Olympus PEN-F part two review by Robin Wong:

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT PEN-F
The most beautiful Olympus modern camera.
Top notch craftsmanship and build quality
Excellent looking low ISO output, clean with minimal sharpening artifacts, yet still maintaining high level of details/sharpness
New 20MP Image Sensor has slight improvements in terms of overall image quality
5-Axis Image Stabilization
Built-in EVF
Feature packed: 50MP high resolution shot, monochrome and color profile controls, etc

WHAT I DISLIKE ABOUT PEN-F
I had higher expectations from the new 20MP image sensor, with higher jump in image quality (especially in high ISO shooting)
Handling was not as good as previous PEN cameras (eg, E-P5). However, this can be improved with the use of add-on grip ECG-4.
Some questionable dial placements that actually gets in the way of shooting comfort
Short battery life (400-500 shots per charge). Why can’t we get 800-1000 shots per charge?

Olympus PEN-F: Street photography on Austin’s 6th Street at Atmtxphoto:

Any additional tests will have to wait, unfortunately, I had to return the PEN-F to Olympus. I’m really missing the front control dial and the film simulations. My OM-D E-M5 Mark II is a great camera but the PEN-F is so much more fun.

Our reader AL sent us his full first impression review:

Pros
a. Ergonomic design (IMHO de-facto m43 Pen standard); for first-time m43 users, can be easily get addicted to this one
b. Typical OMD camera operation and functionality in a Pen body, customizable buttons and dials
c. Solid build (despite made in Viet), no noticeable screws
d. Excellent side articulating screen design (preferred over conventional tilt up/down design), first on a Pen model
e. Trusted Oly menu GUI and display, true live histogram (visible during EV shift)
f. Easy-to-access art filter effects options, durable art filter front dial design
g. Good design faux-leather (rubber?) wraparound allows for excellent slip-less grip even without dedicated grip add-ons (body has flat right grip by default)
h. Pleasant EVF design, bright by default and good in magnification
i. Feels camera-like, unlike the competition (eg. Pana)
j. Reasonably fast AF

Cons
a. Too much customization that may confuse the average Pen user; must have extensive OMD operation knowledge needed to effectively operate the Pen-F
b. No image processing improvements, still 12-bit A/D and TruePic VII (not sure why Oly is so insistent on the former)
c. Non-weatherproof design despite in pro-body form; exemplified by weak battery door without gasket or whatsoever
d. Inconvenient card insert position due to close proximity to battery door hinge
e. Easy over-dependence/exploitation of art filter functions; raw capture necessary to retain original color data/gamut
f. Annoying EVF/rear display flickering under artificial light
g. Grossly overpriced
h. Lens bundle: no normal-focal length 25mm F1.8 included, only wide 12mm F2.0 or 17mm F1.8 offered depending on region
i Too many dials; mechanical EV dial could be deleted and substituted by twin dial design augmented with frontal 2×2 flip switch design
j. Programmable mechanical EV dial can be confusing (IMO only electronic dials should be programmable)
k. No integrated flash (due to EVF integration)
l. Confusing video controls; frame rate selections controlled by “Video out” setting (NTSC/PAL); no mic-in/headphone jack, thus inability to integrate with Oly’s own PCM recorders for better audio capture on video

Conclusion:
a. Would pass the Pen-F for an E-M5-II (if not the E-M1) without hesitation
b. Pen-F’s design sets precedence to how future E-Px/E-PLx models could be improved, such as implementation of side articulating screen, compulsory twin control dial design, new processing engine, in-camera flash etc.

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

Olympus PEN-F Hands-on First Impression (Bokeh).

The Olympus PEN-F Review at Atmtxphoto.
Extra PEN-F Sample photos (full ISO Range) at ePhotozine.
Pride and joy: shooting the Olympus PEN-F in Austin (Dpreview).
Has Olympus Resurrected Victorian Design Principles? (Echeneique).
Sensor test at Spanish DSLRmagazine.
Hands-on at Mynavi Japan.
Nueva Pen, nuevos tiempos (Quesabesde).
5 Reasons Why The Olympus Pen F is a Huge Disappointment (Bokeh).

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

You can now doanload the PEN-F manual here: olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/manual/pen/man_penf_en.pdf (Thanks Andrew!)

And you cna also see the first full size image samples here: d-pixx.de/2016/01/olympus-pen-f-erste-praxisbilder-in-originalgroesse/ (via MR)

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

The January Olympusmag UK issue has been released (download the PDF here). And there is an article by Warren Fleming about the new 300mm PRO lens. He writes:

“I managed to test the IS down to a fifth of a second handheld in order to get sharp images – which is incredible”

The 300mm PRO lens is probably the best lens ever made for those who need a 600mm lens they can use handheld. There is probably no other lens on the world that can do this.

Preorder links to the two new MFT lenses:
Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic. In EU at WexUK. ParkCameras.
Olympus 300mm f/4.0 PRO lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, GetOlympus. In EU at Amazon DE. WexUK. ParkCameras.

Photoreview tested the new 300mm PRO lens and writes:

Airlines around the world have become stricter about monitoring and enforcing carry-on limits recently, making equipment weight an important consideration for photographers who travel. With Olympus equipment, you can easily put together a kit containing two camera bodies, the 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO and lens 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO lens at a total weight of well under 3.5 kilograms. Do the same with either Canon or Nikon DSLRs and lenses and the weight will be pushing the 7 KG carry-on limit.
While it may be Olympus’s most expensive M4/3 lens, the M.Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS PRO is a top-notch lens for serious photographers who photograph sports, wildlife and also stage performances. It’s usable in challenging weather, fast enough for low-light shooting and offers impressive close-up capabilities. What’s not to like?

ePhotozine also posted a Olympus M. Zuiko Digital ED 300mm f/4.0 IS Pro Hands-On article.

Preorder links to the two new MFT lenses:
Panasonic-Leica 100-400mm lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto and Panasonic. In EU at WexUK. Fotosidan.
Olympus 300mm f/4.0 PRO lens at Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, GetOlympus. In EU at Amazon DE. WexUK.

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, FotoMundus, WexUK, ParkCameras.

The PEN-F is a camera that polarized the 43 community. The camera mainly stands out for its design and the Panasonic GX8 probably has the better price-features ratio. But isn’t beauty something valuable too? Let’s hear what reviewers have to say about that topic:

Robin Wong : “Finding out that the image quality produced by the PEN-F is only slightly better than E-M10 Mark II on the whole basically toned down the level of excitement I was in when I was reviewing the camera.
The PEN-F has done so many things right such as the super fast AF and built in large and sharp EVF. This is the kind of camera that is made to lust for: beautiful design blended with great functions and shooting capabilities.”

Dpreview: “We do think that at the point of launch, the PEN-F is priced rather high. Ultimately, despite some concerns, the PEN-F is a nicely made, beautiful camera with some fun and unique features that’s a pleasure to use. ”

CameraLabs: “I remember the previous PEN flagship, the EP5 also coming-in at an ambitiously high price point and it would seem the PEN F is following the same strategy. It’s undoubtedly a nice camera to look at and to use too, but I feel the price is too high for the specification compared to rivals, including alternatives within the Olympus range.”

Mirrorlessons: “Think about the OM-D E-M5 mark II and you have a pretty good idea about how powerful this new camera will be. The company plans to give the camera a long lifespan with relevant firmware updates, something they already started doing with the E-M1 and E-M5 mark II.”

Ming Thein: “it is clearly targeted at the social media crowd, from the design to the huge number of in-camera processing options.”

Cameras.reviewed: “The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and Panasonic Lumix GX8 both are similar to the PEN-F, with a few more features, and cost a bit less money. The GX8, in particular, is appealing if you’re interested in shooting high-quality 4K video. But in a market where basically every camera is “good enough,” choosing a camera is about more than just the spec sheet. Olympus has always understood this, as Yoshihisa Maitani’s original PEN-F was compact and capable, but also beautiful. The reborn version holds true to that, and it is certain to find more than a few fans—if not a legacy of its own.”

–

Olympus also announced some other stuff:
Olympus E-M10 Mark II Limited at BHphoto.
Olympus CBG-11 PR Premium Leather Camera Bag for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-48 PR Premium Leather Wrapping Cloth for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus ECG-4 External Metal Grip for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CSS-S120L PR Premium Leather Shoulder Strap for PEN-F (Brown/Black) at BHphoto.
Olympus CS-47B Leather Body Jacket for PEN-F (Black) at BHphoto.

PEN-F Preorder links:
Silver PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Black PEN-F in USA/Canada at Bhphoto, Amazon, Adorama, GetOlympus, GetOlympus Canada.
Silver PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUk, ParkCameras.
Black PEN-F in EU at Amazon Deutschland, WexUK, ParkCameras.

The Polish site Optyczne and Ming Thein already published their PEN-F reviews! The camera will be announced within the next minutes. Stay tuned on 43rumors!

Ming writes:

All in all, I enjoyed shooting with the PEN F. It’s sized right, feels right, and responds well. The camera part just gets out of the way and lets you concentrate on shooting. Sure, the EVF feels a bit dated and grainy in comparison to the Leica SL, but for the most part, it’s good enough even in bright light. It doesn’t keep you waiting. Image quality appears to be good enough (subject to assessment via my normal ACR workflow) and overall, the camera represents a solid update to Olympus’ M4/3 offerings. I’m left hesitant on only two things: firstly, the price. This is not a cheap camera, and not only is it not a cheap camera, at this price, you have to start to give other options like the Sony A7II and Nikon D750 a serious look. Both of these cameras offer significantly higher image quality potential, too; though in practice, the image quality differential may be less than you’d expect because of the effectiveness of Olympus’ stabilisation and the size/ accessibility of small and fast lenses.

via Dpreview forum