The Olympus E-P7, would I buy it again?

In ‘Would I buy this again?’ I talk briefly about products I’ve bought and tried. The format is simple: What is it, why did i get it, what do I like, what don’t I like and, finally, would I buy this again?

In this episode, I’m discussing the The Olympus PEN E-P7. Watch the video to find out if I would buy this again.

[andys]

I've been enjoying mine. I think it makes a nice travel/walk around stills camera, especially with the compact m43 lenses. I think they're expensive new, but used they offer decent value. The jpegs out of camera can look really good and the built in editor is pretty capable despite the teeny tiny buttons. The firmware on the camera definitely could do with some love and feels like it's been pieced together from various models without much thought. I really wish they'd put bigger and more tactile buttons on the back. I'm suprised that Olympus/omd didn't focus in on a dedicated street/travel camera. They could easily have matched what fuji have been doing with film simulations and they have the lenses for it.

[M.T.]

That is my first M43 camera. I imported from Japan the double zoom kit, since it was not available in US. I enjoyed using it, so much so that I sold my FF Sony7iii and all its heavy lenses. My initial intent was to buy an OM-5 and have weather sealing, eyeviewfinder, some extra feature and then sell E-P7. I did buy OM-5 and its kit lens, bought some prime but I could not let myself to sell E-P7. It is with me all the time. I recently added a 25mm manual lens to E-P7 with clicking aperture, what a joy!

[FierceSleepingDog]

I've come to the conclusion that high end cameras from the last 5-10 years are still very capable today. They make great pictures and they have great features. The only things lacking are the latest and greatest autofocus tracking algorithms and the latest video formats.

I dont take many videos and I'm fine with back button focus. I don't need the camera to track eyeballs from the other side of the gym. I can try to do that. Thats the fun IMO.

[RalphStriewski]

Love that little gem. It´s really fun to take it with you all the time and like Daido Moriyama says: good images come only from shooting a lot - and this camera helps to shoot a lot. Thanks for the video!✌✌

[georgemahlum]

For M43...I am currently using a pair of E-PL8 bodies and an E-P3. (same battery) Are there any Pen series with external mic port??? None of my Pens have/had an external mic.port..even my former pair of Lumix GX9s did not have a mic port..For me its way easier to focus with the large rear display then the tiny viewfinder...(I am an old medium format film cam user and I like to look down on a flip screen).I do not shoot video and I kinda dislike side swing rear screens. (though my Canon eosRP has a side swing door)....Note: I have never understood the common complaint ...by some reviewers...that a certain camera body is to small and unbalanced when shooting large lenses.??? right hand on the cam body...Left hand under the Tele...Its been that way for decades...Cheers

[yonroth]

This camera compared to f is more accessible for street photography with flip screen and the dials layout. Trumps those other brands that have fixed lens and no stabiliser. 17 f1.8 is my go-to, and i have a Laowa 7.5 f2. 0 and Lumix/Leica 25 f1.4 all provide street shooting opportunities.

[MichaelGerrard]

I like the E-P7. I have two issues with it;
1) It is very expensive. It is usually priced higher than the E-M10 IV and that is the same camera but with a viewfinder. It is never around 400, always around 800 or 900 where I am.
2) I already have the GX9. It is older but has more features and cost me 400 two years ago.
I wish OM had put the guts of the E-M5 III in the E-P7, that would've made it more appealing at the price point it is at.
By the way, the electronic shutter should be fine, I use it a lot with my GX9.
I do like the E-P7... something about the small size and style. We need more cameras like this.

[JoVeda_xo]

I like the sun rays highlights you capture i want to be that good!

[shaka-surf]

I like the one-handed operation of it. Wish it had faster shutter and an option for an EVF. Which of the Pen series would you recommend?

[Dr.GeoDave]

I like your idea of a collection of the PEN PL cameras.

[jerry]

I recently bought a second-hand example of this camera for everyday carry, with the Olympus 17 mm f/2.8 lens. This setup fits in my coat pocket very nicely.

It complements my main camera, the EM5 Mark III, very nicely, because it uses the same batteries. If I take out the EM5 with a 300 mm lens for photographing birds, a second body with a general purpose lens like the 25 mm f/1.8 is very useful for shooting other things I see like landscapes etc.

I also have a PEN-F (which I have had for several years) but I am now keeping that for special occasions, because it is a precious camera that I don't want to damage or lose.

[FreedomToRoam]

good review. The one thing I would say, is I got it specifically because I did not want a camera with a viewfinder or bumps and bulges. When I am want all that, I use my Pentax K3-III. What I want for a a pocket camera is a truly pocketable ILC camera, with modern electronics The only thing I wish it had was USB C port instead of micro.

[GearFatigue]

Mine was defective, but I'd like to get it again. For about 2 weeks when it first came out, they offered a 75mm f/1.8 + body +kit 14-42 EZ for 899 euros... a sweet deal IMO. I loved the colors out of it. The video was usable and downsampled from the 20MP sensor (a feature Panasonic cannot do apparently in many bodies).

[powerlink]

Thanks for the video and sharing your experience with it. I agree that, for the cost, I would buy another Olympus camera that supports an EVF (epl-7 or epl-8).

[sdrtcacgnrjrc]

I have an E-PL2. Love the grip, it's straight down, full height of the camera, likewise my thumb sits well in the back, making the camera easy to hold -- when using, or just holding it hanging in a loose hand grip. I tried the E-P5 and E-PL7 -- they reduced the height of the grip (basically cutting off the top and bottom of grip) and they gave it a diagonal edge on the lens-side of the grip. I find the camera rotates out of my grip when taking photos, and is difficult to hold when letting it hang in loose hand grip.
The E-P7 looks to have a better grip again. But yeah, the price is off-putting, also considering the EVF limitation.

[scottgordon]

Thank you for the very useful review based on personal experience.
Re your concern about the shutter speed, did you consider or evaluate the electronic shutter? I believe it allows speeds up to 1/16000 sec.

[AcidCristals]

I bought mine in Japan in April and I love it so much. What im trying to find is a view finder. Sometimes is a little annoying to only look at the screen

[gabrielalamberti]

can you do a video showing us how to set up the camera for photos and show us the entire menu system.

[dennisdecastro]

Hi Bart. I wonder if you can help me please. I just bought an olympus pen ep7. I would like to change the file format from JPEG to Raw + JPEG. I can’t seem to find it. Can you help please. Thanks so much

[mikeg]

I enjoyed your opinion on the P7. I feel the E-P5 is the best option for me. The price for a second hand P5 is a much better option for me. Thanks