OM System PEN Finally Returns with Modern Upgrades

September 10, 2026 subimpact team 0 comments

OM System PEN Finally Returns with Modern Upgrades

OM Digital Solutions has officially introduced the OM System PEN, the first camera in the long-running PEN series to be released under the OM System brand. This compact interchangeable-lens mirrorless camera is based on the Micro Four Thirds system and combines the series' familiar retro styling with modern features, including a 20.4MP sensor, 4K video recording, and an IPX1 dust and splash resistance rating. The camera solves the problem of a lack of a modern successor for fans of the PEN series, which had been waiting for a new model since the camera business was rebranded following Olympus' exit from the market. The official source for the product is OM Digital Solutions, with local information available via OM System Malaysia's Facebook page.

Key Facts

The OM System PEN is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with a rangefinder-inspired design, available in silver or black. It is the first PEN model to receive an IPX1 rating for dust and splash resistance.

Attribute Value
Manufacturer OM Digital Solutions (OM System)
Sensor 20.4MP Live MOS
Image Processor TruePic IX
Image Stabilisation Five-axis in-body, up to 5.5 stops
Autofocus 121-point hybrid AF with subject detection
Viewfinder 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder
Rear Screen 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot swivel touchscreen
Video Recording Cinema 4K up to 24fps; 4K UHD up to 30fps
Battery BLS-7, rated for approximately 410 shots
Weather Resistance IPX1 rating (dust and splash resistance)
Body Material Plastic (silver or black)
Malaysia Price (Body Only) RM4,290
Malaysia Price (Kit with 14-42mm lens) RM4,990

What Are the Key Specifications of the OM System PEN?

The OM System PEN uses a 20.4MP Live MOS sensor paired with the TruePic IX image processor, featuring five-axis in-body image stabilisation capable of providing up to 5.5 stops of shake correction. Autofocusing is handled by a 121-point hybrid AF system with subject detection for people and animals.

The camera is equipped with a 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder positioned towards the top-left corner of the rear panel. It also features a 3-inch, 1.04-million-dot swivel touchscreen for framing and navigating the camera's various functions. The PEN uses a new BLS-7 battery, which is rated for approximately 410 shots on a full charge.

The OM System PEN features a 20.4MP Live MOS sensor, a 121-point hybrid autofocus system, and a battery rated for approximately 410 shots per charge.

How Does the OM System PEN Handle Video Recording?

For video, the OM System PEN supports Cinema 4K recording at up to 24fps and 4K UHD recording at up to 30fps. It includes OM-Cinema1 and OM-Cinema2 picture modes designed specifically for video shooting.

The camera supports vertical video recording for social media content and includes a tally light to indicate when recording is in progress. It can also be used as a plug-and-play webcam through USB-C, while the port supports fast charging.

The OM System PEN supports Cinema 4K recording at up to 24fps and 4K UHD recording at up to 30fps, along with dedicated OM-Cinema picture modes.

What Computational Photography Features Does the OM System PEN Include?

The PEN inherits a range of computational photography features from other OM System cameras, including High Res Shot in both tripod and handheld modes, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR, and Multiple Exposure. It also offers Color & Monochrome Profile Control for stylised looks.

Users can fine-tune parameters such as saturation, curves, and contrast, with up to 12 intensity levels available across the profiles. The monochrome profiles also include colour filter effects, allowing photographers to emphasise specific tones. The camera additionally offers 24 scene modes across six themes, along with 16 built-in filters.

The OM System PEN includes High Res Shot, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR, and Multiple Exposure, along with 24 scene modes and 16 built-in filters.

Who Is This For?

The OM System PEN is designed for photographers who prefer a compact, retro-styled camera with direct access to physical controls and dials. It is suited for travel and everyday use, given its IPX1 dust and splash resistance rating, and appeals to fans of the PEN series who have awaited a successor.

The camera's design includes a mode dial flanked by a front control dial and shutter release, alongside a dedicated record button. The power switch also doubles as a selector for switching between photo, video, and S&Q shooting modes. Around the back is a rear command dial, CP button, AF-ON button, and the usual directional and function controls. One notable omission is an autofocus joystick, so users will need to move the AF point using the directional pad or touchscreen instead.

The OM System PEN targets travel and everyday photographers who value a compact, retro design with extensive physical controls and an IPX1 dust and splash resistance rating.

Common Questions

What is the price of the OM System PEN in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, the OM System PEN is priced at RM4,290 for the body only, while the kit bundled with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens costs RM4,990. Both silver and black colour options are available.

Does the OM System PEN have an autofocus joystick?

No, the OM System PEN does not have an autofocus joystick. Users will need to move the AF point using the directional pad or touchscreen instead, or rely on the camera's AI-powered subject detection autofocus for humans and animals.

What is the battery life of the OM System PEN?

The OM System PEN uses a new BLS-7 battery, which is rated for approximately 410 shots on a full charge. The camera also supports fast charging via its USB-C port.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: the Lowyat.NET article titled "OM System Brings Back Beloved PEN Camera; Local Pre-Orders Now Available," published on September 2026. The original article cites OM Digital Solutions as the primary source of information, with additional details from OM System Malaysia's official Facebook page and the official OM System website.

All prices are listed in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as provided in the source material. No currency conversion was applied. This article was last updated on September 2026.

That wait has been a long one, although OM System had already hinted last year that the PEN could eventually make a comeback.

— Lowyat.NET, "OM System Brings Back Beloved PEN Camera; Local Pre-Orders Now Available"
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