History: I bought a 20-year-old 4MP Olympus C-770. Olympus was always known for its good Image Quality and great Colors.
Showing posts with label Image/Video Editing w Camera. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Image/Video Editing w Camera. Show all posts

May 5, 2020

Filmmaking with the EM5 II and WorkSpace

Last Update: 17 May 2020

I recently asked the question, what happened to that great filmmaking spirit that motivated so many filmmakers of old. Home moviemakers spend hours filming the ocean, animals in the zoo, and pets playing. Did that all go away when the old film role went digital? That said, it is good to see our younger generation mastering digital video recording and video editing.


Homemade movie using simple movie-making techniques and three Olympus cameras


Many photographers and some previously enthusiast filmmakers say they do not know where to start. They feel intimidated with things like digital video formats, 8K, and supercharged PC's. Many are in the dark in terms of camera settings or what additional equipment they will need. Thinking back, my own experience was the same. It was more challenging to adapt to digital video than it was to change to digital photography.

This is not good. On the one hand forum "professionals" ask for more from manufacturers and on the other hand, potential home filmmakers feel more alienated. The question is, what can we do to help photographers enjoy video recording? I believe Olympus recognized this and that is why they added basic video recording features in their mirrorless cameras and WorkSpace.

In this article, we will take a look at video recording, video equipment, and how to set up the camera. We will study WorkSpace, and how to edit videos in WorkSpace. The aim is that readers learn the basics of how to create and edit videos for home use, YouTube, and Instagram?

What equipment do you need?


Looking at the Camera

Any of the current MFT cameras are good for video. The previous range is also good for video. This includes the EM1 II, EM5 II, Pen F, EM10 II, and the EPL8. That said one can go back to the Pen EP3, the EM5, and the EM1 and create great videos.


Any of the lenses below are good for video:-

  • Olympus 12-50mm EZ Kit Lens - great for filming, benefit, the motorized zoom
  • Olympus 14-42mm EZ Kit Lens - Small zoom range but with motorized zoom
  • Olympus 30mm or 60mm Macro for close-ups or detail views
  • Olympus 14-42mm Kit Lens - not EZ. The 2nd & 3rd generation MSC type
  • Olympus Pancake Lenses - any of the fixed f1,8 focal length lenses are perfect
  • Olympus 40-150mm or the 14-150mm general zoom lenses
  • Any of the Olympus Pro lenses

You will need an ND filter. Variable ND filters are more practical than having two or three fixed value ND filters. Try and select lenses with the same filter diameter. The above list with lenses (Not the Pro) ranges from 46mm, 52mm, to 58mm filter diameters.

Video quality is not measured in "image sharpness". In fact, when recording at 24 frames per second the video flow has a slight blur effect. This slight blur is often named the Cinema effect. This is one of the reasons why videographers prefer lenses with a unique film look. There are several things to look for when searching for a new video lens and they are different from what photographers would look for. Videographers are more artistically inspired, probably more than photographers.

Smallrig flash mount filming handle with LED light and mic

What else will you need for video recording? The following items are practical items, but not must-have items:-
  • Camera cage or camera handle that fits onto the hot shoe (see above)
  • Portable (LED) light source
  • An external microphone, or use a mobile phone as a recording device
  • External monitor (not the recorder type)
  • Tripods and reflectors

The Smallrig "Video" handle helps when filming from a lower position or when filming close to the ground. It's also good when doing unique camera movements. Used in combination with IBIS, the video handle enables the videographer to learn more complex camera movements.



I find the more I practice, the smoother my results. In fact, with a little practice and IBIS, the home moviemaker might never need a separate gimbal. Another benefit is, all the above video options will fit onto the video handle. This is great for changing the camera from video mode to photography or vice versa.

What camera settings are needed for video recording

I used an EM5 MKII for all my video recordings and the illustrations in this article. From the camera menu, select "I. Movie". See the images below and adjust your camera to mirror the settings in the pictures below.



The following is important:-
  • Work with Mode-S - Shutter Priority for filmmaking (2nd image from the left)
  • Set the Noise Filter to "Standard" (4th image from the left)
  • Other settings - copy all the above settings to your camera
  • Select the "Movie Specification Settings" menu - Press OK & copy the settings below
  • Wind Noise Reduction - Always select the best option in windy conditions



In terms of image or movie sharpness, as said filmmaking is not like photography. Don't think of image sharpness when selecting video options, think data. The compression ratio determines how much data the camera records. Keep in mind the camera records 25 or 30 fully sized jpeg images per second.

The data transferred to the SD card is huge. This is why videographers use high-speed SD cards. For example, select F (above image) if you work with an older PC. In terms of SD cards, see the EM5 II specifications listed in the user manual. As long as you stay with 1080p, the EM5 MKII specification is all you will need for all the above Olympus cameras.

The basic setting selected up to this point is to prepare the camera for video recording. With the next step, we will determine the day to day video settings. Select "Movie Mode" on the camera mode dial and press OK. Next, you will see the "Live Control" below. Use the up/down arrows to scroll up or down to the video recording format. To change the video recording format, press "Info", and with the left and right keys to select the different options displayed in the image below. 



The above video format is perfect for home video recording. This video format determines:-
  • The actual file compression rate SF or F (data compression or volume data)
  • Frame rate (typically 25p for Europe and 30p for the US or cinema is 24p)
  • Clip Recording Time (If you new to video, start with clips, its easy and works well)
  • Slow-speed and high-speed recording is great for recording emotion
  • Check the video format: 1080p and MOV (this should be visible in the selection)



Your camera is now ready for video recording. Similar to the SCP screen, "Live Control" offers quick access to important video settings. With Live Control, you can adjust the frame rate, change the clip recording time, select the recording speed (standard, slow or fast speed), and adjust the compression ratio from F to SF or vice versa. To disable the clips or slow/fast functions, select "Off".

Scroll up or down to activate or deactivate things like the microphone, and Picture Modes. Study the "video recording" screen below and you will see that Olympus added a few more interesting video effects at the bottom of the screen. You will find more on those in the user's manual.

Tip:- When using the camera digital zoom, change to MF. That will prevent the AF from hunting.

General video recording Tips and Techniques


A typical social media video should not be more than 4 minutes. In fact, one of the Instagram video options is only 60 seconds. People's average web attention span is between 2 and 5 minutes. In fact, I was watching a video and the presenter said the attention span is the swipe of a thumb, think of that! One can set the camera clip duration from 1, 2, 4, to 8 seconds. The aim is to record a collection of video clips related to the same storyline. The next step is to combine these clips in a storyline (video) with WorkSpace.

Press the Info button until you see the view below on your camera. Olympus cameras and WorkSpace offer basic "editing" functions. It's important to get the clip right in the camera. The first step is to set the shutter speed, to 1/50 or 1/60 depending on the frame rate (25p/24p or 30p). This is referred to as the 180-degree shutter angle. (Search my favorite videos page information on shutter angle)

With Shutter Priority selected, the camera is now in full Auto mode and will automatically select the aperture and ISO. When outside in sunny conditions, the camera will need higher shutter speeds. The challenge is the shutter speed should stay fixed at 1/50th or 1/60th. This is why we have ND filters. ND filters are used to control the amount of light reaching the sensor (exposure). Use the histogram and adjust the variable ND filter to control the final exposure.




To plan your movie or "walk my dog" report, see the points below:-
  • Introduction - What can people expect (2 seconds Title or walking shoes & dog)
  • The story - the story consisting of the different elements described below
  • The closing - Text like "The End" or a short clip of the dog "resting" 
Use the following techniques to build the story:-
  • Show an overview shot of the event, venue, or situation (slow panning movements)
  • Find & record detail - zooming in, macro or close up's, focus on subjects or people
  • Look for emotional moments - slow motion, close up facial shots, and/or animals
Tip:- Some Olympus cameras have a 120fps slow-motion option. Some are 720p and others 1080p. We selected 1080p for his article. That means the 720p options will not be a good fit.

See this interesting article with 7 tips on camera movements.


    Additional comments and ideas
    • Study YouTube videos for ideas on how to move the camera - practice & apply
    • Configure the camera direction keys to control electric zoom on Oly EZ lenses
    • Practice using the camera special effects (Picture Modes, Filters, Monochrome)
    • Practice camera movements, working with/without the Camera Handle and IBIS
    • Plan ahead, think what the final video/project will look like before recording
    • Practice controlling available light using LED sources, reflectors, and flashes
    • Home filmmakers do not really need Log Profiles and/or special flat profiles
    • As you grow more advanced in editing, then 4K and Log Profiles are great
    • Color Grading - when starting with video, Auto WB is perfectly OK and safe
    • Study the Users Manual (P78-83) when it's your first Olympus video project
    What you don't need
    • Running in and out the camera screen to check your camera CAF
    • 4K, 6K, or 8K to create great videos - 1080p or FHD is perfectly OK
    • The lowest noise, highest DR, and fastest AF or the best EVF
    • The best sharpest lens on the market - filming is not like photography
    • Fact is, with practice Olympus cameras will deliver amazing recordings
    • Panning the camera fast from left and right to test "Rolling Shutter" 

    The GH1 is a classic and capable of producing great results - selling for +/- $65

    Recording video clips and managing them in the camera


    Follow the steps below when recording your first video clip:-
    • Select the camera Movie Mode on the mode dial
    • Use a storyline to help you identify which clips to record
    • Fit a fixed or variable ND filter to the lens
    • Set the shutter speed to 1/50th for 25p/24p or 1/60th for 30p
    • Adjust the final exposure using the ND filter and check the histogram
    • Select the "Clip" duration and recording speed
    • Check IBIS plus digital stabilization for video is "ON" (MS1) 
    • Press the "Red" recording button to start & stop the recording



    While recording, you will see a small "clip" timer at the bottom right of the camera screen. When the clip is done the camera will automatically switch to the screen below.



    Press the down button and follow the steps below. You can also press the Up button to review the clip. It's better to first go to the step below and review the clip later. The reason is when you review the clip first, you will not have an option to go back to the step below.



    The above two images show the current projects and timelines in the camera. The first view you see is the view on the left after pressing the down arrow.

    With the view on the left, you can remove clips from the timeline or start new projects. It's possible to work with multiple projects. One can move clips to the left or right on the timeline or up to "Create a New Project". One can also "Remove the Clip". The image on the right shows 2 projects. When done press OK.

    Now you ready to record the next clip. Always check the clip recording time and recording speed before recording the next clip. If at any time you like to "edit" (shift clips on the timeline) while in the field, follow the steps below:-



    Press the playback button to see the view on the above left. For more menu options press the OK button. This will open the menu on the right. This menu has no option to edit clips. To edit clips you need to press the Menu button to go back to the view on the left. Then turn the camera back dial one-click to the left to see the view below, on the left.


    The above images show 3 steps. Follow these steps to edit or rearrange your project timeline. Press the buttons on the views in steps 1 & 2 (see the arrows). This will take you to step 3. In step 3, you select the clip you like to "edit" and press OK. This will take you to the view on the bottom left.



    From the menu, select "Rearrange Order" and press OK. This will open the image on the right. Now you can move the clip to the "New" tab. You can also remove the clip. When done press OK. This will take you back to step 3. Select the next clip you like to move and press OK. Continue to apply the same sequence while editing the timeline. When done press the shutter button halfway to go back to video recording mode.

    Below is an alternative method to edit the timeline.


    To export the final video directly from the camera, press the image review button, and select "Export My Clips". Keep in mind exporting clips directly from the camera takes battery power and it can take a while.



    When exporting the video with the camera, you need to check the following:
    • Clip effects - Select one of six effects
    • Transitions - Select "Fade" or "None".
    • BGM - Background Music - the EM5 II has one melody pre-installed
    • Clip Volume - Adjust the clip playback volume
    The short video below was prepared with the EM5 MKII. When I exported the video, I selected no transitions, the Light Tone picture mode, and BGM (Back Ground Music). When uploading the video to YouTube, it is safer to upload the video in MP4 format.

    In this project we selected MOV. To change the video format, open the video with Workspace and exported it again as an MP4 file. For more, see further down.


    All video clips recorded with the EM5 II and the video was rendered in the EM5

    Download clips from the SD card & editing in WorkSpace


    Workspace has basic but functional video editing tools for beginners. They are similar to what you will see in advanced editing environments.

    Please study the image below.



    Workspace offers 4 easy steps to edit and prepare videos:-
    1. Prepare and trim the clips with the Clip Trimming tool (Step 1)
    2. Build the Timeline with the Merge Frames tool (Step 2)
    3. Add external audio or music to your project
    4. Export or render the final video
    Follow steps 1 and 2 (see above image). If you need more information on WorkSpace, go to the help menu and download the pdf version of the WorkSpace User Manual. The image below shows how to organize your clips, where to file your "edited" clips, and how to save your final video.

    Import the video clips from the SD card to the Video folder and the edited clips to the Projects folder. Give the edited clips descriptive file names and give each clip a "scene" number. When working with many clips it's important to clearly mark each clip. Study the example below.



    I did not test the "add audio" or external music function on WorkSpace. Workspace does not have an audio editor. If you like to prepare separate audio files with music and sounds from the clips look for a separate audio editor you can use with your Mobile Phone.

    The final step is to export your video. See the image below for more details. I used the MP4 format. When uploading MOV files to YouTube, they will be compressed and the results are not good. The export function (image below) is also a great tool to convert video formats. Open the video in WorkSpace and export it again with the new format.


    Congratulations, you completed your first video project. Have fun, produce many videos, and show your grandchildren how it's done on Instagram...

    Below is a video my wife recorded with her EM10 MKIII fitted with the 14-150mm. She uses full Auto Mode with no ND filters. She edits her clips in iMovie. This an example of not applying the basic video principles we covered in this article. It also shows that anything is possible.

    Video clips recorded with the EM5 II and the video was prepared in WorkSpace


    Final Thoughts and Q&A


    How does one add Titles in WorkSpace

    Olympus Workspace or the camera cannot add text to images or videos. One could prepare the text separately in Powerpoint. The idea is to then film a clip with the title:-
    • Print the Powerpoint or Keynote page and film a 2s clip of the title
    • For example:- Record a 2-sec clip of a black screen and then a 2-sec title clip
    • The timeline will then have a 2-sec black, then the title, and then the video...
    • You could also film the title clip directly from the PC screen (using a presentation)
    • On my Mac, I have a screen recorder. (It records what is happening on the screen)
    • With something like iMovie, text, titles, and openings are all done in iMovie
    How to create separate Audio Tracks

    Workspace has a basic Audio Editor but it does have the option to add separate audio tracks to the video. If you like to create a music track with a combination of sounds from your clips, try this:-
    • Play the edited and ready timeline on your PC
    • Simultaneously play a separate music track on your home stereo
    • Adjusting the volume on these 2 tracks, use your mobile to record the final audio track
    • Link the final audio track to your video with WorkSpace
    • With a different editor like iMovie, this process is all done in iMovie
    The above method might look like a strange technique but keep in mind it works. Add a bit of flair and creativity and you will have the necessary tools to create great video projects in WorkSpace.



    How should I manage my web presence?

    At the moment, much is written about vlogging and video reporting. Many photographers are discovering the power of video and people like to create holiday or event videos.

    There are basically two on-line options, one is live streaming and the other is to first build the video from different clips. The first is a live event and for experienced presenters and vloggers. The second is great for storytelling and for those who prefer to control and select their best clips first and then edit a final movie. For those who are starting with a video and those who like to start a web presence, see the steps below:-
    • Open a Google account which will give you access to YouTube
    • Go to Google and YouTube Training Center and search for how-to videos
    • The first step is to upload edited videos to YouTube
    • From YouTube, share the links with friends and family
    • Create an Instagram account
    • Search the web for info, how to prepare images and videos for Instagram
    • The final step is, be active, comment on others work, and follow people
    What is the next step?

    This is an open question. The options and variations to this question are endless. Keeping it simple, my advice is the following:
    • Shoot longer clips to cut/edit shorter clips (from the same recording or clip).
    • Move to more powerful video editing software, the options are:-
      • Various iPad options of which one is iMovie
      • iMovie for Mac is simple and easy to learn plus it's powerful
      • I used Adobe Premiere Elements for years - great for video editing
      • I stopped using Premiere Elements because it had a problem with Mac's
      • I use Apple's Final Cut Pro, a professional video editing package
      • Davinci from Black Magic is free for personal use and it's easy to learn
    • Adding monitors, gimbals, microphones, and a camera cage
    • Join groups or training courses to improve your video editing skills
    • Join local clubs that do video as a hobby - its great for support
    It is important to ask questions before buying new video gear. There are many great toys but chances are you will never use them.



    Mar 8, 2020

    Editing images with your Olympus Camera

    Last Update: 27 April 2020

    Olympus Pen F with Lumix 14-140mm f3,5-5,6 @ ISO200, f7,1, and 1/400 shutter speed (Exposed for optimum Dynamic Range)

    Experienced photographers rely on their equipment and experience when preparing for that winning image. Most photographers are familiar with image editing with Lightroom or Photoshop. The question is, how does one personalize your images in the camera?

    Most say, everything starts with good image quality, that is the reason why we purchase expensive camera gear. To record great image quality, we know we need to consider the following:-
    • Make sure you selected optimum Exposure (Aperture and shutter speed + ETTR)
    • Set the camera White Balance - This will improve the IMG color accuracy and IQ
    • ISO impacts dynamic range and image noise, keep the ISO as low as possible


    See these articles for information on how to improve your image quality
    • My articles on Olympus Creative Color - Series
    • How to Improve image quality and reduce noise
    This article is applicable to the following Olympus cameras:
    • All Olympus OMD bodies
    • Olympus Pen cameras, EPL5/6/7/8/9/10 plus the Pen F

    This article has 3 parts:

    • Discuss general but important camera settings and techniques
    • How-to prepare and edit raw or jpeg files in your camera
    • How to personalize your images with the Olympus OI Share App

    General camera settings


    The settings I discuss in this section will improve your general experience with your camera. If you are familiar with these settings, please scroll to the next section.


    I used my Pen F and the EM5 II to prepare the different images and illustrations for this article. I will not discuss all the camera settings available with your camera, please refer to your User Manual.

    Image Quality



    Shooting Menu 1:- Always select the RAW+JPEG option. This allows you to save your raw files for future use. Raw files do not change when editing your images in the camera. All edited images are saved as jpeg files in the camera. The RAW+JPEG option enables photographers.

    Use your camera SCP as a window into which image settings are available with each Picture Mode. For example, use the camera SCP to check the jpeg file quality. You want your jpeg files set to LSF (Large Super Fine) to have more image data. If you need web-ready files, use smaller file sizes like Medium or Small. No matter what file size you select, always use SF (Super Fine). To change the image quality, go to the Custom Menu "G", and select "IQ Set". Follow the steps below:-


    Image Aspect Ratio


    Image aspect ratios are a personal choice and part of creating a unique personal style. The Micro Four Thirds sensor has a native ratio of 4:3. Raw files have a ratio of 4:3 with the full 16 or 20MP capacity. Photographers are generally comfortable using image ratios of 3:2 because that is the native ratio for APC and full-frame sensors. The image at the top of this article has a 4:3 ratio. This ratio is unique and a first step in differentiating yourself...

    Customizing AFL and AEL



    Mode 2 is a great choice when using SAF (Single Auto Focus). Think of a portrait photo with the model not in the center of the frame. Mode 2 enables you to point the camera to the subject, focus, and keep the shutter halfway while reframing and taking the image. The camera will measure the exposure when you press the shutter all the way.

    "S-AF AEL/AFL" - Mode 2 is therefore good for static scenes. It's perfect for photographers using hyper-focal distances when doing street or landscape photography. Mode 2 is also great for weddings or portrait photography.

    Mode 1 (camera default) is general and suitable for both moving and static subjects. When selecting Mode 1 you will not focus and reframe like you did with Mode 2. You will basically focus and take the image in one movement. The reason is Mode 1 measures and locks both AE and AF when you take the image.

    Configure your camera for ETTR


    Those not familiar with ETTR (Exposing to the Right), see this article. My preferred camera settings for ETTR are the following:-

    • I always set my OMD back dial for exposure compensation. (Not the Pen F)
    • I use the following exposure Info settings, Highlights, Shadows, and Histogram
    • Camera Histogram set the over/under-exposure warnings limits to 254 and one
    • Set the exposure (EV) steps to 1/3 EV steps and the ISO (Auto) steps to 1/3 EV
    • Set Noise Reduction to Auto
    • Noise Filter to "Low" (You can always change this when editing the raw file)
    • ISO high limit to 1000 and the low limit to 200 (Rely on IBIS and not high ISO's)
    • Depending on the scene, use full ESP or center-weighted exposure metering

    Why do we use ETTR? The main reasons for using ETTR are:

    • Recording more tonal data (image data)
    • Improve image quality
    • Reduce shadow noise
    See this interesting article (7 Tips for getting better results with your Olympus Camera)

    Olympus has an interesting function, Exposure Shift. It's important you first read the user manual. Using the exposure shift function, dial in an auto-exposure compensation of +3/6 (+.05EV).




    One of the challenges in applying ETTR manually is the photographer needs a good understanding of exposure and the role of ISO. When using the Exposure Shift function it all is a little easier. My Pen F reacts a little differently than my EM5 II. You need to practice using this technique.

    Select your preference AF configuration



    For accurate focusing, select the center group or the single frame AF option. Olympus cameras have two single AF frame options. The small AF frame (image on the right) is more accurate and perfect for macro photography. Using all the focus points is not always the most effective way to apply your camera autofocus. Selecting the single AF frame option will offer several advantages:
    • The center AF point is almost typically a cross-type focus point
    • Its fast and the camera will focus accurately in various situations
    • It complements the AF Mode 2 (AEL and AFL) we discussed above
    • The photographer is in charge and not some eye-tracking or AI protocol
    • This is a great strategy for repeatedly having the same result

    Personalizing your images in the camera


    There are basically three ways to create our own personalized images in the camera:-
    1. Do not be afraid to select and experiment with the "standard" Picture Modes
    2. Experiment with the Creative Color functions like Curves and the Color Creator
    3. Create your own custom profiles or presets (Camera, WorkSpace, and OI Share)

    Using Olympus picture modes



    In my Creative Color series, I said it's important to make small adjustments when changing contrast, saturation, or sharpness. Apply one click at a time and test the effect for a few days until you find a combination that works well for you. I used the following Pen F settings for all the images below:-
    • Picture Mode (Vivid)
    • Contrast (+1)
    • Saturation (-1)
    • Graduation (See image notes)
    • Curves


    I then used different Curves settings on the image in the middle and the image on the right. I used the following settings for the image in the middle:-
    • Shadows (-2)
    • Mid tones (-3)
    • Highlights (+1)
    • Graduation (Normal)
    With the image on the right, I activated Graduation which lifts the shadows and balances highlights and mid-tones. Besides, I used the following curves settings:-
    • Shadows (-4)
    • Mid Tones (-3)
    • Highlights (-4)
    • Graduation (Auto)
    The curves function is great for adding that unique image look or when "pulling back" the excess brightness you get from ETTR. Here are a few curves adjustments (profiles) you can use and practice with:
    • Add contrast - Highlights (+1) and Shadows (-1) - for more contrast, Shadows (-2)
    • ETTR images - Pull back the Mid Tones while checking the histogram
    • Misty look - Highlights (-2), Mid Tones (+2), Shadows (+3), and Contrast (-2)
    • Experiment with the camera curves function, it's a powerful creative tool...

    Olympus creative color functions




    With the OMD EM5 II Olympus took the bold step and introduced the Color Creator. The Color Creator introduced Olympus owners to the artist's Color Wheel and color concepts like opposite or complementary colors. The Pen F took this to the next level by introducing the Color Profile and the MonoChrome Profile tools. The Pen F inspired me to write a 6 Part Creative Color series. 

    You will find Part 6 here.




    Olympus Scene Modes and Art Filters offer creative photographers more creative options. The key is to practice using SCP. The SCP will show you when curves are available and when not. Curves are available with ART filters and not with SCN modes. The steps below demonstrate how to activate the SCP for the different camera Modes.


    Many Olympus owners do not know it's possible to fine-tune ART filters with curves. You can now select any ART filter and fine-tune that ART filter to create the image look you prefer. See the example below or at the bottom of this article:-


    Another option I discovered with B/W ART filters, is the option to apply color filters and/or change monochrome base colors. See the SCP or ART filter menus below.

    These color options are available with the:
    • Dramatic Tone II
    • Grainy Film 1
    • Grainy Film II



    Another option is Photo Story. Photo Story has different in-camera image templates. Each template has different options to finish the final Photo Story look and feel. This is a great way of creating your own unique Instagram presentation...


    Photo Story Template

    Instagram images have an image ratio of 4:5 or 8:5. The 2nd ratio is more complex because it's best done in Photoshop with the slice tool. You can prepare your 4:5 ratio in the camera or with the OI Share app. Before uploading your image to Instagram resize the image vertical to 1350. See the example below...


    Editing your raw files in the camera


    I never used this function. I was pleasantly surprised to see just how much one can do in the camera. With your Olympus camera, you can edit raw files and jpeg files separately. The raw editor is more flexible and powerful than the jpeg editor.

    Follow the steps below to open the camera raw editor:-



    Step 1 - From the "Playback" menu select "Edit"
    Step 2 - Select "Sel. Image"
    Step 3 - Scroll through your images until you find the image you like to edit, press "OK"
    Step 4 - Select "RAW Data Edit"
    Step 5 - Next you will select how you will edit your raw file, see the descriptions below

    Option 1 - "Current"

    The camera will take the current camera configuration and apply that to the raw file. You need to prepare any special settings before opening the editor.

    Option 2&3 - "Custom" 1&2

    Here you have two options:-

    Option 1

    Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press OK. The camera will use the previously used Custom adjustments. Think of Custom 1 or 2 as "editing" profiles.

    Option 2

    Select Custom 1 or Custom 2 and press the right arrow. Next, you will see the raw editor. See the images below.


    Scroll through the different raw settings to edit/adjust your camera raw file. The settings you use will become part of the Custom "profile". Next time you select the Custom option and press "OK", these settings will be applied to your raw file.

    When done press "OK" and then "Yes". The edited raw file is now saved onto the memory card. Next press "No" and you will be able to select the next image...

    I did not discuss all the different editing functions separately, we will do that in the next article. You could also try the jpeg editor. You will see the raw editor has more editing functions.

    Olympus OI Share and OI Track


    Most Olympus cameras have a Wi-Fi function and some of the later models have Bluetooth. This makes it possible for you to track your location, control your camera, upload images, and edit images with your mobile phone. This is great news for those traveling.


    See the Olympus OI Share Page
    See the Olympus OI Track Page

    How-to connect to these applications? I first connected my OI Share app with my camera (EM5 II) and next I connected the OI Track app. It's easy to do the connection, press the WiFi logo on the back of your camera screen, and follow the steps below...


    Now you are ready to start using your Olympus App with your camera. See the images below showing some of the editing screens available with the OI Share Application.




    The image on the left is the application "Control Center" from where you have access to all the App settings and functions. In my follow-up articles, I will discuss more.

    The interesting part is, that as you get used to working with WorkSpace, the different camera functions, and the mobile phone application, you will find all use the same look and feel. You basically familiarize yourself with one set of tools with which you can do most of your cataloging, image editing, editing on the go, and image sharing...


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