Olympus PEN E-PL9: 4K-capable compact camera aims for ease-of-use (Updated w/ in-depth preview)

 

 

Olympus today announced a new Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lens camera, the Olympus PL9. The PEN E-PL9 includes Olympus' familiar 16-megapixel Live MOS sensor, which has a 2x focal length multiplier due to its size. Targeted at photographers moving up from their smartphone or another straightforward and simple camera, the E-PL9 includes heavy use of its 3-inch tilting touchscreen and includes a new Advanced Photo mode. Further, the companion app, OI.Share, includes how-to videos to help you come to grips with operating the camera.

To make the camera more comfortable to use compared to the previous version, it has a larger grip and a bigger mode dial. The camera remains lightweight, around a mere 13.4 ounces (380 grams) with the battery and memory card inserted. The camera also now includes a built-in flash, so you won't need to carry around a separate small flash if you need to add extra light to your scene. You also won't need to bring out your smartphone if you want to capture 4K video, as the E-PL9 can now record 4K UHD video with image stabilization at up to 30 frames per second.

 

 

In addition to including in-body image stabilization, the E-PL9 also includes the TruePic VIII image processor, which is also found in the flagship E-M1 Mark II. This helps the E-PL9 shoot continuously at up to 8.6 frames per second for a maximum of 14 RAW images or until your card is full if shooting JPEG files.

The E-PL9 has been announced for overseas markets, and no North American pricing or availability information is currently available. The camera will be hitting Europe in mid-March in black, brown and white colorways for EUR 549 and in a kit with the M.Zuiko ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ pancake lens for EUR 699. For more information on the Olympus E-PL9, read our in-depth preview!