OM System PEN review: an affordable, feature-packed rangefinder-style camera

OM System has revived the Olympus PEN series with the OM System PEN, a compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a retro design and an electronic viewfinder. TechRadar reviewer Timothy Coleman describes it as an affordable, feature-packed option, though the camera brings few major upgrades over earlier models.

The camera uses a 20.4MP sensor and 5-axis in-body image stabilization, alongside a 121-point hybrid phase-detection autofocus system. Its 2.36m-dot electronic viewfinder and vari-angle touchscreen are also carried over from previous models. The body is rated IPX1, and the new 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 III kit lens is splash-proof.

The body costs $1,000, £850 or AU$1,800. The kit lens adds $100, £100 or AU$300. TechRadar says the camera is available for preorder in black or black with silver trim. Coleman calls it a strong beginner camera, particularly for everyday and street photography with smaller lenses. He also notes that some controls are fiddly and that the design is less suited to larger lenses and harsher weather than the OM-5 Mark II, which has a higher weather-resistance rating.