"A camera is meaningless unless you take it outside."
That idea has guided the PEN series since its debut in 1959, when designer Yoshihisa Maintani created an approachable, portable camera that's always within reach. More than 8 million PEN cameras have been sold worldwide over the decades, and now, for the first time, OM SYSTEM introduces a new camera under the iconic PEN name.
The new compact OM SYSTEM PEN blends the spirit of the original with modern imaging technology, creating a camera that feels equally at home wandering city streets, exploring new destinations, or documenting everyday life. Whether purchased as a body only, with the new black M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ, or as a two-lens kit that adds the black M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R, the PEN offers a lightweight setup that keeps portability at the heart of its experience. Below, we break down features that make the OM SYSTEM PEN an approachable yet surprisingly capable camera for creators.
Straight from the Camera
One of the most compelling aspects of the new PEN is the creative control available before an image ever reaches editing software.
Colour and Monochrome Profile Controls let photographers build a signature look directly in-camera, and the New Profile Library lets users upload and share custom colour recipes through the OM Image Share app, making it easier to develop and refine a personal visual style.
OM SYSTEM’s dedicated CP button allows users to gain quick access to powerful shooting modes including:
- Handheld High Res Shot
- Live ND
- Focus Stacking
- HDR
- Multiple Exposure
- Tripod High Res Shot
Key Features
- 20.37MP Live MOS Sensor
- TruePic IX Image Processor
- Built-in Electronic Viewfinder
- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- IPX1 Splashproof and Dustproof Design
- 121-Point Cross-Type Phase Detection AF
- AI Subject Detection for People, Cats, and Dogs
- Computational Photography Features
- Colour & Monochrome Profile Control
- Vertical Video Support
- OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 Video Modes
- Compact 393g Body
- Micro Four Thirds Lens Compatibility
Ready to Grow with You
The beauty of the Micro Four Thirds system has always been its flexibility. For photographers picking up the PEN for the first time, the available kit options provide a practical starting point.
The M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 III offers a lightweight everyday zoom range for travel, family moments, and street photography. For extra reach, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm F4.0-5.6 R expands your creative range with telephoto coverage that will keep you close to wildlife encounters, outdoor events, and candid portraits without weighing you down.
Final Thoughts
The excitement with this camera isn’t simply about introducing another interchangeable lens camera. It’s about returning to an idea that resonated with photographers for generations: photography should be approachable, enjoyable, and seamlessly woven into everyday life.
Drawing from a legacy that began in 1959, the latest PEN balances heritage and flexibility with modern technology. For photographers looking for a thoughtful compact camera, it’s a welcome addition to the OM SYSTEM lineup.
