The new OM System PEN has arrived, the latest entry in a much-loved series of compact cameras that began with the first Olympus-branded model in 1959 and most recently updated with the digital PEN-F in 2016.
The latest iteration is the first PEN to bear the OM System brand name, and although it retains the same classic styling of previous Olympus generations, it departs from the PEN-F in several important ways.
The 20.37MP sensor is only a slight boost above the PEN-F’s 20MP, but this updated Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor actually has more in common with the more robust version found on the OM-5 Mark II.
They also share the same TruePic IX processing engine, as well as a 121-point phase detection system with human and pet eye tracking.
Although it serves as a more affordable – and lighter-weight – entry-level model in OM’s current lineup, the new OM System PEN shares a couple of features with the heftier flagship OM-1 model too.
These include advanced computational photography and imaging processing features spanning Live ND, focus stacking, high-res shot, HDR and multiple-exposure modes. Unlike the OM-1, they’re all accessible in-camera through a handy new computational photography (CP) button on the back of the PEN.
View OM System PEN Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Although IPX1-rated dust and splash resistance is another first for the PEN series, the built-in viewfinder is exactly same as the one that debuted on the original Olympus PEN-F 10 years ago, but its inclusion will be welcomed by any shooter weary of framing their shots without one.
Video takes a backseat to still photography, however, with resolution and framerates limited to 4K up to 30p and Full HD up to 60p, and recording limited to 8-bit. While this model features a standard 3.5mm microphone input, it completely omits a headphone jack.
The camera’s upgraded AI subject detection only works in photo mode, unfortunately, reverting to less-reliable tracking in video, but if you’re a travel photographer or street shooter seeking high-end camera performance without the bulk of a conventional DSLR-style body, the OM System PEN might be the right camera for you.
The OM System PEN is available body only in silver or black, and in kits bundled with the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens or with both the M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 III and M.Zuiko 40-150mm lenses.
Features
- 20.37MP Live MOS sensor
- TruePic IX processing engine
- 5-axis IBIS with 5.5 stops of shake correction
- 121-point hybrid autofocus system
- Built-in 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 1.04-million-dot 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Computational Photography (CP) button
- Colour and monochrome profile control
- IPX1-certified dust and splashproof rangefinder-style body
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