Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsThe “Ultimate” Pen amidst a Growing Field of Alternatives
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2016
I recently was able to get one of the first available Pen Fs from Amazon, and this review is based on first impressions after using it for about two weeks. Let’s get looks out of the way first--It looks great and is wonderfully refined compared to previous Pens. The overall build quality and functionality are excellent, the image quality is great, although—as others are noting—the new 20 meg sensor does not appear to be a deal breaker. Judging from the other early reviews, however, the camera it is being experienced with both enthusiasm and some hesitation. This is probably because the bar is being raised by so many fine alternatives and technological innovations among other mirrorless cameras. There are now many other choices within micro-four thirds (M43), as well as a number of very good mirrorless APS-C and full frame cameras, including some with image stabilization. So, where does the Pen F sit among the growing field of choices both within M43 and among the alternatives? That’s too big of a question for this review, but it is worth remembering that, unless you are going to stay with only a kit lens and a prime or two, you are buying into a system. The original appeal of M43 was not only the smaller size of its cameras (which is now being matched by some with larger formats) but also the smaller size of its lenses—I’ll come back to that later. So, if you are contemplating moving to mirrorless APS-C or full frame models, the lenses are typically larger and heavier, and so far, only the newer Sony A7 series (A7 ii, A7r ii, and A7s ii) has five-axis in-body stabilization. The very appealing Fuji Xs and Sony A6000s still don’t.
So, where does the new Pen F sit within M43? The Pen F truly is the “ultimate” Pen thus far. So, I will first evaluate it as a Pen. I’ve owned several. Thus, I find the new Pen F to be a welcome replacement for the aging Pen EP5, particularly given the Pen F’s new integrated EVF, bigger sensor, and better dials--with the exception of the Pen F’s new Art dial--which is more of a curiosity. For most shooting conditions the older Pen EP5 still produces results nearly on par with newer the OMDs. It had the first five-axis image stabilization, although with some minor noise issues. What I found clunky about the EP5, however, was having to add the expensive, large (but excellent) external EVF 4. The grip was also minimal since it seemed to be intended more for street shooting--mine came with the 17mm F1.8, which was a nicely balanced match. When the larger OMD EM1 came out, it integrated the same quality EVF, fixed the stabilizer noise and had the feel of a more robust body to which you could more comfortably attach the new larger f2.8 pro zooms. Although you can attach them to Pens (or even the tiny Panasonic GM5), the smaller primes and pancake lenses are a more balanced match for the Pens.
This is also my feeling about the Pen F. It is a natural for street and light weight travel shooting and best matched to smaller primes or pancake lenses. I’ve used it with the Olympus 45 mm f1.8, the 17 mm f1.8, the 12 mm f2.0 and the Panasonic-Leica 15 f1.7, and Panasonic 20 mm f1.7, as well as the Oly 14-42mm EZ pancake. All are well matched and perform well. Although you can put the larger pro lenses on the Pen F, when I do, I feel the need for the optional external grip. I’ve got the ECG-4 external grip, and find it well made with better battery access, but the grip swings wide to the right, apparently to avoid cramping your hand into the retro front dial. More problematic is the need to carry an allen wrench to remove it. So, although I can pair the Pen F with the f 2.8 pro larger lenses, it seems to defeat appeal of carrying the small, stylish Pen. The larger OMD EM1 or Panasonic GHs are better matched for the larger lenses.
Performance: Overall, I am pleased with the image quality of the new sensor. For how I typically shoot, I have not found any problems with the AF, as some are noting. I have tried to match shots of the Pen F against my OMD EM5 Mark II using the Oly 45mm f1.8 and 17mm 1.8, and I don’t find much of a difference in the results.
Craftsmanship and functionality: The Pen F is beautifully made with excellent dials and no visible screws. The design is excellent. The retro front dial is dedicated to art filters and monochrome modes. The monochrome modes allow interesting possibilities. There are now more variations on for the previous art filters--too many for me. The addition is the exposure dial is most welcome. It would be nice to also see shutter speed and ISO in future models. The EVF has a smaller field of view than the EM5 II, but is still very good.
Value: The initial list price of the Pen F does seem a bit steep considering that the body is not weather resistant. At its reduced price, the OMD EM5 Mark II seems like the nearest Oly competitor for the Pen F--it is now several hundred cheaper. It also is a very versatile camera with its optional grip as I noted in my review of the camera. At about the same list price the Panasonic GX8 is weather resistant, has better video, but the image stabilization is not as advanced. The AF, however, is spot on fast.
Overall, I like street shooting with Pens, using them at museums, or while traveling. For those purposes the Pen F is the penultimate Pen, and as a Pen, I give it five stars. Nevertheless, as an all-purposed camera, there are other options in the growing M43 field of choices. If you contemplating moving into mirrorless cameras, and are weighing M43 versus larger mirrorless formats, remember that you are buying into a system, so consider the size, weight, and price of the lenses as well as sensor size and quality before making your leap.
