The entry-level Olympus PEN E-PL9 has received the “special edition” treatment. What’s so special about it? Well, it’s blue. Oh yes. But, the E-PL9 won’t leave you feeling blue after you use it. For an entry-level camera, it’s pretty capable. It houses a 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor that’s capable of shooting 4K UHD video at 30fps and stills at up to 8.5fps. We had the chance to check them out at The Photography Show a couple of months ago, although we did get a little distracted by shiny new lenses. It’s not a bad little performer, and Olympus claim it’s rapidly becoming a favourite for bloggers who want to pack light.
As if black, white and brown wasn’t enough choice already, now you have a blue option. I have to admit, though, it is rather fetching. But other than the colour, it’s identical to the other three.
16.1 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensorMicro Four Thirds lens mount3-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation (up to 3.5 stops)3inch tilting touch-screen, 1037k dot resolution4K video at 30/25/24fpsFullHD video recording at 60p, stereo soundISO100 to ISO25600 (extended)Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity8.5fps continuous shootingHDR, Focus Peaking31 Art Filters
It’s expected to arrive sometime early this month, at the same price as the regular editions. Although it’s been suggested that it will only be sold through limited outlets. In the UK, for example, it will only be sold through John Lewis stores. The blue edition will come as a kit with the lens, and in the USA currently appears to be available to pre-order now from B&H.
Olympus PEN E-PL9 + 14-24mm f/3.5-5.6 II R (blue) – $699
If you’re not interested in blue, here are the three original colours, available with or without the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens.
Olympus PEN E-PL9 (white) – $599Olympus PEN E-PL9 (black) – $599Olympus PEN E-PL9 (brown) – $599Olympus PEN E-PL9 + 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R (white) – $699Olympus PEN E-PL9 + 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R (black) – $699Olympus PEN E-PL9 + 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R (brown) – $699
It may seem frivolous, but I quite like the idea of getting camera options in different colours. Black gets a bit boring after a while.