~ MamakTalk ~: Olympus PEN F Review Part 2

Important Notes:

1. I am an Olympus Malaysia employee.

2. This is a user experience based review, based on my personal opinion which can be subjective.

3. All images were shot in RAW and converted directly to JPEG (High Quality) via Olympus Viewer 3 Version 2 (unreleased at this moment)

4. General camera settings, Noise Filter = OFF, Contrast/Saturation/sharpness = 0, White Balance = Auto (with an option maintain warm color = OFF), Gradation = Normal

5. Minimal post-processing applied to the images, with slight brightness/contrast balance tweak. All images were almost as good as straight out of camera, with minimal cropping for better presentation.

This blog entry is a continuation of Olympus PEN F Review Part 1, so please do read the Part 1 before proceeding further.

In Part 1 Review, I have discussed about the improvements of the new 20MP LiveMos Image Sensor in the PEN-F, the image quality of the new sensor in terms of overall sharpness as well as high ISO performance with plenty of samples and comparisons with OM-D E-M10 Mark II, as well as general handling and comments on the camera ergonomics and design.

In this subsequent Part 2 Review of PEN-F, I will explore the following items:

1) Effectiveness of the Olympus 5-Axis Image Stabilization System

2) 50MP High Resolution Shot feature

3) Color Profile and Monochrome Profile Control

Before jumping right into Part 2 review, I would like to address a few common questions raised from my Part 1 review.

CUSTOMIZATION OF THE EXPOSURE COMPENSATION DIAL

The most popular question was "can the exposure compensation dial be assigned to other function control, such as ISO?" The short answer is, no. There are only two assignable functions for the exposure compensation dial: 1) actual exposure compensation EV +/-, and 2) the FLASH exposure compensation to adjust the power output of the flash. Unfortunately there is no ability to customize this exposure compensation dial to adjust the ISO manually.

For my choice of settings, I strongly prefer using the front control dial (twin dials) for my exposure compensation control, and to do so, I need to disable the dedicated exposure compensation dial.

However, if you decide to leave the exposure compensation dial as is, you can assign any of the remaining two control dials to either ISO, Aperture, or Shutter (depending on which shooting modes you are at, P, A, S or M).

Exposure compensation dial can only be assigned to two dedicated functions: exposure compensation, or flash exposure compensation. No, you cannot assign this dial to control the ISO.

The front and back twin dials can control the usual exposure parameters such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO. To use one of these dials to control exposure compensation instead, you need to first disable the actual exposure compensation dial.

EXPECTATIONS ON PEN-F

It has come to my attention that generally many readers are expecting the PEN-F to be like an OM-D. I fully understand that in terms of specifications PEN-F is similar to any other recent Olympus cameras (eg, E-M10 Mark II and E-M5 Mark II), but you must also realize that the design concept behind PEN and OM-D are targeted toward very different crowds altogether. The absence of proper hand gripping area (though can be supplemented with additional add-on hand-grip accessory) and no weather sealing on the PEN suggested that for photographers who use the camera in harsh conditions and need better handling using larger PRO lenses are better suited with OM-D cameras. The last I checked, nothing happened to the OM-D cameras, the E-M1 and E-M5 Mark II cameras are still the same, and can be your choice if those cameras suit you better. However, just because a few OM-D features are absent in the new PEN-F, I do not think it is fair to be so quick to conclude that the PEN-F is less functional and not a better buy in comparison to the OM-D offerings. The PEN-F itself has so many uniqueness to it that the OM-D users may not necessarily want, or need in their photography needs.

Remember how there were so many complains about the OM-D hump being unnecessary and ugly? Well, the PEN-F had a flat top. Remember how popular the built in EVF in PEN was a request? Now we have a built in EVF. Also, how almost everyone wanted a "rangefinder-esque" looking PEN model from Olympus, and how so many people actually do prefer manual control dials after raving about Fujifilm getting those manual controls right in their amazing line-up of cameras. Although I may not necessarily agree with all the popular comments (certainly not about those overabundance of dials, oh no please), the reality is that the PEN-F was created based on popular feedback.

I do have to admit, the PEN-F is the best looking Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera, yet. The craftsmanship of PEN-F is second to none when it comes to Olympus cameras. PEN-F is designed to look extremely good and yet, offering what Olympus has always excelled in doing: excellent imaging tool. It delivers sharp, detailed images rich in pleasing colours, has all the latest Olympus imaging technology such as 5-Axis IS, super fast autofocus, 50MP high resolution shot, live composite/live time settings, etc and yet all that were fitted into a small, light and incredibly beautiful body.

No, in many ways, Olympus PEN-F did not surpass the previous OM-D cameras. Why should it? It is sitting right in its own category, and if you are not a PEN user (I am not, I am being frank here) then get an OM-D!

5-AXIS IMAGE STABILIZATION TESTS

Olympus is always proud about their in camera 5-Axis Axis Image Stabilization system, claiming to have the world's most powerful and advanced IS system in the consumer market.

After using the PEN-F extensively, I believe that the 5-Axis IS in the PEN-F is similar to the 5-Axis IS found in the OM-D E-M5 Mark II. I can hand-hold my shots at incredibly low shutter speeds, which I normally do not use, but I did them for the sake of torturing the image stabilization. Taking things to the extreme, I have mounted much larger lenses, M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO, and even that 300mm F4 IS PRO lens onto the PEN-F, just to see how the image stabilization coped.

The 5-Axis IS worked well in all shooting conditions, from wide angle shots to super telephoto. Remember that amazing 5-Axis Sync IS (utilizing both the in camera 5-Axis IS and also the lens 2-Axis IS inside the 300mm F4 IS PRO lens, working together in sync)? It is fully compatible with the PEN-F, and I found that exact same owl and pulled off a 1/10sec hand-held shot with the 300mm lens! It worked.

1/100sec, F5, ISO200,40mm, 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens,

1/40sec, F4, ISO200, 150mm, 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens

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1/10sec, F7.1, ISO200, 300mm F4 IS PRO lens

Testing out the new 5-Axis Sync IS with the 300mm F4 PRO lens.

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1/3sec, F5.6, ISO200, 25mm F1.8 lens

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1/2sec, F6.3, ISO200, 12mm F2 lens

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50MP HIGH RESOLUTION SHOT

Just like the OM-D E-M5 Mark II, the new PEN-F is equipped with a sensor-shift multiple shots capability to create the 50MP High Resolution Shot.

To understand the basics of the High Resolution Shot of Olympus (sensor being shifted by half a pixel distance, capturing 8 photographs and combined into a high resolution image) you may refer to my detailed explanations here and here.

Previously in the E-M5 Mark II, the output from the high resolution shot was 40MP, and now due to the slight increase of megapixels in the new sensor (from 16MP to 20MP) we get 50MP high resolution shot. Considering the application of this technique requires use of tripod, which I shamelessly admit I did not carry with me during my shooting with the PEN-F, and shooting of non-moving objects only, I have limited opportunities to test out this feature.

The biggest advantage of 50MP high resolution shot, is the high resolution. This feature is not created to replace true 50MP cameras, but it is there to give you an option to use if you need such high resolution in your images. And sure it is convenient to have and not difficult to execute if you fully understand and work within the feature's limitations.

1/640sec, F5.6, ISO200, 12mm F2 lens

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50MP high resolution shot on the left, 20MP default output on the right

1/50sec, F2.8, ISO200, 25mm F1.8 lens

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50MP high resolution shot on the left, 20MP default output on the right

MONOCHROME PROFILE AND COLOR PROFILE CONTROL

Perhaps, the only new feature added to the PEN-F that was not seen before in any previous Olympus cameras, is the monochrome and color profile control.

At the front of the camera, there is the monochrome and color profile control dial. This dial allows quick access to four distinct features: Color Creator, Art Filters, Color Profile Control and Monochrome Profile Control. Considering that Color Creator and Art Filters are already readily available in all current Olympus cameras, I shall skip them. In this blog entry I shall focus on both the monochrome and color profile control.

MONOCHROME PROFILE CONTROL

Olympus has always had "monotone" option in the Picture Settings, creating Black and White images with limited control over the direct output on the camera. Also, in the Art Filter, there is an existing Grainy Black and White Film, which is a super high contrast output of a black and white image with excessive presence of course grains all over the image.

The new Monochrome Profile Control basically is a new black and white control in PEN-F that offers tonnes of flexibility and controls over the look and feel of the monotone image output. These plethora of controls include:

1) Color filters and intensity adjustments

There is the ability to select from 8 separate color filters (yellow, orange, red, magenta, blue, cyan, green, yellow Green). This explicitly mimicks shooting black and white images with film and applying color filters on the front of the lens, yellow/orange to bring out the skin contrast and red to intensify the sky. Further to that, the intensity of the color filter applied can be adjusted based on 3 step increment (OFF, Level +1, Level +2, Level +3).

2) Highlight & Shadow Controls

On top of the color filters, you can also adjust the shadow and highlight control to either increase the contrast, or flatten the image.

3) Film Grain

Film grain can be added at 3 steps as well to achieve that "film look" (Off, Low, Med, High).

4) Vignetting

Lastly, vignetting can be applied directly.

There are three profile settings in the camera, Monochrome Profile 1, 2 and 3. The Monochrome Profile 1 is the option for you to fully customize. The Monochrome Profile 2 simulates a black and white film (Kodak Tri-X, maybe?) and Monochrome Profile 3 simulates Infrared Red Black and White film.

Creative Dial at the front of the camera

Control Lever - quickly activates the important controls when the monochrome and color profile controls are used. Rotates between the color wheel for fine-tune adjustments and the highlight & shadow control.

Color Filters selection (8 colors to choose, with 3 step intensity)

Film Grain control

3 profiles, with profile 2 and 3 being default built into the camera

I have not shot with film before (yes, I can hear some screams) so I shall not temper too much with the profile settings.

For this review purpose, I have chosen to just use the default profiles. I have utilized both the Monochrome Profile 2 and Monochrome Profile 3 options.

MONOCHROME PROFILE 2

CLASSIC FILM B&W

Monochrome Profile 2

Previous shot taken, but ordinary Monotone setting, without using the Monotone Profile setting.

Monochrome Profile 2

Film Grain added instantly using the Monochrome Profile 2. This is Film Grain "high" setting.

Monochrome Profile 2

MONOCHROME PROFILE 3

CLASSIC FILM IR

Monochrome Profile 3

Previous shot taken, but ordinary Monotone setting, without using the Monotone Profile setting.

Monochrome Profile 3

Oh yes, that bird was a real bird. I waited 10 minutes for this shot to happen.

At least I did not Photoshop a gigantic commercial airline into the sky.

Monochrome Profile 3

COLOR PROFILE CONTROL

The color profile control allows versatile control over how the color balance of photographs look. I would not be the best person to test this out, as I do very little color adjustments to my photographs, and I normally use default, almost natural looking colors, straight out of camera.

There are three settings: Color Profile Control 1 which allows full customization, and can be saved, then Color Profile 2 which simulates Chrome Film Rich Color and Color Profile 3 that simulates Slide Color Film.

Once you are inside the color profile control, you can further adjust the individual colors and intensity of each of the color. There are 12 colors to be controlled, and each color has 10 steps fine adjustments (0, Vivid -5 to +5). As usual, shadow and highlight control can also be used together with these color adjustments. Bear in mind that these color profiles are separate adjustments from the white balance, and you can still (in some situations, need) control the white balance settings separately.

Color Wheel with intensity adjustments. 12 colors to choose from, with 10 step incremental adjustments each color. All colors can be adjusted individually.

Three Profiles to choose from

COLOR PROFILE 1

CHROME FILM RICH COLOR

Color Profile 2

COLOR PROFILE 3

SLIDE FILM

Color Profile 3

Default output from camera "Natural" picture setting, without color profile adjustments.

Color Profile 3

CONCLUSIONS

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?

I think PEN-F is quite an interesting camera. Looking at it as a practical camera, it does deliver and perform impressively under a wide variety of shooting conditions. Yes it shoots richly detailed, sharp images, and does considerably well in low light shooting conditions. The 5-Axis IS works like a charm each and every time, and the built in EVF was indeed a welcome. All that in a small and light-weight package, yet so gorgeous and beautiful classic looking camera. There really is not much to complain about the camera, and as a PEN, I think this is the best PEN yet from Olympus.

However, there is NO perfect camera, and it is foolish to expect any camera to be. The biggest let down I find was the handling, which could have been improved, though I believe the design decisions were made in priority of looks rather than function here. While there is the new 20MP image sensor which is a minor improvement from the old 16MP one, I was hoping for bigger improvements especially when it comes to dynamic range and high ISO shooting. I do not necessarily expect the resolution to go much higher (in fact, 20MP is still plentiful), I think I speak on behalf of all Micro Four Thirds loyal shooters that we need to see higher leap when it comes to sensor technology.

That said, the PEN-F does not disappoint, and consistently delivers beautiful images. Coupled with brilliant Olympus lenses (M.Zuiko, sharp prime lenses) the PEN-F can be quite a powerful photography tool.

Who is this camera aimed for? I would think street photographers! The rangefinder-design, the small/lightweight setup with the prime lenses (17mm F1.8, 25mm F1.8), super fast Autofocus, swivel screen for low angle and high angle composition, and all those Color and Monochrome Profile Control to simulate film look.

If you want a small, incredibly sexy looking camera that is beautifully crafted and well-built, the PEN-F is the best looking Olympus Micro Four Thirds camera that can deliver beautiful images consistently, with all the latest imaging technology offerings from Olympus.

More Sample Images