SINGAPORE - Japanese camera maker Olympus has given its classic, retro-looking PEN F 35mm film camera a digital reboot.
The new mirrorless digital camera, going by the same name, is targeted at shutter bugs doing reportage, documentary and travel photography. The new edition retains most of the compact design of its 1960s predecessor, but it comes with new ergonomically-positioned dials and controls.
There is a new Creative dial in front of the camera just below the shutter release to allow users to quickly switch between colour modes, such as Monochrome, Colour and Art.
Keeping up with times, the PEN-F uses a new 20-megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds (MFT) image sensor with built-in five-axis image stabilisation system. It is also the first Olympus PEN MFT interchangeable lens camera that comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) that serious photographers prefer.
The EVF has a high resolution of 2.36 million dots with 100 per cent field of view. However, users can still use the rotatable 3-inch touchscreen display to compose their photos.
The PEN-F is said to have the shortest shutter release lag of its class at a mere 44ms. This is so that you can always capture the decisive moment.
The Olympus PEN-F will be available here in silver and black next month. Pricing details will be released later.
