Why does every camera need to be a specs monster? The new OM System PEN is a good stills camera at a good price – let's have more of that, please!

OM System PEN and the OM System M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 III in an urban setting — A good-looking solid stills camera for a good price; what's not to like? (Image credit: James Artaius)

I’m not an Olympus / OM System photographer, but I’ve always liked the PEN range, mostly because of the gorgeous-looking PEN-F. So when the OM System PEN launched last month, I was actually quite excited about it. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t think I was going to buy one, and although I’ve surprised myself by considering it, I still don’t think it's quite the right camera for me. But for a lot of photographers out there, I think it absolutely is.

And yet, I’ve also seen criticism of the OM System PEN for not having better specs and essentially reusing old tech. Something that, to be fair, OM System has a habit of doing. If we were talking about an OM System OM-1 Mark III, I’d get it. Flagship cameras should be all about breaking new ground, but we’re not talking about a flagship camera; we’re talking about a small, stills-focused mirrorless camera that costs $999 / £849 / AU$1,499 body only.

OM System OM-3 on a wooden surface — (Image credit: James Artaius)

Whether that’s affordable or not is by the by; it still sits at the lower end of the market alongside cameras such as the Fujifilm X-T30 III, Nikon Z50 II and Canon EOS R10. And while you can argue that its video features are lacking and a 25-MP sensor would have been nice, along with an image-processor update, you also get premium features in IBIS and weather sealing. IBIS in particular is unheard of in this class of cameras.

Latest Videos FromDigital Camera World

Watch full video here:

The thing is, not everybody wants top-notch video or action features. This is a camera that’s obviously aimed at photographers first, be it newcomers, casual snappers, or those looking for an everyday carry. Personally, I don’t see why every single camera release has to be a specs monster with an inflated price. If you want more from a camera with this form factor, you can pick up a Fujifilm X-E5 and pay for the privilege.

Fujifilm X-E5 camera with a 23mm f/2.8 R WR lens attached on a white bedspread — The Fujifilm X-E5 is a lovely camera, but it's out of a lot of people's price range (Image credit: Future / Gareth Bevan)

Don’t get me wrong, I love the X-E5, but does the world only need premium $1,000 / £1,000-plus cameras in 2026? I mean, cheap compact and mirrorless cameras do the numbers in sales charts, and we’re always moaning that consumer tech prices are climbing ever higher. So long as the price is right, I’m really not opposed to manufacturers recycling old tech.

You might also like...

Are you a fan of Micro Four Thirds? Check out the best OM System cameras and the best Panasonic Lumix cameras. Plus, here's the latest camera news.

TOPICS

Mike studied photography at college, honing his Adobe Photoshop skills and learning to work in the studio and darkroom. After a few years writing for various publications, he headed to the ‘Big Smoke’ to work on Wex Photo Video’s award-winning content team, before transitioning back to print as Technique Editor (later Deputy Editor) on N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine.

With bylines in Digital Camera, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, Practical Photography, Digital Photographer, iMore, and TechRadar, he’s a fountain of photography and consumer tech knowledge, making him a top tutor for techniques on cameras, lenses, tripods, filters, and more. His expertise extends to everything from portraits and landscapes to abstracts and architecture to wildlife and, yes, fast things going around race tracks...