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Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 Comparison

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery

Olympus PEN E-P5

Olympus PEN E-P5
53%

Olympus PEN E-PL7

Olympus PEN E-PL7
Winner!
54%
Olympus PEN E-P5
vs
Olympus PEN E-PL7
Price
Brand
Olympus
Olympus
Model
PEN E-P5
PEN E-PL7
Released
2013
2014
Announcement Date
May 10, 2013
August 28, 2014
Camera Type
Mirrorless
Mirrorless
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 edges out the Olympus PEN E-P5 with a score of 54/100 compared to 53/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, announced in 2013 and 2014, respectively. They share common specifications like camera type and similar dimensions. However, the E-PL7 is lighter at 357g and more affordable with a launch price of $600, making it a better option for budget-conscious users.

On the other hand, the E-P5 is slightly heavier at 420g and was launched at a higher price of $1000. Despite the close scores, the E-PL7’s lighter weight and lower cost make it a more attractive option for those seeking a mirrorless camera.

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 Overview and Optics

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 takes the lead in optics, scoring 57 out of 100, while the Olympus PEN E-P5 follows closely with a score of 55. Both cameras share common specifications, including 16.1 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, Micro Four Thirds sensor size, Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras have a DXOMARK score of 72 for their sensors.

The E-PL7 outperforms the E-P5 in terms of its processor, as it is equipped with the TruePic VII processor, compared to the E-P5’s TruePic VI processor. This results in better image processing capabilities and overall improved image quality for the E-PL7.

On the other hand, the E-P5 holds an advantage in shooting speed, capturing images at 9 frames per second, while the E-PL7 records at 8 frames per second. This makes the E-P5 better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects or action scenes.

In conclusion, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 offers superior image processing capabilities due to its TruePic VII processor, which results in better image quality. However, the Olympus PEN E-P5 has a faster shooting speed, making it more suitable for action photography. Both cameras share many common specifications, making them comparable in terms of optics. The choice between the two cameras ultimately depends on the individual photographer’s priorities and preferences.

Optics
Optics
55%
57%
Megapixels
16.1 MP
16.1 MP
Image Resolution
4608 x 3456 px
4608 x 3456 px
Sensor Type
CMOS
CMOS
Sensor Size
13 x 17.3 mm
13 x 17.3 mm
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
Micro Four Thirds
Frame Rate
9 fps
8 fps
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
Micro 4/3
Image Processor
TruePic VI
TruePic VII
Aspect Ratio
4:3
4:3
Minimum ISO (Native)
200
200
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600
25,600
Minimum ISO (Expanded)
100
100
Maximum ISO (Expanded)
25600
25600
Minimum Shutter Speed
60 s
60 s
Maximum Shutter Speed
1/ 8000 s
1/ 4000 s
Autofocus Points
35
81
In-body Stabilization
Viewfinder Type
None
None

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 Video Performance

The Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 both score 57/100 for their video capabilities, indicating that they have similar performance in this area. They share common specifications, such as Full HD video resolution, maximum video dimensions of 1920 x 1080, a maximum video frame rate of 30fps, and built-in time-lapse functionality.

Despite having the same score, the Olympus PEN E-P5 has some advantages over the E-PL7. One of these is the built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without needing any additional equipment or software. This feature is particularly useful for photographers who enjoy capturing the passage of time in their videos.

On the other hand, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 also has some strengths in its video capabilities. Like the E-P5, it offers Full HD video resolution and a maximum frame rate of 30fps, ensuring that users can capture high-quality videos with smooth motion. Additionally, the E-PL7 also features built-in time-lapse functionality, making it a strong contender in the video category.

Both cameras have impressive video capabilities, with the Olympus PEN E-P5 and E-PL7 scoring equally well in this area. Their shared features, such as Full HD video resolution, 30fps frame rate, and built-in time-lapse functionality, make them well-suited for photographers who prioritize video performance. While neither model significantly outperforms the other in this category, they both offer solid video features that should satisfy most users’ needs.

Video
Video
57%
57%
Video
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
Full HD
Max Video Dimensions
1920 x 1080 px
1920 x 1080 px
Max Video Frame Rate
30 p
30 p
Time-Lapse Built In
Video File Format
MOV, AVI
MOV, AVI

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 Features and Benefits

The Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 both have a feature score of 57/100, making them equally matched in terms of their specifications. They share several common features, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, no GPS, WIFI connectivity, and no Bluetooth.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 stands out due to its slightly higher screen resolution of 1,036,800 dots, compared to the E-PL7’s 1,037,000 dots. This difference in resolution is minor, but it might offer a slightly clearer display for the E-P5 user.

On the other hand, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 has a flip screen, a feature that the E-P5 lacks. This flip screen is advantageous for taking selfies or capturing images from difficult angles. The presence of a flip screen makes the E-PL7 more versatile in terms of composition and shooting situations.

Despite their equal feature scores, both cameras have unique qualities that might cater to different users. The Olympus PEN E-P5 has a marginally better screen resolution, which could be appealing for those who prioritize image clarity on the camera’s display. Meanwhile, the Olympus PEN E-PL7’s flip screen provides added flexibility for photographers who often take selfies or shoot from unconventional angles.

In choosing between these two cameras, potential buyers should consider which features are most important to them and weigh the benefits of the E-P5’s slightly higher screen resolution against the E-PL7’s flip screen functionality.

Features
Features
57%
57%
Built-in Flash
External Flash
GPS
Weather Sealing
Screen Type
LCD
LCD
Touch Screen
Screen Size
3"
3"
Screen Resolution
1,036,800 dots
1,037,000 dots
Flip Screen
Live View
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 Storage and Battery

The Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 have identical storage and battery scores of 21/100. Both cameras have one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards. Neither camera offers USB charging capabilities.

The Olympus PEN E-P5 has a battery life of 330 shots, using a BLN-2 battery type. On the other hand, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 has a slightly longer battery life of 350 shots, utilizing a BLS-50 battery type. This difference makes the E-PL7 slightly better in terms of battery life.

Despite the E-PL7’s advantage in battery life, the E-P5 does not have any specific advantages over the E-PL7 in the storage and battery category. Both cameras share the same storage capabilities, and neither has USB charging.

Considering the similarities and slight differences between the two cameras in storage and battery, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 takes a minor lead due to its longer battery life. However, both cameras provide similar storage options, making them suitable choices for photographers with similar needs.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
21%
21%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC
SD / SDHC / SDXC
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
BLN-2
BLS-50
Battery Life
330 shots
350 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
72%
72%
Portrait (Color Depth)
22.8 bits
22.7 bits
Landscape (Dynamic Range)
12.4 EVs
12.4 EVs
Sports (Low-Light ISO)
895
873
Scores

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 – Our Verdict

Olympus PEN E-P5 vs PEN E-PL7 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-PL7:

User Scores
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