A compact Micro Four Thirds body with a built-in electronic viewfinder immediately gives the new Pen a practical advantage over many similarly styled cameras that prioritize size over traditional composition. The 2.36-million-dot EVF is positioned off to the side in a rangefinder-like layout, while the fully articulating rear touchscreen adds flexibility for low-angle work, casual video, and waist-level shooting. That combination makes the camera feel designed for photographers who genuinely want to carry it all day rather than simply admire its styling.
The body itself is deliberately restrained. Its design borrows heavily from the earlier Pen EP7 rather than the more ornate Pen F, and the presenter initially finds that choice disappointing because the older Pen F offered a more distinctive vintage aesthetic. In use, however, the simpler design begins to make more sense: the metal dials feel substantial, the mode dial has enough resistance to avoid accidental movement, and the twin control-dial arrangement retains useful direct control despite the camera's small size. The shallow grip remains a compromise, though, requiring more of a pinch than a relaxed hold and making an aftermarket grip seem like a sensible addition.
Control placement is generally thoughtful but not uniformly successful. The dedicated color and monochrome selector is particularly well suited to street photography, allowing quick movement between custom color recipes, black-and-white settings and standard shooting modes. Full touchscreen menu operation and a rear directional pad partly compensate for the absence of a focus joystick. By contrast, the AF-ON button sits lower than the presenter would like, repeatedly causing accidental presses of the nearby menu button even after several days of use.
Much of the internal technology is familiar rather than new. The 20-megapixel sensor, computational photography tools and general shooting capabilities closely resemble those found in other OM System models, with features including high-resolution multi-shot capture, focus stacking, Live ND and multiple exposure. Five-and-a-half-stop-rated in-body stabilization is useful for handheld travel and street photography, although the camera does not support synchronized stabilization with compatible telephoto lenses. That limitation fits the intended audience reasonably well, since this is positioned as a compact everyday camera rather than a specialist wildlife body.
Performance appears comfortably sufficient for that role. Mechanical shooting reaches eight frames per second, electronic shooting can reach considerably higher speeds, and Pro Capture is also included. The autofocus system is simplified compared with OM System's more advanced cameras, but face and eye detection are described as fast and accurate, while cat and dog detection appears capable of recognizing some other animals as well. The review is appropriately cautious about stretching those results into a broader wildlife claim, making clear that the system is intended for casual subjects and pets rather than demanding action photography.
Video capabilities are more modest. OM-Log remains available, along with stabilization, subject detection, custom color looks and a microphone input, making the camera usable for travel clips and casual vlogging. The lack of 10-bit recording and a headphone jack, however, places clear limits on more serious production work. The presenter also argues that reduced bit depth affects the overall image quality compared with OM System's more advanced implementations, reinforcing that video is a supporting feature rather than a central strength.
The most persuasive part of the review is how the opinion changes through extended use. Initial disappointment with the conservative design gradually gives way to appreciation for the low weight, battery life, customization, dependable autofocus and practical shooting experience. The main unresolved issue is value: according to the presentation, the body price sits close enough to the OM-5 that buyers must choose between the Pen's compact styling and the OM-5's stronger grip, more rugged orientation and additional stabilization capability. That makes the new Pen less of a technological breakthrough than a different packaging of familiar hardware, but for photographers prioritizing portability and an integrated EVF, that packaging may be exactly the point.
Pros
- Built-in 2.36-million-dot EVF restores an important feature to the compact Pen format.
- Small, lightweight body combines twin control dials, extensive touchscreen control and useful customization.
- Dedicated color and monochrome selector makes custom recipes particularly convenient for street photography.
- Includes useful computational photography features, IBIS, Pro Capture and respectable burst performance.
- Face and eye autofocus are described as quick and reliable during real-world travel shooting.
- Extended use gives the review a credible sense of how the ergonomics and handling change after several days.
Cons
- Much of the underlying imaging and autofocus technology is carried over from existing OM System cameras rather than representing a major technical advance.
- The shallow grip and awkwardly positioned AF-ON button weaken otherwise strong everyday ergonomics.
- Video capabilities remain relatively basic, with no 10-bit recording or headphone monitoring.
- Lack of synchronized lens-and-body stabilization reduces its suitability for larger stabilized telephoto lenses.
- Pricing close to the OM-5 makes the trade between compact styling and greater ruggedness harder to justify purely on value.
OM System has produced a compact, capable travel camera whose strongest feature is not new sensor technology but a well-judged combination of portability, an EVF, stabilization and flexible controls. Its familiar internals and awkward pricing prevent it from feeling revolutionary, yet the shooting experience appears considerably more appealing than the specifications alone might suggest.
