CameraReview

Olympus PEN E-PL7

Olympus · Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video

Olympus PEN E-PL7

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 57
Video 57
Features 57
Storage & Battery 21
54
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
72
Overall score
22.7
Color depth
12.4
Dynamic range
873
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options

General

BrandOlympus
ModelPEN E-PL7
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2014
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
August 28, 2014
Camera typeMirrorless
Camera size115 x 67 x 38 mm
Camera weight357 g

Optics

57/100
About the Optics

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 earns a score of 54 out of 100. This mirrorless camera was announced on August 28, 2014, and released the same year. Considering the advancements in today’s market, these specifications might not be as impressive as they were in 2014. However, the camera’s compact size and relatively lightweight design make it a decent choice for casual photographers.

Olympus PEN E-PL7 Overview and Optics

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 receives a score of 57/100 for its optics. With 16.1 megapixels, an 8 shooting speed, and a CMOS sensor, this camera offers decent performance. The TruePic VII processor allows for quick image processing, while its DXOMARK sensor score of 72 shows solid capabilities. The Micro Four Thirds sensor size and Micro 4/3 lens mount provide compatibility with a wide range of lenses. Additionally, the camera has image stabilisation and an aspect ratio of 4:3.

Comparing the E-PL7’s specifications with current market options, it remains a viable choice for casual photographers. However, more advanced cameras have surpassed it in terms of resolution and overall performance. Despite this, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 still offers valuable features, making it a suitable option for those looking for a reliable and affordable camera.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.1 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 3456
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 17.3
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 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.
810300
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

57/100
About the Video

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 receives a video score of 57/100. Its video capabilities include a max video resolution of Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and a max video frame rate of 30fps. Additionally, the camera has a built-in time-lapse functionality.

In today’s market, these specifications are adequate for casual users, but may not satisfy professional videographers. The Full HD resolution is standard, but 4K resolution is now becoming increasingly popular among high-end cameras. Similarly, the 30fps frame rate is acceptable, but 60fps or higher is preferred for smoother video playback.

The Olympus PEN E-PL7’s video capabilities suit the needs of entry-level users and hobbyists. However, those seeking advanced features may want to explore alternative options with higher video specifications.

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.
Full HD
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.
1920 x 1080
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.
30 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.
MOV, AVI

Features

57/100
About the Features

The Olympus PEN E-PL7’s feature score stands at 57/100, reflecting its performance in today’s competitive camera market. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1037000 dots, this camera offers a clear and sizable display for users. The touchscreen and flip screen enhance the user experience, providing flexibility and ease of use.

Despite its commendable display features, the E-PL7 lacks GPS functionality, which may be a drawback for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, it compensates for this with its built-in WIFI, enabling easy sharing and transfer of photos. Unfortunately, the camera does not include Bluetooth connectivity, which could have further improved its wireless capabilities.

Taking these features into account, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 holds its ground in the market, offering a decent set of specifications for photography enthusiasts. While it may not excel in every aspect, the camera presents a balance of quality and convenience for its users.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
10370001150001500000
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.
No

Storage & Battery

21/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 receives a storage and battery score of 21/100. This camera offers a single memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. In the current market, one memory card slot is common for entry-level cameras, but higher-end models often feature dual slots for added storage capacity and flexibility.

The E-PL7 uses a BLS-50 battery, providing a battery life of 350 shots per charge. This falls short when compared to some competitors in the market, which offer longer-lasting battery life. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, making it less convenient for on-the-go users who may need to recharge their battery quickly.

Taking these factors into account, the Olympus PEN E-PL7’s storage and battery capabilities are average, but may not meet the needs of more demanding photographers.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC
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.
350 shots1505000
USB chargingNo