My OM-1: Custom Settings for Field Macro

The new OM-1 is here. If you’re familiar with OM-D E-M1 series cameras, you’ll undoubtedly notice plenty of similarities between the OM-1 and its predecessors. You’re also bound to notice some changes. There are new buttons, a deeper grip, an entirely new menu system, and loads of new features and improvements. When it came time to set up my OM-1 for field macro, I drew from what worked with my E-M1 Mark II and made a few adjustments to take advantage of the new camera’s upgrades.

Why Customize?

Before I get into the specifics of my macro settings and button assignments, I want to emphasize the benefits of customizing baseline settings. The OM-1 has four custom positions (C1, C2, C3, and C4) on its mode dial. These custom modes can be used to store settings for whatever you want. I’m a macro photographer and use C1 for my baseline field macro settings, but you can use your custom modes for any type of settings you’d like! Each custom mode can be programmed to behave completely independent from the others. When you head into the field, you can simply dial up the appropriate custom mode. This can save you a ton of time (and frustration) and increase your chances for success. And if you’re nervous about committing to settings, don’t worry! As you discover better, alternative settings, you can tweak or overwrite your custom modes at any time.

Aperture: F8.0

Lenses tend to be sharpest near the middle of their aperture ranges. Large apertures will reduce depth of field and can produce slightly softer results. Small apertures restrict light and introduce the risk of diffraction which can negatively impact image quality. I like to start at F8.0 and adjust up or down as needed.

ISO: 200

ISO value determines light sensitivity. Low ISO values are less sensitive to light and result in lower amounts of noise than high ISO values. That said, all cameras have their own ‘base’ ISO values which should produce the cleanest results. The base ISO for the OM-1 is 200. Since I use a flash as an onboard light source, I can typically keep my ISO at 200.

AF Target Mode: Single

The OM-1 has a ton of autofocus points (1,053, to be exact) covering the entire sensor. I like using the tiniest AF Target Mode option to really pinpoint my focus. EM-1X or E-M1 Mark III shooters will already be familiar with the joystick, but as a recent E-M1 Mark II stepper-upper, I’m loving it!

AF Mode: MF

I actively switch between autofocus and manual focus. My default setting is MF, but I use the OM-1’s new AF-ON button to activate autofocus. Autofocus is helpful for fast-moving subjects or for locating my subject within the viewfinder before I get too close. If I’m looking for maximum magnification, I’ll engage the 1:1 shortcut on my lens and physically move my entire camera until my desired focus is acquired.

Drive Mode: Sequential

Shooting short bursts will give more chances for perfect focus and will provide potential opportunities to stack focus in post. While I always recommend trying to nail focus on the initial shot, I am also an advocate of capturing a few extra frames, just in case. I actually like to slow down the frame rate to 5 FPS. This reduced frame rate allows time for my flash power to recycle and results in fewer underexposed frames. (Menu > Camera 1 > Tab 7. Drive Mode > Sequential Shooting Settings)

My C1 Button Assignments

Besides modifying settings, button functions can also be customized. By assigning my most-used functions to physical buttons, I can quickly access the features I need without going into the camera’s menu system. In fact, I can even do it without even looking. To modify button assignments, just press "OK" to access the Super Control Panel, select the gear icon, and revise assignments as desired.

ISO Button: Magnify

Since I usually rarely change my ISO from 200, I don’t need a dedicated ISO button. Instead, I use the ISO button for quick access to magnification. When I press this function button, I’ll see an enlarged view of my subject. The magnified view can be increased or decreased (3x, 5x, 7x, 10x, or 14x) with either dial so I can visually assess critical focus.

AEL Button: Focus Bracketing

I love the Olympus cameras’ automatic, in-camera bracketing feature. I have my camera default to 99 shots with a focus differential of 3 and a flash charge time of 0.1 seconds. This is exactly what I did on my E-M1 Mark II, but using a function button Focus Bracketing on the OM-1 has gotten even better. Now, by long-pressing the button, I’m instantly brought to the Focus Bracketing settings screen and can modify the number of shots, focus differential, and flash charge time! This is a tremendous timesaver. This new long-press shortcut works for many other features, too. Be sure to give it a try.

+/- Button: Focus Stacking

Sometimes, I will bracket my focus to attempt a stack in post. Other times, I’ll have the camera create the stack for me. For in-camera Focus Stacking, my default settings are 10 shots with a focus differential of 4 and a flash charge time of 0.1 seconds. Just like with Focus Bracketing, I can instantly access Focus Stacking settings by long-pressing my function button.

Front Top Function Button: Focus Peaking

Focus peaking brings attention to in-focus areas by highlighting them with a color. I don’t use it often (I prefer Magnify), but it’s nice to have it available at the touch of a button.

Front Bottom Function Button: S-OVF

As described above, S-OVF simulates what is seen with the naked eye for EVF and Live View image previews. I use it a lot, but if I decide to shoot without flash, I’ll deactivate S-OVF to return to Standard LV Mode.

Save Your Customizations

Once you’ve modified camera settings to your liking, you’ll need to assign them to one of the custom positions on your camera’s mode dial. Thankfully, it’s very easy. Just jump into the first screen of the OM-1’s menu: Menu > Camera 1 > Tab 1. Basic Settings/Image Quality > Custom Mode.

Choose C1, C2, C3, or C4 and then ‘Assign’ and ‘Set’ to commit the settings. That’s it! All customizations are now saved and accessible via the custom position of your choosing.