CameraReview

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Olympus Pen E-P7 — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Olympus PEN E-P5
Olympus
Olympus PEN E-P5
Mirrorless · 16.1 MP · Micro Four Thirds · Full HD video
53
SCORE
$599
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Olympus Pen E-P7
Olympus
Olympus Pen E-P7
Mirrorless · 20 MP · Micro Four Thirds · 4K video
63
SCORE
No live offers
General
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20132021
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
10/05/201309/07/2021
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 122 x 69 x 37 mm118 x 69 x 38 mm
Camera weight 420 g337 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.1 MP05020 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4608 x 34565184 x 3888
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 17.313 x 17.4
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Micro Four ThirdsMicro 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.
9 fps0458.7 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 4/3Micro 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 VITruePic 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.
4:34:3
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
2003020020030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
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.
1003020010030200
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.
256003003280000256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
60440806044080
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.
800080032000400080032000
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.
3503001210300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
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.
NoneNone
Viewfinder dots N/AN/A
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD4K
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 10803840 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.
30 fps60 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.
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, AVIMPEG-4, MOV
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
1036800115000150000010400001150001500000
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.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXCSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type BLN-2BLS-50
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
330 shots1505000360 shots1505000
USB charging

The Olympus Pen E-P7 outperforms the Olympus PEN E-P5 with a score of 63/100 compared to 53/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were launched at a price of $1000. They share similar dimensions, but the E-P7 is slightly smaller and lighter at 118 x 69 x 38mm and 337g, while the E-P5 measures 122 x 69 x 37mm and weighs 420g.

The E-P7’s higher score shows its superiority in terms of features and performance. Its compact size and lighter weight make it more portable and convenient for users. On the other hand, the E-P5 might have some advantages, but they are not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of the E-P7.

Taking all factors into consideration, the Olympus Pen E-P7 emerges as the better choice due to its improved specifications and user-friendly design.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 Overview and Optics

The Olympus Pen E-P7 outperforms the Olympus PEN E-P5 in optics, scoring 63/100 compared to the E-P5’s score of 55/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a CMOS sensor, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization. However, there are key differences that set the E-P7 ahead in terms of optics.

The E-P7 boasts a higher megapixel count of 20, compared to the E-P5’s 16.1 megapixels. This difference allows the E-P7 to capture more detail in images, providing better overall image quality. Additionally, the E-P7’s TruePic VII processor is an improvement over the E-P5’s TruePic VI processor, contributing to enhanced image processing and performance. The E-P7 also has a slightly higher DXOMARK sensor score of 74, compared to the E-P5’s score of 72, indicating a marginally better sensor quality.

Despite the E-P7’s advantages, the E-P5 does have a slightly faster shooting speed of 9 frames per second, compared to the E-P7’s 8.7. This minor edge might be beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or situations where rapid continuous shooting is necessary.

Taking all factors into consideration, the Olympus Pen E-P7 is the superior camera in terms of optics, with a higher megapixel count, improved processor, and marginally better sensor score. The Olympus PEN E-P5, while still a capable camera, falls short in these areas but does offer a slightly faster shooting speed. Ultimately, the E-P7’s advantages in optics make it the better choice for those seeking higher image quality and performance.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 Video Performance

The Olympus Pen E-P7 outperforms the Olympus PEN E-P5 in video capabilities with a score of 83/100, a significant 26-point difference from the E-P5’s score of 57/100. Both cameras share common features, such as time-lapse functionality built in, indicating their suitability for capturing the passage of time in a creative manner.

The E-P7 excels in video quality with a maximum resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), while the E-P5 only supports Full HD (1920 x 1080). This difference in resolution allows the E-P7 to produce videos with sharper details and more vibrant colors. Additionally, the E-P7 boasts a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps compared to the E-P5’s 30fps. This higher frame rate enables smoother motion capture and provides more flexibility for slow-motion video editing.

On the other hand, the E-P5 does not have any distinct advantages over the E-P7 in terms of video capabilities. The lower video resolution and frame rate result in a less impressive video performance compared to the E-P7.

Taking into account the aforementioned points, it is evident that the Olympus Pen E-P7 is the superior choice for video enthusiasts seeking high-quality video performance in a compact camera. The 4K resolution and 60fps frame rate contribute to its higher score and make it the preferred option for capturing detailed and smooth videos. Meanwhile, the Olympus PEN E-P5, despite its time-lapse functionality, falls short in delivering the same level of video quality and performance as the E-P7.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 Features and Benefits

The Olympus Pen E-P7 emerges as the winner with a feature score of 70/100, while the Olympus PEN E-P5 has a score of 57/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, and WiFi connectivity. However, the E-P7 outshines the E-P5 in certain aspects, making it a better camera.

The E-P7 has a higher screen resolution of 1,040,000 dots compared to the E-P5’s 1,036,800 dots. This difference provides a slightly clearer and crisper display on the E-P7. The E-P7 also features a flip screen, which the E-P5 lacks. This flip screen allows for easier and more versatile shooting, especially in challenging angles or when capturing self-portraits. Additionally, the E-P7 has Bluetooth connectivity, enabling more seamless file transfers and remote control options, while the E-P5 does not offer this feature.

The E-P5, on the other hand, does not have any significant advantages over the E-P7 in terms of features. Both cameras have similar screen sizes, touchscreens, and WiFi connectivity, but the E-P5 falls short in screen resolution, flip screen functionality, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Considering the differences in feature scores and specifications, the Olympus Pen E-P7 is the superior camera due to its higher screen resolution, flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity. While the Olympus PEN E-P5 shares some common specifications with the E-P7, it lacks the additional features that make the E-P7 a more versatile and user-friendly camera. Therefore, the Olympus Pen E-P7 is the better choice for photographers seeking advanced features and enhanced functionality.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 Storage and Battery

The Olympus Pen E-P7 outperforms the Olympus PEN E-P5 in storage and battery with a score of 35/100 compared to the E-P5’s 21/100. Both cameras share a single memory card slot and accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. The E-P7 has a slight advantage in battery life, offering 360 shots per charge, while the E-P5 provides 330 shots. Moreover, the E-P7 uses the BLS-50 battery type and features USB charging capabilities, which the E-P5 lacks, as it uses the BLN-2 battery type.

The E-P5 doesn’t offer any significant advantages in storage and battery over the E-P7. The E-P7’s longer battery life, USB charging, and compatibility with the faster UHS-II memory cards make it the superior choice in this aspect. Therefore, for users prioritizing storage and battery performance, the Olympus Pen E-P7 is the recommended option.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 – Our Verdict

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs Pen E-P7 Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Olympus PEN E-P5 or the Olympus Pen E-P7: