Introduction

When working with the OM System OM-1, you probably won’t struggle to get convincing results. The impressive sensor paired with powerful image processing make things easy.

However, if you truly want to get the best possible image quality for high-end photography, this article is for you. I will show you how to capture every nuance of a scene by utilizing the OM-1’s whole dynamic range, precision exposure metering and computational features.

File Format

The OM-1 has two file format options for still images:

8-bit JPG compressed (256 tonal values per channel)
12-bit RAW lossless compressed (4.096 tonal values per channel)

Only when shooting RAW, the full range of tonal values captured by the sensor is recorded and available for post processing.

256 stripes distributed equally to match the strip above; red represents missing intermediary values

Dynamic Range of the OM-1

The OM System OM-1 achieves the widest dynamic range at ISO 200. Every other sensitivity setting will reduce the dynamic range of the captured image.

Dynamic Range at ISO 200

-3 EV to +2.5 EV – High Fidelity Range
In this range, color reproduction and noise levels are excellent. My recommendation is to always keep the main subject in this range.

-4.5 EV to -3.5 EV – Extension Range
Noise and color shifts are visible. Areas with these low tonal values are best not brightened.

Below -4.5 EV
Mostly image noise and the resulting color shift is present. When parts of the image are recorded in this tonal range, I recommend clipping them deliberately by setting the black point in post processing.

+3 EV to +3.5 EV – Extension Range
Loss of texture and limited color reproduction is to be expected. Although these areas might be somewhat salvageable in post production, the loss of fidelity is significant.

Above +3.5 EV
Clipping and insufficient texture at most. Expect these areas to be completely white in the final photograph.

OM System OM-1 RAW Dynamic Range at ISO 200.

HDR – High Dynamic Range Shooting

Whenever a scene exceeds the standard dynamic range of the OM System OM-1, HDR shooting is recommended to extend the high fidelity dynamic range.

HDR1 and HDR2

4-image electronic shutter in-camera HDR composite
Movement appears blurred in the final composite.
Creates both a JPG (HDR) and a RAW-file.

HDR (other)

The other HDR options of the OM-1 are electronic shutter bracketing series, which then can be merged in post production.

High Res Shot

High Res Shot not only increases the resolution but also the high fidelity dynamic range in the shadows by reducing the image noise. However, the highlights become more prone to clipping and +3 EV should therefore not be exceeded.

Composition of multiple electronic shutter images
Extends high fidelity dynamic range in the shadows by 0.7 EV
Sharp highlight limit
Not for moving subjects

OM System OM-1 RAW Dynamic Range when using High Res Shot (Tripod Mode) at ISO 200.

Exposure Metering

In order to make full use of the OM-System OM-1’s dynamic range in the various modes, one of its three precision metering modes has to be used.

Spot

Covers about 2% of the image frame
Meters for 12.5% gray; no color information is taken into account

Spot Highlight

Variant of [Spot] metering
+2.3 EV bias

Spot Shadow

Variant of [Spot] metering
-3 EV bias

All in-camera exposure meter readings are limited to +/-3 EV. By utilizing Spot Shadow or Spot Highlight, meter readings can be taken from -6 EV to +5.3 EV.

Light Meter Calibration

Internal camera light meter calibration: around 12.5% gray.

Pocket Card and More

Download the OM System OM-1 reference card with all the information on dynamic range and exposure metering.

OM System OM-1 Dynamic Range and Exposure Metering Reference v2.0

This article is also available on YouTube, where I go deeper into how to apply the principles in practice.

Watch the video

OM System OM-1 – Dynamic Range and Exposure Metering