CameraReview

Olympus Pen E-P7

Olympus · Mirrorless · 20 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video

Olympus Pen E-P7

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 63
Video 83
Features 70
Storage & Battery 35
63
SCORE /100
Buying Options
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−8 fps burst shooting is slow for a mirrorless camera
−No built-in viewfinder, only an LCD screen for composition
−Inaccurate colors and tones when looking at Live View
−No weather sealing so vulnerable when shooting outdoors
−Battery life is disappointing

General

BrandOlympus
ModelPen E-P7
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2021
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
July 9, 2021
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size118 x 69 x 38 mm
Camera weight337 g

Optics

63/100
About the Optics

The Olympus Pen E-P7 has earned a score of 63/100 in our evaluation. Announced on 07/09/2021, this mirrorless camera features a compact design with dimensions of 118 x 69 x 38mm and a weight of only 337g, or 0.74lbs.

Considering its specifications, the E-P7 holds its own in today’s competitive camera market. Its lightweight and portable design make it an attractive option for photographers seeking a modern and user-friendly camera.

Olympus Pen E-P7 Overview and Optics

The Olympus Pen E-P7 receives a score of 63/100 for its optics. This camera features a 20-megapixel CMOS sensor, offering good image quality. The sensor size is Micro Four Thirds, which is smaller compared to other cameras in the market. Despite its size, the sensor achieves a respectable DXOMARK score of 74. The camera’s shooting speed of 8.7 frames per second is sufficient for capturing fast-paced action.

Equipped with a TruePic VII processor, the Olympus Pen E-P7 efficiently processes images. The Micro 4/3 lens mount allows compatibility with a wide range of lenses, providing versatility for photographers. Additionally, the camera has image stabilization, ensuring sharp images even in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. The 4:3 aspect ratio is standard for Micro Four Thirds cameras and delivers well-balanced compositions.

The Olympus Pen E-P7’s optics are competitive in today’s market, offering a good balance between image quality and versatility. While not the highest-scoring camera in terms of optics, it is a reliable choice for photographers seeking a compact and easy-to-use camera.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
20 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
5184 x 3888
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
13 x 17.4
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four Thirds
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
8.7 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Micro 4/3
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
TruePic VII
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
4:3
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
256003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
6044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
1210300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
None
Viewfinder dotsN/A

Video

83/100
About the Video

The Olympus Pen E-P7’s video capabilities receive a score of 83 out of 100, reflecting its competitive performance in the market. The camera offers a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels), ensuring high-quality footage for various purposes. Additionally, the E-P7 supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, providing smooth motion capture and increased creative possibilities.

The built-in time-lapse functionality further enhances the camera’s video capabilities, allowing users to create captivating time-lapse sequences with ease. Comparing the Olympus Pen E-P7 to other cameras in today’s market, it stands out with its robust video features and performance.

The Olympus Pen E-P7 boasts impressive video specifications, making it a strong contender in the market. Its high-quality 4K resolution, smooth 60fps frame rate, and time-lapse functionality make it an excellent choice for video enthusiasts and content creators.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
3840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Yes
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
MPEG-4, MOV

Features

70/100
About the Features

The Olympus Pen E-P7 features a score of 70/100, reflecting its quality and capabilities. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1040000 dots, the camera provides clear and detailed images. The touchscreen and flip screen enhance usability, making it easy to navigate and capture images from various angles.

Despite lacking GPS, the E-P7 compensates with WIFI and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to transfer files and control the camera remotely. In today’s market, these features are essential for photographers seeking convenience and seamless integration with other devices.

The E-P7 offers a solid set of features that meet the demands of modern photography. Its score of 70/100 confirms its place as a reliable and efficient camera, suitable for various photographic needs.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
10400001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes

Storage & Battery

35/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Olympus Pen E-P7 receives a storage and battery score of 35/100. It has a single memory card slot that accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with compatibility for UHS-II. In today’s market, a single card slot may not be sufficient for the needs of professional photographers who require backup storage.

Regarding battery life, the E-P7 offers 360 shots with its BLS-50 battery. This capacity is relatively low compared to other cameras in the market. However, the camera supports USB charging, which adds convenience for users on the go.

The storage and battery capabilities of the Olympus Pen E-P7 are not its strongest features. Still, they may be adequate for casual or hobbyist photographers.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeBLS-50
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
360 shots1505000
USB chargingYes