Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
 51
SCORE
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✓ WINNER
 54
SCORE
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| General | ||
| Brand | Olympus | Olympus |
| Model | PEN E-PL5 | PEN E-PL7 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2012 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
17/09/2012 | 28/08/2014 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 111 x 64 x 38 mm | 115 x 67 x 38 mm |
| Camera weight | 325 g | 357 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16.1 MP050 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 13 x 17.3 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Micro Four Thirds | 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 | 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 | 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 VI | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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. |
20030200 | 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 | 256003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 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 | 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. |
350300 | 810300 |
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. |
None | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/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 HD | 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 | 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 | 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. |
✗ | ✓ |
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 | MOV, AVI |
| 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 | LCD | LCD |
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. |
4600001150001500000 | 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. |
✓ | ✓ |
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 / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | BLS-5 | BLS-50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
360 shots1505000 | 350 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 takes the win with a score of 54/100, edging out the Olympus PEN E-PL5, which scored 51/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2012 and 2014, respectively. They share similar dimensions, with the E-PL7 being slightly larger at 115 x 67 x 38mm compared to the E-PL5’s 111 x 64 x 38mm.
The E-PL7 is better in terms of its launch price, costing $600 compared to the E-PL5’s $699. However, it is slightly heavier at 357g, while the E-PL5 weighs 325g. Despite the E-PL5’s lighter weight, the E-PL7’s better score and lower price make it the more appealing option of the two.
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 comes out ahead in our comparison of optics, scoring 57 out of 100, compared to the Olympus PEN E-PL5, which scores 55 out of 100. Both cameras share several specifications, including 16.1 megapixels, an 8 fps shooting speed, a CMOS sensor, a Micro Four Thirds sensor size, a Micro 4/3 lens mount, and image stabilization.
The winning camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL7, has an advantage due to its TruePic VII processor, which contributes to better image quality and faster performance. The improved processor allows the E-PL7 to handle noise reduction and color reproduction more effectively, resulting in more detailed and vibrant images. This improvement gives the E-PL7 a slight edge over the E-PL5 in terms of optics.
On the other hand, the Olympus PEN E-PL5 still holds its ground with a TruePic VI processor, which still delivers good image quality and performance. Both cameras have a DXOMARK sensor score of 72, indicating that they have similar image quality capabilities. The E-PL5 also shares the same sensor type, sensor size, lens mount, and image stabilization as the E-PL7, making it a worthy competitor in the optics department.
Taking all of these factors into account, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is the better choice for those seeking superior optics due to its advanced TruePic VII processor. However, the Olympus PEN E-PL5 remains a solid option, as it shares many of the same specifications and offers good image quality with its TruePic VI processor.
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 outperforms the Olympus PEN E-PL5 in terms of video capabilities, with a significant 14-point lead in their respective video scores—57/100 for the E-PL7 and 43/100 for the E-PL5. Both cameras share some common video specifications, including Full HD maximum video resolution, 1920 x 1080 maximum video dimensions, and a maximum video frame rate of 30fps.
The E-PL7’s higher video score is primarily due to its built-in time-lapse functionality, which the E-PL5 lacks. This feature allows users to create time-lapse videos effortlessly, adding an extra layer of creativity and versatility to their videography. Additionally, the E-PL7’s overall improved video performance contributes to its superior video score.
While the E-PL5 does not offer any distinct advantages over the E-PL7 in the realm of video capabilities, it still provides decent video quality with the same Full HD resolution, dimensions, and frame rate as the E-PL7. It’s worth noting that the lower video score does not imply that the E-PL5 is a poor choice for video recording, but rather that the E-PL7 offers more advanced features and better performance in this area.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 emerges as the clear winner, with its built-in time-lapse functionality and overall better video performance. The E-PL5, while not as advanced in video capabilities, still provides satisfactory video quality for those who may not require the extra features found in the E-PL7. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras should be based on individual needs and preferences in regards to video recording.
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 comes out ahead with a feature score of 57/100, compared to the Olympus PEN E-PL5’s score of 49/100. Both cameras share several features, including a 3-inch screen size, touchscreen capability, flip screen, and lack of GPS and Bluetooth.
The E-PL7’s superiority lies in its screen resolution and connectivity. With a 1,037,000-dot screen resolution, the E-PL7 offers a sharper and clearer display compared to the E-PL5’s 460,000-dot resolution. This difference enhances the user’s ability to review images and navigate the camera’s menus. Additionally, the E-PL7 includes Wi-Fi functionality, enabling users to easily transfer images to smart devices and share them instantly. This feature is absent in the E-PL5, making the E-PL7 a more convenient choice for photographers who prioritize connectivity and image sharing.
In contrast, the E-PL5 does not offer any significant advantages over the E-PL7. Both cameras possess comparable features, but the E-PL7 outperforms the E-PL5 in key aspects such as screen resolution and wireless connectivity. Therefore, the E-PL5’s lower feature score of 49/100 accurately reflects its position relative to the E-PL7.
Considering these factors, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is the better choice for photographers seeking a camera with a high-resolution display and Wi-Fi capabilities. The E-PL5, while still a viable option, falls short in these areas compared to the E-PL7.
The Olympus PEN E-PL5 and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 both have a storage and battery score of 21/100. These cameras share the same storage specifications, each having a single memory card slot and accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards. However, there are differences in their battery performance and type.
The E-PL5 is slightly better in battery life, providing 360 shots per charge, while the E-PL7 offers 350 shots. The E-PL5 uses a BLS-5 battery type, whereas the E-PL7 uses a BLS-50 battery type. Neither camera has USB charging capabilities.
Despite the minor advantage in battery life for the E-PL5, both cameras have nearly identical storage and battery performance. Their shared low score in this category suggests room for improvement in future models.
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Olympus PEN E-PL5 or the Olympus PEN E-PL7:
