Is the OM-3 a worthy successor to the Pen F...?

Last update:- 19th February 2026 (I added a copy of the OM-1 press release)

Introduction.

The Olympus Pen F continues to be a sought-after camera in 2026. While some like to see a Pen F II, it is not always clear what they liked about the first Pen F. It was such a unique camera with so many possible applications that it's only fair to ask what improvements they'd like to see. It's clear that the Pen F inspired OM System to redesign the OM-1 into an OM-3 body with a CP button and the Creative Dial from the Pen F. Would you say computational photography, advanced tonal control, a new sensor and TruePic processor, color and monochrome profiles, and the Color Creator are enough?

An interesting trend is modern photographers wanting something different and unique. Breaking away from a uniform-looking professional or "approved" compact camera, modern photographers prioritize quality and the look and feel of modern digital cameras. Image quality and the ability to personalize their photos in the camera have become key differentiators. Is the social media push for the "perfect" FF camera, perfect image quality, 8K video, and more dynamic range a practicle strategy?

Having used the OM-3 for one year, I haven't regretted one moment of keeping my E-M1 III and adding the OM-3. It has proven to be such an inspiring combination that I decided to sell my Fuji X-T5 in December 2025 and my Pen F in February 2026. Imagine my surprise as some continue questioning the OM-3 pricing or asking for a PEN F II. Let's take a closer look at the OM System OM-3 and why I think it's a welcome upgrade to the older Pen F. It's important to review some basics and the history of the Olympus Pen E-P series to appreciate why the OM-3 is a worthy successor to the Pen-F.

The above illustration is a high-level overview of the image signal path from the lens to the SD card. It was designed to highlight only the information that benefits photographers. Most hobby photographers don't know that we manage sensor saturation and SNR (noise) with the aperture and shutter combo or that the ISO amplifies the image signal from the sensor. Without actively using the flowchart, a good understanding of the digital imaging process is enough to improve your photography. The flowchart highlights the roles of the lens, the aperture/shutter combo, the sensor, and the TruePic processor in the image creation process. See my articles for more about OM System and Olympus.

The Olympus Imaging Business always highlighted the significance of the lens, the sensor, the TruePic image processor, firmware, and the advantages of Workspace. It is important to understand why each of these components is equally important in the image creation process. The digital exposure triangle and the image signal flowchart also help us to evaluate Olympus and new OM System cameras. Each new product from OM System (Olympus) is part of a complete photography solution.

We can spend days on the image signal flowchart. Focusing on color, we know the sensor records grayscale image data, and the TruePic image processor turns that data into a color image. For example, it takes the sensor’s grayscale tonal data, combines it with the color information from the RGB filter array, applies the selected white balance, and reconstructs a full color or the Olympus "Kodak image look" through interpolation, tonal rendering, and color mapping. Olympus (OM System) users have access to the TruePic image processor via the creative dial and Workspace.

The cameras that differentiate creative photographers from enthusiasts and pro's.

What do we learn about these cameras when we evaluate the above data with the image signal flowchart?

Let's review the Olympus Pen E-P series, the Pen-F, and the OM-3.

The Pen E-P range is similar to the E-M5 range from Olympus, and the Pen E-PL (light) range is similar to the E-M10 range. Olympus targeted different customer segments with OM-D and PEN cameras. The Pen F and the OM-3 are special with their high-quality metal finishes and their creative or advanced features. The Pen F targeted creative photographers, whereas the E-M5 II and the E-M1 II target enthusiast and professional photographers. OM System's product differentiation is not as clear at this stage. The OM-3 seems to replace the Pen F in the OM System lineup, while the OM-1 II and the OM-5 II are excellent enthusiast and professional cameras. If these product patterns and timelines hold, we might see an entry-level OM System E-M10 IV or E-P7 and/or an OM-1 III in 2026.

Image quality is one of the most complex subjects to quantify because we do not have an inclusive image quality standard. We know Olympus did not use image quality to differentiate between OMD and Pen cameras. It's also fair to ask if newer cameras have better image quality. While the quick answer is yes, I will not hesitate to use older cameras in 2026. The image quality of modern cameras improves as a result of higher-efficiency sensors and more advanced image processors.

Olympus E-P2 with the original M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-f5.6 lens. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

Having used all the cameras in the Pen E-P series, it was easy to select some raw files from my image collection. I never thought Workspace would become my primary raw converter. The similarities when converting these RAW files with Workspace are worth mentioning, especially knowing that I haven't used some of these cameras in a while. My connection to these cameras is therefore the RAW file. I would be happy using any of these Pen cameras, ranging from the E-P3 to the OM-3, in 2026.

The press releases of the above cameras are an excellent source of information. I also use AI to search for specific information. It is, however, important to ask AI services like ChatGPT to avoid information from sources that repeat the commercial "bigger is better" or "size and capture" theory. That explains why it's such a joy to rediscover the evolution of M43 cameras through Olympus press releases. They offer a great window into R&D priorities, strategic developments, and new features.

OM System OM-3. I used my 1st versions of the Rönntoft color profile. You can extract the profile from the image in Workspace...

The best way to rediscover Olympus cameras is to avoid forums and camera reviews. Each of these cameras was a masterpiece and special in its own way. It's interesting how difficult it has become to find some of them secondhand. Download the press releases from Olympus and study them. Those of you who like to know what it means to focus on all aspects of digital photography should have one of these PEN EP cameras to rediscover Olympus and their unique "sum of parts" strategy.

The Olympus Pen E-P3 from 2011

The Pen E-P3 was the final 13MP Olympus camera, ranging from DSLRs to MFT cameras. The Pen E-P1 and E-P2 were the first MFT cameras from Olympus and were associated with quality and vivid image colors. They were, however, not as responsive as their DSLR counterparts, the E-30 and the E-620. The sensor's noise floor was also larger on older 13MP (FT) sensors. The EP-3 is a special camera with its new 13 MP sensor and TruePic VI image processor. It is not only more responsive but also elevated the Olympus PEN EP series as a more premium range of mirrorless cameras.

A brief summary from the Olympus PEN E-P3 press release:

• The E-P3 was the first M43 camera with a TruePic VI image processor.
• The Pen E-P3 also received a new and faster 13MP Live MOS sensor.
• The E-P3 has a beautiful metal body with a 3-inch OLED touch display.
• Higher processing speeds from the new sensor and Truepic combination.
• The TruePic VI has faster processing times plus better image processing.
• The FAST AF system is 2X faster (120 fps) than previous 13 MP sensors.
• The E-P3 has several ART filter, Live Guide, and video improvements.
• The E-P3 has a more advanced Shadow Adjust (ASAT) and tonal options.
• The E-P3 has more advanced detail processing and real color technology.
• The E-P3 user interface and menu system were completely redesigned.

There are more interesting improvements to the Olympus Pen E-P3. I highly recommend you study the E-P3 press release. The OM-D E-M1, E-M5, and Pen E-P3 were part of the Olympus offer from 2011 to 2013, and the E-P3 was a benchmark that set the stage for the future of Olympus cameras.

Olympus Pen E-P3 with the M.Zuiko 12-50mm EZ f3.5-6.3 lens. I converted the Enhanced Raw File in Workspace.

The Olympus PEN E-P3 is indeed a special camera. While the newer E-M5 was a huge development and one of the most exciting M43 milestones, I will never forget how much I enjoyed photographing with the E-P3 before selling it in 2014. I was fortunate to find another one in good condition in 2024. While disappointing, I continued using my E-P3 when the IBIS unit stopped working in 2025.

Olympus E-PL3 (same sensor and Truepic VI processor as the E-P3)

It would be easy to recommend the E-P3 as a must-have option for Olympus enthusiasts if it weren't for this known IBIS issue. The E-P3 was such a unique camera that I would consider a factory repair if it weren't for newer and even more exciting M43 cameras from Olympus. Interestingly, the E-PL3 and the E-PM1 have the same sensor and TruePic VI combo as the E-P3. The official Olympus policy was to offer the same image quality for all their camera models. See the E-PL3 press release.

Olympus E-P3 with the M.Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

E-P3 with the 12mm f2 lens. Raw file converted in Workspace

Olympus E-P3 with the M.Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

E-P3 with the 12mm f2 lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

Olympus E-P3 with the M.Zuiko 12mm f2.0 lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

The Olympus Pen E-P5 from 2013

Olympus launched the PEN E-P5 during one of the most exciting times for M43 cameras. The E-M5 was introduced in 2012 with a new 16 MP sensor, the TruePic VI processor, and 35 AF points. The E-M1 came in 2013 with an excellent sensor, the TruePic VII processor, 81 AF points, and a combination of phase-detect and contrast-detect autofocusing. The E-M1 and the E-P5 were the first M43 cameras with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th. The first E-M10 followed in 2014, and the E-M5 II in 2015. Fuji and Sony introduced their first mirrorless cameras in 2013, while Canon and Nikon promoted the idea that DSLRs and optical viewfinders are the future for professional photography.

A brief summary from the Olympus PEN E-P5 press release:

• The E-P5 was launched in 2013 as a flagship model in the PEN series.
• Olympus introduced the E-P5 in the fifth year of digital PEN cameras.
• The E-P5 was the last M43 camera with a TruePic VI image processor.
• The Pen E-P5 also received a new and faster 16MP Live MOS sensor.
• The Pen E-P5 continued the PEN "premium quality portable" concept.
• Premium features included dual controls and a 1M-dot tilt-type display.
• The E-P5 offered new Wi-Fi, mobile app features, and remote controls.
• The 16 MP sensor and Truepic VI combo had higher processing speeds.
• The TruePic VI delivered excellent results with the E-P3 and the E-M5.
• The E-P5 had several ART filter, Live Guide, and video enhancements.
• The E-P5 had more advanced Shadow Adjust (ASAT) and tonal controls.
• The E-P5 benefited from the image quality improvements of the E-M5.
• The E-P5 also benefited from the AF improvements found in the E-M5.

The PEN E-P5 was a popular and interesting camera for Olympus enthusiasts. Technically the E-P3 was more exciting, whereas esthetically and functionally the E-P5 became the more sought-after option. The E-P5 continued to shape the future of premium mirrorless cameras and the leadership role of Olympus in designing advanced computational and creative features for mirrorless cameras. It offered several new features, like the more advanced 5-axis stabilization version introduced by the E-M5, Live TIME, and new tonal controls perfected in modern Olympus and OM System cameras. 

See the E-P3, E-M5, and E-P5 press releases.

Olympus E-P5 with the 14-52mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

Olympus E-P5 with the 14-52mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

Olympus E-P5 with the 14-52mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

Olympus E-P5 with the 14-52mm f3.5-5.6 EZ lens. Raw file converted in Workspace.

The Olympus Pen F from 2016

The Pen F was the first Olympus MFT camera to introduce a 20MP Live MOS sensor. It was also the first camera with a full commercial version of the creative color strategy. Workspace, the E-P7, and the OM-3 share that same creative functionality. Similar to the 40MP high-resolution mode of the E-M5 II, the Pen F received a new 50MP version. As people get better at questioning social media comments about the high-resolution mode, they also learn about the efficiency gains of using 20MP sensors with an optional high-resolution mode. DxOMark offers the most reliable test data because they define "good" versus "acceptable" image quality. The high-resolution gains are so effective that they would need a separate lab test to quantify the acceptable versus good image quality gains.

Like with the E-M1X, competitors understood the advantages photographers had with cameras like the E-P3, the E-M1, and the Pen F. The countermarketing campaign that followed included astroturfing, repetition, scandals, betrayal, book deals, and intensifying the "bigger is better" or "size and capture" commercial program. Counter-marketing campaigns like these typically reach a crescendo with new MFT products, like the E-M1X, the Pen F, the EM5 II/III, the OM-1, or the OM-3.

A brief summary from the Olympus PEN F press release:

• The Pen F was introduced as an Olympus rangefinder-style camera in 2016.
• The new 20MP Live MOS sensor has several benefits - see the press release.
• The Pen F has the same TruePic VII processor as the E-M1 and the E-M5 II.
• The TruePic VII processor and the 20MP Live MOS sensor have:
• Improved decolorization that occurs at higher ISO values.
• Improved the camera's response times and AF speeds.
• The better Fine Detail II image processing technology.
• Moire-removing processing with no low-pass filter.
• Improved lens, sensor, and processing integration.
• A new 5-axis sync IS technology with up to 5 EV IBIS.
• 2.36 million dot OLED EVF with an OVF simulation option.
• Monochrome and color profile control (Creative Dial).
• Much improved tonal control and Enhanced Raw Format.
• See the Pen F, E-M1, and E-M5 II press releases for more.

The two features that stood out from the speed and efficiency improvements of the new 20 MP sensor and TruePic VII combo were the new color and monochrome functions. While the industry standard is global color adjustments, the Pen F was the first mirrorless camera to target and control individual colors. What made this functionality more unique were Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format. The Pen F was also the first camera that gave us access to the image and color creation processes of the TruePic processor and Workspace. It always surprises me how few Olympus and OM System users know about and appreciate the creative freedom they enjoy with these cameras...

Pen F with the 17mm f1.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, and Grainy Film II ART filter.

Olympus Pen F with a Lensbaby lens. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

Pen F with the 17mm f1.8 lens. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

Pen F with the 25mm f1.8 lens. Raw edited in Workspace. (Monochrome Profile)

Pen F with the M.Zuiko 12-50mm EZ lens. I used an external ND filter.

Pen F with the 17mm f1.8. Raw, Workspace, and Monochrome.

Pen F with the M.Zuiko 12-50mm EZ lens. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

The Olympus Pen E-P7 from 2021 is a keeper...

The PEN E-P7 is one of the most exciting cameras in the PEN EP range. Experienced photographers get a fast and highly capable creative beast, while casual photographers are eased into the art of creative photography with Olympus or OM System. What makes this such a unique camera is the 20MP Live MOS sensor and a faster (3.5X) TruePic VIII image processor. The user-friendly user interface (UI) and menu of the E-P7 are brilliant. The Advanced Photo (AP) menu (CP button on the OM-3) plus the available shooting mode options make the E-P7 a perfect camera for those creative photographers who like to tweak their camera settings in the camera (E-P7, Pen F, and OM-3) or Workspace.

The E-P7 makes it easy to visualize the Olympus R&D and marketing teams concluding, "We don't need more," while finalizing the user interface and menu of the Pen E-P7. They understood exactly what the creative photographer wanted while designing a perfect everyday camera. The Olympus E-P7 will continue to be one of the most popular and human-centric creative tools in the future.

I always thought it was better to practice your creative color skills than to rely on other people's color profiles. It's that final 5% touch of tweaking the color, monochrome, or tonal curve that makes the difference between a masterpiece or just another AI-style creation. The Pen E-P7 offers that perfect balance that is necessary to enable the experienced and creative photographer.

The monochrome profile function of the Pen F, the E-P7, and the OM-3 is different from anything else I have seen. For example, the standard monochrome picture mode and the color filters in Workspace are different from the monochrome profile function. The more I practice and familiarize myself with these Color and Monochrome profile functions, the more I use them while photographing.

One of my favorite options of the TruePic VIII & IX processors is the cluster autofocusing function. For example, the cluster AF function does a good job of selecting the right focus points while optimizing the depth of field benefit of M43 cameras. The Olympus Super Control Panel (SCP) also simplifies the selection of different focusing options, such as cluster or single autofocussing points.

See this article about the Olympus Pen E-P7.

Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens. I converted the raw file with Workspace.

Olympus E-P7 with the 17mm f2.8 lens. Raw converted in Workspace.

E-P7 with the 17mm f2.8 lens. Raw converted in Workspace. (Vintage 1 ART filter)

E-P7 with the 17mm f2.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, Monochrome.

E-P7 with the 17mm f2.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, Monochrome.

Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 9-18mm f4-5.6 lens. I converted the raw file in Workspace.

Pen E-P7 with the M.Zuiko 17mm f2.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, and Vivid Picture Mode.

The OM System OM-3 from 2025

The best way to get to know someone is to spend time with them. The same applies to manufacturers like Olympus and OM System. The worst thing one could do is listen to random opinions. These basics taught me a lot while studying publicly available information like annual financial reports and press releases from companies like Olympus, OM System, Panasonic, and the full-frame collective. I have spent hours over the past 7 years getting to know Olympus, OM System, and digital cameras.

The common theme in Olympus press releases is highlighting the roles of the lens, the sensor, and the TruePic processor. See the following edited quotes from the E-M1 press release: "The combination of the newly developed TruePic VII processor and the new 16MP Live MOS sensor produces better image quality with less noise at higher ISOs" or "Focusing on the 3 main elements of image quality (the lens, imaging sensor, and image processor), the absolute best possible image quality is available with the new Olympus OM-D E-M1." These basic principles are very different from the social media opinion that FF sensors are better because the sensor is ultimately responsible for image quality.

The question of whether the OM System OM-3 is a worthy successor to the Pen F becomes clear when we evaluate the OM-3 with these basic principles. It is an exercise each photographer should try because the information in press releases is so much that I wouldn't know what to highlight for your specific needs. I listed a few points you could use while reading press releases:

• The image signal flow diagram was designed to clarify these basic principles.
• I think it was a brilliant decision to place the OM-1 II in the new OM-3 body.
• The new Stacked 20MP BSI sensor was a major upgrade to the Pen F sensor.
• The TruePic X is more than 8X faster and more powerful than the TruePic VII.
• We have an excellent selection of high-quality M.Zuiko lenses for the OM-3.
• I highly recommend NOT to use Lumix lenses for critical OM-3 applications.
• Like the Pen F, the OM-3 is a lovely camera, plus it has good weather sealing.
• The best OM-3 press release is the one used with the Olympus OM-1 launch.

Tip: The TruePic VIII was 3.5X faster than the VII, and the TruePic X is 3X faster than the IX. 

I included the original OM-1 press release for your information.

I compared the viewfinder in the OM-3 to other Olympus cameras with LCD and OLED viewfinders, like the E-M5 I/II, the E-M10 II, the E-M5 III, the OM-5, and the E-M1 III. I couldn't find much to criticize about the OM-3's viewfinder. In fact, I prefer the clear and bright look of the OM-3 viewfinder. Could it be that OM System used better optical elements? I also compared the OM-3 to the X-T5 and couldn't find any reason, like the higher resolution EVF or more megapixels, to convert to Fuji.

It's disappointing to receive an OM-3 press release like this from OM System. 

Here you will find all the product press releases from OM System.

See this OM-3 application video from Rania Rönntoft.

OM-3 with Lumix 45-175mm f4-f5.6 lens. Raw converted with Workspace.

OM-3 + M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. Raw converted with Workspace.

OM-3 + Lumix 45-175mm lens. Raw converted with Workspace.

OM System OM-3 with the Rönntoft color profile. 

OM-3 + Lumix 45-175mm lens. Raw converted with Workspace.

OM-3 with the Lumix 45-175mm lens. Raw, Workspace, and ART Filter.

Taken with the OM-3. My version of the Rönntoft color profile.

OM-3 + M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, Monochrome.

OM-3 + M.Zuiko 17mm f1.8 lens. Raw, Workspace, and ART Filter.

Conclusion.

I would have been happy with the Pen E-P series if I were as comfortable with digital cameras and the role of modern marketing as I am today. The PEN E-P series is almost perfect for creative photography enthusiasts. Think of the Pen EP series as your everyday memory maker. They are perfect for day-to-day photographers looking for a flexible M43 camera and lens with excellent image quality.

The preparation of the images for this article was so much fun. I think it's a combination of going back in time and the natural conversion and editing results I get with Workspace and Affinity photo. It took a while, but I don't even think of Adobe Photoshop when editing my converted raw files.

What about autofocusing? Beware of those claiming this brand or camera's AF is better. Technically, the OM-3's autofocusing technology is more advanced than any camera I used. That said, I prefer the focusing functionality of the E-P7, the E-M10 VI, the E-M5 III, and the E-M1 III. It all depends on what kind of photography we do and how much experience we have with a specific brand.

As a final comment, considering the OM-1 and OM-3 stacked BSI 20MP sensors, we are enjoying huge efficiency benefits with these sensors, TruePic X processors, and M.Zuiko lenses. See my articles for more because as little as 5% of all modern photography applications need more than 20 MP.

Best

Siegfried

With Workspace we have color and monochrome profiles for the OM System OM-5 (E-M1 III). This is one of the best cameras ever.

A new OM-System Pen F II

Last Update:- 20th October 2024

Introduction.

I invite all Olympus photographers who enjoy Creative Color, and Monochrome profiles to come and dream with me about a future OM-System Pen F II. I discussed my preliminary reasons for a real OM-System camera in my OM-1 II overview. OMS has a unique opportunity to follow the visionary design achievements of Olympus while designing the Pen F II and a new User Interface. The user interface of cameras stagnated in the past 12 years because manufacturers focussed on the analog feel of digital cameras. We mainly saw higher-resolution flippy displays with new and different menu displays.

Imagine digital photographers using cameras with flippy displays and basic Aperture, Shutter, and ISO display data. Imagine digital photographers using the analog Exposure Triangle and treating digital camera sensors like old film cameras. Imagine this is the status quo in 2024 because photographers are told sensor size is everything and they should only rely on the "best" Sony image sensors.

The Olympus SCP was a great idea from the 4/3 DSLR days. Picture source.

Have you ever wondered why reviewers rejected the Olympus Pen F in 2016? One of the many "size and capture" myths is larger sensors produce "more" colors. Global marketing departments pushed back when Olympus introduced the Creative Dial and access to the TruePic ART Controller. The Pen F was the first consumer camera that adjusted individual colors versus creating global color effects.

For example:

• The Color Creator creates global color effects like a chrome effect,
• The Adjust Color function targets individual colors on the color wheel,
• Saturation, Tones, and Contrast are simplified global adjustments.

The rangefinder Olympus Pen F is a popular day-to-day and street photography camera with access to small compact lenses, and unique MonoChrome plus Color Profiles. Many M43 photographers never used Workspace to improve their Pen F skills or create personalized monochrome and color profiles because social media advisors are either ignorant or simply provide incorrect information.

It's fascinating that camera manufacturers never used sensor and CPU data to give us more options like calculated hyperfocal distances, Aperture plus Shutter effects, focus stacking, and fill-in flash info on the camera's display. Modern motorcars are great examples of using available processed data to enhance the driving experience. For example, how often do we increase our ISO without knowing it's possible to drop the ISO with 1EV when changing the focus and exposure combinations? 

The Pen F II user interface should display more processed data from the sensor and TruePic Processor. Please design a new user interface with a Sensor Performance Meter and more advanced features, like hyperfocal focus distances and a DOF meter. Focus on giving the photographer control while using the camera. Study this article for more about the next generation of OM-System cameras.

The Sensor Performance Meter is based on the following:-

• Keep the Aperture, Shutter, and ISO displays but add more sensor control.
• All image sensors have a Noise Floor. This is a known technical limitation.
• We control the image signal SNR and the visibility of the sensor's noise floor.
• Shutter Speed, Aperture, and ISO are part of the Exposure Formula, BUT:
• The Aperture and Shutter control the light to (exposing) the sensor.
• The ISO amplifies the image signal. Sensor sensitivity is factory set. 
• Sensor Saturation and IQ improve with more Reflected Light on the sensor.
• The reverse happens (more visible noise) when the sensor receives less light.
• The ISO function does NOT create noise. The sensor received too little light.
• The camera's Auto Exposure (default) settings focus on Good Image Quality.
• The synergy between Enhanced Raw Files, OMS cameras, and WS is critical.

Study this article for a detailed explanation of the DxO "Good Image Quality" ratings.

Study this article for more info on exposure and how to use ISO "Image Brightness."

Olympus photographers will benefit from a new Sensor Performance Meter because it will improve the general understanding of sensor saturation and image noise. It will also enable OM-System to take the lead by proactively managing repetitive "sensor size" and the "best" AF promotions after each M43 camera launch. See my OM-System OM-1 II overview for more about a new OMS camera...

How would Sensor Saturation and SNR "exposure" data benefit us? Because it's possible to manage the sensor's performance separately from the ISO. It lets us think differently about the ISO, Aperture, and Shutter Speed, while opening new creative opportunities, like using a saturated sensor at a lower ISO (image brightness) to control highlights. We can correct the image brightness in Workspace because a saturated sensor lets us lower the ISO and re-adjust it with the Workspace EC slider. This is why the Sensor Performance Meter has an A/B display option. See this article for more...

What more could we expect from a new OM-System Pen F II?

The quality of the new Pen F II should mirror the current model. It should have a high-sensitivity 24MP (Live MOS) BSI sensor with a smaller noise floor and an advanced User Interface. The target segment is street, family, travel, event, and hobby photographers. The focus should be creative computational features. The AF system should be a clever derivative of the EM1 III (EM1X) AF technology.

The focus should be creativity, flexibility, IQ, profiles, and a Workspace App for tablets and Mobiles. Please study the needs of your target segment for new computational and creative features.

Here are some additional suggestions for a new Pen F II:-

• Go back to high-quality metal camera bodies. Pls not like the Pen EP-7.
• New Hue and Luminance options for the camera's Color Adjust function.
• Add new Clarity and Dehaze sliders (Workspace) to the camera's menu.
• Create a function to copy and paste color information from Workspace.
• Rethink the ISO function by expanding its link to the Workspace EC slider.
• This camera should have a high-res EVF and display with advanced features.
• The new Sensor Performance Meter simplifies sensor Saturation and SNR.
• A graphical DOF slider and new AF options to optimize aperture selections.
• Flexible Tonal Profiles with new options to tweak the Tonal Response Curve.
• If a brand thing, focus on the following AI "application" features:-
• Landscape DOF automation (AI) plus control.
• Unique AI features for street photographers.
• People, family events, and children AI features.
• I am no macro guy. Do they have any AI ideas..?
• Focus AI on applications and NOT image processing or autofocusing.
• ANY new TruePic image processors should NEVER use AI to process images.
• Build new creative communities to discuss and share info and color profiles.
• The focus should be flexibility, image quality, color, and wifi communication.
• 8EV IBIS, more Multi-Aspect Ratios, and quick handheld 50MP High Ress.
• The TruePic IX or X image processor with a vertical social media video option. 
• Design selective improvements for the Workspace video editing function.
• Add a basic version of a Layers function to Workspace with Blending Modes.
• The video capabilities of this camera should be tailored to the target segment.
• This is NOT a high-speed Pro Camera for bird and wildlife photographers.
• This shouldn't be another hybrid. Make it a photography camera with video.
• The simplicity of the Pen EP-7 is perfect. We only need more creative features.
• Label this new OM-System camera a Pen-F II to accelerate its growth potential.

Why don't "size and capture" promoters accept this illustration? This information counters the "sensor does everything" myth...

Conclusion

Every digital photographer should get the opportunity to learn more about digital cameras, especially the link between Image Sensors, Saturation, SNR, Exposure formula, and ISO amplification. In fact, it's disappointing to see YouTube presenters using the old Analog Exposure Triangle as a tool for planning and adjusting the digital camera's Optical, Exposure, and ISO adjustments. I can't help but question the seriousness of people ignoring the unique benefits of having advanced digital cameras...

A helicopter overview of the Image Signal Path, Exposure Controller, and Workspace. Study this link.