Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
The goal of this overview is to provide a detailed comparison of two popular camera models from Entry-Level Mirrorless category, introduced by Olympus. We are going to take a closer look at the technical and physical characteristics, features, and performance. The models we are going to assess and compare in this review are PEN E-PL7 and OM-D E-M10 Mark III. The first common feature of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III that is worth mentioning is sensor. Both cameras feature CMOS sensors with a resolution of 16.0 MP.
Now, before we can move on to our comparison, let's take a moment to look at the key characteristics of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.
Olympus PEN E-PL7 Key Features:
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Key Features:
Since Olympus PEN E-PL7 has been around for some time, it was substituted by Olympus E-PL7.
Being a newer model, Olympus PEN E-PL7 substituted Olympus E-PL6.
Battery Life | 350 shots vs 330 shots | 20 more frames with a single charge |
Weight | 357 g vs 410 g | 53 g lighter |
Sensor Area | 226.2 mm2 vs 224.9 mm2 | 0.6% larger pixel area |
Continuous Shooting | 8.6 fps vs 8 fps | 0.6 fps faster |
Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
Flash Range | 5.8 vs No | 5.8 better flash range |
Number Of Focus Points | 121 vs 81 | 40 more focus points |
Screen Resolution | 1,040k dots vs 1,037k dots | 0.3% higher resolution screen |
Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 | Higher Resolution Video |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.62 vs No | 0.62 better magnification |
Touch Screen | Yes | Yes | Easy control of camera functions |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,040k dots | High resolution screen |
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting | Help viewing and changing settings easily |
Viewfinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes | Yes | Very handy for portraits |
Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 8.6 fps | Nice continuous shooting |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes | Built-in stabilization |
Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 16.0 MP | Small sensor resolution |
Microphone Port | No | No | No microphone port |
Headphone Port | No | No | No headphone port |
Environmental Sealing | No | No | No environmental sealing |
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 53g less than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III any different in terms of sensor type?
In terms of sensor type and resolution, these models are identical. Both Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III come equipped with the same CMOS that has a resolution of 16.0 MP. Thus, if you are wondering, which option to choose, this is not a factor you should be looking at.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III by the size of their sensors.
Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III are identical by this indicator, as each feature a sensor of the same size. Thus, both cameras will provide the same level of control in terms of the depth of field if you use them with the same focal length and aperture.
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
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Street Photography |
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Sports Photography |
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Daily Photography |
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Landscape Photography |
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Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Olympus PEN E-PL7 or Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Olympus PEN E-PL7 deserves a higher Total Score than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
Olympus PEN E-PL7 | Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III | |
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General | ||
Brand | Olympus | Olympus |
Model | PEN E-PL7 | OM-D E-M10 Mark III |
Announced | Sep 01, 2014 | Aug 31, 2017 |
Body Type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor | ||
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Size | Four Thirds | Four Thirds |
Sensor Dimensions | 17.3 x 13 mm | 17.4 x 13 mm |
Sensor Area | 224.90 mm2 | 226.20 mm2 |
Sensor Resolution | 16.0 MP | 16.0 MP |
Max Image Resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max Native ISO | 25,600 | 25,600 |
Max Boosted ISO | n/a | n/a |
Min Native ISO | 100 | 200 |
RAW Support | ||
Lens | ||
Manual Focus | ||
Lens Mount | Micro Four Thirds | Micro Four Thirds |
Number of Lenses | 94 | 94 |
Focal Length Multiplier | 2x | 2x |
Macro Focus Range | ||
AutoFocus | ||
AF Touch | ||
AF Continuous | ||
AF Single | ||
AF Tracking | ||
AF Selective | ||
AF Center | ||
AF Multi Area | ||
AF Live View | ||
AF Face Detection | ||
AF Contrast Detection | ||
AF Phase Detection | ||
Number of Focus Points | 81 | 121 |
Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
Screen | ||
Screen Type | Tilting | Tilting |
Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots | 1,040k dots |
Live View | ||
Touch Screen | ||
ViewFinder | ||
ViewFinder | Electronic (optional) | Electronic |
ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 2,360k dots |
ViewFinder Coverage | % | 100% |
ViewFinder Magnification | 0.62 | |
Photography Features | ||
Min Shutter Speed | 60 s | 60 s |
Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
Continuous Shooting | 8.0 fps | 8.6 fps |
Shutter Priority | ||
Aperture Priority | ||
Manual Exposure Mode | ||
Exposure Compensation | ||
Custom White Balance | ||
Image Stabilization | ||
Built-in Flash | ||
Flash Range | 0 | 5.8 |
Flash Modes | no built-in flash | Auto, redeye, slow sync, 2nd-curtain slow sync, redeye slow sync, fill-in, manual |
External Flash | ||
AE Bracketing | ||
WB Bracketing | ||
Exposure Modes | ||
Multi-Segment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF-Area | ||
Center Weighted | ||
Video Features | ||
Video Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM |
Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | 3840 x 2160 |
Video Formats | H.264, Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Port | ||
Headphone Port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless Connectivity | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
Physical | ||
Environmental Sealing | ||
Water Proof | ||
Dust Proof | ||
Shock Proof | ||
Crush Proof | ||
Freeze Proof | ||
Weight | 357 g | 410 g |
Physical Dimensions | 115 x 67 x 38 mm | 122 x 84 x 50 mm |
Battery Life | 350 shots | 330 shots |
Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Model | BLS-50 | BLS-50 |
Other Features | ||
Self Timer | ||
Timelapse Recording | ||
GPS | ||
Storage Type | SD/SDHC/SDXC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I/II supported) |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
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