Olympus PEN-F
Announced January 27, 2016
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Olympus PEN-F is a stylish, retro-inspired mirrorless camera that excels in still photography through its sharp 20MP sensor and effective 5-axis stabilization. That said, it falls short for serious videographers due to the lack of 4K recording, external microphone support, and weather sealing.
Weighted from 46 reviewer scores
Pros
- Beautiful, high-quality retro metal design
- Excellent 20MP image quality and dynamic range
- Highly effective 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Responsive and accurate autofocus for stills
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder and articulating touchscreen
Cons
- Lacks weather sealing and 4K video capability
- No external microphone or headphone jacks
- Cluttered and confusing menu system
- Poor continuous autofocus performance for tracking moving subjects
- Awkward ergonomics including tripod mount placement and small rear buttons
- Launch price $1,199 (USD)
- Sensor 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
- Stabilization In-body IS
- Burst 20 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 46 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 82/100
The PEN F is a fashionable as it is functional. Pairing many of the same guts found in the enthusiast OM-D E-M5 II with a brand-new 20MP sensor, the PEN F is a highly capable shooter offering good image quality and decent video quality.
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The Olympus PEN-F checks-off a lot of boxes on our list for what makes a fantastic camera.
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I do want to get across though, very important I think, is the PEN-F is not only gorgeous but as a photographic platform I really did enjoy it.
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If you're in love with the idea of a digital camera that looks, feels, and operates like a classic film camera, the Pen-F is one of the best ever made. And if you already own a number of Olympus lenses, it has to be a tempting indulgence.
- WIRED 7/10
Olympus built an excellent camera, so if you want something that looks great and produces wonderful images, ignore the fashion tax and buy it.
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The Olympus PEN-F is a stylish compact system camera, that backs up stylish design with advanced photographic features that includes a unique high resolution mode that can produce 50 megapixel images from the new 20 megapixel sensor.
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The gorgeous new Olympus PEN-F takes all of the latest cutting-edge features from the company's OM-D range, throws in a brand new 20-megapixel sensor [...] and houses them inside one of the most beautifully realised camera bodies that we've ever had the pleasure to use.
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The Olympus PEN F is a great compact camera that’s ideal for those who want to take photos without the bulk of a DSLR.
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The Pen-F is an excellent camera with bags of features, plus lots of scope for customisation of both the controls and the appearance of the images it produces.
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The Olympus PEN-F is a svelte mirrorless camera with a retro chic design that delivers superb image quality, but could do better in terms of video capture and subject tracking.
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The PEN-F is an excellent camera with bags of features and lots of scope for customisation of both the controls and the appearance of the images it produces.
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Classic camera fans like me are prone to getting a lump in our throats with devices like the PEN-F, because they remind us of the old-school film cameras we grew up with.
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[T]he Pen-F is probably the best Olympus camera yet to shoot with.
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You can get a decent model on eBay for no more than 200 bucks, and if experimenting with formats is your thing, I encourage you to get one.
- CNET 8.3/10
So while I would recommend the PEN-F in general, it’s not a great value for the money compared with some other mirrorless models. Its size advantage without sacrificing photo quality does confer some benefits over a comparable dSLR, though.
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[I]s: the camera won’t cope with very fast subjects but it works fine for slow/medium subjects.
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The Pen-F checks all the right boxes to become a portable camera companion. It’s clear that Olympus’ has done some of their best work on the Pen-F, and it’s a new classic for our age that would make its namesake proud.
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Yeah, it looks pretty, but it's pricey right here, but given the choice of the EM5 II or the PEN-F, I'll take the PEN-F any day of the week.
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Even though it isn't a perfect digital recreation of the original, this new PEN-F is a stylish, solidly constructed piece of kit that we think enthusiasts will adore.
- Photo Review 8.8/10
The entire design concept behind the PEN-F is aimed at JPEG shooters who are active on social media.
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If you’re in love with the look or the lack of a viewfinder hump, you’ll be pleased with the Pen-F. It’s an excellent camera, despite a few handling quirks. Olympus has done a good job with the camera, but I think your money is more wisely spent elsewhere.
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Olympus outdid themselves and the PEN-F is 100% bonafide winner.
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Just as it did with the original Pen, Olympus has launched another classic in the Pen-F. The elegant design is eye-catching enough to steal some of Fujifilm's retro-styled limelight, without compromising on the feature set.
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Just make sure you don't pick up and play with the PEN-F before you buy the more "sensible" option: it's a camera that you buy with your heart as much as your head, and the only way to conclusively avoid its charms is to keep your distance altogether.
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In fact, it’s the best PEN by some margin, I’d say, and both an immensely desirable piece of design and an immensely capable camera for all-round shooting.
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The Olympus PEN-F is a compelling choice for photographers who value aesthetics, portability, and creative flexibility.
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To conclude my review, I can simply say this is the PEN I have been waiting for the beginning, full of features with great photo and video quality with built-in viewfinder and really sexy and ergonomically perfect body.
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[I]mage quality is good. [T]his is the midterm review for the Olympus PEN-F camera, but I still recommend it, and I think that is still a very good camera on its own, very capable still cameras depending on your requirements.
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As others have said before me – the best camera is the one you have with you. Is this Olympus the best small camera(opens in new tab) available? Whilst I wouldn’t say it’s the all time best, it’s certainly one of my favorites.
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Using a very simple camera, it's actually quite fun.
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The PEN-F has done so many things right such as the super fast AF and built in large and sharp EVF. This is the kind of camera that is made to lust for: beautiful design blended with great functions and shooting capabilities.
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I already am satisfied with the Ricoh GR II I already own, but I would highly recommend the Pen-F for any street/travel photographer— or even any general photographer. The autofocus is super fast, so I’d imagine it is good for photographing your kids, family, and pets.
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Olympus has really knocked it out of the park with the physical design of this camera. Just really, really can't get over that; still really, really great looking and feeling camera.
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Its portability would still be its greatest selling point. That’s especially if you don’t mind paying a premium for it.
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The Pen F lineup of cameras are incredible, and when you factor in their persistently low cost of entry, I consider them to be a no-brainer purchase for those of us who value build quality, portability, and uncompromising image quality.
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For everything I can say about the design and engineering greatness in this camera, here is the highest praise of it that I can share: it uses well and feels like a seamless extension of the photographer's mind.
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[T]his is one very creative tool for photographers.
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[...] I enjoyed shooting with the PEN F. It’s sized right, feels right, and responds well. The camera part just gets out of the way and lets you concentrate on shooting.
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If you want to look and feel good and to thoroughly enjoy taking quality pictures, the Olympus PEN-F is a gem. It makes using a camera doubly pleasurable, form and function.
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It’s also good for a creative challenge to create meaningful, unique diptychs or panoramas.
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If you want a camera that performs well but also brings back the fun in photography, the Pen-F is definitely something you should consider. In my opinion, this is one of the best cameras to come out so far this year.
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[T]he Olympus PEN-F can hold its own in the mirrorless market and the design and looks are some of the best we've seen in a camera.
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For stills, it's a joy to use, particularly if you were into street photography.
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We highly recommend the PEN-F not just for fans of retro photography, but for any photographer who wants a strong alternative to film cameras or brands that also make digital film-like cameras.
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So to sum it up, the Olympus PEN-F is probably the best half-frame camera ever made. It offers amazing build quality, despite its form factor, its small size; it feels really solid, really great.
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Nonetheless, the PEN-F is an absolute stunner with great performance, and that it is likely to appeal to those who love digital cameras that look and operate like their film counterparts.
