Introduction.
Why does the Olympus Pen-F continue to be a fascinating camera in 2025? Included is a short overview of the Color and Creative Strategy Olympus introduced with the E-30 (9 aspect ratios, 6 ART filters, and Auto Gradation). The EM5 II was the first hybrid with ART, Color, and Creative functions for photos and video. The Pen-F, E-P7, E-M10 IV, and E-M1 II/III have top versions of these features. Workspace is another interesting option. I am also showing a new Fuji color profile for Olympus.
The original design criteria for digital cameras consisted of 3 analog photography elements. Olympus focused on the sensor, image processor, and lenses. These elements quickly improved to the point that Olympus cameras consistently delivered good image quality over the past 15 years.
Olympus recognized this trend in the 1990s by adding another core element to their cameras. They introduced the Color and Creative Photography concept with the E-30, and the original EM5 was the first OM-D camera with creative and computational features. Most competitors and reviewers ignored this creative trend or value-creation strategy until more recently. Olympus and OM System added the most flexible version of this Color and Creative concept to the Pen F, E-P7, and OM-3.
It all started with this camera in 2015. They continue to deliver exceptional value and can be found for less than $400.
We will discuss the following in this article:-
- Introduction
- A brief overview of Olympus M43 cameras
- The differences between Fuji and Olympus
- Olympus Color and Monochrome Profiles
- Conclusion
2. A brief overview of Olympus cameras
Imagine Canon had the EOS 760D, Nikon the D7200, Sony the A7 II, Fuji the XT10, and Panasonic the G7 when Olympus launched its 2nd generation EM5 MKII. Forum "experts" and reviewers raved about Canon, Nikon, and Sony's bigger sensors, more megapixels, dual autofocus, and Live View. At the same time, Olympus introduced the next iteration of the Color and Creative Photography concept with the EM5 II. It took competitors up to 8 years to appreciate the significance of this step.
My articles are updated as I learn more about Olympus' Color and Creative Photography features. This includes technical updates, general info, and more about the Live MOS sensor. Did you know that Olympus identified and perfected new technologies up to a decade before competitors introduced something similar? The Olympus version of image stabilization (IBIS) is a great example...
Olympus EM5 II with 60mm f2.8 macro lens - High-Resolution Mode, Color Creator, edited in Workspace.
A short summary of the Color and Creative Photography concept from Olympus:-
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- The 1st camera to introduce the unique Color Creator was the OMD EM1.
- The Olympus Pen-F introduced Color Profiles and MonoChrome Profiles
- The ability to tweak the camera's Tonal (Gamma) Curve started with:
- Highlights/Shadows (EM1) and Midtones with the EM5 II)
- Auto Gradation started with the Olympus E-520 DSLR
- Tone Curve adjustments in Viewer 3 and later Workspace
- Great features like Live Composite and Live Time are unique to Olympus
- The Olympus iEnhance Picture Mode plus Color Filters (basic color filters)
- The Olympus SCN modes and ART filters improved with new cameras (EP7)
- Olympus replaced Viewer 3 with WorkSpace introducing more advanced features
- Workspace introduced the Enhanced Raw Format which is unique to Olympus
- For example, WS uses the same Image Processing environment as Oly cameras
- I realized Workspace simulates a version of "Live View" after hours of WS editing
- Then we have the "old-school" saturation, contrast, and sharpness (all brands)
- Computational or advanced software features are also unique to Olympus cameras
- Features - Pro-Capture, High-Resolution mode, Live ND, and Focus Stacking
- Olympus designed and added a new core element with powerful creative features
Why Color and Creative Photography? It explains how Olympus photographers experience the world. Forum advisors and reviewers complain by saying the High-Res mode only applies to static scenes. M43 photographers see the benefits of High-Res and creative photography. They see products, food, sunrise, sunset, and landscapes as high-resolution opportunities. They will simulate an ND filter with the High-Res mode while photographing moving water or city scenes. They know High-Resolution applications improve the camera's dynamic range and reduce noise. Creative Olympus photographers master High-Resolution applications and celebrate creative and computational photography...
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Olympus EM5 II with 12-200mm Lens ISO200, f6.3, 1/650 - Enhanced Raw converted in WS - Color Creator.
Forum advisors and reviewers wouldn't acknowledge the significance of the Pen F launch in 2016. We can compare the Color and Creative Photography concept to IBIS. It took Olympus 13 years to create the "perfect" version of IBIS with 7.5EV in-body image stabilization in the Olympus EM1 III. Forum advisors spend hours distracting photographers by saying Olympus didn't invent IBIS.
While being an exciting Color and Creative tool, the Pen-F felt like an experimental camera. Was the Pen F an experiment to measure the acceptance of future and more advanced creative options? Social media advisors "refused" to discuss by criticizing the placement of the Creative Dial on the Pen F and "wisely" labeled it a marketing gimmick? They also pushed for full-frame DSLRs, more megapixels, 6K video, DSLRs with Live View, Mic inputs, redesigning menu layouts, and headphone jacks?
The Pen-F Press Release notes continue to be an interesting read in 2025.
Press release summary: The Monochrome and Color features of the Pen-F started a new era for creative photography. It allows us to apply a new color and monochrome concept, plus the ability to follow any changes in the camera with Workspace and Live View. The Pen-F and the EP-7 are the best choices for photographers wanting advanced Color and Creative Photography features.
Olympus Pen-F with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO500, f4.5, 1/60 - Enhanced raw file edited in Workspace - Color Creator.
3. Color Profiles and the differences between Fuji and Olympus
This is a great subject and could fill many pages in a separate article. I have been using Fuji cameras for more than 2 years. The reason I bought the X-T4/5 is the ongoing uncertainty with OM-System. They did a great job launching the Olympus OM-1 and deserves positive feedback. I prefer Olympus used cameras like the EM5 II/III, Pen F and EP-7, OMD EM1 I/II/III, and the Olympus OM-1.
3.1 What's the difference between the Olympus Color Profiles and Fuji?
The difference is the X-Trans sensor and Color Filter Array. Don't let reviewers or forum advisors tell you it's Fuji marketing like they did with Olympus. Fuji is a market leader in simulating a traditional analog film image look and how to integrate that experience with its modern X-Trans image sensors. Do your own research by starting with the Fuji X-T5 and the above Fuji information.
Source: Fujifilm X-T5
Fuji cameras come with a selection of up to 18 film simulations like Provia (standard), Velvia (Vivid), Astia (soft), and several B&W and monochrome options. Each has a unique description to guide the photographer while selecting and using film simulations. I never saw similar film simulations for Olympus or any other camera brand. One can also add a Color or Blue Sky Chrome Effect to these film simulations. The color chrome effect reminds me of the Olympus Color Creator.
Study this link about the Fuji X-T5 and go down to the film simulations. The biggest strengths of Fuji and Olympus cameras are color, image quality, and the option to tweak the final image in the camera. Fuji film simulations and JPEGs are superior to most brands, and the Olympus Color and Creative Photography concept is superior to anything else in this segment...
Fujix Weekly developed a unique community of Fuji "color profile" photographers. They created film filters like the one below. These filters are based on standard Fuji film Simulations with simple variations to basic camera settings like saturation, contrast, and more. See the example below.
A new color Color Filter for the X-T5.
How to use Fuji's film simulations to create Olympus color profiles:-
- Fuji Film Simulations - The Pen-F and E-P7 are the only cameras that can do this
- Fuji Film Simulations - Workspace compliments the Pen-F and the E-P7 functions
- Clarity and Color Chrome - Use Clarity in WS and the Color Creator = Chrome Effect
- DR100%, DR200% - this is a clever feature from Fuji (See this article for more info)
EM5 II with the Lumix 35-100mm f2.8 lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/250 - Raw file converted in WS - I added a Chrome effect with the Color Creator.
Is it possible to use the "Fujix Weekly" Color Filters in the EM5 III? We first need to study the Fuji Film Simulations and descriptions. The next step is to replicate Fuji's Film Simulations. The second step would be to simulate the "Fujix Weekly" color filter for Olympus. Some say it's possible with all OMD and PEN cameras. I found these Fujix Weekly or standard Fuji film simulations are too complex for most Pen and OMD cameras. Only the Pen-F, E-P7, and WS have the correct features.
For example, the Classic Chrome Simulation description says, "slightly desaturated colors (reds and greens) with stronger shadow contrasts for dramatic lighting, retro-style subjects, and reportage projects." It's a safe place to start replicating these Classic Chrome Film attributes with something like the Olympus EM10 II or the EM5 II. These are the settings I used:
- Desaturated Colors - Select the Muted Picture Mode plus A -2 and G -2 (SCP)
- Desaturated Colors - Go to the SCP and set the RGB setting to -2
- Harder Shadow Contrasts - Select Highlights +2, Shadows -3, and mid-tones -2
- We can do more with the Pen-F because it's better at adjusting individual colors.
The above settings replicate only the Classic Chrome Film Simulation. The Kodachrome 64 Filter settings have to be added on top of that. This is a process of working on the different parameters until you reach the right look. I tested the above profile with my EM5 II against the XT-5. I could only achieve 85% of the Classic Chrome simulation look with my EM5 II. I also used the Color Creator to add the Chrome effect with the following adjustments: Color = 2 and Vividness = -2.
Fuji X-T5 with 27mm f2.8 lens - ISO400, f5.6, 1/1100 (Provia/Standard).
Olympus EM5 II Kodachrome 64 Profile
- Picture Mode: Muted (See this video)
- Grain Effect: Set the max ISO to ISO1600
- Color Chrome: Use the Color Creator (See this article)
- White Balance "Daylight": (A 0) and (G -7)
- Highlight: +2
- Shadow: -3
- Midtones: -2 (Adjust between -1 to -2)
- Gradation: Normal
- Color: -1 (RGB)
- Sharpness: +1
- Noise Reduction: None
- Clarity: Can be added in Workspace (Enhanced Raw File)
- Auto ISO up to ISO2000 (fixed)
- Exposure Compensation: 0 to +2/3 EV
The main differentiator between Olympus and other cameras is the Pen F and the Pen E-P7. The "Color Adjust" and Monochrome Profile functions are far superior. I am not planning to copy more Fuji film simulations or Fujix Weekly Filters for Olympus cameras. Your best option is to buy a secondhand Fuji camera like the XT-20/30 if you like to work with Fuji's Film simulations or Fujix Filters...
Olympus EM5 II with Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/400 - Raw edited in WS with Color Creator.
4. Color and Monochrome Profiles
This is the final article in a 6-Part series about Color and Creative Photography. Did you know all the color settings in your Olympus camera are available in the Enhanced Raw File and Workspace? It's possible to tweak camera settings like the Color Creator, Color Profiles, and Monochrome Profiles in Workspace. It's the only raw converter with this unique ability to tweak your camera settings.
I decided to rewrite this section in 2024 while focusing on one question. What do we need to develop color profiles, and what are the main steps when creating color or monochrome profiles?
I created only a few color profiles because I like photographers to learn more about creative color. I hate to be the reason why photographers accept things like "only Olympus can do this." Some of the most critical skills for modern digital photography are critical thinking and a creative mind...
4.1 The Color Wheel
The Color Creator, Adjust Color, and Monochrome Profile functions are all based on the RGB Color Wheel. I created the example below as I studied my Pen-F a few years back. I learned much from designing this Olympus version and the specific Olympus information on the Color Wheel.
Do we need this Color Wheel example? We don't need one because the Olympus Color Creator, Adjust Color, and Monochrome Color functions are based on the RGB color wheel. These functions can be used to make quick decisions, like determining opposite colors or color harmonies. See this article for more about the standard RGB Color Wheel, Opposite Colors, and Color Harmonies.
The understanding of Opposite Colors is critical for Olympus. For example, how do we tweak the recorded WB with the Green and Amber sliders in the SCP? Cameras like Fuji or Panasonic have a nifty color matrix to fine-tune the WB. These adjustments work with Opposite Colors. I added the Olympus WB sliders (WS and the SCP) to the example below. The opposite of amber is blue, and green is the opposite of magenta. Positive values change ambers and greens, and negative values magentas and blues. Study these WB sliders on the Color Wheel. Also, study the WB sliders in Workspace.
Interestingly, OM System used the WB matrix tool for the new OM-3.
4.2 What do we need for Color Profiles?
Practice as much as possible with the Color Wheel and Creative Photography options to improve your camera and Workspace creative skills. For example, do you visualize the SNR to ISO ratio, painting with light, or any Color Creator or Profile settings? Do you use the Olympus Color Creator?
The following illustration summarizes Olympus' Color and Creative features. We can create Color or Monochrome Profiles in the camera or Workspace. The Enhanced RAW Format helps us to test camera profiles on PCs. The main differences between Olympus cameras and Workspace are the Tone Curve, Clarity, and Dehaze adjustments. The Hue and Brightness sliders of the Color Adjust tool are also unique to Workspace. Workspace can also combine multiple options like ART and Color adjustments. Workspace and raw files are the best way to familiarize yourself with these creative tools.
The video below discusses Color and Creative editing examples. Also, see this video on how to edit your images in Workspace. These two videos are a good introduction and advanced overview of Workspace. The secret is to spend time and do lots of raw conversions/editing to practice with Workspace. YouTube selected a lower resolution for this video (Change the settings to 1080p).
The following YouTube Video is a short introduction and overview of the FujiFilm X Raw Studio. The information will help you appreciate the differences and uniqueness of Workspace. The sound is not OK. I am planning to do more videos about my Fuji X-T5 in the future.
5. Conclusion
My goal was to assist readers in learning more about these Color and Creative Photography features of Olympus. Yes, we can get similar results with Lightroom or Photoshop, but having your camera settings available in Workspace is something special. Workspace, therefore, requires a different editing style that needs time to practice and master. Workspace also works best for photographers who do things right with their cameras. Workspace is NOT a rescue package for poor exposure techniques...
The benefit of regularly using Workspace is your editing and color creation skills will improve. See this article (Technique 19) for more about Workspace and replicating the camera's final Live View.
It's becoming more difficult to find secondhand Pen-F cameras in good condition. Get yourself a Pen-F or the EP-7 if you find them in good condition. These cameras will continue to be the ultimate creative color tools for M43 Photographers. The E-P7 and its excellent image quality are a good choice.
Here is a list of the other articles in this six-part series:
- A new Creative Color Strategy from Olympus - Part 1
- Digital Cameras, WB, and Color Accuracy - Part 2
- The Artist Color Wheel and Olympus Color - Part 3
- Discussing Olympus' Color Profile Function - Part 4
- Examples of Editing Images with WorkSpace - Part 5
- Color and Creative Photography with Olympus - Part 6
