Nice review. I think that for $1000 body only, this may be the best new-camera deal on the market. I have read a lot of reviews this morning, and the complaining is predictable. But for $1000, we get some weather sealing, IBIS, EVF, endless creative features, beautiful design, great lens system, solid images, etc. I don't know of any other camera that offer this at a $1000 price. Great writing, and I love your photos. I had forgotten all about the old Western Auto stories.
Hey, Robert! Thanks so much for the kind words - and I agree with you! There's nothing out there like it... offers a TON without many drawbacks at all! Thanks for the support!
Thanks Jerred, that was a very nice review! I am very tempted - for me this is certainly not a beginner’s camera, but an E-M1 mk3 in compact form factor. My current cameras are E-M1 mk2 and E-M1X, so the new Pen has everything I need. Years ago I became interested in Pen F for caving photography (where you have to pack everything tightly, and its small form factor would be a big plus), and this new camera looks to me essentially a Pen F mk2 without the luxury parts.
Question: how was using the Pen with Olympus 12-100 mm Pro? This lens is my main hiking/mountaneering tool, and having it attached to the small Pen would be a dream. I think you mentioned in DPreview forum that even using the Olympus f1.2 primes is a so-so experience ergonomically?
P.S. I also loved your review of 50-200mm Pro, which I now own. Like you, I also love shooting flowers with telephotos and shallow DOF, and 40-150mm was not long enough :-)
Hello! Thanks for the support, friend! That's awesome about the 50-200 f/2.8 - I was shooting with it this weekend a ton and... wow. It STILL stuns me sometimes with how good that lens is. I love it for gardens too - but man, for landscapes, it has stunning color, clarity, contrast, sharpness - all of it!
And the PEN is fine with the 12-100 and a better experience than with the OM-3 (out of the box at least - a lot of people put grips on their OM-3). The PEN's ergonomics allow it to feel better in the hands with bigger lenses out of the box.
BUT - man. Ergonomics are just tough for different people. I almost want to stop talking about it completely. Everyone is so different - hands, body/placement, straps, etc., right? Even the way we walk shifts the camera in different ways.
I took it out a lot with the 12-100 and had no issues - but I also have no issues with the OM-3 and the 50-200 - I use a rapid strap so the combo hangs more balanced on the tripod foot of the lens - perfect for me! But not perfect for everyone, right?
The OM-1 is a lot better with the bigger, heavier lenses, but we all know that...
So yeah, I wish I could give you a more definitive answer!!!
Thanks!! That’s very helpful info. I am not looking for some extreme ergonomics - for mountaneering camera, the most important thing is that the camera is on me and accessible without taking the backpack off. So if your experience with 12-100mm lens is good, it should work for me too.
Totally agree about the 50-200mm 2.8. Was shooting folk costumes festival over the weekend. Beautiful bokeh…
This looks to be insane value. I currently shoot with a GFX and the pull of having something like this for an everyday camera is strong. Great review and images.
Hey, Daniel! I shot GFX for years, man! LOVE those cameras! However, a PEN with a small lens is like 1/1000000 the size and weight! LOL! So it's a little easier to grab when you just want to have fun and take some cool shots. Let me know if you have questions!
It's the 50SII that I have. I used a mixture of vintage and native glass. It's a beast but the smaller form factor of the PEN for when you just want to head out casually with a camera is a strong appeal, and in terms of native ratio, would also make a good companion.
Hi Jerred. I watched the recording of your OM launch video, and then happened across your substack. Thanks for your feedback on the 14-42 mm lens, I probably would have skipped it, based on the older version that came with my OM-D E-M5 over 10 years ago - it was fine when I was brand new to photography, but felt like my photography leveled up and I was able to do more when I upgraded my lens. I think I'll give it a try when I order the PEN. My usual camera is now the OM-1 but I'd love something smaller for an everyday carry and being able to stick with the same system (and lenses) that I know makes it an easier decision. I also appreciate you sharing your "80's Mag/Kansas City" film recipe, I'm definitely excited to experiment with those. Thank you!
Mary!!! So excited for you to try this PEN out. I'm out in Western Nebraska right now with the PEN, OM-3 and OM-1II with me and I've taken 200 photos with the Pen... 20 with the OM-3.... 5 with the OM-1II. I LOVE all the cameras... but the PEN is so easy, so fun to pick up and photograph!! Let me know how you like the 80's Mag recipe - and share with me if you remember!! Thanks for all the support - hope you had fun watching the livestream!
I was very interested in the Pen-F 10 or so years ago but then went for E-M1 Mark II instead which I was very happy with until I went full frame, but I must say I've been looking at the Pen-F on and off... I loved the retro design but what I didn't love was the lack of ergonomic grip. What's your opinion of the grip on this one?
My E-M1 Mark II stil works fine but something like this could be interesting later on for certain occasions.
Great review…looks and sounds fabulous for the price….I’ll bet it sells well for OM. It’s very tempting indeed, but I don’t need it and I’m interested to see what’s coming out next from OM….lots of rumours!
Hey, Mick, thank you!! Yeah, it's a fun, cool camera, but definitely not needed by everyone! And I'm excited too - let's see where they go and how their next camreas/lenses can help us with creativity! Thanks again.
Nice review. I think that for $1000 body only, this may be the best new-camera deal on the market. I have read a lot of reviews this morning, and the complaining is predictable. But for $1000, we get some weather sealing, IBIS, EVF, endless creative features, beautiful design, great lens system, solid images, etc. I don't know of any other camera that offer this at a $1000 price. Great writing, and I love your photos. I had forgotten all about the old Western Auto stories.
Hey, Robert! Thanks so much for the kind words - and I agree with you! There's nothing out there like it... offers a TON without many drawbacks at all! Thanks for the support!
You're an excellent voice for the brand.
Thanks Jerred, that was a very nice review! I am very tempted - for me this is certainly not a beginner’s camera, but an E-M1 mk3 in compact form factor. My current cameras are E-M1 mk2 and E-M1X, so the new Pen has everything I need. Years ago I became interested in Pen F for caving photography (where you have to pack everything tightly, and its small form factor would be a big plus), and this new camera looks to me essentially a Pen F mk2 without the luxury parts.
Question: how was using the Pen with Olympus 12-100 mm Pro? This lens is my main hiking/mountaneering tool, and having it attached to the small Pen would be a dream. I think you mentioned in DPreview forum that even using the Olympus f1.2 primes is a so-so experience ergonomically?
P.S. I also loved your review of 50-200mm Pro, which I now own. Like you, I also love shooting flowers with telephotos and shallow DOF, and 40-150mm was not long enough :-)
Hello! Thanks for the support, friend! That's awesome about the 50-200 f/2.8 - I was shooting with it this weekend a ton and... wow. It STILL stuns me sometimes with how good that lens is. I love it for gardens too - but man, for landscapes, it has stunning color, clarity, contrast, sharpness - all of it!
And the PEN is fine with the 12-100 and a better experience than with the OM-3 (out of the box at least - a lot of people put grips on their OM-3). The PEN's ergonomics allow it to feel better in the hands with bigger lenses out of the box.
BUT - man. Ergonomics are just tough for different people. I almost want to stop talking about it completely. Everyone is so different - hands, body/placement, straps, etc., right? Even the way we walk shifts the camera in different ways.
I took it out a lot with the 12-100 and had no issues - but I also have no issues with the OM-3 and the 50-200 - I use a rapid strap so the combo hangs more balanced on the tripod foot of the lens - perfect for me! But not perfect for everyone, right?
The OM-1 is a lot better with the bigger, heavier lenses, but we all know that...
So yeah, I wish I could give you a more definitive answer!!!
I hope this helps a little, at least.
Thanks!! That’s very helpful info. I am not looking for some extreme ergonomics - for mountaneering camera, the most important thing is that the camera is on me and accessible without taking the backpack off. So if your experience with 12-100mm lens is good, it should work for me too.
Totally agree about the 50-200mm 2.8. Was shooting folk costumes festival over the weekend. Beautiful bokeh…
OK …. I’m a believer
Awesome, Tom!
This looks to be insane value. I currently shoot with a GFX and the pull of having something like this for an everyday camera is strong. Great review and images.
Hey, Daniel! I shot GFX for years, man! LOVE those cameras! However, a PEN with a small lens is like 1/1000000 the size and weight! LOL! So it's a little easier to grab when you just want to have fun and take some cool shots. Let me know if you have questions!
It's the 50SII that I have. I used a mixture of vintage and native glass. It's a beast but the smaller form factor of the PEN for when you just want to head out casually with a camera is a strong appeal, and in terms of native ratio, would also make a good companion.
Hi Jerred. I watched the recording of your OM launch video, and then happened across your substack. Thanks for your feedback on the 14-42 mm lens, I probably would have skipped it, based on the older version that came with my OM-D E-M5 over 10 years ago - it was fine when I was brand new to photography, but felt like my photography leveled up and I was able to do more when I upgraded my lens. I think I'll give it a try when I order the PEN. My usual camera is now the OM-1 but I'd love something smaller for an everyday carry and being able to stick with the same system (and lenses) that I know makes it an easier decision. I also appreciate you sharing your "80's Mag/Kansas City" film recipe, I'm definitely excited to experiment with those. Thank you!
Mary!!! So excited for you to try this PEN out. I'm out in Western Nebraska right now with the PEN, OM-3 and OM-1II with me and I've taken 200 photos with the Pen... 20 with the OM-3.... 5 with the OM-1II. I LOVE all the cameras... but the PEN is so easy, so fun to pick up and photograph!! Let me know how you like the 80's Mag recipe - and share with me if you remember!! Thanks for all the support - hope you had fun watching the livestream!
Great write-up and, as usual, stunning photographs. I feel the urge to sell all of my current gear and switch.
Hey, Jeanne! Only do it if it makes sense! Let me know if you have questions, okay?
I was very interested in the Pen-F 10 or so years ago but then went for E-M1 Mark II instead which I was very happy with until I went full frame, but I must say I've been looking at the Pen-F on and off... I loved the retro design but what I didn't love was the lack of ergonomic grip. What's your opinion of the grip on this one?
My E-M1 Mark II stil works fine but something like this could be interesting later on for certain occasions.
What a gorgeous camera! Great write up Jerred!
Thank you!
Great review…looks and sounds fabulous for the price….I’ll bet it sells well for OM. It’s very tempting indeed, but I don’t need it and I’m interested to see what’s coming out next from OM….lots of rumours!
Hey, Mick, thank you!! Yeah, it's a fun, cool camera, but definitely not needed by everyone! And I'm excited too - let's see where they go and how their next camreas/lenses can help us with creativity! Thanks again.
That camera looks great! I wonder if it is comparable to older Olympus cameras?
All good if you disagree!