Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 Comparison
Olympus PEN E-PL5
Olympus PEN E-PL7
MirrorlessMirrorlessThe 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.
Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 Overview and Optics
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.
Micro Four ThirdsMicro Four Thirds
4:34:3
Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 Video Performance
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.
Full HDFull HD
Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 Features and Benefits
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.
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Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 Storage and Battery
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.
Olympus PEN E-PL5 vs PEN E-PL7 – Our Verdict
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: