The first question I get when photographers find out I'm testing the new OM System PEN is: "How does it compare to the old PEN-F?" My answer: "It's a completely different camera." And as much as I love my PEN-F, I'll be carrying the new PEN.

It's lighter, with upgraded autofocus (Phase Detect vs. Contrast-Based), computational photography features like subject detection and Live ND, a kit lens that's only $100 in the bundle but compatible with focus stacking and close-up shooting, and built-in color profiles that I really like.

Before I dig any deeper, let's take a look at the basic specs.

• 20.4MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor
• TruePic IX Image Processor
• 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
• Up to 30 fps RAW & JPEG Burst Shooting
• 4K 24p Video & 1-120p in S&Q Modes
• 3" 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
• 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• 121-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
• IPX1 Weather-Sealed Design
• M.Zuiko 14‑42mm f/3.5‑5.6 III Lens

I included the new zoom lens in the specs because, as I mentioned earlier, it's too good a bargain to pass up, even if you already have a catalog of MFT optics. When you buy the kit for $1,099, you're essentially getting the zoom for $100.

Top view of the PEN with the new 14-42mm III zoom. Photo provided by OM System.

It's weather-resistant, has excellent close-up capabilities, and it works with in-camera focus stacking. Previously, we had to use bulkier Pro lenses for the stacking feature. Now we don't. All of that for 100 bucks.

Anthurium andraeanum captured with the 14-42mm III zoom lens. Photo by Derrick Story.

I'll start with the things I like about the PEN, then list a few things I wish it had. But first, the good stuff.

What I like

It feels great in the hands. The front grip and the back thumb rest work wonderfully in tandem for one-handed shooting if you'd like, or for very comfortable all-day treks.

Back of the PEN with the thumb rest next to the CP button. Photo provided by OM System.

The buttons and dials are well-placed and operate cleanly with positive clicks and knurled rings. The fully articulated LCD allows for shooting at various angles, then folds nicely against the back of the body for protection.

The SD card slot is on the side. The electronic viewfinder is bright and colorful. There's a nifty color switch on the front that makes it easy to switch to the profile you want. More on that later.

Part of the joy of the PEN is that it only weighs 14 ounces (393 grams) and measures 5 x 2.9 x 1.7". If you put the 14-42mm EZ pancake zoom lens on the body, it's probably the smallest, full-featured camera in your arsenal. Yet, you get a ton of technology.

• 121-point all cross-type On-chip Phase Detection AF
• The PEN series' first AI Subject Detection AF for people and animals (cats and dogs)
• Starry Sky AF
• A dust reduction system that removes dust from the image sensor, allowing lens changes without the need to worry about dust appearing in photographs
• AUTO mode, which automatically detects the scene being shot and captures images using the optimal settings
• 24 SCN modes with 6 themes which supports shooting more complex scenarios, such as starscape photography
• 16 types of Art Filters for expanded creative expression
• Pro Capture shooting (records up to 12 previous frames at a maximum of 30 fps beginning with the moment when the shutter button is fully pressed, RAW sequential shooting is compatible)
• Set custom mode name for easy recall (up to 12 alphanumeric characters)
• Easily record cinematic video in OM-Cinema1 or OM-Cinema2 picture modes specifically designed for videos
• Supports vertical video and S&Q (slow/quick motion)

There is a new battery, the BLS-7, that's a 1,285 mAh lithium-ion rechargeable. It provides approximately 410 shots on a full charge (based on CIPA testing). Some OM System photographers will be disappointed that they can't use any of their existing cells in the PEN, but OM System wanted a new battery that was compact and as powerful as possible.

A few complaints

There are a few nits, however. The SD card slot supports UHS-I, not UHS-II, which is surprising these days. Also, existing Olympus shooters won't be able to use their super-compact FL-LM3 flash with the PEN. It isn't compatible, which is a shame. I did test my Godox iT30 Pro, however, and it fit great in the hot shoe and the TTL functions worked well.

And finally, and this really is a nitpick, but the ON switch is multifunctional, also enabling video and S&Q, but I find myself in video mode sometimes when I first turn it on. I would prefer a single-function On/Off lever.

Color Profile Control

The Color Profile switch on the front of the PEN allows the photographer to set up a favorite look, then switch to it quickly. It looks simple, but actually is quite sophisticated. The saturation of 12 separate colors can be adjusted in 11 levels to achieve the ideal tones.

This can also be combined with Highlight & Shadow Control or shading effects for an expanded range of expression. OM System offers four preset types: Film Rich Color, for rich, deep tones; Film Vivid, for vivid saturation and rich colors; Film Soft Tone, which delivers light, soft tones; and Standard (Natural).

Color Profile 1 - Film Rich Color. Photo by Derrick Story

Four monochrome presets are also available and can also be customized, including Film B&W, which makes use of a film grain effect; Film IR, which emphasizes a red color filter effect that looks like infrared film; Film Low Contrast, which reduces the contrast for a soft impression; and Standard (Monotone).

In my testing, I preferred the Color 1 profile, which is labeled Film Rich Color. It was vibrant without being oversaturated. For B&W work, I like Mono 4, the standard monochrome profile.

The best way to use the switch in front is to figure out (or customize) the profile you want, switch to on, and set that profile. The PEN will remember your preferred preset the next time you use the switch.

Bottom Line

The OM System PEN is going to attract a lot of attention based on its looks. Quite honestly, it's adorable. But the camera is also wildly capable for on-the-go enthusiast photographers who want IBIS, color control, computational photography features, and the opportunity to change lenses.

And once they're tempted, the price isn't going to get in the way. Given the increases we've seen with other cameras recently released, the PEN with its stock zoom is a great value.

It's not the PEN-F. We will never see the likes of that camera again. It was a moment in time. But in this moment, today, I'm very happy to have the new PEN in my backpack.

This is The Digital Story Podcast 1,074, Oct. 13, 2026. Today's theme is, "The Photographer's Guide to Moab and Its Surrounding Parks." I'm Derrick Story.

After having spent over a week in the Moab, Utah area, both scouting and leading a photography workshop, I can say with great confidence that it's one of the most photo-rich areas I've ever worked. But there's lots to know in order to maximize your experience there. And I'm going to cover just that on today's TDS Photography Podcast. I hope you enjoy the show.

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The Photographer's Guide to Moab and Its Surrounding Parks

I drove the VW ID.4, loaded with supplies for our workshop, from Santa Rosa, CA, across Northern Nevada, the great salt flats of Utah, then down Highway 191 to Moab where we set up our workshop headquarter. To the north of us was Arches National Park, to the Southwest was Canyonlands, and in-between was Dead Horse Point State Park. Here's what I learned and what I recommend. I hope you enjoy the show.

Before I get into the specific sites themselves, I'll start with a few basics. In early October, sunrise is a little after 7 am, and sunset is a bit before 7 pm. These times are important because you want to be at your chosen location before sunrise and sunset. After 9 am the light is contrasty and difficult to tame.

Our mornings generally went like this: Up at 4:30 am, coffee and protein shakes at 5:00 am, depart HQ at 5:30 am, be in position at our location at 6:30 am, continue field work until 11:00 am, head back to HQ for lunch and lab, then head out again at 4:30 pm for the waning light and sunset.

In addition to our cameras, mandatory gear included a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm, layered clothing, hiking boots, lots of water, snacks, and a flashlight. There are some areas where a trekking pole can be quite useful for balance.

Altitude does play a role. The Visitor Center at Arches is 4,085 feet and Delicate Arch is a strenuous hike up to 4,829 feet. I recommend arriving in the Moab area a couple days before you begin your trekking up trails.

Pets are not allowed on the trails. Drones are not allowed in the national parks, and stay on trails to protect fragile living soil crusts. I shouldn't have to say this, but no climbing on arches. Now, on to the locations themselves.

Arches National Park

Day 1: I recommend starting with the Windows at sunrise, then hiking over to Double Arch. Parking is in the middle of the park. You don't have to move the car to get from one area to the other. The hike up to the Windows is fairly easy. Along the way note Turret Arch to your right. It can yield many great compositions depending on the angle you're viewing it.

After the Windows, you can begin to work your way back. I recommend a stop at Balanced Rock, then Courthouse Towers, and wrap up the morning at Park Avenue Viewpoint. We could still get good shots there at 10:30 am. But by 11:00 it's time to get out of the sun and rehydrate and refuel.

Delicate Arch is the star of the park and is best viewed at sunset. There are 3 ways to do this ranging from easy to strenuous. If you want to stand in the presence of the arch itself, then hike all the way up the steep trail. Allow an hour for this trek and bring water. If you're not a seasoned hiker, I do not recommend this adventure.

An easier view is from the east side parking in the Lower/Upper Delicate Arch parking lot. From here, you can obtain a good view by hiking an easier trail that's about 500 yards. Bring a telephoto for this shoot, and you can frame some nice compositions.

Either way, you'll need a headlamp or flashlight for the walk back to the parking lot.

Day 2: I recommend another early start and a fairly easy hike to Landscape Arch. Allow about 30 minutes on the trail from the time you leave the parking lot. There's lots to explore in the entire Devil's Garden area including Pine Tree Arch, Tunnel Arch, and Skyline Arch.

Later that day, consider an evening shoot at Panorama Point which is excellent for night photography. You'll want to check the position of the Milky Way and moon. And for a good foreground subject drive a short distance to Balanced Rock.

Canyonlands and Dead Horse Point

Day 3: It's a bit longer drive from Moab, but Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park offer many stunning visual opportunities.

Start with a sunrise shoot at Mesa Arch. It's a quarter mile hike from the parking lot with moderate up and down. Be careful with your footing in the dark. It's much easier on the return trip in daylight.

You will have lots of company there, so arrive at least 45 minutes before sunrise so you can get a parking spot. You'll have to be patient with the other tourists when you arrive at the arch itself. It will be crowded. But it is worth it when the sun rises and lights up the underside of the arch. I would be prepared to shoot HDR to capture both the bright glow and the stunning canyon behind it.

After Mesa Arch, check out the Green River Overlook for a Grand Canyon-like experience. Be sure to include some foreground subjects for a maximum sense of depth. Green River Overlook is also excellent for sunset.

BTW: The Canyonlands Visitor Center is one of my favorites and is definitely worth a stop on the way out of the park. They have lots of great clothing, bandanas, and hats there.

For the sunset shoot, it's hard to top Dead Horse Point that is in the neighboring state park. You can also get great images there in the early morning, so it just depends on how you configure your day.

The state park has lots of covered picnic tables, so if your pack a lunch or snacks, you can extend your visit there when the light is too harsh for photography.

A great stop, especially if you have kids with you, is the Moab Giants park that's at SR 313 as you approach Highway 191. We called it Dinoland, and it's a blast. You can walk a half mile trail through time visiting real life sized dinosaurs. They are spectacular. And afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch at the Giants Cafe.

Final Thoughts

Moab itself is a wonderful place to hang out. There's lots of good dining there and the meals are relatively affordable. There are plenty of motels and places to stay. I recommend securing your reservations ahead of time, however, because the entire town will sell out during popular times of the year.

If you drive an EV, there's a big Electrify America lot at Lions Gate Park. And there's Tesla charging as well in town.

I could have easily stayed another week. Moab is a great place to establish your basecamp for days and days of adventure in the parks.

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