Following a delayed North American launch, the Olympus PEN E-PL9 mirrorless camera is finally making its way stateside. Coming in at under $600, this new model is designed for prosumers looking to dabble in photography outside of smartphone devices. It leans heavily on similar hardware as its predecessor, the E-PL8, but upgrades a few key areas. More below.
The new PEN E-PL9 leans on the familiar mirrorless camera design that Olympus fans have come to know in recent years. It uses the same 16-megapixel sensor as the previous generation but takes a big leap forward in the autofocus department. Users will be not able to utilize the 121-point system, which is up from the older model’s 81. Olympus has also integrated a new pop-up flash, as well.
There’s also a new processor on the inside – the TruePic VIII – that delivers 4K capabilities at 30fps. Shooters will also be able to cash in one 1080p at fps, which will help when looking to capture slow motion footage. On the software side of things, Olympus is introducing new filters that can help users edit on-the-go prior to uploading to a Mac or PC.
Rounding out the list of features is the same flip-out touchscreen that we saw on the older model. It is capable of turning 180-degrees for capturing that perfect selfie. Olympus continues to offer Wi-Fi connectivity as well for transferring images to your preferred device.
Olympus’ latest release ships in white, brown or black with a faux leather wrapping on the outside. It has a nice mix of vintage and modern that’s been a hit with consumers over the last year. You’ll have to shell out $600 for the body-only, or an additional $100 for a bundle that includes a M.Zukio 14-42mm F/3.5-5.6 lens.
[9to5-press-release]
IMAGING MADE SIMPLE: THE EYE-CATCHING OLYMPUS PEN E-PL9
New PEN Is a Compact, Lightweight Interchangeable Lens Camera That Delivers Outstanding Image Quality and Creativity for the Trendy Shooter
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., April 5, 2018 — Olympus introduces the Olympus PEN® E-PL9, a compact, lightweight interchangeable lens camera packed with features to enhance your photography with stunning image quality and sophisticated design. The PEN E-PL9 is the newest model in the award-winning PEN lineup and combines Olympus’ latest touchscreen controls with an array of interchangeable lens options to go beyond smartphone photography, perfect for those looking to capture and share their lifestyle in attention-grabbing detail with friends and followers.
The Olympus PEN E-PL9’s sophisticated design is bolstered by aluminum accents, metal dials, and leather grain that perfectly complements each color option to match your personal style — Pearl White, Onyx Black, and Honey Brown. The 180-degree flip-touch LCD monitor simplifies selfie stills and videos with an easy-to-use interface that automatically switches the camera to Selfie Mode when the monitor is flipped downward to its front-facing position.
In-body image stabilization delivers sharp images and smooth 4K video even in low light environments or when using a telephoto lens. The latest Olympus TruePicTM VIII Image Processor, the same processor included on the Olympus flagship OM-D™ E-M1 Mark II, improves image quality and responsiveness. Built-in Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi™ allow you to easily connect your PEN E-PL9 to your smartphone to wirelessly transfer images and upload to social channels.
With the PEN E-PL9’s Auto Mode, the camera instantly detects a scene and chooses the best settings. Scene Modes let you choose from preset scenarios like People, Motion, Indoors, Nightscapes, Scenery, or Close-ups for easy setting customization. Advanced Photo Modes are readily available using the touch LCD monitor and facilitate high-end photo techniques such as nighttime Live Composite and multi-exposure shooting, so anyone can capture stunning images without worrying about difficult settings.
U.S. Pricing and Availability
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 will be available in Pearl White, Onyx Black, and Honey Brown beginning on April 5, 2018 for a street price of $599.99 USD / $699.99 CAD for the camera body and $699.99 USD / $899.99 CAD for the one lens kit. The one lens kit includes the PEN E-PL9 camera body, M.Zuiko 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens, custom camera bag, custom camera strap, 16GB memory card, Quick Tip Card, and Quick Start Guide.
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