OM SYSTEM launched a new version of OM-5 camera. The upgrade is not very big. Some of the updates needed to be done like having a USB-C port since that is required in EU. The other a little bigger update is the menu system that has been in OM-1 Mark II and the fairly new OM-3 camera. That new menu system is much better than the olde one. Now all the new OM SYSTEM canvas have the same menu which makes it easier to use different OM SYSTEM cameras. Many might have the OM-1 MarkII for nature and then the OM-3 for leisure photography.

What do I think?

As I already mentioned, the update is minor. The reason for updating was most likely two things. OM SYSTEM has been quiet in recent years, and it is good to launch something that reminds the brand of its existence. The other reason was most likely the need to update the USB port to match the requirements in the EU. At the same time then make some upgrades to the user experience.

I have mixed feelings about this update. It is now the entry-level OM SYSTEM camera, priced at 1299€ (at the time of the launch). The OM-3 is 1999€, and the OM-1 Mark II is 2999€. This likely means there won’t be an OM-10 or at least a camera to upgrade the Olympus E-M10 Mark IV. If there is an update to the E-M10 Mark IV, it most likely will be something else. If I were able to decide, it would be a video-centric camera.

The OM-5 Mark II is pretty good for an entry-level camera. I like the original OM-5, and with minor tweaks, I bet the new OM-5 Mark II is even better.

Is it enough to attract buyers? I am not sure. It still has the same old processor and sensor. It is not a problem, but I know how photographers react to this; it might be. Most photographers want better image quality, which is usually associated with a new sensor. I think the image quality is quite good in OM-5, so I would expect the same from OM-5 Mark II. We all should concentrate more on the quality of the image than on image quality.

The OM-5 Mark II is packed with features for an entry-level camera, making it a good bargain.

I like that they added the CP button, which makes all the computational imaging features easily accessible. These features are most likely used more when they are easily accessible.

If I can get it for testing, I will take the new camera for a spin around downtown Helsinki. OM-5 is a good camera for street photography, and I expect that OM-5 Mark II is even better.

You can learn more about the new camera from OM SYSTEM website.

DxO has just launched a new version of its image enhancement software, PureRAW. It is now on version 5.

Dedicated Deep Prime for Fuji X-trans sensors!

XD, which comes from extra detail, was introduced in PureRAW 3. In PureRAW 5, DxO introduces its own XD for X-trans sensors, the XD3 X-trans Beta. Yes, it is still in beta and under development. It is good enough, though, for public beta, so no worries. There will be a possibility to give feedback to DxO.

This new version of image enhancement for X-trans sensors is a good move. Fuji cameras are popular but have not received the best treatment from DxO. I am glad this has changed.

Local Adjustments are essential!

Local adjustments are significant in image editing. Different parts of the image need different types of treatment. Now, that can be done in DxO PureRAW, too. It is possible to sharpen only parts of the image. For example, it is possible to sharpen only the subject and leave the background as is. This improvement is much appreciated.

DxO PureRAW enhacments are based on Optics Modules.

The Optics Modules are what makes the DxO software the best when it comes to image enhancements. DxO now has over 100.000 camera lens combinations. That is vast, and your camera and lens combinations are most likely included.

DxO PureRAW 5 will be available in April.

The final product will be available on April 15th. It is worth the wait. I have tested the early beta version, and it looks very promising. Unfortunately, I cannot share any samples yet. As soon as I get the final version for testing, I will start to make some video content ready for April 15th. Most likely I will publish it on the 15th with samples and comments about the quality.

The Price of DXO PureRAW 5:

The price for DxO PureRAW 5 will be:

New license: 119.99 € / $ – 109,99 £

Upgrade from DxO PureRAW 3 or 4: 79.99 € / $ – 69,99 £

(information from DxO Press Release)

I’ve recently had some extra time, which prompted me to dive into a project I’ve been contemplating for quite a while. I’m excited to announce that I have started writing a book on street photography titled

“Street Photography: From Snapshots to Stories.“

Buy it already!

So far, I’ve completed the first five chapters, and you can find more details about the book in my latest video.

To make this journey more engaging, I’ve uploaded the initial five chapters as a PDF, which you can purchase on Gumroad for just €18 (plus taxes).

You might wonder why you would want to buy an unfinished book. The answer is straightforward: the purchase price includes access to the complete book in PDF format once it’s finished. As I complete additional chapters, I will add them to the PDF. However, please note that I will increase the price by a few euros once new chapters are uploaded. Now is a fantastic opportunity to grab it at just €18! The next update is expected in a couple of weeks.

The final product is a printed book.

Once I have finalized the book, it will also be available in print format. However, this printed version will not be included in the PDF deal, and the PDF will no longer be available once the printed book is ready.

For more information about my book and its progress, check out my latest video, blog posts, and Gumroad page.

I appreciate your support on this exciting journey into street photography!