OM Digital Solutions has officially introduced the OM System PEN, marking the first camera in the long-running PEN series to be released under the OM System brand. The series has remained a favourite among fans, many of whom had been waiting for a successor since the camera business was rebranded following Olympus’ exit from the market.
That wait has been a long one, although OM System had already hinted last year that the PEN could eventually make a comeback. The new compact interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds system and combines the series’ familiar retro styling with modern features. It is also the first PEN model to receive an IPX1 rating for dust and splash resistance, making it better suited for travel and everyday use.
PEN Design With Modern Touches
The new PEN takes on a rangefinder-inspired design and features a plastic body available in either silver or black. Despite its compact appearance, OM System has equipped it with a fairly extensive selection of physical controls and dials for photographers who prefer direct access to camera settings.
On top, the camera has a mode dial flanked by a front control dial and shutter release, alongside a dedicated record button. The power switch also doubles as a selector for switching between photo, video and S&Q shooting modes.
Around the back is a rear command dial, CP button, AF-ON button and the usual directional and function controls. One notable omission is an autofocus joystick, so users will need to move the AF point using the directional pad or touchscreen instead. Alternatively, the camera supports AI-powered subject detection autofocus, including recognition for humans and animals.
The PEN is equipped with a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder positioned towards the top-left corner of the rear panel. It also features a 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot swivel touchscreen for framing and navigating the camera’s various functions.
A Familiar 20.4MP Sensor
Inside, the PEN uses OM System’s established 20.4MP Live MOS sensor paired with the company’s TruePic IX image processor. The camera also features five-axis in-body image stabilisation capable of providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction.
Autofocusing is handled by a 121-point hybrid AF system, with subject detection capabilities designed to make it easier to keep people and animals in focus. The camera also uses a new BLS-7 battery, which is rated for approximately 410 shots on a full charge.
The PEN inherits a range of computational photography features from other OM System cameras. These include High Res Shot in both tripod and handheld modes, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR and Multiple Exposure.
For photographers who prefer a more stylised look straight out of the camera, the PEN also offers Color & Monochrome Profile Control. Users can fine-tune parameters such as saturation, curves and contrast, with up to 12 intensity levels available across the profiles.
The monochrome profiles also include colour filter effects, allowing photographers to emphasise specific tones. For example, a red filter can be used to make blue skies appear darker and more pronounced in monochrome images. The camera additionally offers 24 scene modes across six themes, along with 16 built-in filters for users who want to apply different looks without editing their images afterwards.
4K Video And Creator Features
For video, the PEN supports Cinema 4K recording at up to 24fps and 4K UHD recording at up to 30fps. It also includes OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 picture modes designed specifically for video shooting.
The camera supports vertical video recording for social media content and includes a tally light to indicate when recording is in progress. It can also be used as a plug-and-play webcam through USB-C, while the port supports fast charging.
Pricing And Availability
In Malaysia, the OM System PEN is priced at RM4,290 for the body only, while the kit bundled with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens costs RM4,990. Both silver and black colour options are available. Pre-orders and purchases made by 30 September will also come with free gifts, including an extended 1+1-year warranty.
(Source: OM Digital Solutions [Facebook] [official website])
