OM SYSTEM revives the PEN with a new mirrorless camera

OM Digital Solutions has introduced the OM SYSTEM PEN, a new Micro Four Thirds interchangeable-lens camera that brings the PEN name under the OM SYSTEM brand for the first time.

The camera combines a rangefinder-style body with an electronic viewfinder and is the first PEN model to feature dustproof and IPX1-rated splashproof construction, when paired with a suitably weather-sealed lens.

The PEN uses a 20.37-megapixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic IX processor, along with five-axis image stabilisation offering up to 5.5 stops of compensation at the centre of the frame. It also has a 121-point all-cross-type phase-detection autofocus system and AI Subject Detection AF for people, cats and dogs.

OM SYSTEM has included a range of in-camera creative tools, including Colour and Monochrome Profile Control. The colour profiles include Film Rich Colour, Film Vivid and Film Soft Tone, while the monochrome options include Film B&W, Film IR and Film Low Contrast.

The camera also offers several computational photography modes, including Tripod and Handheld High Res Shot, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR and Multiple Exposure. These can be accessed through a dedicated CP button.

Other features include Starry Sky AF, 16 Art Filters, Pro Capture with pre-shooting of up to 12 frames, and vertical video and slow/quick-motion recording.

The PEN is available in black or silver from September 10 at a recommended retail price of $1,499, while a kit with the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 III lens costs $1,799.

The 14-42mm lens is also being released separately for $479. It provides a 28-84mm equivalent focal-length range and has its own dustproof and IPX1-rated splashproof construction.

The PEN follows the original PEN film camera, introduced in 1959, while adding modern digital features and an electronic viewfinder to the compact format.

You can find out more about the new PEN at OM Systems website.