Key Features
Jan 27 2016
Announced
20 megapixels
Resolution
| Brand | Olympus |
| Sensor Type | Four Thirds |
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Weight | 427g |
| MSRP | $1199USD |
Other similar cameras
Olympus PEN E-PL8
Released Sep 19 2016 | 16MP resolution
Olympus PEN E-P2
Released Apr 22 2010 | 12MP resolution
Olympus PEN E-P3
Released Aug 17 2011 | 12MP resolution
Overview of the PEN-F
Photography enthusiasts looking for a small camera that delivers excellent image quality and versatility without compromising on style, can count on Olympus PEN-F. This compact camera features a retro design which makes it stand out from the rest in the market. But, what makes it truly impressive is a powerful set of features that offer professional-grade photo output. Let’s take a closer look at the key features of Olympus PEN-F that make it a must-have for photography enthusiasts.
Olympus PEN-F Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus PEN-F camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Olympus PEN-F
| Weather sealed | |
| Dimensions | 125 x 72 x 37mm |
| Weight | 427g |
| Thickness | 37mm |
Weather Sealing
The Olympus PEN-F is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.
Design and Handling
Main design features
| View Finder | Electronic |
| Screen Type | Fully Articulated |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots |
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
Suitable for:
| Photography | Above Avg. |
| Videography | Above Avg. |
| Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fully articulated 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 1,037k dots. This makes the Olympus PEN-F very suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you can view yourself while shooting selfies. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.
Viewfinder
PEN-F includes a electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.62x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Olympus PEN-F has a 20MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 20 pixels. Olympus PEN-F has a native ISO range of 200 - 25600 which can be boosted to 80 - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
Jan 27 2016
Announced
200 - 25600
ISO Range
| Sensor | Four Thirds |
| Extended ISO | 80 - null |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
74 / 102
Color Depth
23.1 / 26.5
Dynamic Range
12.4 / 14.8
Low Light ISO
894 / 4505
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus PEN-F camera has above average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also above average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the PEN-F is average
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: Four Thirds
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
| Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Battery Life | 330 shots |
| Battery Model | BLN-1 |
| HDMI | |
| USD | |
| Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Olympus PEN-F supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Olympus PEN-F uses the BLN-1 model of battery pack. This is rated for 330 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Olympus PEN-F does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.
Shutter
The Olympus PEN-F boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Olympus PEN-F includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 81 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Olympus PEN-F features a CMOS sensor
No the PEN-F does not have weather sealing.
The Olympus PEN-F was announced on Jan 27 2016
Yes the PEN-F does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The PEN-F has a native ISO range of 200-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 80-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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