OM System PEN preorders are officially open — here are the best retailers, plus where to get a free strap

Looking for the perfect compact everyday shooter for travel or street photography?

<![CDATA[ <article> <p>Looking for the perfect compact everyday shooter for travel or street photography? The <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/om-system-finally-replaced-the-iconic-olympus-pen-f-and-the-new-retro-pen-camera-is-shockingly-affordable">brand-new OM System PEN</a> could be a fantastic option for you. Preorders are now open for this affordable new rangefinder-style camera ahead of an October 1st release date, and several retailers have already updated their sites with listings. </p><p>Probably the best option for preorder today is over at Adorama, where you can <a href="https://www.adorama.com/om-system-pen-mirrorless-camera-20-4-mp-body-only/p/ompenb">get yourself a free wrist strap alongside both the body-only and kit-lens options</a>. The strap in question is a black Clever Supply Skinny Wrist Strap worth $54, so it's definitely a nice little freebie that should complement your new camera nicely.</p><p>If you're in the UK (or USA but would prefer to order a camera elsewhere), I've attached a roundup of other options below. Major retailers like B&H Photo, Wex Video Photo, and Park Cameras are all stocking the camera today, so there should (hopefully) be plenty of stock available for early adopters. </p><p>Note that the OM System Pen starts at $999.99 / £849 for the body, with additional kit lens options. The lens kit, meanwhile, with the new M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 III, is just an additional $100 / £100, which could be a better value option if you're new to the system, and looks like a particularly good option for travel photography. Not only is this kit a bargain, but the lens is also weather-sealed (unlike previous iterations). </p><h2 class="article-body__section" id="section-where-to-buy-the-om-system-pen"><span>Where to buy the OM System PEN</span></h2><div class="block__comparison"><h3>Current OM System PEN retailers</h3><div class="comparisons"><div class="comparison"><h4>US retailers</h4><ul><li>Amazon: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW17YXLS">check stock</a></li><li>Adorama: <a href="https://www.adorama.com/om-system-pen-mirrorless-camera-20-4-mp-body-only/p/ompenb">$999</a></li><li>B&H Photo: <a href="https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-on-review/om-system-breathes-new-life-into-the-pen-series">$999</a></li><li>Best Buy: <a href="https://www.bestbuy.com/site/fujifilm-x-series-x100vi-40-2mp-digital-camera-silver/6574272.p?skuId=6574272">check stock</a></li></ul></div><div class="comparison"><h4>UK retailers</h4><ul><li>Jessops: <a href="https://www.jessops.com/search?q=OM+System&_q=OM+System">check stock</a></li><li>Wex Video Photo: <a href="https://www.jessops.com/search?q=OM+System&_q=OM+System">£849</a></li><li>Park Cameras: <a href="https://www.parkcameras.com/new-products/om-system/">£849</a></li><li>Wilkinson Cameras: <a href="https://www.wilkinson.co.uk/products/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/mirrorless-cameras-om-system/?range=8704">£849</a></li><li>Camarthen Cameras: <a href="https://carmarthencameras.com/">check stock</a></li></ul></div></div></div><h2 id="what-39-s-new-with-the-pen">What's new with the PEN?</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2000px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.25%;"><img id="GszvWxSDyfQkDs87p698H7" name="OM System PEN" alt="OM System PEN on a stone surface alongside an Olympus lens" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GszvWxSDyfQkDs87p698H7.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2000" height="1125" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: OM System)</span></figcaption></figure><ul><li><strong>2.36-million-dot OLED EVF</strong></li><li><strong>IPX1-rated dust-and-splash resistance</strong></li><li><strong>BLS-7 battery with USB-C charging</strong></li></ul><p>Much of the PEN's spec sheet will seem familiar to fans of the brand. As with most releases from OM System, the PEN is essentially re-using a lot of pre-existing tech in a new body at a lower price. However, its combination of a retro compact body, built-in viewfinder, image stabilization, weather resistance and accessible price makes it an attractive entry-level mirrorless camera, particularly for smartphone users. </p><p>Unlike the previous Olympus EP-7, the PEN now features a 2.36-million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder as well as IPX1-rated dust-and-splash resistance. Internally, you're still getting the familiar 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with 5-axis image stabilisation rated to 5.5EV, but the 121-point phase-detection autofocus with subject detection is a key upgrade.</p><p>Other upgrades include OM System's latest computational photography features, namely Live ND, new color profiles, and two Cinema picture modes aimed at 4K video. Like the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/om-system-om3-review">higher-end OM-3</a>, the PEN is designed from the ground up for JPEG customization thanks to a new color/monochrome switch which provides quick access to film-inspired looks. </p><p>Finally, it's worth mentioning that the PEN debuts a new BLS-7 battery, rated for an impressive 410 shots per charge, as well as support for USB-C charging - another massive boon for travel photography.</p><h2 id="is-the-pen-worth-preordering">Is the PEN worth preordering?</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:2500px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.32%;"><img id="u4hq2uoYjYRwb6TsfjJX6C" name="Fujifilm X-M5" alt="Fujifilm X-M5 camera with 15-45mm lens, in the hand" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u4hq2uoYjYRwb6TsfjJX6C.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="2500" height="1408" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="caption-text">The PEN is a great alternative to the Fujifilm X-M5 </span><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future / Tim Coleman)</span></figcaption></figure><p>We haven't fully reviewed the OM System PEN yet, but my initial impression of the camera is positive. It's 'nothing new', so to speak, but the rock-bottom price that the brand is aiming for has the potential to make this one a crowd favorite.</p><p>For one, I don't think any other brand is offering a package quite like this for $1,000. With inflation and various tariffs, we've become accustomed to spiralling costs, so it's refreshing to see a brand-new camera with a viewfinder, weather sealing, and a stylish design for this price. </p><p>Perhaps the closest competitor to the OM System PEN is the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/fujifilm-x-m5-review">Fujifilm X-M5</a> - one of our favorite entry-level cameras here at TechRadar. Both cameras share a stunning rangefinder-style design and enticing price point, but the PEN looks like the better choice for photographers, in my opinion. The X-M5 has far superior video specs, but it lacks image stabilization, a viewfinder, and weather sealing.</p><p>With such features, the PEN looks like a very, very compelling budget option compared to the likes of the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/cameras/mirrorless-cameras/fujifilm-x-e5-review">Fujifilm X-E5</a>. That's another one of our favorite rangefinder-style bodies, but it comes in at an eye-watering $1,799 / £1,399 for the body-only. In comparison, the PEN is a more entry-level body, but it's definitely a good option if you're happy with 20MP. </p><div data-widget-type="multimodelreview" data-model-name="Fujifilm X-E5,Fujifilm X-M5,Fujifilm X-T30 III" data-widget-title="Other recommended cameras"></div> </article> ]]>