Olympus announces Pen E-PL9 system camera

Olympus has presented the Pen E-PL9 system camera, the successor to the Pen E-PL8. The new system camera can capture videos in 4k resolutions and has a new image processor.

Like its predecessor, the Pen E-PL9 features a micro-four-thirds sensor with a 16-megapixel resolution, but features the TruePic VIII image processor that is also used in the flagship OM-D E-M1 II . The camera can capture photos at a speed of 8.5 fps and is equipped with three-axis image stabilization.

Furthermore, Olympus has provided the E-PL9 with the option to record videos in 4k, with the maximum frame rate being 30 frames per second. In full HD resolution, the camera can capture videos at 60fps. The sensor has a sensitivity of 200 to 25600 iso.

The new camera can use 121 points in autofocus mode in single autofocus mode, while its predecessor didn’t go beyond 81 points. However, the Pen E-PL9 does not have phase detection autofocus, but according to Olympus it is faster with the autofocus compared to the Pen E-PL8.

On the Pen-PL9, the handgrip and dials have been enlarged and a built-in flash has been added. The device is equipped with a 3″ touchscreen with 1,037,000 pixels that can be tilted 180 degrees downwards and up to 80 degrees upwards. The dimensions of the system camera are 117 x 68 x 39 mm and the device weighs 332 g or 380 g including battery and SD card.

The Olympus Pen E-PL9 will cost 549 euros and will be available from mid-March. In combination with the 14-42 mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ kit lens, the camera costs 699 euros.