Best Olympus OM-D E-M1 Setup for Underwater Photography

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is one of the most popular mirrorless cameras used in underwater photography. This guide presents the best camera settings for both macro and wide-angle underwater photography. With upgrades from earlier models like the PEN E-PL1, the OM-D E-M1 offers excellent image quality, compact size, fast focusing, and user-friendly features. Improvements from the E-M5 to the E-M1 include enhanced autofocus, increased customization, and a more professional build.

This section outlines recommended camera settings tailored for various underwater shooting scenarios. It also explains crucial adjustments necessary to optimize your camera and housing for the underwater environment. By exploring all relevant menus, you can fine-tune your camera to perform at its best below the surface.

Recommended Macro Settings with 45mm or 60mm Macro Lens

Start in manual mode with aperture set to F22, shutter speed at 1/320th, and ISO 200. Use auto white balance and set the camera flash to "fill in flash." Use a strobe on TTL or set it to manual and adjust power as needed. To conserve battery life, set the camera flash to manual mode as well.

To achieve a shallow depth of field and artistic blur (bokeh), shoot at lower apertures like F5.6 or F2.8. When photographing fish, use an aperture around F8, as a smaller aperture like F22 will limit the strobe’s reach, leading to dark images. These settings also work well when using the 12-50mm lens in Macro Mode.

Macro Settings Using a Standard Zoom Lens with Wet Diopter

For lenses like the 14-42mm or 12-50mm paired with a wet diopter, use manual mode with F22, 1/320th shutter speed, and ISO 200. Enable auto white balance and use the camera flash set to "fill in flash." Use TTL or manual mode for your strobe. Set the flash to manual power on the camera for efficient energy usage.

Zoom in. Use apertures between F8 and F11 for balanced sharpness and blur. While you can open up to F2.8 for stronger bokeh, be aware that depth of field becomes very narrow. Since wet diopters reduce working distance, approach subjects slowly to avoid disturbing them.

Wide Angle Settings with 8mm Fisheye or 9-18mm Lens

For wide-angle compositions, begin in manual mode with an aperture of F8, shutter speed of 1/125th, and ISO 200. Set the camera flash to "fill in flash" and use TTL for your strobe. Manual power is also an option for finer control and battery conservation.

Use your shutter speed to adjust ambient light. In low-light conditions, a slower speed like 1/60th allows more light into the frame. In bright conditions or when shooting toward the sun, use the fastest shutter speed (1/320th) and stop down your aperture to F16 or F22 to protect highlights.

For ambient light scenes, consider opening your aperture to F5.6 or F4 and increasing the ISO to 400, 800, or even 1600. These settings are also effective for fish portraits using the 60mm macro lens or kit lens setups.

Optimizing the OM-D E-M1 for Underwater Use

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 works well out of the box, but certain menu and customization changes are essential for optimal underwater performance.

Turn on the Custom Menu if it’s not already activated. Go to the Setup Menu, represented by the wrench icon, then to Menu Display. Activate the Custom Menu, marked by a cogwheel icon.

Enable Live View Boost so the LCD remains bright regardless of exposure settings. This is essential because strobes often create lighting conditions that differ from what’s visible through the viewfinder. To enable, navigate to the Custom Menu under D: Disp/PC and set Live View Boost to On.

Disable EVF Auto Switch so the camera does not automatically toggle between the electronic viewfinder and LCD. This allows continuous use of the LCD underwater. Go to Custom Menu J: Built-In EVF and set EVF Auto Switch to Off.

If you prefer the Super Control Panel over the default Live Control menu, you can enable it by going to Custom Menu D: Disp/PC, then to Control Settings, select P/A/S/M, set Live Control to Off, and Live SCP to On.

For flash mode, TTL users should keep the camera on “Fill in Flash.” If using manual strobe power, switch the flash to "Manual Value" and lower the power to conserve battery and reduce recycle time. Use the quick menu to scroll to the flash icon, then press Info to adjust power to 1/64th.

Customize rear control buttons for easier access to features. The right and down arrows can be assigned to functions like flash control or shooting mode. Go to Custom Menu B: Button/Dial, then to Button Function, and choose Key Function. Enable Direct Function and assign preferred options. The Up and Left buttons remain fixed for aperture/shutter and focus point, respectively.

Set the Rec View duration to 2 seconds to allow quick review of shots underwater. Go to the Setup Menu and choose Rec View. You can cancel the preview early by half-pressing the shutter.

Set the Picture Mode to Vivid if shooting JPEGs for enhanced reds and oranges. This does not affect RAW files. You can find this in the Shooting Menu or the Super Control Panel.

These foundational adjustments improve visibility, battery life, and ease of operation when diving, providing a seamless experience while capturing underwater scenes. Continue with part 2 for advanced menu configurations and housing-specific setups.

Custom Button and Autofocus Configuration for OM-D E-M1

Setting up autofocus correctly on the OM-D E-M1 plays a vital role in ensuring crisp, accurate shots underwater. The camera allows a high degree of customization that lets you tailor functions to your shooting style and housing layout. This section focuses on how to configure the autofocus and button layout for different housings, including Nauticam, Aquatica, and Olympus housings.

The Nauticam and Aquatica housings are modeled after DSLR designs with excellent lever controls for the shutter release and AEL button. Using the AEL/AFL button for autofocus enables you to take advantage of these levers naturally and intuitively. To set this up, go to the Custom Menu under B: Button/Dial and then select Button Function. The E-M1 features a dedicated AEL/AFL button, unlike the earlier E-M5 which required assigning autofocus to Fn or Record buttons. For Fn button customization, review all options available and choose those best suited to your underwater preferences.

For example, assigning One Touch White Balance to Fn1 is a common choice, especially for ambient light and video shooting. The Fn1 button is easy to reach, making white balance adjustments convenient. Fn2 can be assigned to Manual Focus (MF), allowing rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus modes. This flexibility helps in situations where autofocus struggles or when fine-tuning is needed. The Record button can remain as default. The 1/2 Lever Switch, available under Custom Menu B: Lever Function, can be set to Mode 1. This configuration allows quick access to ISO and White Balance using the camera’s twin dials.

Next, configure the AEL/AFL behavior. In Custom Menu A: AF/MF, select AEL/AFL. For S-AF (Single Autofocus), choose Mode 1 to retain the standard function where half-pressing the shutter button focuses and full-pressing captures. For C-AF (Continuous Autofocus), choose Mode 3 to decouple the shutter from focusing, allowing focus to be controlled by the AEL/AFL button. This is useful when tracking moving subjects or when you need to refocus without accidentally shooting. For Manual Focus, also choose Mode 3, which again separates autofocus from the shutter, enabling you to lock focus and shoot repeatedly without changes to focus. In MF mode, pairing the AEL button with autofocus provides hybrid control. This lets you use the focus gear on the lens for manual adjustments while still engaging autofocus when needed, without switching modes.

After setting these parameters, your camera is equipped for both topside and underwater use. In S-AF mode, half-press the shutter to focus. To switch to manual operation, press the Fn2 button. The AEL button then takes over autofocus duty, while the shutter only captures images. This dual setup saves time and simplifies transitions between dive conditions.

Always use these settings in Manual Mode so you maintain full control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. These few adjustments drastically enhance shooting efficiency underwater, offering precise control while adapting to various subjects and lighting environments.

Olympus Housing Setup for OM-D E-M1

If you are using an Olympus housing, setup remains mostly similar to Nauticam or Aquatica but with a few specific limitations. The Olympus housing is a well-built and budget-friendly option, ideal for photographers who want quality protection without the high price of aluminum housings. However, the AEL/AFL button is not repositioned, making it harder to access. As a result, you must reassign the focus lock function to another button, such as Fn1.

To begin, ensure the rubber grommet around the electronic viewfinder is removed. Remove the accessory flash from the camera, slide the grommet upward and off, then reattach the flash before placing the camera into the housing. This step prevents physical obstruction and reduces the chance of flooding.

Next, adjust the flash settings so it fires even when flipped down. Olympus designed its PT-EP11 housing so the camera and flash fit with the flash closed, reducing overall size. To activate this mode, assign “Underwater Mode” to a function button. Navigate to Custom Menu B: Button/Dial and select Button Function. Assign either Fn1 or Fn2 to Underwater Mode (represented by fish icons). This mode modifies several camera settings, including switching to Program Mode, setting ISO to 200, enabling S-AF focus, changing white balance to underwater mode, and adjusting lens zoom on compatible lenses like the 12-50mm.

While Underwater Mode offers convenience, it limits your manual control. To exit the mode, press and hold the assigned Fn button for a few seconds. The camera returns to your previous shooting settings. Even when deactivated, the flash still fires when closed, so you retain full lighting capability without activating the Underwater Mode each time.

Slide the OM-D E-M1 into the Olympus housing with the flash attached and close the housing securely. Assign the AEL/AFL function to Fn1 so it remains accessible underwater. Also, assign Manual Focus (MF) to Fn2 for fast switching. Keep the Record button unchanged. Set the 1/2 Lever Switch to Mode 1 to access ISO and white balance using the dials. Lastly, assign One Touch White Balance to the AEL/AFL button for quick access to white balance customization.

For AEL/AFL settings under Custom Menu A: AF/MF, use the same configuration as in Nauticam or Aquatica housings. S-AF remains Mode 1, C-AF and MF are set to Mode 3 for separated focus and shutter functions. In Manual Mode, press the Record button to switch to MF, and use Fn1 for autofocus. This layout ensures seamless transition from land to underwater settings without navigating through complex menu systems.

These customizations are specifically optimized for use with the Olympus housing, allowing for efficient and responsive shooting despite the housing's more limited control placement.

Recsea Housing Configuration

The Recsea housing functions similarly to the Olympus housing but with a key advantage: it allows the internal flash to pop up within the housing. This eliminates the need to assign Underwater Mode to an Fn button. You can set up the flash to fire in the standard configuration without being forced to engage auto modes.

This feature grants Recsea housing users more freedom in choosing custom button functions and allows full manual operation of flash and exposure without restriction. Aside from that, setup mirrors the Olympus housing workflow, ensuring familiar control and access to focus, ISO, white balance, and shutter functions.

OM-D E-M1 Specific Menu Settings

Properly configuring your OM-D E-M1 menu system enhances your underwater shooting experience. The following menu items are essential for photographers seeking optimal performance underwater. Not all items are critical, and some may not be visible depending on firmware version and camera configuration. These settings apply primarily to still photography and may not influence video or non-diving use cases.

Shooting Menu 1 controls basic image output. Set the Picture Mode to Vivid to boost reds and oranges common in marine life. This only affects JPEG images, not RAW files. For best results, shoot in RAW format to maximize post-processing flexibility. If you lack RAW editing software, set Picture Quality to LF (Large Fine) for high-quality JPEGs.

Set the Image Aspect to 4:3, the camera’s default. This standard aspect ratio suits most underwater compositions and is fully compatible with housing viewfinders and LCD dimensions. Leave the Digital Teleconverter turned off to prevent unintentional cropping or digital zoom effects.

Shooting Menu 2 governs burst shooting, stabilization, and flash behavior. Leave Burst/Time Mode on Single Shot unless you plan on capturing action sequences. Image Stabilizer should be left at default or set to IS1, which engages full stabilization in all directions. For wide-angle shooting or handheld operation, IS1 helps maintain sharpness in slower shutter speeds or challenging conditions.

Set Flash RC Mode to Off unless using compatible Olympus UFL-2 strobes. The RC (Remote Control) flash mode enables higher sync speeds (up to 1/500th of a second) for better sunburst captures or high-speed fill flash. If your strobe supports this, consult its manual for further adjustments.

Custom Menu options allow detailed control of nearly every aspect of the camera’s operation. As mentioned in earlier sections, these settings are necessary for configuring focus, button behavior, and user interface. If unsure about an option, leave it at the factory default. The major changes outlined earlier should be your primary focus.

Live View Boost is essential to maintain LCD visibility underwater. Enable it via Custom Menu D: Disp/PC. This setting ensures your screen stays bright even when camera exposure settings are dark due to strobe use.

EVF Auto Switch should be turned off under Custom Menu J: Built-In EVF. This prevents the camera from toggling to the electronic viewfinder when the eye sensor is triggered, which may happen unintentionally in a housing.

Enable the Super Control Panel under Custom Menu D: Disp/PC by turning Live Control to Off and Live SCP to On. This provides a grid-style menu interface that displays all key shooting settings on one screen. It's easier to navigate in a housing and provides faster access to critical controls.

Set the Rec View time under Setup Menu to 2 seconds, giving you just enough time to evaluate a shot for focus and exposure without interrupting your workflow. Press the shutter halfway to cancel the preview if necessary.

Underwater Lighting and Exposure Management with Olympus OM-D E-M1

When photographing underwater with the Olympus OM-D E-M1, managing lighting and exposure effectively is crucial. Underwater environments are unique in how they absorb and scatter light, so even the best camera and lens combinations need to be complemented with proper lighting techniques.

Understanding Light Behavior Underwater

Water absorbs light at different rates depending on the wavelength. Red is absorbed first, followed by orange and yellow, leaving only blue and green hues. This means that without artificial lighting, your images will quickly lose color and contrast as you go deeper.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1, while excellent in low light situations, still needs additional light sources for balanced exposure underwater. Using external strobes or video lights helps restore natural color and detail.

White Balance Considerations

The camera’s auto white balance tends to struggle underwater due to the unusual light spectrum. Therefore, custom white balance is often necessary. For wide-angle ambient light shots, setting white balance manually while aiming at a white slate at the depth you’re shooting is ideal.

The OM-D E-M1 allows you to set and store multiple custom white balance settings, which is useful for different depths or lighting conditions. If shooting in RAW, you have the flexibility to adjust white balance more effectively during post-processing.

Manual Exposure vs. Auto Modes

For consistent and controlled underwater images, manual exposure is recommended. The E-M1 offers full manual control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. These three settings are key to capturing well-exposed underwater photos:

Shutter Speed: Typically 1/125 to 1/250 sec for strobes, depending on subject movement and ambient light.
Aperture: f/5.6 to f/11 is common for wide-angle shots; f/16 to f/22 is used in macro to ensure sharpness.
ISO: Keep ISO as low as possible (ISO 200 is base ISO for the OM-D E-M1) to reduce noise.

Using Histogram and Highlight Warning

Since underwater LCD previews can be deceiving, use the histogram to judge exposure accurately. The highlight warning feature (“blinkies”) is also useful for checking if any part of the image is overexposed, especially when shooting in bright tropical conditions.

Autofocus and Subject Tracking Performance

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 features an advanced Dual FAST AF system with both contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus. Underwater, autofocus performance can be impacted by reduced visibility, particles, and contrast.

Autofocus Modes

S-AF (Single AF): Best for still subjects, such as macro or nudibranchs.
C-AF (Continuous AF): Ideal for moving subjects like fish.
C-AF + Tracking: Use this for fast-moving subjects, such as dolphins or turtles, but note that tracking can sometimes be fooled by underwater backscatter.

For macro photography, use S-AF with a single center focus point. For wide-angle, consider using a small group of focus points in the center for better composition flexibility.

Focus Peaking for Manual Focus

When using manual focus (often preferred in macro), the E-M1’s focus peaking helps ensure sharpness. Focus peaking highlights the areas in focus, allowing for fine control, especially when paired with an external viewfinder.

Lens Choices and Port Configurations

The OM-D E-M1 supports Micro Four Thirds lenses, offering a compact system with high-quality optics. The choice of lens impacts not only your subject matter but also the type of port you’ll use in your underwater housing.

Macro Photography

For macro work:

Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Macro: A top choice, offering 1:1 magnification and crisp detail.
Panasonic 45mm f/2.8 Macro: Offers good image stabilization and compact size.

Use a flat port for macro lenses. Add a focus light to assist the camera in locking focus in low-light or low-contrast situations.

Wide-Angle Photography

For reefscapes and larger subjects:

Olympus 8mm f/1.8 Fisheye Pro: Excellent for CFWA (Close Focus Wide Angle) and reef scenes.
Panasonic 7-14mm f/4: Great for wide shots with a rectilinear look.

Use a dome port for wide-angle lenses. A larger dome (6" or 8") helps preserve corner sharpness and reduce distortion.

Strobe Positioning and Lighting Techniques

Lighting underwater is not just about brightness—it's about angle, intensity, and color. Proper strobe placement eliminates backscatter and highlights subject texture and color.

Strobe Placement Basics

Wide-Angle: Position strobes wide apart and slightly behind the dome port to avoid lighting particles in the water.
Macro: Bring strobes closer to the lens axis and closer to the subject to create contrast and texture.

Shooting with One vs. Two Strobes

One Strobe: Effective for macro or when you want directional light or strong shadow contrast.
Two Strobes: Preferred for wide-angle and even lighting; provides flexibility for creative lighting effects.

Use diffusers to soften harsh shadows and prevent hot spots, especially with powerful strobes like the Inon Z-330 or Sea & Sea YS-D3.

Color Correction and Filters

Even with strobes, sometimes filters are useful. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 benefits from using color correction tools, especially when you prefer ambient light photography.

Red and Magenta Filters

Red Filters: Used in blue water to restore warm tones.
Magenta Filters: Useful in green water to balance excess green cast.

Keep in mind that filters reduce light reaching the sensor. You'll need to increase ISO or reduce shutter speed to compensate.

Post-Processing Adjustments

Shooting in RAW is essential. It allows you to fine-tune white balance, contrast, and exposure in Lightroom or Photoshop. Use tools like gradient filters, clarity, and selective sharpening to enhance underwater images without introducing noise.

Recommended Settings Summary (Cheat Sheet)

Here’s a consolidated view of recommended settings for different underwater conditions:

Wide-Angle with Strobes

Mode: Manual
ISO: 200–400
Aperture: f/8–f/11
Shutter Speed: 1/125–1/250 sec
White Balance: Custom
Focus: C-AF or C-AF+TR with center group

Macro with Strobes

Mode: Manual
ISO: 200
Aperture: f/16–f/22
Shutter Speed: 1/125–1/200 sec
Focus: S-AF with center point
Lighting: One or two strobes, close to subject

Ambient Light Only (Wide-Angle)

Mode: Manual
ISO: 400–800
Aperture: f/5.6–f/8
Shutter Speed: 1/60–1/100 sec
Filter: Red filter if desired
White Balance: Custom for each depth

Using Olympus OM-D E-M1's Special Features Underwater

The E-M1 includes several unique features that enhance its usability underwater.

Live Composite and Live Time

These features are ideal for creative long exposures. Live Composite builds exposure only on newly introduced light, which is perfect for bioluminescence or backlit jellyfish in dark conditions.

High-Resolution Shot Mode

Available only when the camera is perfectly still (e.g., on a tripod), this mode combines multiple shots to produce a super-high-resolution image. Underwater, it’s rarely used but can work for still-life macro with good stabilization.

Image Stabilization

The built-in 5-axis image stabilization is a game-changer. It allows slower shutter speeds without blur, helpful in low-light environments or when shooting ambient light scenes handheld.

Challenges and Troubleshooting

Fogging and Condensation

Always use silica gel packs and anti-fog inserts in your housing. Fogging occurs due to temperature differences and moisture trapped inside the housing.

Strobe Sync Issues

Make sure to configure the correct flash mode. Most users use “manual” mode on their strobes and set the camera’s internal flash (or fiber optic trigger) to fire in a compatible mode.

Focus Not Locking

Low contrast and backscatter can confuse autofocus. Use a focus light, switch to manual focus, or increase contrast by angling your lighting.

In this section, we explored how to manage light and exposure, autofocus performance, lens and port selection, and additional settings that elevate the Olympus OM-D E-M1’s underwater capabilities. These practical settings and techniques can dramatically improve image quality and consistency when diving in varying environments. Whether you're capturing intricate macro subjects or wide coral vistas, knowing how to utilize your camera's full feature set will transform your underwater photography from experimental to exceptional.

Achieving Creative Excellence with Olympus OM-D E-M1 Underwater

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 offers advanced tools that empower photographers to explore their creative potential in underwater environments. Part 4 dives into how users can take advantage of artistic controls, lens choices, custom modes, and post-processing strategies to achieve stunning results below the surface.

Creative Mode Usage and Artistic Filters

One of the standout features of the OM-D E-M1 is its built-in Art Filters. These filters allow photographers to add mood and texture to images without needing to rely entirely on post-processing software. Filters such as Dramatic Tone, Grainy Film, and Soft Focus can enhance underwater photos by emphasizing shadows, creating surreal effects, or adding emotional depth.

To use these creatively underwater:

Assign Art Filters to one of the Custom Modes (C1–C3) for fast access.
Combine filters with different White Balance presets to produce unique color renderings.
Try using Dramatic Tone with wide-angle reef shots for added punch or Soft Focus for dreamy macro scenes.

Though these effects are subjective, they provide creative flexibility for photographers who wish to go beyond documentary-style imagery.

Lens Choices for Underwater Photography

The OM-D E-M1 benefits greatly from Olympus’s impressive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem. Underwater, lens choice dramatically affects image results. Let’s explore the best options for various underwater scenarios.

Wide-Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses are ideal for reefscapes, wrecks, and large marine animals. The most popular options include:

Olympus M.Zuiko 7–14mm f/2.8 PRO: Exceptional sharpness and fast aperture. Perfect for capturing wide reef scenes.
Panasonic 8mm f/3.5 Fisheye: Offers a super-wide field of view and dramatic perspective.

For the best results:

Pair with a dome port to correct distortion and maintain sharpness at the corners.
Get close to the subject to reduce water column and enhance color and clarity.

Macro Lenses

Macro photography is where the OM-D E-M1 truly shines underwater. Excellent options include:

Olympus M.Zuiko 60mm f/2.8 Macro: Sharp, lightweight, and offers true 1:1 magnification.
Panasonic Leica 45mm f/2.8 Macro: Another solid option with image stabilization.

Tips for macro shooting:

Use manual focus assist with focus peaking.
Enable Back Button Focus for greater control.
Consider adding a diopter for super macro capabilities.

Leveraging Custom Modes (C1, C2, C3)

Custom modes on the mode dial are invaluable for underwater photography. Each custom mode can store a unique configuration, allowing users to quickly switch between setups without adjusting multiple settings in the water.

Sample Custom Mode Setup:

C1 – Wide-Angle Scene: Aperture Priority, ISO 200, f/8, WB = Underwater, Highlight/Shadow adjusted for high contrast
C2 – Macro Mode: Manual Exposure, 1/160 sec, f/10, ISO 400, focus peaking ON
C3 – Creative Art Filter: Aperture Priority, f/4, Art Filter set to Dramatic Tone, ISO 800

To configure:

Set up the camera as desired.
Go to Menu → Shooting Menu 1 → Reset/Myset.
Register the current settings to Myset1, Myset2, or Myset3.
Assign Myset1–3 to C1–C3 using the gear icon menu (D1).

Customizing Buttons for Speed and Precision

Underwater photography often demands quick reactions. Configuring buttons for fast access to key functions is critical:

Fn1 Button: Assign to "Magnify" for quick manual focusing.
Fn2 Button: Set to "AF Area Select" to reposition focus points quickly.
Rec Button (Video): Set to "One Touch White Balance" for fast WB correction.

Additionally, using the lever switch (1/2) near the rear dial allows toggling between functions:

Position 1: Shutter/aperture control.
Position 2: ISO/White Balance control.

This setup minimizes menu diving and keeps the photographer’s focus on the environment.

Video Settings for Underwater Shooters

For those interested in underwater videography, the OM-D E-M1 offers solid performance, especially when paired with external lights.

Working with External Strobes and Lights

Lighting is essential in underwater photography, especially at depth. Pairing the OM-D E-M1 with external strobes (like INON Z-330, Sea & Sea YS-D3, or Ikelite DS160) allows greater creative control.

Key tips:

Use manual strobe power settings for consistent results.
Enable flash mode to "Fill-in" for triggering.
Use diffusers for soft, even lighting.
Adjust strobe angle to avoid backscatter.

Continuous lights (such as video lights) can also assist with focus in macro and provide alternative lighting for ambient scenes.

Handling and Buoyancy Considerations

Using the OM-D E-M1 in an underwater housing (Nauticam, Ikelite, AOI, or Olympus PT-EP14) adds bulk and weight. However, balance can be optimized with buoyancy arms or floatation devices.

Use neutral buoyancy arms to reduce wrist fatigue.
Practice camera handling in a pool or shallow water.
Secure the camera with a lanyard or clipping mechanism in case of sudden loss.

Weight and trim of your dive gear may also need adjusting after adding housing and strobes.

RAW Editing and Post-Processing Workflow

Shooting RAW unlocks the full potential of the OM-D E-M1’s sensor. Post-processing enables color correction, contrast enhancement, and noise reduction.

Recommended tools:

Adobe Lightroom / Camera Raw
Capture One
Olympus Workspace (free)

Post-processing steps:

Correct white balance (using white sand or gray card as reference).
Adjust exposure, highlights, and shadows for balance.
Enhance clarity and vibrance to add punch.
Use lens correction profiles for distortion fixes.
Apply noise reduction to ISO 800+ images.

For video, use DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro to color grade and stabilize footage.

Conclusion

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a powerful and versatile tool for underwater photography. With its compact size, extensive customization options, and excellent lens ecosystem, it offers an ideal balance of performance and portability. By mastering key settings such as White Balance, ISO, aperture, and autofocus, and by leveraging custom modes and button configurations, photographers can capture breathtaking underwater scenes in both stills and video.

Whether shooting wide-angle reefs, fast-moving fish, or intricate macro subjects, the OM-D E-M1 provides the precision and flexibility needed to handle challenging underwater environments. Coupled with strong post-processing workflows and effective strobe techniques, users can elevate their underwater photography to professional standards.

Ultimately, the camera is only as powerful as the diver behind it. Understanding how light behaves underwater, approaching marine life respectfully, and continuously experimenting will lead to both technical mastery and creative satisfaction. The Olympus OM-D E-M1 is more than ready to accompany you into the deep—and help you bring those moments vividly to the surface.

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