OM System OM-1 - Live ND Shooting
Live ND – Overview
Computational mode that replicates the effect of a neutral density filter.
Only available in M or S mode.
No flash photography.
Electronic Shutter.
RAW or JPEG.
Upper sensitivity limit: ISO 800.
Selectable: ND2/ND4/ND8/ND16/ND32/ND64.
Motion blur can be previewed in Live View.
Live ND – In Detail
In Live ND mode, the OM-1 records a number of consecutive images equal to the set ND-value. As the sensor readout speed is limited to around 1/120, a minimum total exposure time (shutter speed) is required.
The captured images are composited in-camera in a process comparable with frame averaging. The result is saved as a single file (JPEG, RAW or both).
As there are no gaps between each individual frame, the result looks like a single exposure with the set shutter speed.
For best overall image quality, ISO 200 should be used.
Live ND – File & Image Quality in Detail
Reduced Noise
Much like frame averaging, Live ND decreases the luminance and chromatic noise. The higher the ND-setting, the more significant the noise reduction.
At the highest settings (ND16 and higher), the resulting images are practically free of any noise.
OM System OM-1 Live ND4
Dynamic Range & Clipping Effects
High fidelity dynamic range is expanded by about 1 stop in the shadows thanks to reduced noise.
Highlights clip earlier. At ISO 200, avoid placing highlights above +3 EV.
Live ND64 Dynamic Range @ ISO 200
Very dark shadow areas are prone to clipping effects as a result of the composite process, especially at higher ND settings. The affected areas do not show any image noise, but are completely black, containing no color or structure. Expect areas exposed at -5 EV or below to be affected.
Live ND64 underexposed by -3EV, pushed +3EV in post. Note the clipping black tones.
Clipping Artifacts
Moving, very bright elements in the frame can cause artifacts in the composite image.
The higher the ND setting, the higher the number of possible artifacts in the frame.
Setting a high ND setting can help to conceal the effect, if the bright elements do not move too fast.
Clipping Artifacts: Bright spots in the light streaks.
Live ND in Practice
ND-Filter
Live ND enables longer exposure times without setting a smaller aperture. This helps mitigating the negative effects of diffraction that come with large f-numbers.
An advantage over a physical ND filter is that Live ND does not impact the image quality negatively (except corner cases with bright, moving objects).
Also, Live ND can be used with lenses not suitable for filters (e.g. curved front elements).
OM System OM-1 Live ND.
Improved Image Fidelity
Live ND can be used to capture noise-free images in-camera without the need of frame averaging in post production. As the results can be reviewed on location, Live ND gives the photographer far more control and certainty compared to post-production frame averaging.
Standard Capture @ ISO 200
Live ND64 @ ISO 200
Stabilizing the Camera
Use of a tripod is recommended.
If not available, [Handheld Assist] should be utilized.
Meter for the Shadows and Highlights
As clipping can occur in both the Highlights and Shadows when using Live ND, taking spot meter readings is advisable to ensure proper reproduction of critical image areas.
