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
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
PEN is 1.8 years newer.
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Wins
PEN
Wins
Alpha 1 II
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 29 frames)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 121)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 20.4 MP)
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
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
PEN is 10mm narrower, 22mm shorter, and 40mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
PEN is 350 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 43mm PEN · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
PEN
126 × 75 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 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
Alpha 1 II
136 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PEN
17.4 × 13 mm · Compact / large-type
226 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PEN
Micro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
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
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
Weight
393 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Max video bit rate
240 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
EVF magnification
1.1 × vs 0.9 × — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 29 frames — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 121 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Animal, Bird, Insect…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
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
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PEN and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
OM System PEN
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, PEN or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for PEN — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the PEN and Alpha 1 II?
PEN is 20.4 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PEN and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
PEN has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PEN or the Alpha 1 II?
PEN reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PEN and Alpha 1 II?
PEN weighs 393 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the PEN is 350 g lighter.
Do the PEN and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
PEN: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the PEN and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
PEN: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 410 shots (CIPA) for the PEN and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 II the edge.
How much does each cost?
PEN launched at $1,000 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The PEN is $5,499 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PEN vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System and Sony press materials.