A new PEN-F camera
The Olympus PEN-F is a small pocketable camera released in 2016 which, though I rarely use it anymore, I know I will never sell. Apparently, it’s a fan favourite too; its second-hand price is higher than what you’d expect for an 8-year-old camera, and every time OM-System releases something, inevitable comments turn to “Will they make a new PEN-F one day?”
Which is understandable. There are a few reasons why one might gravitate to a Micro-Four-Thirds camera, and without going into depth on sensor size and the benefits and drawbacks (I’ll save that for a follow-up); size is definitely one valid reason for choosing the M43 camera system.
The Olympus PEN-F, originally released in 2016.
The PEN-F was a great small camera: excellent hardware, interchangeable lenses, it slides into any pocket, and it just feels great in the hand. The dials are beautifully tactile and turn with exactly the right amount of effort. The exposure compensation dial is harder to dial, but that’s the exact point. While I would drop some dials – more on that later – they are all really well done.
Another favourite of mine is its flip-out tilting screen, and I much prefer it to a screen that only tilts. I love shooting in portrait mode closer to the ground and trying slightly unusual perspectives, and these flip-out screens are perfect for that.
Olympus PEN-F – The tilting screen allows for ultimate flexibility in camera angles.
Leica Q – Practical in landscape orientation, but in portrait they’re of no help.
The PEN-F also has great image stabilisation. I can easily hand-hold a long exposure and take pictures in low light, it’s impressive. It has great autofocus, white balance, colour reproduction and all that. In short, it was a great camera when it was released.
Making a better PEN-F
However, it’s 8 years old now, so, if OM-System were to release a new PEN camera, what should they change, add, or improve? Here are a few things I would love to see. I’ve got 5 obvious ones and three perhaps surprising ones. Let’s start with the obvious ones:
1. Updated sensor & processor. This is the obvious one, of course. Just take the same ones that are in the OM-1. Yes, this would keep the camera at 20MP and that’s totally fine, stick a small zoom lens on it or take an extra tiny prime lenses with you and you never need to crop really. OM-System’s range of f1.8 prime lenses is great.
2. A new menu system. The OM-1 shipped with a great new menu system, and the newer OM-5, for inexplicable reasons, stuck to the old menu system. One looks modern, works great and the other one looks distinctly year 2000-ish and has an inscrutable menu structure.
3. USB-C charging. I should be able to charge the camera with a USB-C cable, the same cable I can use to charge my laptop, my phone, my tablet and everything. For something pocketable, travel-ready, I think it’s a must. My OM-1 does, and once again, for inexplicable reasons, the OM-5 does not.
4. Weather sealing. This was the main thing people held against the original PeEN-F and rightly so. Fortunately, OM System excels at weather sealing, so I don’t doubt it’ll make its way to a new version.
5. Upgrade the display and EVF. I’m not exactly sure what pixel density and refresh rate it uses, but the OM-1 has a superb EVF, which the moment I looked through it, I knew I wanted that camera. Honestly, that is the first thing I noticed that immediately convinced me I wanted to upgrade.
New menu system left, on the right the old one. Of note are the gradients, and the picture of the camera to remind you what you’re holding. On the left, though, I’d argue we don’t need those grey boxes, but I’ll write about that another time.
Off the beaten track
The above improvements would all make sense, I think, and should be in no way contentious. They’re also not really worth writing about – it’s been 8 years, bring the hardware up to 2024 levels. It would only be surprising if OM System didn’t make these changes!
I do also have three possibly less obvious requests though:
1. Simplify the hardware. I want fewer dials! The PEN-F is a beautiful camera, but it has too many buttons and dials. There are 4 dials on top and one on the front; the classic P/A/S/M dial, front dial, a back dial, an exposure compensation dial (which only works in some modes) and an “Art” dial on the front – more about that later. At a fundamental level though, I never felt like I really understood my camera: the menu system and overload of buttons and dials that did different things in different modes is just too much for an amateur photographer. The PEN-F was never meant to be a professional’s camera anyway; I don’t think we need three extra programmable FN buttons?
2. Buttons. While early on I raved about the quality of the dials on top of the camera, the buttons on the back of the camera feel distinctly cheaper, almost as if the top and front of the camera were designed by different teams than the back. I’d love to see those buttons improved and feel more tactile.
3. Ditch the Art dial. As rare as it is to argue for fewer features, I would argue that case here. The Art dial on the front of the camera leads you into a very finicky and hard to learn UI for choosing different art effects – and gradations in those – that get baked into your JPG files. Camera makers are generally not great at making good user interfaces, and I can hold this entire section up as a prime example of that. I think the camera is better off without it. We all know how to edit images on our phones; focus on getting the pictures off the camera as fast as possible instead. While the promise of the ‘fun’ Art filters could be considered interesting, if you can’t find your way around, it only makes the experience worse; nobody likes to be made to feel stupid.
That’s a lot of dials – too many if you ask me.
I’m really hoping there will be a refreshed PEN-F camera. While OM System, after the rebrand/relaunch, focussed (probably justly) on the nature and wildlife photographers, I hope they’ll try their hand again at the PEN-F; I’m sure they could do an amazing job.
“By day I do Product at Sketch. By night I play the piano, take photos, read and occasionally write. Also a bit of a history and architecture buff.”
Michael Trank
October 17, 2024 @ 16:35
Weather sealing, OM1 sensor and menu system and USB-C charging would be my priorities. Buttons and dials are okay with me.
George Mahlum
November 22, 2024 @ 00:19
I read that the pen F was manufactured up until 2020. So it may not be as old as some folks say.
Derrick
October 17, 2024 @ 18:53
I think to say the PenF fits in any pocket is a fantasy.
Ben Taylor
October 17, 2024 @ 19:53
I agree with improved menu, USB-C charging, improved sensor, better AF consisting of “contrast” and “phase” capability. Leave the buttons and dials accessing unique features alone, but improve the tactile quality of same. Can’t think of anything else,.., except, maybe better video.
Steve
October 17, 2024 @ 20:45
I like it the way it is. For forty years I never had a weather sealed camera & it never stopped me taking pictures.
George Bowron
October 18, 2024 @ 01:59
The front dial is unique and should be retained and important as the Pen F is a artsy camera. All of the computational features should be added as well as a serious update in multiple exposure options, one area Olympus has really fallen behind,,,and an area where some very interesting art is being produced.
Edward
November 26, 2024 @ 18:31
I heartily agree, the front dial is of the essence of what this camera is. A love song to photography more than a professional tool. If you want no front dial, and weather sealing is a must, then IMHO you are asking for an OM-5 with a “rangefinder” body. Not an improved PEN-F.
remo
October 18, 2024 @ 10:28
I would add making it lighter.
At 427g its heavier than em5 (414) and em10 (383).
Bring weight down to 350ish..
25MP would be nice too, to pull even with x100vi pixel density. But in the end less important to me..
Terry
October 18, 2024 @ 16:05
Happy to keep the same design, better sensor with phase detect love to see a 30MP sensor, higher res, bigger and brighter EVF, same with LCD tilt with vertical tilt like Fuji’s.
NO Video don’t need it don’t want it. Weather sealing and new menu
christian thompson
October 18, 2024 @ 17:21
Keep all knobs and dials just rationalise and improve the operating system to make better use of them.
I agree the art filter menus are confusing … but then, the art filters served me well. Having a revert button in post would be great though.
I do occasionally think about buying Pen f again… 🤔
Gregory Lee Donoghue
October 18, 2024 @ 23:27
I am not a small camera guy, why I did not buy an OM-1 or ll. I use two M1X and realize OM will not be coming out with a new lX, so I am seeking out a new Camera Platform to move to. I do exclusively Birds and Wildlife. Wish the rest of you well with your choices, but I am now done with OM!
Ben Syev
October 19, 2024 @ 09:19
Wishful thinking. And flippy screens suck for street photography. Everyone notices you from a mile away with your open bible… Unless you are a vlogger or a verticalist.
Pieter Omvlee
October 19, 2024 @ 14:44
But I happen to be a verticalist 😀
Don
October 21, 2024 @ 02:31
I love the art dial…easy to change from two levels of b&w & custom colors.
Would also love a larger battery.
Don
October 21, 2024 @ 02:33
Also, the buttons & dials are perfect – especially if your use to the Canon system
Ze lean shooter
October 22, 2024 @ 05:03
Disagree with a lot of points here. This camera was made for street photography. So basically, keep the dials, but replace most art for film emulations. I use the bnw half of the time on mine. Ditch the articulated screen, give us a flip up only. My main issue with PenF is autofocus. It needs a serious upgrade. Agree with weatherseal and menu. Get bigger battery, they don’t last 1hr in Canadian winters. But also, it needs more pancake lens. Not electronic zooms that takes 4s to pop out, fixed f1.8, similar to the fuji V.
Tommaso
October 25, 2024 @ 11:39
M43 could have some good shots yet, and Pen-F more that other products. I totally agree. Unfortunately Om system seems still looking at their target clients as photo magazine lovers in their late 50s living in the 80s.
Here 4 killer features for a new Pen-F (if OM System will ever do it) in my personal opinion:
– pro autofocus (such a small camera needs 1 or 2 “killer photographer” application, and for street, you need it).
– ai optional adjustments: the adjustement every iphone or samsung do to each of our daily photos, made optional, post processed, and in-camera.
– usb-C continuous AC power on: to use it as a webcam, or to experiment in various condition. M43 is for geek choose cameras instead of iper-phones. Opening possibilities to play with it is a must.
– (this come as a consequence of the previous) empower wifi connection: with unlimited power and wifi streaming you will be proud to show the camera as your favourite jewel to manage your video calls and conference in office too. Iphone and Android do.
PeterK
November 15, 2024 @ 08:03
Here’s my wishlist
– Two dial operation; no separate +/- dial;
– tilt-only LCDscreen;
– togglebutton (on top) to replace front ArtDial;
– some form of grip;
– uniform/unobtrusive [grey or black] body colouring.
[EM-1mkII & EP-5 user]
Lainer
November 15, 2024 @ 18:23
I’ve had my Olympus Pen F for years. Love it. Will never sell it. It’s a joy to use. My favorite mode is Mono 2 though I do also shoot in color. I have the 45mm and 17mm lenses. I use the 17mm the most. I don’t shoot RAW anymore since Adobe & Apple crippled my CS6 in an OSX update. I was angry at first, but then I realized-it doesn’t matter. I shoot JPEGs directly out of camera and either upload to have printed or to go on social media. It’s a freeing experience. No more sitting at the computer for hours working on photos. I do it correctly in camera. This experience brings me back to my film days, which I still use. I also have a Fuji X camera which I love but the Pen f and a tiny Ricoh GR first edition digital are my daily carry. And though the bigger sensor in the Ricoh is better, I prefer carrying the Olympus. Both are outstanding. It depends on the experience I wish to have that particular day. I’ve owned so many cameras and still own numerous film cameras, but the Pen F is never going anywhere. I don’t chase pixels since forever. Printing the files, they are gorgeous. I’ve been a photographer since 1972. I’ve had a wonderful experience in my life using so many cameras and now I’ve narrowed it down to just a few, and they aren’t top of the line in pixel of craftsmanship. They just work and keep on working. I don’t beat on my cameras, but I use them. The marketing hype of pixel chasing that ent on for years didn’t grab me like some because I was using film and opted to do that and stay with smaller cameras in my digital world. As I got older carrying so much weight is a burden. I shoot for fun and function. My advice to people, if you even want it, shoot with what resonates to you. it’s like playing a musical instrument.
Lainer
November 15, 2024 @ 18:31
…and here is a shot of my brother-in-law shot indoors with available light taken on June 11, 2021, using the Olympus Pen F, Mono 2-JPEG setting
45mm F 1.8 Lens, F/3.2, 1/80th sec, ISO 2000
Bernard Schneider
November 21, 2024 @ 16:12
I agree with almost everything you mention! My main camera now is the OM-5 (which if I could change one thing would be to update to the OM-1 menu system) so I don’t use my Pen-F very often now. As an eyeglasses wearer my biggest issue is the low-magnification EVF not the resolution (it was the same problem I found when I tested the Fuji X-Pro3). IMHO, the Pen-F is for JPEG shooters as it offers the most customization of any digital camera, it can even allow editing the ART filter settings which no other Olympus/OM camera can. So no, keep the front dial. (The recent Panasonic S9, though, shows probably a better way forward for JPEG photographers than the complexity of the Pen-F.). Also, it’s only pocketable in a heavy jacket, it weighs the same as the OM-5 but feels more dense (should do as it’s made of metal not plastic like the OM-5). No, only the GR series are true (large-sensor) pocket cameras in my opinion!