X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Olympus rejuvenates another classic PEN (pictures)

The PEN-F interchangeable-lens camera focuses on form.

Lori Grunin
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Lori Grunin
olympus-pen-f-3.jpg
1 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Going old school

While in really doesn't look a lot like its namesake, which had far fewer buttons and dials, Olympus did preserve some of the aesthetic.

olympus-pen-f-9.jpg
2 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Front dial

On the original, this front dial controlled shutter speed; on its digital descendant, it controls color and art filters.

olympus-pen-f-6.jpg
3 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

The terrain

The almost featureless top of the original Pen F gives way to the more commonplace digital-camera controls enthusiasts are used to. The shutter button has a cable-release socket, though, as well as a lockable exposure-compensation dial.

olympus-pen-f-14.jpg
4 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Viewfinder

We used to be able to distinguish between the OM-D series and the PEN models because the former has viewfinders and the latter didn't. No more.

olympus-pen-f-13.jpg
5 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Shiny

As is all the rage in premium cameras these days, the dials are made from aluminum.

olympus-pen-f-12.jpg
6 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

It's really hard to make the backs of digital cameras look retro. The leatherette doesn't do it for me, but like appliances camouflaged with wood fronts, that's a personal choice.

olympus-pen-f-11.jpg
7 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

We welcome the articulated display.

olympus-pen-f-10.jpg
8 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Card slot not here

Sadly, the SD card slot is in the battery compartment, not here; the HDMI and proprietary USB connector occupy this valuable real estate.

olympus-pen-f-15.jpg
9 of 9 Joshua Goldman/CNET

Pay up for the grip

Like many companies who design cameras with no grips, Olympus makes you fork over extra bucks to be able to hold the camera comfortably.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos