I was attracted to Fuji cameras primarily because they featured a dedicated shutter speed dial, reminiscent of old analog cameras. Some cameras from the X series even included a dedicated ISO dial. However, Fuji cameras are well-known among many photographers for their film simulations – an analog camera wrapped in a digital package, a clever concept by Fujifilm. I do miss those dedicated dials from Fuji; they were a brilliant idea. Nevertheless, it appears they have moved on, as the new cameras, like the X-H2, now come equipped with a PASM dial. I see it as a missed opportunity for Fuji. They do say, “never change a winning horse,” and Fujifilm evidently believes they still have plenty of racehorses in their stable. Time will tell.
Most camera brands include basic photo settings like Fujis Velvia or Provia, albeit with different names such as Vivid and Natural. However, Olympus has an additional feature that often goes unnoticed, called ART. Personally, I have always seen it more as a gimmick than a valuable tool – In fact, I wasn’t the only one. That perception changed when I came across articles claiming otherwise. This feature is particularly valuable for photographers aiming for an analog look or interested in lomography without spending a fortune on 35mm film and development costs, considering that film prices are on the rise, and that we should all think a little about the environment to.
Olympus introduced ART flm simulation as early as 2008, predating the first micro four-thirds camera. A quick search suggests that the Olympus E-30 DSLR was the pioneer in internal simulation processing filters. However, Fujifilm argues that they implemented film simulation back in 2003 in the FinePix F700, a compact camera. It wasn’t until 2009, though, that it was incorporated into cameras with interchangeable lenses in the form of “film stocks.” So, Olympus appears to be a pioneer on Dslr cameras, although it’s very close to Fuji. What it does show is that Fuji were far from the only ones working on this feature, and perhaps they came into the spotlight more because their cameras looked so much like classic analog cameras.
In any case, below, Lucy Lumen explains why buying an old Olympus DSLR might be a smart choice for those who love the authentic film appearance. Eric Jennings talks about achieving the best black and white look using Olympus Art filters, and Luke Taylor has reviewed three ART filters with numerous photo examples. There are also tips from OM System on maximizing your ART filters on Pen cameras, and finally, two Olympus film simulations are discussed.
The Most Film-Like Digital Camera Wasn’t Made By Fujifilm by Lucy Lumen
The interesting thing is that grain and other film simulation is still used in the new Olympus cameras.
I also like her comparison with the half frame format.
Does Olympus Have the Best B&W Film Simulation by Eric Jennings
I have to admit that I had not used this feature before, I had mistaken it as a less important option.
But shooting in ART mode offers opportunities to simulate analogue shooting, more than I could ever have imagined.
OM SYSTEM LEARN CENTER :
PEN: FINE TUNE YOUR ART FILTERS
And it’s not just in Pen cameras -> Check out the SCP menu of your E-M10, M5 and M1, Go To Picture Mode.
And thanks to Lens & Paws, two film simulations for Olympus cameras, I personally think the Portra 400 is the better one. In any case, they are a basis for further experimentation.
Thanks for sharing Lens & Paws.
The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.
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Another brilliant article Marc! I didn’t use the ART option, but it does look really interesting!
I’m still waiting for my new camera, so that’s frustrating! Talk soon.
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Hey Mark, Thanks, that really means a lot to me !
Too bad your Nikon hasn’t been delivered yet, and I know the feeling when you have to wait – but there’s that expression “good things come to those who wait” or something like that, and I think in your case it’s really something worth waiting for, I was honestly jealous when I read your writing last time 🙂 But I really wish you a lot of fun with it ! I’m already looking forward to the first photos.
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Interessant om dit te lezen Marc
prettige dag gewenst
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Dankjewel Willy, altijd fijn te horen ! Fijne avond !
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The number of options for film simulations just keeps getting better. Being an ‘old’ film guy I appreciate the lack of smelly chemicals. Never going back 😃. Personally I prefer post using NIK or Filmpack but I probably should look at what is available in camera too. Thanks, interesting article as always.
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Hello Ted, your comment is very appreciated.
Nik and other film simulations naturally offer many possibilities.
But I also develop Luts myself, called PictureFX, specialized in simulation of 35mm film such as Kodak, Cinestill and others – you can also use these in most image editing software on Raw or on video. There will be a new article about this soon.
Know that I always look at your photos with great interest (and a little jealousy 🙂 ) – and especially because you are now photographing with an OM-1. My wife and I find those roseate spoonbills especially breathtaking, we think they are more beautiful than flamingos. On the other hand, we find the alligators very scary, glad we don’t have them here 🙂 !
Take care.
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Thanks for the support, I’ll keep the gators down here. Besides I’ve grown fond of the monsters. The Spoonbills will not be visiting soon, warm weather is a must for them. I’ll try to keep,the posts coming.
As for the OM-1 now in use, you were one of the resources I used when making my evaluations. I read with great interest your article on the 100-400 comparisons. I also know a photographer using that same gear. Being able to view images shot similar to me, and your information helped me make the decision to go OM-1 and the Leica. Now that I have been using the gear out in the swamps I am more than happy with the choice, the honeymoon is over and I know more now. Still a perfect fit for me right now.
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