Recently, some camera manufacturers are being intensively applying
retro design concept on their products. Nevertheless, Olympus has a very
interesting idea because this company tries to revive one of its analog cameras
in the 1960s.
The camera is the Olympus PEN-F. Its name is exactly the
same as the camera that had been released in the '60s, and the design is also
very similar, people will think that this camera is the old camera that's
popular in '60s.
But of course the similarity between the new PEN-F with the
old version is only limited to its design, the features and technologies
embedded in this camera are very different. Olympus equips the PEN-F with 20
Megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor accompanied by 5-axis image stabilization
system. This combination will produce high quality images in low light
conditions.
Olympus also equips PEN-F with the "Hi-Res"
shooting ability as introduced in OM-D E-M5 Mark II last year. Basically this
feature will shoot a number of images and process them into 50-megapixel
resolution images when the camera is placed on a tripod.
For the video, PEN-F can only record in 1080p resolution.
But at least this camera is reliable in capturing fast actions with its maximum
shutter speed that can reach 1/8,000 sec.
The top panel of PEN-F is filled with a series of metal knobs.
Interestingly there is a knob on the front part, at the right side of the lens.
This knob will provide quick access to a number of creative shooting modes such
as black and white and also some filters ala Instagram style.
In the back, you will see a 3 inch touch screen that can be
twisted around in such a way. The screen is also accompanied by an electronic
viewfinder which brings high-resolution OLED panel.
Overall, PEN-F is very similar to the Olympus' flagship mirrorless
camera, i.e. OM-D E-M1. Olympus PEN-F will be available in March at a price of
$ 1,200 body only - it is compatible with all Micro Four Thirds lenses of
Olympus, Panasonic and other manufacturers.