The Olympus PEN series: A comparison of all the digital PEN’s

Between 2009 and 2021, Olympus (now OM System) released six premium digital PEN’s: The E-P1, E-P2, E-P3, E-P5, PEN-F and E-P7. As an Olympus enthusiast and a PEN lover ever since the first E-P1 was launched, I have long dreamed of owning this complete line. Now that I have, I thought it was time for a video wherein I take a look at all 6 cameras next to each other, compare their global features as well as share my overall opinion on each of the bodies.

[colingerard]

Hi Bart.

My first camera was a Pen F half frame with a 40mm f1.4 lens in 1975. It was a great intro to photography.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

[transunicorn]

This video is the one that perfectly explains from A to Z everything about this brand. I never hold a Olympus camera, but I looking to buy some used. And find this video that perfectly explains what I need. Thank you so much!

[luxseven]

My favourite is the Pen-F. So much that I bought a second one. Unfortunetaly, price is even raising lately since there is no follow-up model. I wish there was a 25MP version. For a long time, besides my full-frame equipment, I used my Pen-F for everything, mostly adapting old manual lenses. I added a cage for better grip and get more weight (imagine me throwing it around after a trip with my full-frame equipment, it weighs almost nothing ;-)). I rarely use the color profiles, but I bought it mostly for the sensor size and vintage looks. Thanks for the video!

[ankagie]

I have never had any of the premium pens but I had Epm2, e-pl5, e-pl6 and e-pl7 and out of these I really loved e-pl7. It was more than enough - the thing that I missed on all previous ones was the control dial, which 7 has, WiFi was a nice extra. I miss this camera a lot if you can miss inanimate objects 😂

[WRCzATL]

Love my E-P5, but if a Pen-F popped up at anything close to a bargain, I'd have to have it.

[jakedooom]

I have a Pen-F… It’s great despite its slightly annoying four-way switch on the back. I’ve been using it for years and now I have and OMD em1 mk3, and very new and brilliant OMS5, the Pen-F is so lightweight, small and classy looking, it’s great for casual use, and as a body to my vintage Pentax lenses, and other more outre art lenses, and ultra-wide-angle stuff. It’s an absolute beauty, and attracts a lot of comments and interest from observers and enthusiasts.

[shaka-surf]

Great rundown of the series. Would love to see what you think of the EP-7 after you've had more experience with it!

[shawnshaw]

I think we can all agree that the Olympus PEN15 is the best one

[laurentyarp]

Thank you for this presentation of the PEN series. Very useful. It helps figuring out which camera is worth getting on the second hand market. I like the PEN-F better. Funny, I realized it is very similar to the GX9. Same generation, same sensor size, same dimensions.

[bsuthe]

I very much enjoyed your video comparison of the various Pen series cameras. I have been a loyal Olympus fan since the mid 1970s, and currently own four Olympus MFT cameras. There is one thing they all share in common. I own (not acquired in that order) an E-PL1, E-PM2, E-M10, and an E-M5 MkIII. They all take the BLS-5/50 battery. Both the Pen series cameras take an external viewfinder, of which I have two. I certainly do not need, but would love to acquire, an E-P3 in silver!

[RobMoses]

I watched this video yesterday and went out and picked up a E-P5 with a VF-3 & 4 today for $130! I feel like it was a pretty good deal. I'm looking forward to going out and having some fun with this little camera. :)

[zweitervorhang]

E-P5! Because of accessories port, tiltscreen, on-button on right and lever for dual dial use! And also for its looks ....

[MichaelGerrard]

Thanks, that was great to have a walkthrough of the E-P line 🙂 I had the E-P1 years ago in 2012-13. I liked it but did not love it. I remember in 2013 I wanted the E-P5 but instead I got the GX7 instead, cheaper and with a built-in swivel EVF. I once owned an E-PL5, which I enjoyed, although it was not always easy to hold. The E-P line is better for ergonomics. When the E-P7 came out, I was tempted, but I found a great deal on the GX9, so I got that, more features including a swivelling EVF and cheaper 🙂

[leventeszabo]

Thanks for this great video. I am an mft shooter and sometimes have problem to find reviews about the pen series cameras. This is a very nice pen history and comparison. I tempted to get an ep5 although i have the em5 mark3 as a main camera and besides that i have an epl3 and 2 panasonic cameras ( gf1, gm5). My biggest love is the ibis, i can do up to 4 seconds sharp shots on my em5 with the pana 20mm f1.7.

[nikolabliznakov]

I just ordered E-P2 with Lumix 14mm f2.5. There is some magic with the colors of this body, very film like with the proper adjustments.

[donrogan]

Thanks so much for doing this video. As a Pen lover, very informative!

[absolutionism]

this is perfect, as ive been trying to decipher the variations in naming and capability. thanks!

[bcostin]

I enjoyed watching this. I've accidentally managed to collect four Pen digitals. I bought the original E-P1 back in 2010 and while it's no longer my daily carry it's still one of my favorite cameras ever. Until pretty recently the prices on early M43 gear were ridiculously low, so over the years I also picked up an E-PL1, an E-P2, and an E-P3. The EPL1's point-and-shoot feel is fun in its own way. The E-P3 is definitely more refined and responsive. But I find happy familiarity keeps taking me back to the E-P1/E-P2. The resolution and speed are both still ok. Even with a manual focus lens it balances nicely and that big vertical thumb-wheel on the back works really well for me.

[GodOfWaaar]

I just bought an EP-5 :) Can't wait to get it in my hands

[alangamble]

The EP1 was my first MFT camera that I purchased back in 2015. I still have it and use occasionally. Since then I have added several omd e series to the collection. A few weeks ago I won an EPL 1 on an auction site for an insanely cheap price, even this one can take an external EVF, so I cannot understand why Olympus/OM systems didn’t continue this option with the EP7, EPL9 & EPL10