Discover Olympus, and enjoy the innovation...

Last Update: 1st March 2025

Introduction.

Imagine looking at a freshwater stream going through a beautiful Alaskan valley. On one side, you see Fuji enthusiasts with a great collection of new cameras and unique film simulations. Conversely, you see Olympus photographers focussing on dynamic range, noise, and diffraction. Fuji photographers differentiate themselves with enthusiasm, a great selection of cameras, and user film profiles. On the other hand, it took Olympus photographers almost 10 years to accept the Pen F and E-P7.

It's interesting to revisit the launch of the Olympus E-M1 in 2013, the E-M5 II in 2015, Fuji's X-T1 in 2014, and Sony's A7R II in 2015. Olympus launched its first Pro M43 camera model and the second-generation E-M5 II with a clear creative, computational, video, and IBIS focus when Sony introduced its first camera with IBIS (A7 II), Fuji the high-end X-T1, and Canon and Nikon more DSLRs.

PS. I added a conversation with AI at the end of this article...

Olympus EM10 IV with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/400 - Enhanced Raw file converted with WS (Monochrome profile)...

A small group of visionaries at the Olympus Imaging Business introduced the E-Volt E-1 in 2003 with a new digital sensor format. In the years following, we saw competitors forming a collective full-frame community with the promise of having "perfect" image quality. The oversimplified "size and capture" theory followed while targeting the new 4/3 format with ongoing counter-marketing actions.

The camera segment and supplier marketing strategies are perfect case studies for future marketing students. We learned that innovation means nothing without an aggressive and agile marketing team. The result is those who discover Olympus cameras have a great innovation experience. Let's take a closer look at Olympus cameras and why the joys of owning one of these cameras.

See this article for more about the drive for innovation and Olympus cameras.

Olympus Pen F with 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f7.1, 1/100 - Enhanced RAW, WS, Color Adjust, and Pop ART filter w Soft Focus effect.

It's fun to study the Olympus digital 4/3 (M43) sensor format, the general evolution of image sensors, and the vision the Olympus engineering team had as they pioneered the future of mirrorless cameras. It's also exciting to see photographers break away from the collective full-frame mediocracy to discover Olympus M43 cameras like the Pen F, EM5 II/III, EM1 II/III, OM-1, and now the OM-3.

Olympus E-M10 IV with 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II lens - ISO200, f5.6, 1/400 - Enhanced Raw converted and edited in Workspace.

Why a collective full-frame mediocracy? Well, it takes a seriously simplistic view of the world to accept something as basic as the "bigger one is better." Every full-frame talking point applies to all digital cameras. For instance, ALL image sensors have a noise floor with visible noise at lower SNRs. The full-frame mediocracy cannot explain the unique differences between the sensor's technical and optical characteristics because the "size and capture" theory assumes the "bigger one is better." In fact, the "size and capture" theory became so charged on social media that it's impossible to believe anything social media advisors say in 2025. Consider the absurdity of investing thousands without seeing one credible technical paper generalizing the "bigger one captures more light" theory.

More about an almost-perfect photography solution...

The Olympus Imaging Business completed its photography solution before closing the activity. For example, they replaced some 16MP and 20MP Live MOS sensors with new sensors, FW updates, and the first Stacked M43 BSI sensor for the Olympus OM-1. They created an advanced Image Processing typology with dedicated Image, Autofocus, and Art Processors. Similar processing features are found in Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format. One can summarize the evolution of this unique digital photography solution in 3 R&D phases. The result is an M43 camera solution that records an image and processes the JPEG in the camera, OI Share, or Workspace via the Enhanced Raw Format.

Did you know it's possible to tweak the image tonal response (Gradation, highlights, mid-tones, and shadows) in Workspace? This was made possible with the Enhanced Raw Format...

Development Phase 1

Olympus introduced 6 ART filters in 2008 when they launched the new E-30 with a dedicated Creative Processor. Subsequent cameras like the E-30, E-620, E450, E-P1/2, and E-M5 also received these ART filters. Towards the end of this phase, Olympus launched the new EM5 II with computational functions like the 40MP high-resolution mode, Live Time, and Live Composite. Did you know that it's possible to apply almost any aspect ratio to Olympus photos (frame below) in Workspace?

This article discusses photography enthusiasts discovering Olympus.

Olympus realized that the old-school configuration of cameras consisting of a sensor, processing, and lens was not enough to supply future solutions to photographers. This led to an innovative strategy focussing on IBIS, creative functions, and advanced computational features. Olympus introduced its new Corporate Innovation program with the E-30 in 2008. It probably looked like this:

• Mirrorless cameras (digital sensor design with a focus on optimizing size and weight)
• A wide range of high-quality Zuiko lenses to complement the new sensor design
• New TruePic image processors with multiple processors handling the new features
• A digital sensor design with a focus on Sensor Sensitivity and advanced noise control
• Advanced technologies like image stabilization IBIS and Dual AF with AI solutions
• Class-leading creative functions, computational options, Enhanced Raw Files, and WS

Olympus E-M10 IV with 17mm f1.8 - ISO125, f1.8, 1/4000 - Enhanced Raw File converted in WS (ART filter).

Development Phase 2

In this phase, Olympus improved our control over the camera's tonal or gamma curve. This included the "Auto" Gradation function, Highlights/Shadows and Midtones, plus the Workspace Tone Curves function. The Color Creator lets photographers add a "chrome" or "global" color effect, and the Color Adjust or Monochrome Profile functions gave us the flexibility to target individual colors with the E-P7, the Pen F, and Workspace. These were huge steps in growing the camera's functionality.

Olympus E-PL9 with 14-42mm EZ - ISO200, f9.0, 1/200 - Enhanced Raw converted/edited with WS (ART filter).

Development Phase 3

This is an exciting phase for M43 photographers. Olympus introduced the next-generation ART filters and gave us more control with the E-M1 II/III, E-M10 III/IV, E-P7, E-PL9/10 E-M5 III, and the OM-1. More Workspace improvements enabled M43 photographers to apply Color Profiles (Color-Adjust tool) to almost all Enhanced Raw files. This phase also introduced new computational features like Pro Capture, handheld High Ress Mode, advanced AF, Starry Sky AF, and ND filters.

It's only possible to provide a high-level overview of Olympus cameras in a short article like this. For example, the illustration below is crucial to master digital photography and Olympus cameras. Break away for an hour, get a cup of coffee, and see this video explaining the illustration below.

The 6 steps to unlock your creativity with Olympus cameras...

Your creative photography with Olympus cameras will radically improve if you:

1. STOP the counter-marketing smear by avoiding social media advisors at all costs.
2. Accept that the Olympus Imaging Business was part of the Olympus Corporation.
3. Break away from the hold and negative programming effect of counter-marketing.
4. Improve your knowledge and experience of photographing with digital cameras.
5. Work hard to rediscover the M43 format and your Olympus or new OMS camera.
6. Be part of the discussion and constructive criticism of OM-System and the future.

Olympus E-M5 II with 12-50mm f3.5-5.6 lens - ISO200, f6.9, 1/320 - Enhanced Raw, Instant Film ART Filter, Color Adjust + Tonal tweaks.

Imagine what if... Fuji photographers had access to these features...

Fuji developed a wide range of new mirrorless cameras plus firmware upgrades to support a growing community of photographers who appreciate their "Color Science" and the community's Color Profiles. It's interesting to see what Fuji photographers do with only a few camera settings. For example, study the camera settings in this Color Profile (recipe) from a well-known Fuji photographer.

One can indeed do much with Fuji cameras and Fuji's Raw Studio. Knowledge and experience are equally important when working with Olympus or Fuji cameras. I like Olympus photographers to see what Fuji photographers achieved with only a few camera settings. The following illustration is only a snapshot of what M43 photographers can do with Olympus M43 cameras and Workspace...

Did you know that the best way to familiarize yourself with these creative functions is to convert/edit your Enhanced Raw files in Workspace? The more I practice with Workspace, the easier it gets to be creative with my Olympus camera or to plan my editing workflow while photographing... 

Conclusion

The initial Olympus ART filters were wild, and most M43 photographers rejected them. What we have today is something completely different. It's now possible to tweak some ART filters or target specific colors. The editing scope of both Raw and Jpeg files is endless in Workspace. Phase 3 made it possible to create complex and unique color profiles that will support almost any photography style...

Olympus created an M43 digital camera solution that lets photographers enjoy unique photography styles. Workspace and the Advanced Raw Format are integral to this complete solution. This includes a comprehensive lens offer and cameras like the older E-series (E-30, E-620, E-450) plus M43 cameras like the E-M1, E-M5 II/III, E-M1 II/III, the EM10 series, the Pen series, and the OM-1. 

Folks, I apply my Olympus cameras differently to the social media version focusing on image noise, high dynamic range, diffraction, and worrying about "plastic bodies" and lens quality. I gained a good understanding of image sensors, digital cameras, M.Zuiko lenses, and the features Olympus created to manage the image-taking and post-processing process with Olympus cameras...

Olympus E-M1 III with 75-300mm f4.8-6.7 II lens - ISO200, f6.1, 1/125 - Enhanced Raw, Partial Color ART filter, Adjust Color + Tonal Tweaks.

FW updates for the EM5 II, Pen F, and EM1 series

Last update:- 14th June 2024

Introduction.

I found several Press Releases with "new" firmware updates while working on my next article. Paging through the updates and improvements, I was reminded of the changes we saw over the past 4 years. A new world enfolded where people celebrate when paying the equivalent of a new camera for a firmware update or a rebranded product. It's a different world where marketers and repetition know no end, as they govern our personal spaces, certitude, and collective values.

Source: Olympus Europe

Transforming from a technological leadership position to rebranding means previous Olympus products are as relevant as before but at a much lower price. They can be had for a fraction of buying a new camera, and many used Olympus cameras are "like new." Most Olympus mirrorless cameras were also years ahead of larger competitors, which only started selling mirrorless cameras in 2018.

How many megapixels is enough? Some say we need high-resolution sensors, or 16MP sensors cannot compete with newer 24MP cameras. Image quality is the sum of sensor sensitivity, lens quality, and the image processor. Sensor sensitivity (IQ, DR, & noise) plus Image Processing (features) are the main differences between cameras like the E-P3 (12MP), E-M5 II (16MP), and the OM-1 (20MP). We also know that 16MP cameras like the E-M10 II and E-M5 II deliver excellent image quality. Some have good arguments in favor of 8MP. Imagine the sensitivity benefits of a modern 8MP BSI sensor...

The OM-1 closed a decade of innovation excellence with the Olympus Imaging Business...

The posted Press Releases are linked to the cameras below. Olympus enjoyed excellent customer loyalty with its commitment to innovation, listening, and responding to customer feedback. For example, the E-M1 was launched in 2013 and received its final FW upgrade 6 years later in 2019. 

Here is more info about the current firmware versions: (Also, see this list - link)

• The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II firmware version V4.1 from January 2019.
• The Olympus Pen F's current firmware version is V3.1 from January 2019.
• The Olympus OM-D EM-5 III firmware version V1.7 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 II firmware version V3.7 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 III firmware version V1.6 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1X firmware version V2.4 from January 2023.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M1 firmware version V4.6 from February 2019.
• The Olympus OM-D E-M10 II firmware version V1.4 from March 2019.

This OM-System page has a summary of some cameras and firmware updates.

The Olympus EM1 III sells for as little as $650 on the used market.

Transferring years of know-how resulted in a loss of available documentation. Fortunately, Olympus kept its pre-2020 Press Releases, and OM-System created a new library of Olympus information. I am always looking for new documentation. Let me know if you have camera brochures, technical papers, or any camera-specific information you could share with me in PDF format.

Always keep a copy of the latest user manuals and FW information. For example, Olympus released a separate E-M1 II Video Manual with its V3 firmware update. Also, download any information covering video features, tethering, LOG, and LUT profiles for the different Pen or OM-D cameras.

Press releases about new cameras are always a good read. See this example. 

The Olympus OM-D E-M1X with the 40-150mm f2.8 Pro lens.

One has to go back to 2012/13 and study the original E-M5 and E-M1 to appreciate the technological leadership position the Olympus Imagaging business enjoyed. Three years of rebranding reveal much about the future of this once-innovative brand. See this E-M1 Manual for its FW updates.

Olympus photographers had good reasons to be optimistic...

A history of new features and incremental improvements

Olympus used firmware to improve and add new features to its existing cameras. The press releases below are only a partial account of improvements done on the above cameras. One has to study each camera to appreciate the extent of each camera's improvements. An achievement of particular interest is the evolution of the Olympus OMD and PEN autofocus algorithms.

For example, this video shows the Cluster Autofocusing function, and this example shows the final CAF for the EM1 MKI with firmware V4.6. My experience with the EM1 MKI is similar...

Enjoy a decade of innovation with Olympus...

Source: www.Olympus.com - click on the 1st page to study all the pages in the image viewer.

Video basics and modern digital cameras

Last updated:- 29th April 2024

Introduction.

I decided to invest more time in videography with Olympus M43 cameras after an increased interest in my introductory article on videography. My articles discussing image sensors, digital cameras, and subjects like exposure also formed a strong foundation for exploring the video creation process with M43 cameras. This and future articles are written for those who are new to videography.

We all appreciate the difference between a Toyota Aygo and a Porsche 911. They are profound when driving fast on the German AutoBahn. One often assumes the differences between cameras are similar when listening to social media advisors. For example, one of my articles showed relatively small differences between sensors with up to 20 times pixel area variances. We, unfortunately, live in a world where folks like to exaggerate about digital cameras, video specs, and sensor sizes.

The Panasonic G100 has become an exciting hybrid camera amongst M43 photographers...

My wife and I transferred our VHS video collection onto DVD. We enjoy watching them with our son and his family. Imagine your grandchildren see their father learning to ride a bicycle on an old VHS video. I never experienced the same fun recording and watching videos on my mobile phone. There was something special about making memories about the family with my VHS video camera. The new Olympus E-M5 II was exciting and a huge inspiration when Olympus launched it in 2015. I made many short videos with my DJI Phantom P3, the Olympus EM5 II, and Premier Elements.

Did you own a VHS? I like to see marketers re-focus on consumer segments?

Modern marketing has become a window into the so-called "perfect" world. A world where cows don't fart, and everyone uses 8K hybrid cameras. One can't help asking if manufacturers gave up on casual video creators or purposely ignored them. Eager to learn more, my enthusiasm faded as I watched YouTubers crying for new menus and more specs. My E-M5 II had to have 4K, and Premier Elements was no longer good enough. Next, I needed a 6K mirrorless camera, 8 stops of IBIS with no crop, autofocusing like Sony or Canon, 4.2.2 10-bit (Pro-Ress RAW), mic plus headphone ports, and a host of LOG profiles plus LUTs before I could even start thinking about my next film project. 

This short video illustrates the correct behavior in a "perfect" world...

Olympus EM1 III with the 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO1250, f4.5, 1/15 - Enhanced Raw converted in Workspace.

Another option is to simply return to basics...

Taking a step back, one quickly realizes how accurately the Olympus Imaging Business targeted hobby and casual filmmakers. Cameras like the original EM5 and EM1 continue to fill that gap as capable photography cameras while helping those developing their videography skills. Take a moment and list the main video differences between Olympus M43 cameras from 2012 to 2024. 

It's, therefore, critical to familiarize yourselves with the basics of videography before purchasing your next 8K hybrid FF mirrorless camera. For example, many photographers think "hybrid" means two systems in one camera body. Many photographers also assume the image signal path from the scene to the saved recording changes from photography to videography.

Study this video for a detailed explanation of the illustration below.

What are the differences between photography and videography? Considering Step 1 (above), the same principles of saturating the sensor or improving the SNR apply. The basics of managing video quality and dynamic range while capturing more tonal data are the same. The main difference is how we manage the 4 exposure variables in video mode. Looking at Step 2, the camera's processing of the image signal does not change from photography to videography. The main difference is Olympus added more options like the Flat or OM-400-Log to tweak the camera's Gamma (Tone) Curve. Looking at Step 3, the main difference is the file format creators select for video or photography.

The above illustration also helps us with V-LOG profiles and "Color Grading." For example, when filming in V-LOG, one needs an LUT to convert the recording back to the REC 709 display format. Color grading is similar to image editing or creating a specific look and feel for your final video...

The Olympus Pen F and E-P7 enable us to create "Flat" video (exposure) profiles plus "Color Grade" in the camera.

We will explore the following in this series about videography:

1. A short overview of the Olympus M43 menu selections for video.
2. What does one typically need to create videos with M43 cameras?
3. We will focus on tips and techniques when recording video clips.
4. Basic principles of taking video clips and creating/editing a video.

Olympus EM1 III with the 45mm f1.8 lens - ISO1250, f3.5, 1/25 - The Fuji XT5 is a great photography and filmmaking camera...

Why do I believe crop sensors are perfect for filmmaking?

We need to discuss the segmentation of the filmmaking market. Camera manufacturers neglected to view mobile phones as competitive products. This resulted in a singular and not segmented consumer focus, as each new camera has to be a "better" Pro Camera. For example, list the 3 main benefits hybrid cameras have over mobile phones. Consider the basic to intermediate G100. When launched, this small hybrid was highly criticized because reviewers and promoters could not position the G100 in the "pro" segment or properly evaluate the scope of its applications. The G100's acceptance increased as the target segment discovered it in the used markets. Imagine the possibilities of a new G100 hybrid camera with the processing capacity of a modern iPhone?

See these discovery videos of the Panasonic G100. Link 1, link 2.

The above illustration is only an educated guess of the most likely market situation...

Don't let YouTube "Pro Talk" or social media promoters distract you. M43 (crop) cameras are perfect for private filming projects. Olympus M43 cameras are great for video and those returning to filming with M43 "video" cameras. I will discuss various Olympus cameras and lenses in this series...

What's interesting about the video below is how sailors use the best tools for the job. They will use drones, GoPros, mobile phones, and hybrids like the Olympus EM5 III. Each of these offers unique functionality, features, and applications that enable videographers. An interesting approach, right..?

An example of creating lasting memories with different cameras. See the EM5 III in the video...

Conclusion

This series of short articles supports those new to filming with Olympus mirrorless cameras. I planned more time for future articles to review frame rates, aspect ratios, the 180-degree shutter rule, the need for ND filters, camera movements, autofocusing techniques, and video editing.