As an Olympus-user, I am in favor of the OM-D series more than all the previous digital Pen series which does not have an electronic view finder (EVF) until the arrival of Pen F. Before the Pen F became a reality, there are a lot of speculations before the official launch of the Pen F – from various designs to the specifications that had appeared on most photography rumor sites.  These speculations had caught my attention especially one of the rumor suggested that the new Pen-F comes with the EVF. The other rumous that was spot on is none other than the tilt-table LCD screen that was built differently from the current Pen series. Maybe that’s why Olympus called the Pen F a masterpiece.

Image: By Gary Chow, Shot by Pen-F.

I have been anticipating the  arrival of this masterpiece, waiting to see, touch it, feel it and play with it.  The store that I always visit & who sells the Pen F is always packed with people.   Fortunately, I know the Editor AL is reviewing the Pen F, so I decided to contact him and beg him to let me have it for a weekend (lol). My first initial impression of the Pen F is like – WOW! with a big exclamation mark.  It is a beautifully crafted camera with no trace of screws on the exterior.  Yes it is screw-less and i have yet to see the same on any other cameras !!! It weighs quite a bit but it is well put-together with a good mix of metal and leather.  It is a definitely a solid modern classic, a handsome street camera packed with powerful features that is unique to Olympus.My favourite features from the OMDs are all available in this modern classics, features like live-comp & live bulb (to die for) especially you are into long exposure, light trail and milky way photography. Now the Pen F is packed with a 50 mp high res mode, the results are as good as any full frame camera as long as the subject stay still.  I didn’t see a lot of differences between a 20 mp and 16 mp. However, reading the specs and looking at the images that I’ve gotten, I assure you that they are improvements over the old sensor.

 

Personally, I enjoy shooting with the Pen F, especially with the new dial at the front of the camera that gives you quick access to change the levels of highlights and shadows, colour tones and tonal curves.  It is a useful features if you don’t want to waste too much time post processing your pictures. If you want SOCC pic without much post processing, this will be the only camera you need.  As always, the Olympus jpeg are gorgeous, this new features certainly helps to cut down workflow.

Just imagine this new workflow using the new Pen F;
– shoot subject with in camera post processing
– wifi to camera
– upload social media
= ultimate convenience and enjoyment.

There only 2 things that i wished that the Pen F has,

1. have a taller body to accommodate the PRO series of lenses without the need of a additional grip.  As of now, the PRO lenses are protruding out from the camera base.

2. have a weather sealed body at this price point.

Overall, the Pen F is a fantastic street camera that you will enjoy shooting.  It looks cool and works great.  I am not saying it is a perfect camera, there are certainly some areas that need to be improved and i trust Olympus will definitely provide timely update as they always do.

Gary Chow.
Sub-Editor
Ourshutterjourney.com

 
Thanks Gary for sharing your thoughts about the Olympus Pen-F. We will highlight & feedback to Olympus Singapore on your thoughts.Mean time, look out for Part 3 as we passed the Pen-F to a famous street photographer, Daniel Ho and see what will he say about the Pen-F.