Olympus PEN E-PL9 camera can be as easily operated as a smartphone

Olympus is expanding its PEN camera series by adding a new beginner's model, the Olympus PEN E-PL9. — Olympus/dpa

Olympus is expanding its PEN camera series by adding a new beginner's model, the Olympus PEN E-PL9.

Its sensor, in a Micro Four Thirds system format, has a resolution of 16 megapixels, while image stabilisation is built into its casing.

Full HD as well as 4K videos can be recorded. The E-PL9 can be operated as easily as a smartphone via the adjustable 3-inch touchscreen (1.04 million pixels), according to the manufacturer. In addition, the display can be folded downward 180 degrees for selfies.

The camera is also outfitted with WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy and an integrated, hinged flash. The PEN E-PL9 weighs 380g including battery and memory card, and will be available starting in March, in black-silver, brown-silver or white-silver, for about US$680 (RM2,657).

Together with the EZ-Pancake zoom lens (14-42 mm/f 3.5-5.6), the E-PL9 costs about US$870 (RM3,399). — dpa