OM SYSTEM PEN Digital Camera Body - Black

What’s new?

The OM SYSTEM PEN is the first PEN released under the OM SYSTEM name, bringing a camera concept that began with Olympus in 1959 into a new era. The original PEN was developed to make a capable camera considerably smaller and easier to carry, establishing the compact approach that would define the series for more than six decades. OM SYSTEM has modernised that concept with all-cross-type phase-detection autofocus, AI subject detection and TruePic IX processing, adding a built-in 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder for eye-level composition and IPX1 weather resistance with compatible splashproof lenses.

Computational photography also plays a bigger role, with Live ND, High Res Shot, Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing joined by customisable Colour and Monochrome Profiles for greater in-camera control. Compatibility with compact, travel-friendly OM SYSTEM lenses, including the recent M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 III, keeps the wider system consistent with PEN’s emphasis on portability. By combining the original compact concept with current OM SYSTEM autofocus, computational photography and creative controls, the new PEN marks a new chapter for one of Olympus’ longest-running camera lines.

20.4MP sensor and TruePic IX processing

Drawing on technology from OM SYSTEM’s current cameras, the PEN pairs a 20.4MP 4/3 Live MOS sensor with the TruePic IX image processor, giving the series a substantial technical update for its first OM SYSTEM generation. The processor supports AI autofocus and computational photography, bringing functions such as Live ND, High Res Shot, Focus Stacking and Focus Bracketing into the same compact camera. It is a significant shift for PEN, taking technology developed across the wider OM SYSTEM range and applying it to a camera designed around everyday photography and travel.

Phase-detection autofocus and AI subject detection

Autofocus is one of the most substantial changes to the PEN, with 121 cross-type phase-detection points working alongside 121 contrast-detection points for faster focusing than the contrast-only systems used by earlier models. Intelligent Subject Detection AF recognises humans, dogs and cats when shooting stills, taking some of the work out of keeping focus on a moving subject as the composition changes. OM SYSTEM pairs this with 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation, providing up to 5.5 stops of compensation at the centre of the frame and giving photographers more freedom to work handheld.

Video recording

The PEN records C4K at 24p and 4K at up to 30p, with Full HD recording at up to 60p. Slow and quick-motion recording supports capture rates up to 120fps, giving you more control over how movement is reproduced. OM-Log400, OM-Cinema1, OM-Cinema2 and Flat picture modes provide different options for colour and tonal rendering. For handheld video, the PEN can combine its 5-axis sensor-shift stabilisation with electronic stabilisation to reduce camera movement during recording. Vertical video is also supported, and a 3.5mm stereo microphone input lets you connect an external microphone when you need more control over recorded audio.

Electronic viewfinder and vari-angle monitor

A built-in 2.36M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder is a significant addition to the OM SYSTEM PEN, giving photographers dedicated eye-level composition alongside the rear monitor. The 3-inch 1.04M-dot vari-angle touchscreen can be repositioned for high, low and less direct shooting angles, with touch control covering shutter release, AF positioning, subject selection and key camera settings directly from the display. Tactile physical controls complement the touchscreen, keeping key settings accessible from the camera body and giving photographers direct control without relying on the display for every adjustment.

Creative and computational photography

The move to current OM SYSTEM technology gives the PEN access to a substantial range of computational photography functions. Live ND lets you use slower shutter speeds without a physical ND filter, and High Res Shot can produce 50MP JPEG images handheld or on a tripod when you need extra resolution. Focus Bracketing captures a sequence of images at different focus positions, with Focus Stacking combining them for greater depth of field. Live Bulb and Live Composite add dedicated options for long-exposure photography.

Customisable Colour and Monochrome Profile Controls also give photographers control over how colour and black-and-white images are rendered before shooting. Colour profiles provide individual adjustment across 12 colours, while Monochrome profiles include colour filters and control over shading, grain and toning. You can store four profiles of each type in-camera, so you can save and recall a preferred look without rebuilding the settings each time.

Compact, weather-resistant design

At approximately 125.8 × 74.5 × 43.3mm and 393g with one BLS-7 battery and memory card, the PEN retains the compact dimensions and low weight central to the series. IPX1 weather resistance adds protection when paired with a compatible splashproof OM SYSTEM lens, making the PEN more capable in changing weather. Compatibility with OM SYSTEM’s compact, travel-friendly interchangeable lenses also lets you configure the system for different subjects without sacrificing the PEN’s emphasis on portability. It stays true to the original PEN principle: a capable interchangeable-lens camera designed around carrying less.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x OM SYSTEM PEN Body
• 1 x Body cap
• 1 x Hot shoe cover
• 1 x Shoulder strap
• 1 x BLS-7 Li-ion battery
• 1 x Instruction manual
• 1 x Warranty card