45mm f4.0 lens - I converted this raw file in PhotoLab 6.1 and edited the Tiff file in Photoshop.
The ClearView Plus setting is a powerful option for PhotoLab and the main difference between the above 2 images. The default value for Clearview is more aggressive, whereas mine is softer. This is also a "point-and-shoot" image and not a textbook example of optimizing the exposure mix.
Fuji X-T4 jpeg file in a similar scene. I upped the brightness in PS.
What do we learn about the Olympus EP-7?
The sensor received two different exposure levels in this example. The sensor was less saturated in the shadows with a lower SNR, less tonal data, and more visible shadow noise. The brighter areas saturated the image sensor, with less noise, more tonal data, and a higher SNR. What happens if I increase my exposure mix (shutter and aperture) with 1EV?
The available detail in the raw file means the sensor's sensitivity is good, and the low level of visible noise tells us the sensor's noise floor is relatively small. For example, I only used the "standard" noise reduction option in Workspace, the Prime setting for PL 5, and only a little noise reduction for PS.
This is the best-ever photography and lens combo from Olympus. Each Olympus enthusiast should own at least one like this!!!
The question is, why did I select casual exposure settings with no ETTR? We do not always need 102% image quality. This is important to those "creative" photographers who prefer specific results from selecting different or "creative" exposure settings (Working with different tonal levels).
The E-P7 is an excellent street photography camera for those working with color, monochrome, and creative techniques. What are the top 5 reasons why this is the best-ever Olympus combo? How was it possible for a forum reject* like the 17mm f2.8 to reach this status? What do you think?
The original images I used for this article (I needed something for WS).
Conclusion
The images below remind us of the EM1 III's excellent image quality with something like the 17mm f1.2 pro lens. Take a moment and consider the 4 cameras in this article. Each camera offers superior image quality with specific strengths and weaknesses. The decision of which is best for you and your needs is no longer a process of evaluating image quality. The Fuji X-H2 and X-H2S are excellent examples. They use unique image sensors to offer specific strengths and benefits...
The process of converting raw files and separately editing the converted 16-bit Tiff files is the same for "normal" images. I convert my raw files in Workspace and edit them with PS or ON-1. I also started to select the jpeg option more often for my EM1 III, the E-P7, and the Fuji X-T5. I edit those jpegs in one session with ON-1. See this link.
This short article summarizes the main conclusions of my journey on image sensors. I don't wish this on anyone. Study my articles to see the effort it takes to break away from the programming effects of the "size and capture" marketing program. Why is this important? You will only master your camera if you step away from anyone promoting the size and capture theory.
Take care and God's Bless
Siegfried
* Undisclosed or paid forum promoters habitat in the negative and are not paid to be positive. - link
Walking the Dog Instagram Pictures
Fuji X-T4 with 35mm f1.4 lens - ISO3200, f3.6, 1/18, -1EV Exp comp (Provia film simulation & handheld) - Raw file converted in PL-6.
Instagram Images
This version of the image was prepped in Photoshop.
Olympus EM1 III with 17mm f1.2 lens - ISO1000, f1.2, 1/30 handheld - The amazing benefits of M43.
Olympus EM1 III with 17mm f1.2 lens - ISO1250, f1.2, 1/13 handheld - Amazing detail and M43 benefits.
Fuji X-T5 with the 23mm f1.4 lens - ISO3200, f3.6, 1/7th, -1EV comp - Jpeg OOC and handheld.
Does your photography session end at the PC Workstation or Photo Shoot? This article discusses the PC Workstation option and the practical aspects of having the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. For example, most M43 photographers don't see any difference between Workspace and other commercially available Raw Editors (Converters) like Lightroom or PhotoLab.
I also discussed the Enhanced Raw Format in a previous article.
For example, Olympus and OMDS use the same "Advanced Raw Processing" terminology in their press releases. For more info about these Workspace descriptions, see the page here. I also keep a basic timeline of all the Workspace updates and my comments in this link.
The best way to benefit from Workspace is to include it in your photography workflow. You will discover it's not just another raw converter the more you work with Workspace. Workspace becomes an extension of your photography experience with Olympus cameras when you convert your Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace and edit the 16-bit Tiff files in Photoshop.
Why 16-bit Tiff files? See the 1st chapter discussing Dynamic Range in this e-Book.
We will discuss the following:-
Introduction
Why are Workspace and the Enhance Raw Format different?
Who benefits most from using the Enhanced Raw Format?
My preferred Olympus camera settings for Workspace
How does one edit Enhanced Raw Files with Workspace?
Finally, I added a short video at the end of this article
Conclusion
Olympus EM10 II with 12-50mm EZ Lens - Enhanced Raw File converted in Workspace and edited with Photoshop.
2. Why are Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format different?
Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format are unique because they use the same Image Processing as the camera. This is why it's possible to end your photography sessions in Workspace. We can review camera settings like sharpness, contrast, or saturation with WS. It is also interesting to simulate the camera Live View display via WS and the Enhanced Raw Format on a PC display.
What is a typical workflow for Workspace? There is no difference between finalizing your image in the Olympus camera or Workspace. We would typically open an Enhanced Raw File, activate the camera settings, and adjust the camera settings in Workspace.
The most exciting part is the ability to review our camera settings in Workspace. Another exciting aspect is PC RAW mode. It connects the camera Image Processor to Workspace. In fact, Workspace V2 offers an added benefit because it enables the OM-1 photographer to use the standard Workspace Editing panel in PC RAW mode. This is, unfortunately, only applicable to the OM-1.
The Enhanced Raw Format is the main difference between Workspace and commercially available Raw editors like Lightroom and PhotoLab. The same editing panel is used on raw and jpeg files in WS. The only change is the differences between Enhanced Raw and Jpeg files. Olympus photographers benefit most from using both the raw + jpeg options. (see my video further down)
Like anything else, Workspace improves over time and experience. I reached the point of consistently getting better results with my Enhanced Raw Files and Workspace. This also applies to the 16-bit Tiff files I use in Photoshop. Workspace is much better at converting Olympus raw files, and Photoshop is excellent with the converted 16-bit Tiff files...
Below is an example of the differences between raw and jpeg files. The Enhanced Raw Format has more editing options, and it's possible to simulate Live View in Workspace. This ability to have the equivalent of a Live View display with Workspace does not apply to jpeg files.
The same Workspace Editing Panel is used on jpegs and raw files, but the unique link between the Enhanced Raw Format and the Olympus Image Processor does NOT apply to jpegs. This is why it is possible to use Workspace ART filters and Color Profiles on the jpegs from another brand. In other words, Workspace is just another image editor for jpegs.
3. Who benefits most from using the Enhanced Raw Format?
Reflected light and the ability to work with light are basic skills all photographers should have. Light or illumination is the key to managing your exposure and image sensor performance. Light is crucial for award-winning pictures and determines if the image is flat or multi-dimensional.
Anyone who says we don't need a tripod or flash should return to basics. Even if we don't need the best image quality, light is the one thing that makes a difference. The basics of mastering Light, Workspace, and the Camera are reasons photographers are better today...
E-P7 with 25mm f1.8 lens - The 2 Enhanced Raw Files were edited in WS - The difference is Auto Graduation.
Thorsten von Overgaard is an exciting example of an inspiring photographer. Even though I do not own a Leica, my Pen F makes me think... I appreciate the creative freedom with my Pen F, the Enhanced Raw Format, Workspace, and Light when editing 16-Bit Tiff files in Photoshop.
4. My preferred camera settings for Workspace
Some photographers adjust the saturation, sharpness, and contrast with the camera to correct the camera's "color science." It reminds me of Sony's A7 cameras. Olympus cameras have more advanced color functions, and most of these camera settings are available in Workspace. It's now possible to tweak your camera settings in the comfort of your home with a large PC screen and Workspace.
Years back, when I started editing, we learned that adjusting sharpness, contrast, and saturation is not the best way of editing images. A better way of editing is to use a histogram (Curves). I accepted that and focussed on Curves with Photoshop. Olympus has two plus a "half" curve equivalent in the camera and Workspace, the "highlights/shadows" sliders, Graduation, and Tone Curves.
Olympus EM10 III with 14-42mm kit lens - Enhanced Raw File converted in WS and edited in PS.
A better way of sharpening images is the Unsharp Mask function. You can safely start with an Amount of 44 and a Radius of 1.3 while developing your sharpening skills. Image sharpening is a simple process of adding contrast to the contrast areas in the image. You could also use a basic S-Curve in Tone Curves or the highlight and shadow sliders in your camera or Workspace...
One of the most critical decisions is having the same color space for the camera and Workspace. I simply use Adobe RGB for all my software and devices. That means the camera Live View display is the same as my Workspace Live View Display. I only convert my images during my final adjustments to SRGB for posting them on the web or CYM for printing.
Olympus EM5 with 12-50mm, ISO800, f4.0, 1/6Sec (Handheld) - fully edited in Workspace.
Why do I focus on photography and not my camera settings? The reason is simple, you need to know what is possible in Workspace and what is possible when photographing. For example, you cannot re-adjust your exposure settings (aperture and shutter speed) in Workspace, but you can select a different Picture Mode in Workspace. This knowledge helps us to plan our critical camera settings while photographing versus what we can tweak with Workspace.
For example, while out photographing, focus on your exposure settings. You can always do any final exposure compensation settings in WS. Focus on your inspiration, exposure strategy, direction and quality of light, and having the best viewing or picture angle when you photograph.
It's good to keep a grey card or Spider Cube with you. Place them in the scene and do a few test shots with different angles. Manual Exposure Mode is the best way to master your exposure settings. For example, work with the direction of light and various light sources. The challenge with Manual Exposure Mode is the Exif data does not show any "exposure compensation" settings. If this is a problem, use Aperture Priority with exposure compensation.
Olympus EM1 III with 12-200mm Lens - The Enhanced Raw File was converted with WS.
Why is it important to know if you used exposure compensation? One would correct the exposure compensation settings in Workspace to ensure the correct 18% gray or color values.
Here are my recommended camera settings for Aperture or Shutter Priority Modes:-
Always apply the ISO manually (Manual or Aperture or Shutter priority)
Do not adjust the sharpness, contrast, or saturation sliders in the camera
Always use the jpeg + raw option in your camera (Enhanced Raw files)
Use Exposure Compensation to manage the exposure mix of the camera
Always use a fixed ISO when your goal is a fully saturated image sensor
The focus of using these settings is maximum tonal/image data, not creativity
If your focus is a final in-camera jpeg, then these suggestions will change
If your goal is a final image in Workspace, then use the Enhance Raw Format
We can "simulate" the jpeg in WS and select our best camera settings in WS
Olympus EM5 with 12-50mm lens - ISO800, f4.0, 1/3 sec (handheld on a rail) - Raw File edited in Workspace
A welcome aspect of Workspace and the Enhanced Raw format is how we determine the best camera settings for our unique photography styles. This is especially applicable to jpegs. Workspace offers the best environment with large PC screens to help us fine-tune our camera settings.
5. How to edit your images in Workspace
We are not discussing Workspace features like hotkeys, button functions, or how to re-arrange the editing windows. It's good to take a few minutes and familiarize yourself with WS. You will find the User Manual in the Help Menu. We will focus on standard and enhanced editing functions.
EM10 III with 12-45mm f4 Pro lens - A good camera for Workspace (Color Creator) and Photoshop.
Workspace V2 is slower on my older Macs. I saw this on my older MacBook Pro and iMac from 2014/15. My Macbook is the basic version, and my iMac is well-specified for 2014. The iMac performs well but is slower with V2. Go to my WS tips page for more...
See the diagram below. It summarises what we discussed in this article. Any computational or AI functions should be part of a separate discussion. The same applies to downloading or importing images to WS or managing and rating your image collection.
Figure 1
The best decision you can make is to study Olympus Software Applications like Workspace and OI. Share. Trust the Olympus Developing and Engineering Teams and the fact that they compete with the best in the industry. Ignore forums, camera reviews, and YouTube with all the undisclosed promotions on these platforms. Trust your own talent and experience with Olympus. For example, photography forums will never admit that the 14-42mm kit lens is an above-average performer. The same is true for the 9-18mm, the 14-150mm, the 12-200mm, and ALL the f1.8 compact lenses.
Olympus 14-42mm f3.5 - 5.6 R II Kit Lens
Workspace is a fully-featured image editor with all the advanced features of Olympus cameras. While not as powerful as Photoshop, the editing features of Workspace are the same as the camera and a good editing solution for Olympus photographers. Workspace is one of the best image editors for those new to editing. The main reason is the similarities between Workspace and the camera.
It's good to start editing with Workspace because it offers similar editing features as the more advanced editors like Photoshop. It's possible to export your Workspace images to Photoshop for more advanced image editing. This makes any editing transition simpler from Workspace to Photoshop.
Figure 2
How to activate Live View in Workspace? None of the camera settings are "live" when you open your Enhanced Raw File in Workspace. All the camera settings are available but have to be activated. Live View is only active when all the camera settings are selected in Workspace. The above illustration shows the process of selecting and activating your camera settings. The camera jpeg or Live View image is displayed when all the camera settings are active.
Olympus E-P7 with 9-18mm f4 lens - Great lens for creative effects - Edited with WS and PS.
Any editing steps discussed in this article reflect my own editing style. I have been using WS from the first day it was launched, and I like to start by activating my raw file or camera settings. See the above graphic. This allows me to sit back and inspect the image in Live View mode. It is good to take a few minutes and study the image before making any adjustments.
These are the steps I follow when I am editing an Enhanced RAW File:-
I first activate (select) all my camera settings in Workspace
I use a +2/6EV exposure shift with all my Olympus cameras
Correct the exposure shift with a -1/3EV exposure compensation
This will reset the image colors or neutral grey values to 18%
I mostly use the "Low" option for the iEnhance Picture Mode
The Highlight/Shadow sliders open shadows and pull back highlights
Use the mid-tones slider to adjust the brightness of the image
Use the Tone Curve slider for older cameras with no mid-tone slider
You could use an S-Curve in the Tone Curve section to add contrast
Use the Dehaze and Clarity slider to better define the sky or clouds
I do not sharpen my images in Workspace - I prefer Photoshop...
I use the RGB color space, and it's critical to activate it in WS
I prefer the "Low" option for the Noise Filter in the camera or WS
I never use the False Color Suppression in the WS Noise Filter
I very seldom use any of the other noise filters in my camera or WS
When I am done, I transfer the 16-bit Tiff file to Photoshop...
Olympus E-P7 with 9-18mm f4 lens - The Enhanced Raw File was converted with Workspace.
I typically use a mix of highlights & shadows settings or gradation to determine the final brightness of my images in Workspace. The next step is white balance. There are more ways of selecting your White Balance. One is to leave the WB in Auto or to use the daylight, clouds, or other WB presents. Another option is to select a reference point in the image with the custom WB or Grey Pointer. It can be a gray card in the image or any white surface.
Don't confuse yourself with image brightness and the correct neutral (18%) grey value. Follow the steps below to optimize your image quality and color:-
Determine your neutral grey exposure settings with the camera exposure meter.
The final exposure settings will include ETTR, WB, and exposure-compensation
The 1st WS step is to set back the exposure compensation for the correct exposure.
The next step is to select the appropriate White Balance for the image and WS.
The final image (exposure) is now ready for the raw conversion steps in WS
For example, any creative brightness tweaks happen from this point onward
It's OK to have a personal style when selecting the white balance for the image. I prefer white areas in shadow areas or the cement between bricks. Your WB point choice represents your preferred image style and look. There are no rules for setting your WB.
Figure 3.
How should I edit my images in Workspace? Image editing is a series of minor adjustments until the image mirrors the photographer's impression of the original scene. There are no rights or wrongs when editing an image. There are probably 3 types of image editing styles for WS:-
Casual image editing (nothing big and small steps at a time)
Creative image editing (various options like ART filters & PS)
Customer contracts (this requires advanced editing in WS & PS)
This article focuses on casual and creative image editing. See my fully customized editing panel in Figure 2. The different editing panels below are from this customized editing panel. I marked each editing step in the illustration below (figure 4). The opening and exporting of your images happen in A and E. Steps B, C, and D are discussed in more detail in the video below.
Olympus E-P7 with 9-18mm f4 lens - The Enhanced Raw File was converted with Workspace.
The main editing sequence in Figure 4 consists of a step-by-step editing sequence. Steps B and D are used in casual editing, and B, C, and D for creative editing. None of the camera settings are active when you open the Enhanced Raw File. What's displayed on the PC screen is pure raw data. You first need to activate Live View in Workspace. See Figure 3 for more info. I grouped all the Standard Camera settings in Step B to simplify them.
The same applies to any Creative functions. You will activate your creative settings in Step C to see them in Live View. Workspace shows you which options were used in the camera. The only tricky one is the Color Creator. The Color Creator is the final option in the Picture Mode drop-down menu in Step 3. The best way to check if you used the Color Creator is to study your Jpeg Exif data.
Figure 4.
Image editing starts when you analyze the Live View image in Workspace. You will have a good feel for your final image and what you like to change or update. It's important because it's part of your editing/creative process when preparing your final images.
I typically prepare notes on what I like to achieve with the Live View image in Workspace. Image editing is a simple step-by-step sequence starting at Step A and finishing with Step E.
Workspace is one of the best image editors for those new to image editing. In fact, Workspace quickly becomes powerful the more you use it. For example, I am talking about taking the time or the fact that image editing is a process. What about those cases where speed is critical? Well, that is also possible in Workspace. You would typically take the time to edit the first image and then copy and paste the settings to the remaining images in the sequence.
6. A short video on Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format
The above video explains the different sections discussed in this article. I also show a few basic editing steps. It is good to know that image editing in Workspace is as simple as adding an S-Curve, selecting a new picture mode, or changing the Noise Reduction from Standard to Low. Image editing in Workspace does not have to be a big thing.
7. Conclusion
I did something I wouldn't normally do when I updated Workspace to version 2. I typically wait a while to safeguard myself and my PC. My concern is speed. The upgrade to Workspace V2 was obviously done to support the new OM-1 and newer PCs.
The previous version of Workspace (V1.5) is a safe option if you don't use the M1 Macbook, or use the EM1 III, or any other Olympus camera. Its fast and older PCs generally support Workspace V1.5 without any issues.
Olympus EM10 III with 14-42mm kit lens - Enhanced Raw File converted in WS and edited in PS
The cost-effective and tested PC is the entry-level Macbook Pro with the M1 processor (I added the 16GB option to mine). If you need the new sequential shooting group display, focus sorting feature, or the AI noise reduction feature of V2, then you need something like the new M1 CPU.
Long-term Olympus users are familiar with Olympus Viewer 3. Workspace is the improved version of Viewer 3. It offers a better interface for the Enhanced Raw format. I kept a copy of Viewer 3 on my iMac and continue to use it. For example, it's a pity that Olympus removed the Gamma function from Workspace. A nice benefit of Viewer 3 is how it displays the camera settings (Enhanced Raw data) in the editing panel.
See the camera settings in the Enhanced Raw File.
What is the Gamma function? Image sensors are linear recording devices. Editing software like Workspace or Photoshop overlays a standard display profile to the raw data. The Gamma slider allows us to adapt or fine-tune this display profile.
Pen F + 60mm Marco - High Resolution 80MP (10368x7776) - Edited in OV3 /Changed the Gamma profile)
We are studying the history and growth of Olympus Live View. It all started with the Olympus E330 in 2006 and the E-3 in 2007. The E3 was the first Pro DSLR with a fully Articulating and Live View Display. The focus was functionality and the ability to compose an image while viewing the sensor's live data. The E3 was also the first DSLR to display the sensor's RAW data and update the display as the photographer adjusted settings like the WB, ISO, Auto & Manual Focussing, and Exposure. The photographer could also monitor the camera's IBIS operation on the Live View display.
This was the start of the Olympus Live View function. The current Live View and Workspace (Raw Converter) option advanced to a level one would think is absolutely normal. Interestingly, other manufacturers don't offer a similar solution, except for the Fuji X-RAW-Studio. We are reviewing the Enhanced Raw Format and the integration of Olympus cameras with Workspace.
What does this mean? We can now replicate the sensor's raw data, the camera's final Live View display, and our camera settings in Workspace.
I wrote a new article discussing different options to create profiles in January 2024.
Also, see the 2nd article I wrote about the Enhance Raw Format.
- See this article for details on how Live View works - link
- How to use the Olympus Color Creator and Workspace - link
1. Introduction
What would photographers typically expect from the camera's display:-
High-resolution LED or OLED screens with 1M-Dot or higher resolution
Visibility and functionality are critical aspects for most photographers
Fully Articulating 3" or larger touchscreen displays for video applications
Bright displays with good viewing and controls, similar to mobile phones
Large magnification EVFs (2.3M-dot +, and 120fps) with no black-outs
The new Fuji XT-5 display is one of the best photography formats in 2023
The eyepoint on the EVF is important, especially for those wearing glasses
The Super Control Panel (SCP) on Olympus cameras is a great solution
The existing Olympus menu is great and easy to use for M43 photographers
Backward operational compatibility is a strength of the EM1 III UI & menu
The ability to recreate the camera's Live View display in the raw converter
The ability to develop and practice camera color profiles at home (software)
The EM1 III is the final Pro-level camera from Olympus with the familiar UI and menu. This menu system developed and improved over many years. The best advantage of the EM1 III is its backward compatibility with older cameras. For example, I recently bought a 10-year-old Olympus EM1 MKI and had no problem applying my preferred Olympus configuration to the older EM1.
The above image illustrates the conversion process of the Enhanced Raw File. It starts with adding the final Live View data and camera settings to the Enhanced Raw File. When uploaded to our PC, we open the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace. Only the sensor's raw data will be visible when we open the raw file. The next step is to "activate" the camera settings to enable the final camera's Live View display. The next step is adjusting our camera settings in Workspace. We could also apply more advanced editing in Workspace. The final converted raw file is exported (16-bit Tiff) to PS...
Tip:- Study the Live View Boost function from Olympus in the Users Manual.
Olympus E-3 with an Articulating Display (Competing with the Canon 40D and Nikon D300).
Olympus continued to develop the Live View function and the compatibility between the camera and the previous Olympus raw converter, Viewer 3. The next step was the Creative Color concept. The Creative Color concept from Olympus consists of functions like B&W filters, Color Profiles (Pen F, EP-7), Color Filters, Adjust Color, and the Color Creator.
I discussed the Live View function in some of my other articles. My search for information on Live View and the Histogram started in 2019. For example, I found more data about Live View in my older E30 documentation. Older News Releases from Olympus and User Manuals are a treasure trove of "unfiltered" Olympus information on their cameras, lenses, and software...
Please study as I use this terminology in this article.
2. Live View and Olympus Cameras
Olympus photographers need to answer this, do you think Live View or the Raw Converter (Viewer 3 & Workspace) were only random thoughts? Olympus introduced Live View in 2006, and the Olympus Imaging Division's marketing team never re-launched or advertised any improvements. They looked like the worst marketing team in the industry.The enormous progress by the Imaging Engineering team is only visible when you study the new "Working Space" from Olympus.
For example, have you ever asked yourself why calling it, WorkSpace and Live View?
Any camera's Live View display should mirror the image sensor's response to camera adjustments and the reflected light reaching the sensor. This concept was part of Olympu's design criteria from day one. Combining the sensor's raw data with the functionality of Workspace was the next logical step for the Olympus Imaging engineering team...
But all cameras have Live View. Yes, it's possible to list and evaluate the design criteria of all mirrorless cameras by reviewing the unique photography landscape promoted by camera reviewers and what supposedly photographers (promoters) want from a camera and Live View display.
Studying Olympus, we see the following:-
A live connection between the image sensor and the Live View display
The histogram with the same direct link to the sensor raw or image data
The ability to monitor the raw or image data while adjusting the camera
The ability to evaluate camera adjustments before capturing the image
Selecting and changing any color or creative adjustments in Live View
The ability to have an Enhanced Raw File with ALL the camera settings
Compatibility between the Live View data and supplier Editing Software
The ability to accurately apply & monitor exposure techniques like ETTR
The ability to edit the camera settings or practice with them in Workspace
This basic Live View flow diagram matured with M43 Olympus cameras.
How to Enhance your Raw Files in Live View?" Your camera's Live View display or EVF replicates the sensor's Luminance Perspective. The only difference between the sensor's raw data perspective and the camera Live View image is a layered "Display Profile" placed onto the raw data. Olympus created another layer to add user profile settings (Creative Data) to the sensor's raw data. This is how the Enhanced Raw Format enabled Workspace to access the camera's layered Enhanced Raw data. In other words, we can now simulate the camera's final Live View display in Workspace. It also allows us to experiment with many camera settings or profiles in Workspace.
Regular Raw Converters are different because they access the sensor's Raw Data Layer. Traditional editors like PhotoShop, Lightroom, or PhotoLab cannot access or process the Enhanced Raw Data from Olympus cameras. It does not mean they are not good. WorkSpace has full access to the sensor's Raw Data and the user's Creative Layer via the Enhanced Raw Format. OM-System uses the same "Advanced Raw Format" terminology on its official website and press releases.
Traditional Raw File = Sensor Raw Data
Live View Image = Sensor Raw Data + Display Profile
Enhanced Raw File = Sensor Raw Data + Camera Creative Layers
This is BIG news because the Enhanced Raw Format enables us to test different camera settings while Workspace simulates the camera's Live View display. This process also improves our experience of testing and developing new camera profiles in Workspace. A good example is the Color Creator from Olympus. It is difficult to familiarize yourself with this function on the camera display.
The above illustrations demonstrate the Enhanced Raw Format and Live View in Workspace. It also shows how to activate your camera settings in Workspace. Those camera settings, like Picture Mode, which is not clearly marked, can be found in the Exif data. For example, the Color Creator...
Older WorkSpace versions could only replicate the Creative Color settings of specific camera models. The anomaly was the EM1 II. It was possible to overlay a Pen-F color profile onto the EM1 II raw data. Workspace V1.5 and later versions opened Color Profiles.
How should we edit Enhanced RAW Files? The first step is to Activate your Camera Settings in Workspace. The camera's final Live View display will be displayed on your computer. You will only see the Sensor's RAW Data if you don't activate your Camera Settings in Workspace. See Tip 22 on my Workspace How-to-Page.
Why RAW files and not JPEGS? The reason is simple for WorkSpace. The editing space for jpeg and raw files is the same in WorkSpace. Considering only the available image data, you will find raw files have more than double the file size (amount of data). These reasons should be enough to use raw files. The biggest reason is the Enhanced Raw Format and Live View for Workspace. This changed everything for photographers and Olympus cameras...
Olympus Stylus SH50 Compact Camera - ISO125, f5.8, 1/200
The Live View display allows us to simulate or test our camera settings in Workspace. Trying new camera settings is the best advantage of the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. A good example is building new color profiles. Workspace also made it possible to fine-tune your camera settings in Workspace. This is an advantage Olympus photographers shouldn't ignore...
Should we Calibrate our Cameras and PCs? It's possible to select an sRGB or RGB Colorspace for the camera. The color space is embedded in the image Exif data. Color Calibration is a complex subject and warrants a separate article. To keep it simple, I have been using RGB for all my gear.
This short paragraph reminds photographers to use the same Colorspace for all their equipment. I selected my Embedded PC Profile (RGB) for Workspace (see below). These basic steps synchronize the camera, computer, and WorkSpace. Some forum "experts" promote the idea of using the sRGB ColorSpace. My biggest concern is the sRGB color space is the lesser option...
What are the benefits of discussing this information? The advantage of using the same Colorspace on all your equipment is compatibility and the ability to improve your Color Awareness Skills in the comfort of your home. This enables Olympus photographers to grow their creative ART photography skills by editing and practicing their Creative Color camera adjustments in Workspace.
The more you use the WorkSpace Live View mode, the easier it is to apply this experience in the field with your Olympus camera. Live View and WorkSpace were the two most significant developments in the modern history of Olympus digital cameras...
The Olympus histogram:- The Olympus Histogram is as much a part of the Olympus Live View functionality as the image sensor raw data in Live View. The same principles of collecting data apply to the histogram and Live View. You can only benefit from practicing at every opportunity with the different features of Olympus cameras. For example, what is the function of the green add-ons in the Olympus histogram? How do they help us?
It is critical to study and master the Exposure Techniques discussed in this article. This will help you improve your image sensor's performance and exposure settings for creative photography and image quality. It's critical to master your shutter speed and aperture versus the ISO function.
Final Comments:-
What would an Olympus workflow look like? One would typically convert the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace and post-process (edit) the 16-bit Tiff file in Photoshop. Photoshop post-processing includes the Adobe Raw Converter as a layered Smart Object with access to LR features...
Olympus EP-7 w 17mm f2.8 - ISO200, f5.6, 1/500 - Enhanced Raw file, Gradation High, Color Graded and converted in WS and edited in PS.
The above image is an example of using the computational features of Olympus for ETTR, protecting highlights, and improving the shadow SNR and tonal data. See this article.
Is OM-System a concern or a hope for the future? I bought my Olympus EM1 III from OM-System in 2021, and my Inbox turned into a junk box. The OM-1 has a new menu because they couldn't manage the pressure from promoters (product reviewers). PCRAW Mode segregated the OM-1 from the rest of the Olympus Pro cameras. Are these decisions and the OM-5 simply inconsistent decision-making or part of a future product strategy? Does a Photography DNA mean anything? For example, even my old Olympus Stylus XZ-2 works with Workpace and the Enhanced Raw Format.
I haven't used my Fuji XT-5 much because I am satisfied with the Olympus Pen-F, EP-7, and EM1 III. I even considered selling the XT-5 but decided to keep it until I make a final decision...
Why would competitors benefit from having promoters and a new OM-1 menu UI?
When you think about it, Olympus enabled photographers to "edit" the captured raw data before reaching the TruePic Image Processor. In other words, we are dynamically altering the "sensor raw data" before we release the shutter. This is the purest form of digital photography...
