The Nikon Digital PEN

[Matt Ballard]

The Nikon Digital PEN

[Martin_Doudoroff]

My father still has a collection of OM lenses, and so he's quite intrigued by the Olympus E-P1 model that inspired this post. I would suggest that the PEN is precisely the sort of digital design Olympus should have first attempted, rather than straying out of their core competencies and trying to compete directly with Nikon and Canon in autofocus DSLRs (and getting trounced almost to the point of extinction). All water under the bridge.

That said, I'm not entirely sure the blogger pining for a Nikon expression of this sort of design has really thought the matter through. Why exactly does he want the camera? He describes it as a “pocket camera,” but it ain’t: the only pocket it's going to fit in is a very large coat pocket. What glass is he going to stick on it? Most contemporary DSLR lenses will be ridiculously unbalanced on such a small body with such a small sensor. Does he want Nikon to introduce yet another lens lineup? Is there really that big a market to justify such a move?

[Matt Ballard]

Hi Martin,

I agree with you that Olympus should've came out with the PEN in the beginning of their DSLR offerings.

As to A Nikon version, it's small enough that it would fit in my coat pocket or a cargo pant or short pocket. The big thing is that it's small and light. As to glass, I'd probably leave my Nikon 35mm f2.0 on it most of the time, and possibly use my Nikon 50mm f1.8 as well. Those two would work perfect to keep it light and small, not to mention fast.

Cheers,

Matt
Art of the Image - Canon Digital SLR DSLR 20D 30D 40D Rebel XT XTi 430EX 580EX Camera Photography

[MikeA]

Regardless of the various to-and-fro arguments about the validity of the large sensor interchangeable lens compact camera market segment, it's becoming clear that the segment will exist long term and will continue to grow. We now have several cameras on sale or announced from Olympus, Panasonic, Sigma, Samsung plus probably several others we haven't heard about yet. There are rumors that Canon is poised to enter the field, but no confirmation.

When the right model comes along, I'll buy one. I'm looking for a good compromise between size/weight, image quality and lens adaptability.

As far as Olympus should have started here first, I disagree. Olympus should not have abandoned the OM and their fortunes in the DSLR world would have been vastly different than now.

Mike.

[Matt Ballard]

I'm like you Mike... when the right model comes along I'll buy one.

For me, "the right model" is going to be heavily weighted towards Nikon, for the BIG reason that I don't want to be into another system of lenses, flashes, and other accessories.

For Nikon to get this "right," they have to make a Nikon "PEN" compatible with the rest of the Nikon gear.

And oh yeah... my old OM. You just brought me my first big Monday morning smile.