The first Olympus PEN-F first hit the avenues in 1963. Worked around the half-outline film group, it quickly gained a taking after on account of its delightful, yet straightforward configuration and little size. Getting 70 pictures to a move of film most likely didn't hurt, either. Presently, after 53 years the PEN-F is back.
The computerized rebirth of the 35mm film Olympus PEN-F does not supplant the current advanced PEN leader E-P5, rather it slides in beside it as the "premium" alternative in the PEN family. The reason being that not at all like computerized PENs before it, the F has something considerably more OM-D-like: an implicit 2.36 million dab OLED electronic viewfinder. The F likewise brags the most elevated yield resolution of any Olympus body to date, gloating a 20MP Four Thirds sensor (presumably the same one we've found in the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8).
Discharged particularly to speak to road shooters and the configuration cognizant searching for a competent camera with retro-styling and rangefinder-like controls, the PEN-F has a great deal letting it all out.
Olympus PEN-F highlights:
20MP Live MOS Four Thirds group sensor
5-pivot picture adjustment with programmed panning discovery
2.36 million speck OLED electronic viewfinder
Up to 10 fps nonstop shooting (20 fps with electronic shade)
Exceptionally customizable interface, twin controls
Completely articulating 1.04 million dot, 3" LCD touchscreen
50MP High-res Shot mode
1/8000 sec top mechanical shade speed (1/16,000 with e-screen)
1080/60p video recording
The greater part of the above come bundled in a machined aluminum and magnesium body, with no obvious screws anyplace. A fake calfskin wrap encircles the PEN-F and the body itself is both all around weighted and has an extremely strong feel to it.
With a large portion of the same guts as the OM-D EM-5 II and smooth rangefinder-style looks (reminiscent of Fujifilm's X100 arrangement cameras), the most direct Micro Four Thirds contender to the PEN-F is the Panasonic GX8, which likewise utilizes a 20MP chip. Other close contenders incorporate the Sony a6000, a6300 and the Fujifilm X-E2S - all of which are APS-C group cameras. Of course, the PEN-F likewise needs to go up against alternatives within the OM-D arrangement too.
Contrasted with its kin
A significant number of the highlight features of the PEN-F aren't new. Truth be told a considerable measure of the key spec is shared with other late Olympus discharges. Nonetheless, some functions have been enhanced. For example, on account of its 20MP sensor, the PEN-F is equipped for higher determination in multi-shot mode contrasted with the OM-D E-M5 II, up to 80MP in Raw mode (50MP in JPEG). It likewise includes a committed inventive control handle on the front, and additionally four adjustable shooting modes, got to via the locking introduction mode dial.
It's difficult to see the PEN-F as a large venture forward given what number of its center elements are acquired from different models, yet it offers a taking care of experience that is remarkable in Olympus' lineup. Is the PEN-F more than only a pretty face? How about we delve in.
Contrasted with past PEN-arrangement cameras, Olympus pulled a complete redesign on the PEN-F. A few changes are inconspicuous, others more intense. We believe that by and large, the shooting background of the new camera is better than prior models like the E-P5. Our matte dark example's magnesium compound and aluminum body (the base is aluminum, we're told, while whatever is left of the external shell is magnesium combination) is encased in grippy artificial calfskin. The absence of any screws on the outside of the body add to the smoothness of the F.
While the PEN-F is genuinely agreeable close by, some may discover the grasp does not sufficiently offer land, particularly along the base of the camera. Enter the External Metal Grip (ECG-4), which connects to the base of the camera and includes a thicker grasp and Arca-Swiss style tripod plate along the base segment.
The PEN-F's implicit, 2.36 million speck OLED viewfinder is phenomenal; a first ever on the computerized PEN line. EVF reaction is snappy and exact, notwithstanding when in low light. As you'd expect it shows 100% of the edge, and the amplification of 1.23x (0.62x proportionate) is aggressive, though not as huge as on the E-M5 II or E-M1.The round, rubber treated outside of the viewfinder is agreeable against the eye, and very useable for 'four-peered toward' picture takers.
The PEN's inconspicuous heave adds to the persuading fabricate quality when held with maybe a couple hands. In the event that you are a one gave shooter, you will love the profound thumb hold on the back of the camera. Motion picture shooters will appreciate an effectively open record catch, just to one side of the screen catch. Sony, take notes.
The PEN-F has a completely articulating, touch touchy back touchscreen, instead of the simpler tilt screen utilized by the E-P5. Supposition in the DPReview office is separated as to which design more helpful. There is undoubtedly a completely articulating screen offers more noteworthy flexibility, however seemingly the less complex fold-out-and-tilt outline is superior for road shooting and video recording. A matter of individual inclination.
One thing that the screen on the PEN-F can do that a fold-out screen can't is flip totally around, hiding the screen from perspective and shielding it from knocks and scratches.
In a gesture to the first film PEN-F from the 1960s, the advanced PEN-F includes a front-mounted dial. On the film-time camera this dial gave control over shade speed. On the advanced F this dial is to some degree squandered, serving just as a technique to switch between 'innovative modes.'
While a few people may, conceivably, welcome direct manual control over these modes, we can't help longing that this dial was adaptable. It's uncommon nowadays to see a control point on an Olympus camera that cannot be tweaked, not to mention one that is bolted to such a specialty capacity.
The F's locking mode dial (now with four custom 'C' choices) accompanies a two-way flip settled underneath it. Flicking the switch shows the JPEG tone bend (which can be balanced), and relying upon which mode your in, likewise permits access to a shading haggle modification slider. OM-D series clients may be disheartened by the absence of a 2x2 dial interface, situated in the same spot on bodies like the E-M5 II and E-M1. In any case, the usefulness of that two-position switch lives on: of course the up key on the four-way controller goes about as a 2x2 dial interface.
Considering the thickness of Olympus menus, it's invigorating to see such a refined, matched down outside design of the PEN-F. All that you have to make pictures is there, and nothing you don't – unless you count that senseless 'imaginative mode' dial.
While the twin control dials and shade catch have a wonderful, material reaction, the little back catches feel somewhat soft. Not a major issue, but rather we wish there was a to a greater degree a "tick" when squeezed. At the point when in picture survey mode, the front dial propels between shots as the back dial takes into account basic zooming in and out to check center accuracy. You can likewise swipe between and zoom into caught pictures utilizing the touch-touchy back LCD.
On the back of the camera, a four-way cushion takes into account an assortment of settings changes (or, even better, reprogrammable to coordinate AF point choice). A vast ON/OFF dial is situated on the upper left of the body, keeping in mind it is sufficiently sticky not to inadvertently knock, it appears somewhat strange in size (considering its single use).
The regard for outline subtle element on Olympus PEN-F is amazing, with no noticeable screws anyplace on the body, including the base. The tripod attachment is likewise focused with the lens mount.
