The cult-favorite PEN camera has returned – but the new OM System PEN isn’t just retro and compact… it has two features that are rarely found on budget cameras

Olympus has returned with a retro-inspired PEN camera that offers two uncommon features for budget mirrorless cameras: weather-sealing and in-body image stabilization. The OM System PEN, unveiled on September 9, carries the Micro Four Thirds sensor and TruPic IX image processor found in cameras like the OM-5 Mark II, but at a more accessible price point. Priced at $999, the PEN sits between the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the OM System OM-5 Mark II, making it one of the brand's most affordable options.

The camera's standout features are its weather-sealing and 5.5-stop stabilization, both of which are hard to find in the sub-$1,000 budget mirrorless category. While the IPX1 rating for weather-sealing isn't as robust as the IP53 rating found in most higher-priced cameras, it's still a rarity in budget-priced cameras. The stabilization system, however, is a strong point, offering 5.5 stops of stabilization.

These features, combined with its compact, rangefinder-inspired design, make the OM System PEN a solid choice for both beginners and photographers looking for a compact, everyday carry camera.