Olympus PEN F Review | 108 Data compared

The Olympus Pen-F is a premium Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that stands out for its exceptional build quality and highly successful retro-inspired design. It features a 20.3-megapixel sensor—the highest resolution for an Olympus body at its release—paired with a highly effective 5-axis image stabilization system that works for both stills and video. A unique, front-mounted "creative dial" allows photographers to easily customize JPEG color profiles and monochrome settings directly on the camera. Performance highlights include a fast contrast-detect autofocus system, silent electronic shutter speeds up to 1/16,000s, and a specialized High-Resolution Shot mode capable of producing 50-megapixel JPEGs and 80-megapixel RAW files of static subjects using sensor-shift technology. Image quality remains excellent up to ISO 1,600, with highly manageable noise levels up to ISO 3,200. Despite its strong performance and gorgeous aesthetics, the Pen-F carries notable limitations for its price point. It entirely lacks weather-sealing (tropicalization), which restricts its reliability in harsh conditions, and it does not feature an integrated flash, though a small tiltable external unit is included in the box. Video features are severely restricted; it tops...

The Olympus PEN-F is a highly capable and compact mirrorless camera that blends a premium 1960s-inspired vintage design with modern functionality. Tested extensively during a ten-day road trip through Scotland, the camera excels in its portability, allowing users to carry it effortlessly without the physical strain typical of a standard DSLR. Its 21.8-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers exceptional image processing, producing well-balanced JPEG files straight out of the camera that effectively handle complex, high-contrast landscape lighting. Additionally, the physical layout is thoughtfully engineered; most primary shooting and menu controls are easily accessible, and the 2.36-megapixel electronic viewfinder provides a sharp, highly detailed preview of the final shot. Despite its high quality, the review highlights several distinct weaknesses that might deter demanding field photographers. The most significant flaw is its complete lack of weather sealing, which is a major drawback for outdoor use in unpredictable climates like Scotland. Furthermore, the exposure compensation dial has a tendency to turn accidentally when carrying the camera, the internal menus are somewhat complex and disorganized, and the touchscreen responsiveness lacks precise target recognition. Finally,...

The ON-mag review characterizes the Olympus PEN-F as an exceptionally luxurious, lightweight, and compact Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera specifically engineered for street and urban photography. It is heavily praised for its gorgeous retro aesthetic, exceptional build quality, and a highly articulated 1-million-dot touchscreen that can flip backward to show a leatherette backing, flawlessly mimicking a classic film camera. Key technical highlights include a 20-megapixel sensor lacking a low-pass filter, a comfortable 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF), and a remarkably responsive 10 fps burst mode. Furthermore, its mechanical 5-axis image stabilization system is highlighted as one of the best on the market, facilitating clean handheld shots and steady video. However, the review outlines several prominent drawbacks that limit its versatility. A major hardware shortcoming is the lack of weather-sealing, making it vulnerable to harsh environments, alongside a small Micro Four Thirds sensor size that makes it difficult to achieve deep, blurred background bokeh. Video functionality is notably compromised; the camera completely lacks 4K resolution—only topping out at Full HD 60p—and it provides no microphone input or headphone jack. Additionally, the continuous...

The MPB review highlights the Olympus PEN-F as a stylish, 20MP Micro Four Thirds camera featuring a robust, screwless magnesium alloy chassis that combines 1960s aesthetics with modern 5-axis IBIS for sharp handheld shooting. Key strengths include a 2.36M-dot OLED viewfinder, a versatile, fully articulating screen, a 50MP High-Res Shot mode, and a front dial for extensive, in-camera JPEG, mono, and creative color customization. Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, primarily a complete lack of weather sealing, making it unsuitable for harsh environments. Video capabilities are limited to 1080p60 with no microphone input, and user experience is hindered by a complex menu system and visible image noise at sensitivities over ISO 800.

The Olympus Pen-F is a highly stylish Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera inspired by 1960s film heritage, introducing an integrated 2,360,000-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a new 20-megapixel CMOS sensor. The camera stands out for its exceptional, solid build quality and meticulously crafted manual dials, which rival premium competitors like Fujifilm. Key operational strengths include its highly efficient dual control dials, a customizable creative wheel on the front panel dedicated to fine-tuning JPEG color and monochrome profiles, and an articulating, responsive touchscreen. Performance-wise, it features an effective 5-axis image stabilization system that ensures smooth video capture, a rapid autofocus system, and a swift 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting burst mode. Despite its high-end physical execution, the Pen-F suffers from significant software and usability drawbacks. The internal user interface is notoriously convoluted, cluttered with translation errors, and makes advanced settings—such as focus peaking, high-resolution 50MP shooting, and "Live Composite" modes—frustratingly difficult to find. Furthermore, the 3-inch touchscreen capabilities are under-exploited because touch input cannot be used to navigate these complex menus. Hardware limitations are also evident, as the body completely lacks weather...

The Olympus Pen F is a vintage-styled Micro 4/3 mirrorless camera designed primarily for street photography and prime lenses. It features an upgraded 20 Mpx CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality and clean high-ISO performance up to 1600 ISO, matching older 16 Mpx sensors but providing a 25% resolution boost. A major milestone for the Pen lineup is the inclusion of a built-in, highly responsive OLED electronic viewfinder. Additionally, it stands out for its highly effective mechanical image stabilization and superb in-camera artistic modes, such as the highly acclaimed "Film grain noir & blanc II" monochrome filter. However, the camera falls short in several areas compared to its competitors, notably losing its fifth star due to a complete lack of weather sealing and no 4K video recording capabilities. Video functionality is treated as a basic afterthought, as the body also lacks dedicated headphone and microphone jacks. Ergonomically, the camera's small body is overcrowded with ten buttons and four dials, which compromises its minimalist heritage and creates a steep learning curve. Finally, because it relies entirely on a contrast-detection autofocus...