Olympus OM System Pen E-P7 Camera Review

In this photography video I am sharing my thoughts on why I bought a new compact camera, the Olympus Pen E-P7. I talk briefly about the specifications and share some images to demonstrate the performance of the compact camera which I carry every day. Camera reviews are not the sort of thing that I do very much on my channel, but in the case of this Pen E-P7, I've had some requests to share my thoughts and felt that it might be helpful as there are not that many reviews elsewhere on YouTube for this compact OM System camera.

Edited, mixed and produced with DaVinci Resolve 17.

[TheJebacgodine]

Just ordered one as an EDC to live alongside my OM1. Thank you for the review, you helped me make up my mind... It seems that this is the least reviewed camera on all of YouTube so your contribution was really valuable.

[cineffect]

My absolutely best camera ever. As a filmmaker I do not use EVF at all, record audio always separately, no need for fully articulated screen (I need to see what is happening in the scene, not my actors 😉). What I really love is that I can practically color grade inside the camera and even save 4 color and 4 b/w profiles, kind of like film emulsions. This allows me to light properly as I am shooting to get exactly the atmosphere I want even in 4K on a 20MP sensor. Having said that I can also create my own flat profiles if I want to color grade later. I use only manual lens, so AF is not important to me at all. Last, but not least, it has no crop in any resolution and the bitrate is very high even in 1080p, about 52mbps. Most competitors give you about 18-20mbps in that resolution.

[tonyb]

Your content is always interesting, your reasons for your EP 7 purchase make a lot of sense,
and I love the images too, thank you for yet another entertaining video David.

[larx]

A great choice of EDC camera, I went down a similar route just over a year ago, wanting a decent camera with me, or in the car, all of the time. However, I took a more budget friendly approach with a pre-loved E-PL7; built like a tank, excellent handling, with the specifications of the much more expensive cameras in the Olympus range, but above all, able to provide superb images.

At just over £100 including a 14 -42mm zoom, these older Olympus cameras are screaming bargains and make a perfect perma-companion. Indeed, since acquisition, the Olympus has most certainly dialed-in some occasional redundancy for my Full Frame kit

[WhoIsSerafin]

Would love to hear a follow up on this camera if it’s been what you hoped.

[rustinggently]

My first Olympus M43 was (and is still with me) the 16MP EP5 with the VF4 swivelling EV that plugs into the flash mount. I was tempted to upgrade to the 20MP EP7 but the absence of a flash/accessory port stopped me in my tracks. Once used with a VF4 there's no going back, it's so versatile and so small. Easy to carry (and lose!).

[garystone]

Very good little camera that David, way better than any smartphone on the market to date.

[thegreatvanziniphotos]

Great pics there. There is a painterly quality to them that I love.

[craniel]

i appreciate this review quite a lot.

i was in japan recently and i saw this camera and had a weird urge to buy it. i have only ever shot on a analog film camera when i took a highschool class and i missed having a camera around on me. i picked up hoping it would be good look and shoot camera, and I'm glad to know my money wasn't wasted! thanks for all the info!

[colinbean]

Great blog. You show that all you need is a camera to make great images. I do similar to you with the Pen F and the same lens you use when walking the dog. Nice.

[foteeto]

Love this camera. Looks and feels great, asmr shutter sound, and great sooc jpegs. Hope OM comes out with another pen

[TheDodgefan]

I've had trouble finding reviews in English in this camera, so thanks for the video! I just ordered one from Japan to the USA. It should be a nice upgrade from my E-PL8 with the better sensor, image processor, and improved stabilization.

[Thestupot]

Stunning images sir. Very impressive little camera by the looks of it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Maebbie]

to anyone tempted, grab a e-pl7 to e-pl10 used, they go for 100 bucks and you get the same experience at 16mp and often the kit lens is included too. Their ibis is also really good.

[jerry]

This is a fantastic camera to use as an everyday carry with a small lens attached. I have an Olympus 17 mm f/2.8 pancake lens attached to mine.

I also have a 14-42 pancake lens, but I don’t like the electronic zoom. But I might put it in my pocket in case I needed either a wider or a more telephoto lens when out-and-about, because it’s so small and light.

If I wanted to use a bigger lens, or if I needed an EVF, then I would use one of my other m43 cameras.

The big plus point of this camera is the way that all the controls can be reached by your right hand when you’re carrying it one-handed in your right hand. So you can bring it into action, adjust the settings and take the shot, all one handed. This wouldn’t work using the zoom lens, though.

The colour/monochrome switch is great for rapidly switching to black and white for a particular shot. And if you use the raw+jpeg option, you still have a colour file to use back home, if you change your mind.

[todders]

Great Review of the camera and love the images. I was looking for something compact with good image quality and this ticks all the boxes. Managed to buy a refurbished model from an ebay seller for £525 very pleased with the camera and lens.

[chakwong]

I’ve a E-PL1. The E-P7 is out of my budget’s range. All I hope for is an E-P5. It also has 5-axis IBIS, twin control knobs, and touchable tilt screen. 16MP is enough for me.

[stephenfox]

It’s a great camera. Underrated & very useful with the tilting screen. My go-to travel camera.

[markhoffman]

Had similar thoughts to you - wanted a compact and lighter camera than my E-M1 MkII - so have just got a E-PL9 as still wanted silent shutter, 4K video and the 9fps for some action shots. And can still use all the other M43 lenses. Great to have option of PEN and OM-D.

[tonytwyman]

Great review sir .... I carry an Olympus omd 10mk ii everywhere with 14-42 pancake lens ...tis a great combo