OM System’s PEN series has earned the status of an icon today. The company introduced the original camera in 1959, after which the newer iteration kept improving the models. The last exciting PEN was the PEN F, after which the company has been silent on its progress. Or it did so for some time. Per a new report, OM System is keen on reviving the iconic camera.
According to PhotoTrend, Kazuhiro Togashi, Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Brand Strategy, shared his thoughts on the future of the PEN series. According to Togashi, the PEN is an important lineup for the company, and they are keen on a new model.
… of course we are considering future new products within the series. While we cannot share details about what the next PEN model will be like at this moment, we are committed to releasing a PEN camera we can be proud of and that will truly satisfy our customers.
Given the current situation of the world, it will be hard to say when any of the newer cameras will launch. Similarly, the PEN could still be in the prototype stage or testing phase. If so, then the launch can happen a year or two from now. Unless the company gives us a clear statement on where the PEN series stands, it is safe to assume this won’t happen anytime soon.
In addition to the camera, the OM System team also spoke about the future of Micro Four Thirds. The company sees the current time as one of “both challenges and opportunities.” So far OM Ssystem believes that a “clear communication” on what MFT formats can do is a great way to keep the format alive. But it is also important to add “new value to it” for its continuous growth. As Togashi added, “That is why OM SYSTEM continues to focus on product development centered on Micro Four Thirds.“
While MFT cameras continue to fight an uphill battle, a bigger challenge is the use of AI. OM System cameras have used AI bird detection feature, which has been helpful to the users. Keeping this in mind, the company will “enhance in-camera shooting functions at the time of capture and support post-capture image adjustments.” However, Nobuaki Tanaka, Director of Product Communication and Global Brand and Marketing Strategy at OM System, also added:
In addition, with regard to the use of AI for post-capture images, we believe that technologies to certify that an image has not been AI-generated may become increasingly important in the future.
One of the things that the interviewer did touch upon was the integration of C2PA, a technology that is increasingly becoming important today. Leica has already included it in their cameras via a hardware chip, and Sony offers the same but at $25 annually. OM System, too, says they are “exploring ways to distinguish original images from AI-generated ones,” but they haven’t exactly revealed how they intend to do so. It remains to be seen whether OM System also incorporates C2PA in the near future or not, and if they do, whether they hope to take Leica’s route or Sony’s.
Overall, in the interview, the company hasn’t disclosed many details about the future, but the direction appears to be clear: OM System will get better for its users. But when and how still remains to be seen.