Olympus Cameras: High-Res Mode Options Explored

which olympus cameras have high res mode

Olympus' High-Res mode allows photographers to capture incredibly detailed images, with some cameras offering up to 80 megapixels. The OM-1, OM-5, E-M1 Mark II, E-M1 Mark III, and E-M1X are among the Olympus cameras that offer this mode. The E-M5 II also has a high-resolution mode, but it is only capable of 40-megapixel JPEGs or 64-megapixel RAW files.

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Tripod mode: 80MP resolution, great for still images

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and E-M1X cameras offer two high-res shot modes: 'Tripod' and 'Handheld'. The maximum output resolution of 80MP is available in 'Tripod' mode, which is great for architecture, interiors, still life, and reproduction work.

In 'Tripod' mode, the camera's sensor is shifted in tiny increments of one micron across multiple exposures, capturing one exposure per adjustment. These images are then combined automatically to create a single 80MP photograph in either JPEG or Raw file format.

To get the largest size of 80MP, you need to be on a tripod and in 'Tripod' mode. The camera must be stable with no movement; if the camera senses movement, the high-res icon will flash to indicate this and taking a shot will be disabled.

The 'Tripod' mode is great for still images where nothing in the subject is moving. It allows photographers to capture incredibly detailed images with better colour accuracy and higher detail. It is perfect for situations where you want the maximum resolution possible, such as when creating larger prints or when you need to crop more.

The 'Tripod' mode in the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and E-M1X cameras is an excellent feature for photographers who want to capture high-resolution images with sharp details and clean results.

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Handheld mode: 50MP resolution, suited for moving subjects

The Handheld High-Res mode on Olympus cameras allows photographers to capture incredibly detailed images up to 50MP. This mode is particularly useful for shooting moving subjects, as it does not require the use of a tripod. The camera's highly sensitive image stabilisation system allows it to shift its sensor by tiny distances, stopping and starting that movement very quickly and accurately. This enables the camera to capture multiple images with the sensor shifted by half a pixel, which are then combined to produce a high-resolution image.

The High-Res mode is available on select Olympus camera models, such as the OM-5, OM-1, and E-M1 Mark III. When using this mode, it is important to note that the camera's electronic shutter is utilised, restricting shutter speeds to between one second and 1/32,000 sec. Additionally, ISO settings are limited to a maximum of 1600.

The High-Res mode is ideal for photographers who require high-resolution images, such as landscape, architecture, or product photographers. It is important to consider the lens being used, as a low-cost zoom lens may not provide the same benefits as a high-quality prime lens.

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High-Res mode on OM-1: 80MP resolution

The OM-1 camera by Olympus has a High-Res mode that allows photographers to capture images with an 80MP resolution. This is achieved through Olympus' class-leading image stabilization technology, which was the first to pioneer image stabilization on the image sensor.

In High-Res mode, the OM-1's 20-megapixel sensor is adjusted slightly in all directions, capturing separate images that are then merged into one. This process involves taking eight sequential images across a one-second time period, using the electronic shutter and voice coil-powered sensor-shift image stabilization system to move the sensor very slightly between shots. The result is eight images, shifted by sub-pixel amounts from each other, that are then combined into a single 80-megapixel image.

To get the largest 80-megapixel image, photographers need to use a tripod and tripod mode. This mode is ideal for capturing images of stationary subjects such as landscapes, architecture, or still life.

The High-Res mode on the OM-1 offers endless possibilities for photographers, allowing them to capture incredibly detailed, high-resolution images.

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Handheld High-Res mode on E-M1 Mark III: 50MP resolution

The Handheld High-Res mode on the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III camera offers a maximum output resolution of 50MP. This feature allows photographers to capture high-resolution images without the need for a tripod. It is particularly useful when shooting in locations where a tripod is not allowed or cannot be used, such as posed portraits or landscapes.

The Handheld High-Res mode on the E-M1 Mark III captures 16 images in quick succession and combines them to create a single 50MP image. The camera's in-built image stabilization system, with up to 7.5 stops of shake reduction, is employed to reduce the risk of shake and blur. This stabilization system turns on and off throughout the sequence of exposures, helping to prevent excessive movement due to motion blur. It also analyzes the amount of camera movement during the sequence, using this information to automatically align the images for the final image and clone out any blurred areas.

The Handheld High-Res mode is best used at wide and medium focal lengths, where the image stabilization system of the E-M1 Mark III is most effective. It is also useful in low light situations, as combining 16 exposures cancels out a lot of noise, improving image quality at high ISO settings.

The E-M1 Mark III also offers a Tripod High-Res mode, which provides a maximum output resolution of 80MP. This mode is ideal for architecture, interiors, still life, and reproduction work, where the camera and the subject are stationary.

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High-Res mode on E-M5 II: 40MP JPEG or 64MP RAW

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II features a high-res mode that captures eight sequential images, shifting the sensor by 0.5-pixel steps between each shot. The eight images are then combined to produce a single, super-high-resolution image, equivalent to the one captured with a 40-megapixel image sensor. The mode offers two delay options: one that adds a pause before the first exposure to let the camera settle, and a second that adds a delay between each shot, to give your strobes time to recycle. The mode is limited to a maximum of ISO 1600 and a minimum aperture of F8.

Frequently asked questions

Tripod High Res Shot mode is used for stationary subjects such as architecture, interiors, still life, and reproduction work. The camera must be on a tripod and the scene must be motionless. In this mode, the camera shifts the sensor eight times, in increments of one micron, capturing one exposure per adjustment. These images are then combined automatically to create a single 80MP photograph in either JPEG or Raw file format.

Handheld High Res Shot mode is used for posed portraits or landscapes, where slight movement in the image is unavoidable. In this mode, the camera captures 16 images in quick succession, and combines them to create a 50MP file. The inbuilt stabilization system is employed to reduce the risk of shake.

High Res Shot mode allows photographers to capture incredibly detailed images up to 80MP. It increases dynamic range, reduces noise, and eliminates moiré.

Tripod High Res Shot mode requires the camera to be on a tripod and the scene to be motionless. Handheld High Res Shot mode is limited to 50MP and is only suitable for non-moving subjects. Even a little wind can cause artefacts.

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