In a recent interview with Photolari, OM System confirmed that a new PEN camera will be released in the future. Here is a recap of what was discussed regarding a potential new OM System PEN camera:
A New PEN is Confirmed (Eventually): The hosts interviewed OM System executives (Kasuhiro Togashi and Hiroki Koyama) and secured what they considered the “headline” of the interview: there will logically be a new OM System PEN camera, although the exact timing is still unknown [07:47].
Executives’ Reactions: When specifically pressed about the PEN camera, the executives simply laughed and smiled, which one of the hosts optimistically interpreted as a sign that they might already have a prototype or design ready under the table [08:27].
Market Doubts and the E-PL7 Legacy: The OM System executives admitted they had some reservations about the market demand for a new PEN. They noted that the inherited Olympus PEN E-PL7 (a smaller, cheaper, entry-level camera without a viewfinder) didn’t seem to capture much attention from users, making them question if a new version would be successful [16:10].
What a New PEN Should Be: The hosts used the opportunity to pitch their own ideas to the executives, arguing that a new PEN shouldn’t be a basic entry-level model. Instead, they suggested that there is a strong market for a more advanced, premium compact Micro Four Thirds camera [16:10].
Release Timeline Speculation: While they know it’s coming, the hosts are divided on the timeline. One host explicitly states he doesn’t feel a new PEN will be released in 2026, while the other remains hopeful that the executives’ cheeky smiles meant it could come sooner rather than later [19:45].