Olympus Pen F generally refers to two types of cameras. The first is a mechanical SLR in half frame produced in the 1960s, and the other is a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera produced in 2016 that everyone usually mentions.

Background

The Olympus PEN-F is a digital mirrorless camera that pays homage to the original Olympus PEN-F film camera from the 1960s. Released in 2016, it combines a retro design with modern technology to appeal to photographers looking for a stylish and capable camera.

Key Features:

Design: The PEN-F features a classic rangefinder-style design with a solid metal body and a variety of manual controls, including dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture.

Sensor: It sports a 20.3-megapixel Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor without a low-pass filter, which helps to maximize sharpness and detail in images.

Image Processor: Powered by the TruePic VII Image Processor, the camera delivers fast performance, excellent image quality, and a wide ISO range of 200-25600 (expandable to ISO 80-25600).

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): The built-in 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder provides a high-resolution and clear view of your composition, especially useful when shooting in bright sunlight.

Articulating Touchscreen: The 3.0-inch 1.04m-dot vari-angle touchscreen LCD allows for easy framing from different angles and provides touch-to-focus and touch-to-shoot capabilities.

5-Axis Image Stabilization: The PEN-F incorporates Olympus's highly effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, which compensates for camera shake in both stills and video recording.

Continuous Shooting: It can shoot at up to 10 frames per second (fps) in full-resolution RAW format, making it suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.

Video Capabilities: While primarily a stills-focused camera, the PEN-F can record Full HD 1080p video at up to 60fps, with manual control over exposure settings during recording.

Creative Features: Olympus includes a range of in-camera creative filters and effects, including Art Filters, Color Creator, and Monochrome Profile Control, allowing photographers to add artistic touches to their images.

Connectivity: The camera has built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer and remote camera control using the Olympus Image Share app on compatible smartphones and tablets.

Lens Compatibility: Being a Micro Four Thirds camera, the PEN-F is compatible with a wide range of Olympus and Panasonic lenses, providing photographers with versatile options for different shooting scenarios.

Who is suitable for Olympus Pen F?

As an MFT camera in 2016, the biggest reason why the Olympus Pen F can maintain its current price (around $800) is its appearance. Many people, including me, consider this to be Olympus's best-looking camera, with its metal casing, retro look. The silver version is in the same vein as its 1960s predecessor. If you like its design then it is irreplaceable, and for those who like a retro vibe, it is worth treating it as an $800 accessory.

Olympus Pen F Review

Although the Olympus Pen FD isn't the most capable in this price range, the Olympus Pen F isn't a show-stopping machine. A camera is a good camera if you are willing to take it out for shooting. The biggest advantage of an MFT camera over a full-frame camera is its weight. With a weight of 15.06 oz, it can be easily taken out. For street photography, the appearance of the Olympus Pen F is much less aggressive to the subject and can help you express yourself better.

The Olympus PEN F's 20MP sensor, same as the OM-D E-M5 II, delivers good image quality with sufficient detail and low noise levels, especially in well-lit conditions. The absence of a low-pass filter contributes to sharper images.

While the Olympus PEN F can record Full HD 1080p video, it may not offer the advanced video features found in some competitors. However, the inclusion of image stabilization enhances video stability, making it suitable for casual video shooting.

The 5-axis in-body image stabilization system is a standout feature, providing steady shots and smooth video footage even in challenging shooting conditions or with non-stabilized lenses.

The six film presets and other creative filters appeal to photographers who enjoy shooting in JPEG format, allowing for in-camera customization and artistic expression without extensive post-processing.

Who is not suitable for Olympus Pen F?

If you have a lot of crazy big zoom lenses, the Olympus Pen F may not be the best choice. The Olympus Pen F performs very well in terms of portability and picture quality under the fixed-focus lenses of Panasonic and Olympus. However, if your main creative subject is sports photography or high-definition vlog, then Olympus Pen F may not be for you.

How do I choose a lens for my Olympus Pen F

The Olympus Pen F uses an M43 mount body, which means there are a lot of lenses to choose from. The large number of M43 lenses has always been the advantage of the M43mount body camera. Many classic lenses (Panasonic, Olympus) are very good options. M43 lenses, especially telephoto lenses, can be very lightweight and relatively low-priced.

However, if you have many other brands of lenses, such as Canon EF/EF-S (EOS), or you have a 1960s Olympus Pen F film camera from the film era, and want the new Olympus Pen F to inherit the Olympus Pen For F film camera lenses, we can also provide PenF-M4/3 adapter ring. You’ll find everything you need in kfconcept’s LENS MOUNT ADAPTER collection.

Conclusion

As a 2016 camera, the Olympus Pen F will still be competitive in 2024 with its excellent design, powerful anti-shake and still shooting capabilities. If you want to buy a retro-looking MFT camera in 2024, then the Olympus Pen F is a good choice.