The PEN is back, and this time, it’s wearing the OM System name! OM Digital Solutions has announced the new OM System PEN, an interchangeable-lens camera that takes the classic rangefinder-style PEN concept and brings it into the modern digital era with an electronic viewfinder, weather resistance, computational photography and a host of creative shooting features. The PEN name has been around since 1959, when the first-generation film camera introduced a compact and lightweight approach to photography. The new OM System PEN continues that philosophy, giving photographers a small, portable camera designed to be taken everywhere, whether you're heading out for serious photography or simply documenting everyday life.
Built around the Micro Four Thirds System, the OM System PEN combines portability with a surprisingly comprehensive feature set. The rangefinder-style body has been designed to feel both timeless and modern, with clean lines balanced by curved surfaces that provide a comfortable, secure grip. More importantly, it’s a camera designed to be carried. The compact form factor makes it well suited to everyday shooting and travel, while the addition of an electronic viewfinder gives photographers a more traditional shooting experience. Inside, the PEN features a 20.37-megapixel Live MOS sensor and OM System's TruePic IX image processor, paired with the extensive range of high-resolution M.Zuiko Digital lenses. There’s also 5-axis image stabilization, compatible with all mountable Micro Four Thirds System lenses, providing up to 5.5 stops of stabilization at the centre and 4.5 stops at the edges. For the first time in the PEN series, the camera is dustproof and IPX1-rated splashproof. Sealing materials have been incorporated throughout key areas of the body, providing added confidence when the weather takes an unexpected turn.
One of the biggest creative features of the new PEN is Colour & Monochrome Profile Control, giving photographers an easy way to experiment with film-inspired colour and black-and-white looks directly in-camera. Whether you're after a nostalgic cityscape, softer, more delicate tones, or a bold monochrome aesthetic, the PEN offers presets designed to make experimenting with different photographic styles straightforward, including Film B&W, Film IR, Film Low Contrast and Standard (Monotone). Effects can be previewed and adjusted through the electronic viewfinder, allowing photographers to build their look while they shoot. The front-mounted Profile Control Switch provides quick, single-press access to these controls, making it easy to change your photographic style without taking the camera away from your eye. Profile Control is also available when shooting video, with the exception of S&Q.
For black-and-white photography, Monochrome Profile Control combines five different effects, including colour filter effects, Highlight & Shadow Control, shading effects, film grain and tone effects.
The PEN also brings some seriously useful computational photography features directly into the camera. Techniques that traditionally required multiple exposures and post-processing on a computer can now be created in-camera. With the press of the dedicated CP button, photographers can access a range of computational shooting modes designed to expand what’s possible with a compact camera.
Available modes include:
- Tripod High Res Shot
- Handheld High Res Shot
- Live ND (ND2–16)
- Focus Stacking
- HDR 1 and 2
- Multiple Exposure
The CP button can be combined with the Control Dial to quickly switch between these creative modes, making features such as high-resolution shooting, long-exposure effects and focus stacking considerably more accessible.
The PEN is also equipped with a 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF system, along with the first AI Subject Detection AF system in the PEN series. The camera can detect people as well as animals including cats and dogs, helping keep subjects accurately tracked.
For astrophotographers, Starry Sky AF is included, while the camera's dust reduction system helps minimize the risk of dust appearing in images when changing lenses. For photographers who want to keep things simple, AUTO mode can automatically detect the scene and select appropriate settings. There are also 24 SCN modes across six themes, covering more complex situations including starscape photography, along with 16 Art Filters for additional creative options. Action shooters get Pro Capture, which can record up to 12 frames from before the shutter button is fully pressed, with sequential shooting available at up to 30 fps. RAW sequential shooting is also supported.
The PEN isn't limited to still photography. It includes OM-Cinema and OM-Cinema picture modes designed specifically for cinematic video, along with support for vertical video and S&Q slow- and quick-motion recording. A built-in video recording light (tally light) provides a clear indication when the camera is recording, rounding out a feature set that makes the PEN a surprisingly capable video tool for an everyday camera.
For more information and to pre-order the OM System PEN, click here!
Curious what Dave and Evelyn's first impressions are? Luckily they have a new TCSTV video diving into the build and performance of this Micro Four Thirds system to help you decide if it fits your current setup!
Featured in this blog:
OM System PEN Body
OM System PEN with M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 III
OM System PEN with M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 III & 40-150mm f4-5.6 R
