OM System
PEN
First OM SYSTEM-branded PEN: compact rangefinder-style Micro Four Thirds body with 20.4MP Live MOS, 5-axis IBIS, built-in EVF, IPX1 sealing, and in-camera computational modes.
$1,000
Launch priceReleased Sep 2026
OM System
Tough TG-6
Olympus-era rugged waterproof compact with 12MP BSI sensor, f/2.0 4x zoom, 4K30 video, 1cm macro, 15m waterproof, and TruePic VIII — predecessor to TG-7.
$449
Launch priceReleased Jul 2019
PEN is 7.1 years newer.
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Wins
PEN
Wins
Tough TG-6
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- APEN has higher IBIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BTough TG-6 has higher AF points / zones (1053 vs 121)
- APEN has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 11 fps)
- BTough TG-6 has higher RAW buffer depth (60 frames vs 29 frames)
- BTough TG-6 has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 200)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
PEN
126 × 75 × 43 mm
393 g (0.87 lb / 13.86 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Tough TG-6
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
PEN is 8mm narrower, 17mm shorter, and 29mm thinner than Tough TG-6.
PEN is 187 g lighter than Tough TG-6.
Depth (front-to-back): 43mm PEN · 72mm Tough TG-6
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
PEN
126 × 75 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Tough TG-6
134 × 91 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
PEN
126 × 43 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Tough TG-6
134 × 72 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PEN
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
Tough TG-6
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PEN
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Tough TG-6: mount data unavailable
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
PEN
IBIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 125.8, 74.5, 43.3
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Subject recognition
Adds Dog, Cat
Codecs
Adds MOV, MPEG-4 AVC
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 11 fps — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only PEN supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only PEN supports it
Reasons to choose
Tough TG-6
AF low-light limit
-7 EV vs -3.5 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
1053 vs 121 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Vehicle
RAW buffer depth
60 frames vs 29 frames — higher is better
AA filter
Only Tough TG-6 supports it
ISO min (native)
100 vs 200 — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
- ✓Microphone jack (3.5mm) — Both support microphone jack (3.5mm)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
PEN
Pros
- ✓393g rangefinder body with built-in 2.36M-dot EVF
- ✓First PEN with IPX1 dust/splash sealing
- ✓5-axis IBIS up to 5.5 stops + 121-point cross-type AF
- ✓Hi-Res, Live ND, Focus Stacking, HDR via CP button
- ✓4K / C4K video, vertical video, 3.5mm mic jack
Cons
- –Micro Four Thirds sensor vs APS-C/FF rivals
- –4K capped at 30p (C4K 24p only)
- –IPX1 is lighter sealing than OM-5 II / OM-3
- –Single SD slot, no headphone jack
Tough TG-6
Pros
- ✓15m waterproof + 2.1m shockproof
- ✓f/2.0 25-100mm equivalent zoom
- ✓1cm Variable Macro System
- ✓4K30 + 1080p120 slow-mo
- ✓Built-in GPS + fisheye converter support
Cons
- –1/2.3-inch small sensor
- –Superseded by TG-7 (no USB-C)
- –Fixed non-touch LCD
- –Micro USB 2.0 only
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PEN and Tough TG-6 at major authorized retailers.
OM System PEN
OM System Tough TG-6
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, PEN or Tough TG-6?
PEN scores 7.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for Tough TG-6 — 393g — ultralight for all-day carry.
What's the resolution difference between the PEN and Tough TG-6?
PEN is 20.4 MP and Tough TG-6 is 12 MP, so the PEN captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PEN and Tough TG-6 have in-body image stabilization?
PEN has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Tough TG-6 does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PEN or the Tough TG-6?
PEN reaches 30 fps electronic. Tough TG-6 reaches 11 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PEN and Tough TG-6?
PEN weighs 393 g and Tough TG-6 weighs 580 g, so the PEN is 187 g lighter.
Do the PEN and Tough TG-6 record 4K video?
PEN: 4K up to 30p. Tough TG-6: 4K up to 60p.
Are the PEN and Tough TG-6 weather sealed?
PEN: Yes. Tough TG-6: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the PEN and 640 shots for the Tough TG-6, giving the Tough TG-6 the edge.
How much does each cost?
PEN launched at $1,000 and Tough TG-6 at $449. The Tough TG-6 is $551 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PEN vs Tough TG-6 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System press materials.