CameraReviews.com
menu
Hi Camera Lovers 👋 If you buy a camera through our referral links, you support our site at no cost to you 😉 Full info here.

Olympus PEN-F Specs and Scores

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery
Olympus PEN-F
60%
General
60%
Price
Brand
Olympus
Model
PEN-F
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2016
Announcement Date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
January 27, 2016
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Olympus PEN-F scores a 60/100 in our evaluation. This mirrorless camera, launched in 2016, originally retailed for $1200. The camera’s dimensions are 125 x 72 x 37mm, and it weighs 427g or 0.94lbs. Despite being five years old, the PEN-F’s specifications still hold up in today’s market. However, with the rapid advancements in camera technology, it is essential to consider newer models for improved performance and features.

Olympus PEN-F Overview and Optics

The Olympus PEN-F scores 65/100 for optics. The camera features a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor, paired with a TruePic VII processor. Its shooting speed reaches 10 frames per second, and the DXOMARK score for the sensor is 74. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size and Micro 4/3 lens mount allow for a wide range of lens options. Additionally, the PEN-F includes image stabilization and a 4:3 aspect ratio.

Comparing these specifications to today’s market, the Olympus PEN-F offers decent performance. However, it may not stand out among competitors with more advanced features. The 20.3-megapixel sensor and 10 fps shooting speed are adequate for casual photographers, but professionals might seek higher resolution and faster performance.

The Olympus PEN-F provides satisfactory optics for the average user, but it may not meet the demands of professional photographers. The camera’s optics score reflects its capabilities within the current market.

Optics
Optics
65%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20.3 MP
Image Resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5184 x 3888 px
Sensor Type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor Size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.4 mm
Sensor Format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Frame Rate
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
10 fps
Lens Mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image Processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic VII
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Minimum ISO (Native)
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
200
Maximum ISO (Native)
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
80
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
60 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
1/ 16000 s
Autofocus Points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
81
In-body Stabilization
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder Type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution
2,360,000 dots

Olympus PEN-F Video Performance

The Olympus PEN-F receives a video score of 70/100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities in the video department, which include a maximum video resolution of Full HD (1920 x 1080) and a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. Additionally, the camera offers built-in time-lapse functionality.

When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Olympus PEN-F’s video specifications may not be the most impressive. Many contemporary cameras boast 4K video resolution and higher frame rates. However, the PEN-F’s Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate still provide decent video quality for casual users and those not seeking professional-grade video.

The Olympus PEN-F may not be the top choice for videographers, but it remains a reliable option for those who prioritize photography and only require occasional video recording. Its time-lapse functionality adds an interesting feature for creative exploration.

Video
Video
70%
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max Video Resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 p
Time-Lapse Built In
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video File Format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MOV, AVI

Olympus PEN-F Features and Benefits

The Olympus PEN-F’s feature score is 57/100. This camera has a 3-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots, providing clear visuals when reviewing photos and navigating menus. The flip screen offers flexibility when shooting from different angles.

In today’s market, the PEN-F holds its own with its Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to transfer images and remotely control the camera. However, the lack of GPS and Bluetooth may be drawbacks for some users who prioritize these features.

The Olympus PEN-F has a range of useful features that cater to different photographers’ needs. While it may not have the highest score, it is a reliable option for those seeking a camera with a touchscreen, flip screen, and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Features
Features
57%
Built-in Flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External Flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather Sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen Type
LCD
Touch Screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen Size
3"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1,037,000 dots
Flip Screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live View
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.

Olympus PEN-F Storage and Battery

The Olympus PEN-F receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera has one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Compared to other cameras in the market, having only one memory card slot is quite common.

The battery life for the Olympus PEN-F is 330 shots, which is relatively low when compared to other cameras in today’s market. The battery type is BLN-1, and the camera does not support USB charging. This lack of USB charging may be a disadvantage for users who require convenient charging options.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Olympus PEN-F’s storage and battery capabilities might not meet the expectations of some photographers. However, the camera’s performance in other areas, such as optics and features, may still make it an attractive choice for certain users.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
BLN-1
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
330 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
74%
Portrait (Color Depth)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.'
23.1 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.'
12.4 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better'
894
Scores
User Scores
Spotted a mistake with these camera specs? Please let us know so we can update it!