• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 4/3 226.2mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Olympus AIR advantages over Olympus PEN-F

  • Less expensive
    $300 vs $999
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity

Olympus PEN-F advantages over Olympus AIR

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    43 vs 23 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus AIR

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus PEN-F

Review Excerpt

  • Highest resolution Olympus 4/3" camera yet; Excellent image quality for its class; Very good dynamic range; Fast autofocus; Fast burst speeds; Lots of fun creative filter options; Built-in EVF, Wi-Fi.

  • Expensive; No weather sealing; Mediocre battery life; No 4K video; No mic or headphone jacks.

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic GM1

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GM1
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Internal flash

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM5
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GM5
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GX85
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Olympus PEN-F
Panasonic GX85
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Shoot 4K video

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus AIR
Olympus E-PL8
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Lighter weight
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Olympus PEN-F
Olympus E-PL8
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to YI M1

Olympus AIR
YI M1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Shoot 4K video
Olympus PEN-F
YI M1
  • $999
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Shoot 4K video
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