Question:- How many photos have you posted on billboards in your town, and how many have you shared online this week?

Feb 3, 2021

Better Image Quality with Image Stacking

Last update:- 20th May 2024

Introduction.


We are discussing image quality, stacking, and computational photography. Image quality is the sum of the sensor, lens, image processor, and knowledge. Modern Image Processors mean better control and more computational features. It's possible to optimize the sensor's Saturation, SNR, and Olympus created an excellent range of Standard, Premium, and Pro Zuiko lenses. For example, cameras select an average exposure, and knowledge enables us to use optimum exposures. For example, stacking, composite, bracketing, and computational options mean higher image quality and more creative control, while some say it's all about sensors and expensive cameras...

I also did an article with 4 TIPS on how to improve your photography. link

We are reviewing the Olympus Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) and Bracketing functions and how they give us more control over our image quality. Auto HDR converts 3 bracketed exposures into one HDR (JPEG) image. Auto HDR and Exposure bracketing give us more dynamic range and tonal data in the shadows and midrange areas of the image. These different Auto HDR and Bracketing options are available with most Olympus EM10, EM5, PEN, EM1, OM5, and OM1 cameras.


Olympus EM5 II with 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens - ISO1600, f6.3, 1/80 - 40MP high-Res image edited in Photoshop.


Olympus designed an interesting range of advanced camera features to enable hobby photographers. One can categorize these unique features into four groups:
  • Long Exposure times
  • Composite Techniques
  • Stacking Techniques
  • Powerful Tonal Adjustments
  • Creative Color adjustments
  • Computational photography
  • Workspace Raw conversion
The following applications or techniques are linked to these features:
  • Traditional bracketing (exposure, focus, white balance, ISO, and ART)
  • Computational functions like focus-stacking and high-resolution images
  • Editing software like Photoshop has similar options to HDR functions
  • Various camera and image editing techniques for more creative results
  • Olympus computational functions, Live Time, Live Comp, and ND filters

One way of increasing image details is to use Photoshop's Merge to HDR Pro function. It combines 2 or more bracketed exposures into one high-detail 32-bit image. This method works well for product and landscape photos. The benefits are similar to HDR or the Hi-Resolution mode.

The Photoshop Merge to HDR Pro function is also used for traditional HDR images. Follow the image descriptions for examples of stacking 3 or more bracketed images into one HDR photo.




The High-Detail 32-bit function in Photoshop


I selected 3 bracketed exposures from my photo collection to test the 32-bit HDR Pro function. I used Adobe Bridge to open the 3 images in HDR Pro. The high-detail 32-bit Pro option is one of several HDR possibilities. It's now possible to create natural-looking HDR photos. The surreal HDR look is something of the past with the High Detail 32-bit HDR Pro function.


I used 3 bracketed images from my Canon 350D and processed them with the Photoshop High Detail 32-bit HDR Pro function.


Study these 3 Canon 350D histograms. Nobody talked about sensor performance or optimizing the image sensor when I took these 3 bracketed images in 2004. I knew nothing about sensor saturation or SNR. I simply followed forum and magazine advice when taking the 3 exposures.

The histograms show that the default exposure was good. The 350D did a great job selecting the best exposure for the initial image. It shifted the shadow and midrange tonal data to the right and protected the highlights. It helps to use your camera frequently and create opportunities and projects to practice these and other Olympus computational features.


Three Bracketed Exposures

                    Under Exposed                       Default Exposure                     Over Exposed


High Dynamic Range (HDR) images


What is the best default exposure for High-Detail and HDR sequences? The principle of merging stacked images into one photo allows the HDR software to select the best tonal data from each image and combine them into one HDR photo. One typically uses +/-1EV steps to create HDR photos. The initial or default exposure should maximize the tonal data for every bracketed exposure. 

Another interesting method is Exposure Blending. See this function in Photoshop. It puts 3 bracketed images into separate layers with a mask highlighting the best data for each layer. This lets us see which parts of the bracketed images should go to the final HDR photo. The photographer can tweak these separate masks to focus on specific data areas, noise, and shadow details.

Experiment and practice with your camera's exposure settings and histogram until you find the best exposure technique to complement your photography style. For example, the presenter in the above video used 2 bracketed images to explain the Photoshop "Merge to HDR Pro" function.


Olympus EM5 II with 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens - ISO1600, f4, 1/80, -0.3EV - Enhanced Raw file converted in Workspace and edited in PS.


What about the HDR1 and HDR2 functions in Olympus cameras?


The Olympus HDR function is one of the most underrated Olympus features. It is available for most Olympus cameras and can be configured in Shooting Menu 2. The secret is to use the Olympus HDR function in Manual Exposure mode. It's also possible to use Auto or Semi-Auto (A or S) mode...


Olympus EM5 II with 12-45mm f4 Pro lens - ISO200, f4, 1/80 - this is a handheld HDR1 image - the OOC jpeg was prepped in WS and PS.


Use the camera's HDR1 or HDR2 function and set the default exposure for optimum image data. The histogram lets us determine each capture's tonal data range. The camera will automatically select ISO200. That means you need a tripod in low light. The base or starting exposure determines whether your focus is shadow, midrange, or highlight data. For example, use ETTR for the initial (default) exposure to increase your shadow data or reduce the exposure to protect the highlights.

Olympus placed HDR1 and HDR2 in the AP menu of newer cameras like the E-P7. Turn the mode dial to AP, select HDR, and press the down arrow. It is not possible to configure HDR1 or HDR2.


Olympus EM5 II with 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens - ISO1600, f8.0, 1/250, -0.7EC - 40MP high-Res image edited in WS & Photoshop.


Conclusion


I discussed different ways of capturing an image. We understand the basics of sensor saturation and SNR and have reviewed examples of computational and exposure techniques. Knowledge is crucial because it lets us do more with the camera and image-editing software. A good example is WS and the Enhanced Raw Format. Is Workspace always better than Lightroom or PhotoLab?

Why does the camera's HDR function need bracketing? Because the shutter and aperture project a uniform exposure (image) onto the sensor. Study my previous articles for more information...


Olympus E-M5 II with 12-45mm f4 Pro lens - 40MP high res image.


Why should one ignore those who criticize the High-resolution function? Experienced photographers plan for movements caused by people or wind when using stacked images to create photos. Typical examples are focus bracketing, exposure bracketing (HDR), and high-resolution imaging. For example, full-frame cameras have a smaller DOF than M43 cameras. You will, therefore, find that many full-frame and medium-format photographers use focus bracketing for landscape photography...


Olympus EM5 II with 12-45mm f4 Pro lens - 3 bracketed exposures processed in "Merge to HDR Pro" and edited in PS.


Which exposure technique is best? Knowledge is an enabler and necessary. It's good to know more about sensors and how we optimize their performance because digital cameras can do more and are more complex than analog cameras. That's also why I spent so much time on the image sensor and managing its saturation and SNR. This article illustrates different computational and image results. Each scene is unique and benefits from an experienced photographer showcasing its beauty. The type of scene and final image determine which exposure technique is better...

The Olympus E-M5 II is a surprisingly capable camera in 2024 and can be bought "like new" for less than $250. It has almost all the computational and video features of the E-M1 II. Used Olympus cameras like the E-M10 II, E-M5 II, E-M1 I/II/III, and the E-PL8/9 are selling at bargain prices...

Best

Siegfried

Sep 7, 2020

The OM-D series E-M5 and E-M10 cameras

 Last Update:- 16th June 2023

Introduction.


The Olympus OM-D series pioneered the mirrorless segment as we know it today. Olympus OM-D cameras like the E-M1 I/II/III and the E-M5 I/II/III were leading the industry with at least 10 years in terms of vision, innovation, functionality, and performance.


The Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKII with a special handgrip and a 14-150mm MKII lens.

I bought my first Olympus OM-D camera, the E-M5 with the 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens in late 2012. My first reaction was that it's an exciting concept with a high level of flexibility, consisting of high-quality lenses plus add-ons like the handgrip and separate battery grip. The E-M5 with a 12-50mm lens was expensive at $1300 when the E-620 and E-P3 were selling for less than $800 each.

The Olympus E-M5, with its unique range of add-ons, had a remarkable resemblance to the OM-4 analog camera and converted many photographers to the M43 mirrorless segment.

The E-M10 followed the E-M5 and received rave reviews. It quickly became as popular as the E-M5. Priced attractively, the E-M10 was very popular at half the price with the new 14-42mm EZ lens. It quickly became a first choice for those upgrading from compact or mobile phones. 

The E-M5 was the first OM-D with the new 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Other models like the Pen E-P3 and the E-M10 came with 3-axis stabilization. The E-M5 was also the first M43 camera to introduce shutter shock to the M43 mirrorless segment. I recall upgrading from the E-P3 and how frustrating it was to get so many blurred images with my new E-M5. Olympus added a new 0-second Anti-Shock option to fix the problem.

The E-M10 used a different shutter mechanism, which helped. All new Olympus M43 cameras benefited from these new and improved shutter units, plus the new 0-second software fix.


The Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKI with a 25mm f1.4 Leica lens.


The E-M10 MKI and MKII were interesting because both came with an optional handgrip like in the above image. The handgrip had a new feature to access the battery or memory card. It's possible to unclip the handgrip from the camera with a unique clip. The handgrip works well with the 14-150mm or 75-300mm lenses. It's a pity that Olympus excluded this option from the EM-5 MKIII. I did not see any mention that this option would be available for the EM5 MKIV. 

This was disappointing because one of the strengths of the O-MD series is its ability to grow in functionality with the handgrip or separate battery grip. This enabled photographers to scale the camera as needed. One moment the E-M5 is a small compact camera, and in the following, it's fitted with a comfortable handgrip, or it changes into an extended battery life...


E-M10 target customers


While evaluating the E-M10 product positioning, we see the original E-M10 was a bit of a "free spirit." It lacked the different EM5 add-ons, weather sealing, and the accessory port. Other than that, it offered the bulk of the EM5 functionality. If you think about the evolution of the EM10s, the simplified chart below describes what I find interesting about these E-M10s. One can create more charts like that's based on different photographers' needs and priorities.

Click on the chart for an enlarged view.

The EM10 MKII was a comprehensive upgrade to the original EM10. I couldn't help thinking it was designed to fill the gap between the original EM5 and the far superior EM5 MKII. Olympus planned the opposite for the EM10 III and positioned it into the existing Pen space.


When Olympus launched the EM5 MKII, it was a more powerful camera than the original EM1. The EM1 MKII followed one year later to re-establish the E-M1's superiority. The EM1 was targeting professionals as well as serious hobby photographers. The Pen range was designed for casual or entry-level photographers, and the Pen F for city or street photographers. 

When Olympus introduced the E-M10 MKIV and its simplified user interface, they hinted they were planning to discontinue the Pen F. The E-M5 III also confirmed this. Like with the E-M5 II, photographers expected new and trendsetting features. They were not ready for a "tamed down" E-M1 MKII. That's why the initial disappointment with the E-M5 MKIII.

What happened was a common strategy of optimizing the new factory in Vietnam by re-positioning the product offer and lowering manufacturing and product costs. We also see Olympus considering the complete phasing out of the Pen range. It will not surprise me if any future Pen will exclusively be for the Japanese market and to help Olympus transition the offer... 

The Olympus EM10 range's main functions and features


New EM10 AP Menu.

The new AP menu gives photographers easy access to advanced features. Must say it would have been nice if Olympus added the curves (highlight/shadow) and the Color Creator to the AP menu. With the MKIII, it's now more practical to select curves via the SCP, whereas with the MKII, one simply uses the multifunction button. The MKII only adjusts highlights and shadows, whereas the MKIII and MKIV also adjust mid-tones. When Olympus launched the MKIII, they removed the RC (Remote Flash) function. This was quickly "corrected" with the next firmware upgrade.

Is the new AP Menu something useful? It's difficult to say, for someone new to OMD cameras, it could be something valuable. For existing OMD owners, my advice is to try it first... I found the AP menu a little frustrating because you need to go back to the advanced menu to access more advanced options. I did not check, but I am sure those reviewers complaining about the Olympus menu also found something with the MKIII and IV menus to complain about...

I studied the EM10 MKIV and the EM5 MKIII at my local camera shop. It is possible to rent these cameras, but I honestly cannot make up my mind about Olympus. For example, I bought a Panasonic G9 on the secondhand market, and I am considering supporting Panasonic in the future. I feel it is important to support those manufacturers that are loyal to their client base. That does not mean I will not enjoy the extensive secondhand Olympus supply...?



The new EM5 MKIII.

When studying the EM5 MKIII and the EM10 MKIV, I was surprised at how lightweight these new bodies are compared to the EM10 MKII and the EM5 MKII. The original EM5, the EM10, and the EM10 MKII all used a solid metal build. The EM5 MKII has a nasty weakness, wearing off the silver, black, or platinum paint at the corners, whereas the EM10 MKI & II stays good for years. Another really irritating aspect of more recent models is the rubber inserts on the thumb position. I first experienced this with the Pen F, and I noticed the EM10 MKIII and MKIV have this too. The rubber falls off over time, and it's aesthetically and functionally not really practical. See my wife's EM10 MIII and my Pen F below. The E-M10 MKII still uses the best solution, it will stay good for years...


That said, my wife loves her E-M10 MKIII. She has her 14-150mm fitted almost permanently. It seems the MKIII is manufactured from the same composite material as the MKIV and the E-M5 MKIII. Unlike the E-M5 MKII, these new bodies do not scratch easily or lose paint at the corners. The image and video quality are great, and my wife is completely satisfied with her E-M10.

One can talk for hours about these differences, the new panorama function, the AP Menu, the different video options, or the difference in resolution. The bottom line is that talking makes no difference to these cameras. If it's more video you want, consider the EM1 MKII or the EM5 MKIII. This is true for almost any feature-craving forum expert... You can safely select almost any OMD to closely match your needs, whether it's the original EM10 or any other OMD right up to the EM1X.

Studying the video specifications of the MKII, III, and IV, we see the main differences are:

  • The MKII is basically a replica of the EM5 MKII
  • Olympus added 4K to the MKIII and IV with an increase in data rate (102 Mbps)
  • Olympus added a 720p, 120fps slow-motion to the MKIII and the MKIV
  • Olympus removed the All-I option from the MKIII and IV (not all use this)
  • The movie options accessible via the AP Menu are the most basic options only
  • With the MKIII and IV, it takes a little digging to access more advanced video options
  • All the E-M10 cameras benefit from recording with IBIS plus electronic stabilization
  • The MKII, III, and IV all have the 4K TimeLapse function - check the details first...
  • The MKII slow-motion basically uses 60p and adapts that to the set frame rate

I think it is important to see that while the MKIII and IV benefit from 4K, the MKII has 1080P plus All-I. Studying the MKIV in my local shop, I also saw that one can buy a brand new EM1 II with 4K and more video options for less than a new E-M10 MKIV. Again, the scalability of the EM1 II is excellent, plus the additional features one gets with the E-M1 MKII.

Let's talk about a missed opportunity



Panasonic G100 for Vloggers (Panasonic image).

I think the vlogging camera in the above image is shouting a message from the mountaintops. With all I wrote about Olympus, the financial scandal, the amazing turnaround, and the reorganization of the imaging business, one thing we never discussed is the impact it had on employees. 

Missing an opportunity to introduce a great vlogging camera is more than revealing. It's not that nobody saw what vloggers want, or vlogging is something new. Vloggers asked for a vlogging camera. To make it worse, Sony and Panasonic are leading the way with no EM10 II equivalent offer.

How did Olympus miss this one with the new EM10 MKIV? Here we have the perfect camera, an amazing new segment, and "policy" or "saddened employees" lacked common sense?

To make this worse, Olympus cannot go back and quickly adapt the EM10 MKIV because the screen format is completely wrong. I am really too embarrassed to even show a picture of the MKIV flip-down display. Besides, think of the possible cost savings if all OMD cameras had the same display. I think this example demonstrates just how out of touch Olympus was at the end... 

Update 26th Jan 2022:- From writing this article, I decided to stay with Olympus and not invest in Panasonic. I bought the EM1 III at a special promotion in December 2021 and received the 17mm f1.2 Pro lens at no additional cost.

Conclusion

The E-M10 range cameras are probably the most exciting in the OMD range. From the award-winning MKI with its built-in flash to the latest MKIV, each E-M10 has its own unique strengths and great value. Yes, they are not weather-sealed, and the MKIII and IV are a little different. That said, they do have the new AP menu, and many newcomers value that... 

As discussed, Olympus created a unique opportunity with the O-MD range. If you look carefully, you will see the E-M1 MKII is a complete bargain, new and secondhand. The MKII was commercially available in 2020, plus it was hugely attractive in terms of price and functionality. Now in 2022, they are selling secondhand for less than $200 in our local market. This is no-brainer territory...


Jun 28, 2020

Olympus Pen-F Color and Monochrome Profiles

Last Update: 30th March 2025

The Pen F was the first M43 camera with the Olympus Creative Color, Computational, and Enhanced Raw format (ORF+) package. The Enhanced Raw Format is unique as it lets us review and edit our camera settings in Workspace. The Pen F, E-P7, and OM System OM-3 are the only cameras with advanced Monochrome and Color profile functions targeting specific colors. These cameras can edit or create global color effects or target specific colors. Let's explore the Pen-F and the Creative Dial and why this is an interesting solution for artists and creative photographers.

Olympus differentiated itself with solutions like IBIS and the digital M43 sensor format. The Creative Dial and full Creative Color package are unique Pen F differentiators. When Olympus introduced the Pen F and the Creative Dial, most M43 photographers thought it was another Color Profile (LUT) option. Although not entirely wrong, the user manuals revealed more. The Creative Dial accesses different Creative Color features like the Color Creator, Color/Monochrome Profiles, and ART Filters.

Also, see Part 6 of my series on Creative Color photography.


These images were part of the ad campaign introducing the Pen F as a definition of style and substance in 2016

Each photography style, like landscape, wildlife, or sport, is unique. Creative photographers and artists use familiar objects, natural light, and contrasts to create day-to-day life and street art. The Pen-F is a flexible street and rangefinder-style camera that became popular after a slow start in 2016. The demand for used Pen F and E-P7 cameras didn't change much in 2025 as collectors and artists value their Creative Color features. Pen F owners also prefer high-quality cameras, controls on the right, and the optional handgrip. It would be interesting to follow the new OM-3 in this space.

The Enhanced Raw Format is perfect for the Pen F as it replicates the camera settings in Workspace. We can now edit our camera settings and monitor the changes because the camera's final Live View display is available on our Workspace PCs. For instance, I improved my Color Creator, Adjust Color, and Monochrome skills with Workspace. This unique integration became a game changer.

Study this article for more about Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format.




What is the difference between Adjust Color and Color Profiles? The Adjust Color function of Workspace is called Color Profiles in the Pen-F. The Adjust Color (Color Profile) function targets one of 12 colors and adjusts its saturation for the Pen-F versus saturation, luminance, and hue for Workspace. We can also select all 12 colors and increase/decrease the saturation, luminance, and hue.

Here is a short summary from ChatGPT. "The Olympus systems—including the Pen F, E-P7, and the OM-3 are indeed unique with a dual-tiered approach. They separate global color adjustments from targeted color controls, enabling precise manipulation of specific color ranges while also applying broader image-wide settings. This design is a distinct departure from most other camera systems, which typically offer only global adjustments via LUTs or film simulations. It’s a feature that really sets Olympus (now OM System) apart in its workflow and creative flexibility."

What is a Color Profile (Custom Preset) in the Olympus world? With their ability to target specific and global colors, Olympus cameras have the most advanced color control compared to other brands. Another advanced aspect of Olympus Color Profiles is saving the complete camera configuration. That means 3 SCP Color or Monochrome Profiles (separate profiles) are saved to a Custom Preset C1, 2, 3, or 4 at a time. The Creative Dial has to be in Color or Mono mode when saving to, or selecting any of the C1 to 4 presets. For example, one could have the "same" Color Profile saved in C1 and C2, with C1 configured for SAF (Single AF) and C2 for CAF applications.



This was the launch video of the Pen-F (Interesting - less than 5 minutes)


How do I use Custom Presets after 8 years with the Pen F? I never used C1 and C2, and configured C3/4 for Photo Story and SCN modes. I use the 3 SCP profiles as needed. For example, Profile 1 is my clipboard, and Profiles 2 and 3 might be my 1020 and Kodak 64 Profiles on any specific day.

The Pen F had five firmware updates: details below:-


  • Olympus added a "Bleach Bypass " ART filter to the Pen F
  • Custom settings C1 to C4 are saved with the camera configuration
  • This makes it possible to share Pen F configurations with friends
  • The ability to extract color and monochrome profiles from JPEG images
  • You can now share color or monochrome profiles by sharing a JPEG file
  • Shading effects have been added to the Adjust Color and the Color Creator
  • The ISO auto settings have been expanded and are the same as the EM1 II
  • They improved the operability of the AF Targeting Pad (camera display)
  • ART filter selection and the touch function operation have been improved
  • The current firmware version of the Pen F is V3.1




Creative Color summary. Pen F User Manual (V3.1) and page #:-


  • Page 38 - Basics about the Creative Dial operation
  • Page 39 - The Adjust Color function and SCP Profiles 1 - 3
  • Page 40 - The Monochrome Profile function and SCP Profiles 1 - 3
  • Page 66 - SCP Monochrome Profiles Grain filter
  • Page 41 - The Color Creator function
  • Page 42 - Art Filters
  • Page 67 - Tonal Adjustments (Shadows, Mid Tones, Highlights)
  • Page 67 - Monochrome Picture Mode - Color filter selection
  • Page 64, 65 - Sharpness, Contrast, and Saturation adjustments
  • Page 116 - Assigning Photo Story to C3 and SCN Modes to C4
  • Page 116, 117 - How to use Photo Story (Newer cameras do not have this function)
  • Page 118 - More about SCN Modes - Handheld Starlight, e-Portrait, and other
  • Page 33 - 44, 88 - How to use Creative Color functions. How to set Custom Modes
  • Page 179 - 182 - A summary plus how to use the V2 & V3 Firmware updates


Olympus E-P5 with the Lumix 20mm f1.7 lens. ISO200, f5.0, 1/1250. I converted the Enhanced Raw File and re-edited the jpeg in Workspace.

Configuring your Olympus Pen F


My focus was on Color Profiles when I wrote the original article in 2020. Over the past 5 years, my focus changed from Color Profiles to making Creative Color adjustments while photographing. Everyone's personal preference or photography style determines their focus or photography style. Some like the look of traditional film roles (Color Profiles), and others create beautiful photos in Photoshop. One is universal profiles like LUTs, and the other is tailored adjustments for specific scenes.

The Pen F is always ready for that next inspirational or creative moment. It might be a sunset, a city scene, a family event, or walking your dog. What is the first thing you do when spotting a photo? Do you consider framing options, foreground objects, and leading lines, or do you study the light (paint with light), colors, color harmonies, targeted/global colors, and post-processing options?


A = Creative Dial / B = Mode Dial (Custom Modes) / C = Lever


The Pen-F Mode Dial differs from the EM5 II, the EPL9, or the EM1 II. For example, the Pen-F has no Photo Story or SCN Modes on the Mode Dial. You must reconfigure Custom Presets C3 and C4 to Photo Story and SCN Modes. See the above user manual info and summary. That leaves C1 and C2 for camera configurations or unique color and monochrome profiles. That means you can have 9 color and 6 monochrome profiles as Custom Presets (C1 and C2 plus the 3 Profiles in the SCP).

Tip:- Custom Presets (Color Profiles) are more than Adjust Color or other Creative Color options. The complete camera or Workspace configuration is saved as a Custom Preset or Batch-Processing file. This means specific Adjust Color settings, tonal adjustments, and other camera settings. For example, I use C1 for 3 color profiles and C2 as a backup for my normal camera configuration.


Olympus Pen F with the G Vario 12 - 60mm f3.5 - 5.6 lens with ND filter (right). I converted the Enhanced Raw Files in Workspace.


The Pen F and E-P7 are very different cameras. Except for some performance differences, the Pen F and EM1 II have more in common. The Pen E-P7 is a minimalistic camera for excellent Creative Color control while photographing. Considering these three cameras, one can summarize Olympus' Creative Color and Computational features as follows:-
  1. Global and targeted colors (Color Creator, Color and Monochrome profiles, WB)
  2. Tonal (Gamma) profile (Gradation, highlights, mid-tones, shadows, Tone Curve)
  3. Unique photo filters and adjustable effects with Olympus' ART filters and Photoshop
  4. Old school Picture modes like Natural, Vivid, Monotone, Color Filters, and Grain
  5. Traditional image adjustments like contrast, saturation, sharpening, clarity, and dehaze
  6. Unique creative features like Photo Story, SCN modes, HDR, and Multiple Exposures
  7. Computational (Live Composite, Live Time, High Res, Focus Stacking,  Live ND)
  8. The TruePic Image Processor, Enhanced Raw Format, and Workspace integration

Most functions listed in points 1, 3, and 6 have more options, such as tonal adjustments, grain options, color filters, framing, and shading options.

The Color Profile (Adjust Color) Tool






A = You can select 1 of 3 factory set Profiles (Profile 1 is neutral)



Olympus describes the above SCP Color Profiles as:

"Of the three presets, Profile 2: Chrome Film Rich Color has rich, deep tones, and Profile 3: Chrome Film VS gives rich film colors with more saturation. You can adjust these two presets, or create your own profiles from scratch using the Color Profile 1 preset."

The Super Control Panel (SCP) Profile 1 option is an interesting "clipboard" while photographing. SCP Profiles 2 and 3 are factory presets. I often use the 3 SCP profiles as placeholders while photographing nature, city scenes, or family events. For example, I will have 2 or 3 unique monochrome or color profiles while photographing. The 3 SCP profiles help me to quickly change profiles.

The following camera variables are included in Color Profiles:

  • All the camera settings like Picture mode, SAF or CAF, IBIS, and more
  • The Color Profile tool with 12 different color and saturation selections
  • Tonal Adjustments like Highlight/Shadow & Midtone and Gradation
  • SCP settings like sharpness, contrast, and saturation adjustments
  • Exposure Mode, Exposure compensation (Pen F Exposure Comp dial)
  • Experiment by saving different camera configurations in C1 and C2

Olympus Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens. I converted/edited the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.


For example, practice your color awareness with the following:-

  • Practice scanning your surroundings, identifying colors, and color harmonies
  • When paging through a magazine, identify the main colors and the color harmonies
  • Be aware of the people's clothes (colors) by checking color selection and harmonies
  • Practice using different color harmonies (Complementary, Analogous, and Opposite)
  • In time, you will find your color awareness and harmony considerations will improve

Advanced Monochrome Profiles






A = Monochrome Profiles / B = Grain filter setting or selection



Olympus describes the above monochrome profile presets as:

"Of the three monochrome profile presets, Monochrome Profile 2: Classic Film B&W provides a grainy monochrome look, and Monochrome Profile 3: Classic Film IR emphasizes red color filter effects for the look of infrared film. You can adjust these two presets, or create your own monochrome profile from scratch using the Monochrome Profile 1 preset."


Pen F with M.Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. I converted/edited the ORF+ file in Workspace.


The Pen F and E-P7 have two monochrome options. One is the advanced monochrome profile option, and the other is Monotone Picture Mode. Both are great B&W or monochrome options. Traditional film photographers had color filters on the front of the lens. The Monochrome Profile option has 27 old-school color filters. In my experience, it's good to start with opposite colors, unique lighting conditions, and contrasts. Practice is critical because each monochrome photo is unique.


Original image on the left and the Monochrome profile using a yellow base color on the right.

Again, the original image was done with a color profile, then a monochrome profile, and monochrome with a base color.


Pen E-P7 with 12mm f2.0 - ISO100, f5.6, 1/250. (MonoChrome Profile plus a little Photoshop)

How does one create/manage and share color or monochrome profiles?


See my how-to page here and technique #8 for a description of how to manage profiles. Olympus added a new gallery with color and monochrome images by Olympus visionaries. Each image can be downloaded to study the Exif data in Workspace. Each image also has additional information about the profile. This is a great source for Pen F photographers looking for ideas and inspiration. You can now lift any color or monochrome profiles with WorkSpace and transfer them to your Pen-F. You can also open the image and Exif data in WorkSpace, and manually transfer the settings to your Pen F.

Folks, I never copied a profile from an image, saved my camera settings in Workspace, or shared custom settings (profiles) with someone, in the 8 years I have owned my Pen F. I did learn how to work with color and how to apply that knowledge with my Pen F, E-P7, and Workspace.


I don't know if any of them are visionaries for OM-System (March 25 edited)


Part of Olympus' previous Pen F color and monochrome profile image collection.


An example of the available information for each image in the gallery

A more advanced technique for developing profiles is described in this article.

For example, use color cards to copy or create personalized profiles. I made a series of color cards with DXO film profiles. Each image represents another DXO film profile. This is a more advanced option and requires lots of patience and practice. These color cards also help photographers develop a good feel for color and learn how others create profiles.




Visit my Pen F "Color Profiles" page.



Olympus Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. The key to Monochrome Profiles is light (painting with light) and color.


Live Composite


See this link for 7 interesting TIPS on how to use the Live Composite function.




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