The E-PL7 tested by CameraLabs
CameraLabs (Click here) posted the full Olympus E-PL7 review:
I liked the PEN E-PL7, it’s a great development of the PEN line and a capable, classy model. It scores over other models with its classic good looks and solid construction, physical controls, built-in stabilisation and the ability to plug in accessories like a viewfinder or external flash. Given that Olympus is looking for a way to differentiate the PEN line from its more advanced OMD models I’d have thought redesigning the touch-screen to offer better and simpler control options, particularly for self-shooting, would have been an obvious move. That, and the quality of the 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ powered kit zoom are the disappointments here. Of course you can always fit a different lens and not everyone’s a selfie fanatic so neither is a critical failing, but they do prevent the E-PL7 from scoring our top award.
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11 Responses
“better and simpler control options, particularly for self-shooting,
would have been an obvious move. That, and the quality of the 14-42mm
f3.5-5.6 EZ powered kit zoom are the disappointments here”
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Interesting criteria.
Don’t get it with the 14-42EZ then, seriously. I got it body only and added a far better lens.
Sorry but imo they can keep the selfie mode. It works, I’ve used it to take over-shoulder shots behind me, but it’s really rather a pointless purpose for a proper camera.
I have no objection to better controls but this is a serious csc camera and it deserves proper control functions, more controls, two wheels needed.
It also deserves a nice prime lens. And its looks compensate for any missing wheels 😉 I hope they keep this line for several more years, the next one could be perfect.
Would be nice if the PL15 aperture dial played nice with the Pen line. That lens with this camera would be a joy.
would the Pen E-P5 work for you with two wheels? no selfie mode on that one 🙂
The best thing they could do with the PEN would be to add an EVF to make it a real rangefinder. If tweaked right, it could be the ‘poor man’s Leica. Such a beautiful design.
It probably is a poor man’s GX7.
It can’t be a rangefinder without a rangefinder mechanism.
…which would be trivial to build in to a PEN (but also redundant).
I’ve been using the E-PL7 for some while now (7 months) and it is an excellent little camera, it goes everywhere with me.
It does not have enough controls on it to make it a poor man’s Leica, it is no rangefinder but it is a good unobtrusive street camera. It is basically an updated E-M10 without the EVF, it even borrows a few things from the E-M5ii. Given its price it is something of a bargain.
I opted for the body only in silver/black because the 14-42EZ is not the best of the mft lenses and I already had the PZ14-42 which is far better although that is not as sharp as the Lumix 14-42 52Ø (not the II) it auto-folds down small enough for a pocket. Mostly it sports the 20/F1.7 practically welded to it. The flip up monitor is viewable in daylight, the flip-down selfie screen is a complete waste of milk. The VF4 does give an even clearer view when needed. Surprisingly it will go to slightly higher ISO with less noise than the E-M5ii but not as high as the current crop from Panasonic. It is a small camera that replaced my GM1 for more functionality, it suits small lenses but will handle the largest ones pretty well.
Me, I would have liked just a few more controls, such as a second wheel/dial so we can adjust EV and aperture/shutter without a double button+wheel action. However for an Olympus it is pretty easy to use and it is a big step up from the E-PL5/E-PL6.
bhphotovideo has E-M5 + 12-42 kit lens for $500.