OM System PEN

Announced September 9, 2026

PetaPixel may earn a commission if you buy through one of our links.

86

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 OM System PEN is a compact, retro-styled mirrorless camera that integrates professional features like weather sealing, in-body image stabilization, and an electronic viewfinder into an accessible everyday carry. While it lacks high-end video capabilities and advanced autofocus performance, it serves as a capable and fun tool for travel and street photography.

Weighted from 15 reviewer scores

Pros

  • Includes professional-grade features like weather sealing, IBIS, and an EVF
  • Compact, retro-inspired design with a comfortable grip
  • Accessible computational photography tools and creative color modes
  • Improved autofocus performance and battery life

Cons

  • Limited video quality and feature set
  • Ergonomic limitations including shallow grip and control placement
  • Slower card standard and lack of advanced burst performance
  • Build quality feels more mid-range than flagship models
  • Launch price $999 (USD)
  • Sensor 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS
  • Video 4K 24p
  • Stabilization In-body IS, 5 stops (CIPA)
  • Burst 30 fps electronic 30 fps mechanical


What the Reviewers Say

All 15 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.

  • DPReview 81%

    The OM System PEN is likely to be a disappointment to Micro Four Thirds enthusiasts hoping for a direct PEN F successor with premium build and cutting-edge features.

    Read full review

  • Cameralabs

    Here's a camera that may not have prolevel video or autofocus, but which looks good, has a viewfinder, is dust and splash resistant, and has some of the best stabilization around. That's a combination that's not only tempting, but rare at this price point.

    Watch video review

  • Amateur Photographer

    At this price point there is no other mirrorless camera that offers in-body image stabilisation. Similarly, at this price, there is no other mirrorless camera that offers weather-sealing.

    Read full review

  • Digital Camera World

    [Y]ou're getting one of the most beautiful cameras on the market that takes even more beautiful pictures, while also packing weather sealing, stabilization and an electronic viewfinder.

    Read full review

  • The new PEN camera from OM System brings updated technologies and the series’ first dust- and splash-proof design to a take-anywhere camera for travel and everyday photography. Imatest testing on JPEG files showed the new camera and kit lens to be very good performers.

    Read full review

  • Jimmy Cheng (RED35)

    I I actually think that you know, OM System has done a great job in incorporating all those professional features in this body while giving us a relatively affordable price.

    Watch video review

  • Julia Trotti

    While there are a few limitations with this camera, overall I found the experience of shooting with it was very fun and I was able to capture some great images.

    Watch video review

  • Kyler Steele

    This is a camera that I've been taking with me on my travels for the past few weeks, and for me, it has been a great travel companion and it has been an everyday camera.

    Watch video review

Specifications

General

Announcement date September 9, 2026
Launch MSRP $999
Medium Digital
Lens mount Micro Four Thirds
Body type Mirrorless

Sensor & Processing

Effective resolution 20.4MP
Sensor format Micro Four Thirds
Sensor technology CMOS
Sensor dimensions 17.4 x 13 mm
Color filter array Bayer
Image processor TruePic IX
Native ISO range 200-25600
Expanded ISO range 64-25600
Aspect ratio options 4:3

Still Capture

Burst speed (mechanical) 30fps
Burst speed (electronic) 30fps
RAW formats 14-bit ORF
Other still formats JPEG, RAW
Color spaces sRGB, Adobe RGB
Still bit depth 12-Bit

Autofocus

AF architecture Hybrid phase + contrast detect
AF points 121
AF coverage 121-point
AF low-light sensitivity -3.5EV
Subject recognition Human, Cat, Dog

Shutter & Exposure

Shutter types Mechanical, Electronic
Shutter speed range 1/4000 to 60 sec, Bulb
Flash sync speed 1/250 sec
Exposure compensation +/- 5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps
Metering modes Center-Weighted Average, Spot

Display & Viewfinder

EVF resolution 2.36M dots
EVF magnification 1.1x
Rear LCD size 3-inch
Rear LCD resolution 1.04M dots
Rear LCD articulation Fully articulating

Video

Max video resolution 4K
Max frame rate at max resolution 24p
Max frame rate at 4K 30p
Codecs H.264, MOV, MPEG-4 AVC
Max bitrate 240Mbps
Recording limit No limit
Audio recording 16-Bit 48 kHz PCM, 24-Bit 96 kHz PCM
Built-in ND filter Yes

Storage

Card slots 1
Card types 1x SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I)
Internal storage No

Stabilization

In-body stabilization (IBIS) Yes
IBIS rating 5stops

Connectivity

USB USB-C
HDMI output Micro Type-D
Wi-Fi Built-in
Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2
3.5mm mic input Yes
3.5mm headphone output No
Flash sync terminal No
Hot shoe 1x Hot Shoe

Power

Battery BLS-7
CIPA battery life (LCD) 410shots
CIPA battery life (EVF) 410shots
CIPA video recording time Approx. 80 min
USB power delivery No

Body

Weight (body only) 344g
Dimensions 125.8 x 74.5 x 43.3 mm (4.95 x 2.93 x 1.70 in)
Weight (with battery and recording media) 393g
Weather sealing Partial sealing
Chassis material Polycarbonate
Tripod thread 1/4"-20