The PEN-F from 2016 was the flagship of the Olympus PEN line, pairing a 20.3MP Live MOS sensor with 5-stop IBIS in a retro rangefinder-style body at 427g. It had a tilting touchscreen and a 2.36MP EVF but no 4K and no weather sealing. It was aimed at photographers who wanted high resolution and strong stabilization in a stylish flat body. Long discontinued, it remains a popular used-market choice for street and documentary shooters who value the form factor. At 427g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 111g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the Panasonic Lumix G97 if you want more controls at the cost of 92g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Street and documentary photography
The PEN-F is a rangefinder-style body with a 20MP sensor, an articulated screen, and classic styling. No weather sealing. The flat form factor, small size, and quiet electronic shutter make it well suited to street and documentary use where discretion matters. Full guide →
Travel photography
One of the most visually distinctive M43 bodies. Small and light with a retro design that attracts less attention than a typical DSLR-style body. No weather sealing limits use in rain. Full guide →
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2016-02 |
| Weight | 427g |
| Dimensions | 124.8 × 66.5 × 37mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Tilting |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 20.3MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 20.3MP |
| Resolution | 5184 × 3888 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | Yes |
| EVF resolution | 2.36MP |
| EVF magnification | 0.62x |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLN-1 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN-F have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN-F has in-body image stabilisation rated at 5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN-F weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN-F does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN-F shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN-F does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN-F have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN-F uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN-F use?
The Olympus PEN-F has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN-F weigh?
The Olympus PEN-F weighs 427g (body only, with battery and card).