OM System Revives PEN Series with New Rangefinder-Style

OM Digital Solutions has announced the OM System PEN, reviving a camera series that began nearly 70 years ago. The new model is the first PEN released under the OM System brand and is designed to be accessible for both casual and serious photographers.

Building on the legacy of compact, user-friendly designs, the PEN incorporates a rangefinder-inspired body. It features an electronic viewfinder and is the first in the series to offer IPX1-rated dust and splash resistance. The camera aims to make photography easier and more enjoyable.

Design and Controls

The PEN has a swivel-type 3-inch screen with about 1.04 million dots and an electronic viewfinder positioned near the top-left corner with about 2.36 million dots. Physical controls are strong. A top-mounted mode dial is flanked by a front control dial, shutter release, a dedicated record button, and a power switch that also toggles between photo, video, and S&Q modes.

The back includes a rear command dial, CP button, AF-ON button, and function buttons. Notably, there is no autofocus joystick. Users must move the autofocus point using the directional pad or the touchscreen. They can also rely on an AI-powered subject detection autofocus mode.

Imaging and Performance

Internally, the camera uses OM System's established 20.4-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX image processing engine. PetaPixel's review of the OM-5 Mark II last year, by Chris Niccolls, noted the familiarity of this imaging pipeline, a point that remains true for the PEN.

The PEN shares similarities with the OM-3, emphasizing style in both design and output. A key feature is the Color & Monochrome Profile Control, which promises customizable, film-like expression. A front dial swaps between profile modes. These profiles work in video recording too, except in S&Q mode.

Photographers can fine-tune color profiles across parameters like saturation, curves, and contrast. Monochrome profiles include color filter effects, such as a red filter to darken blue skies. The camera also offers computational photography modes like High Res Shot, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR, and Multiple Exposure.

Specifications and Pricing

The PEN includes a 121-point hybrid autofocus system and in-body image stabilization offering up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. For video, it records Cinema 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 24p and 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) up to 30p, with dedicated OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 picture modes. It supports vertical video and has a tally light, catering to content creators.

The camera ships with a new BLS-7 battery, rated for approximately 410 shots per charge. This battery will also be sold separately for $99 ($139.99 in Canada).

The OM System PEN will be available in black and silver in late October. For a limited time, buyers will receive a free Clever Supply Skinny Wrist Strap, valued at $54 ($76 CAD).