Olympus Pen E-P7 review

Last Updated:- 28th March 2024 

Introduction.

The Olympus label on the Pen EP-7 and OM-1 signifies the end of a rich history of innovation by the Olympus Engineering team. The new OM-System OM-1 II and OM-5 (EM-5 III) introduced a new era for these cameras. All said the similarities between the EP-7 and older E-P, E-PL, and Pen F cameras are striking. I like the elegance and look of the new Pen EP-7 with its 337 grams. The lack of an EVF and the plastic camera body also introduced a future of low-cost OM-System cameras. Good IQ and low pricing will be critical differentiators for OMS cameras like the EP-7, OM-5, and OM-1 II.

I purchased my EP-7 from OM-System in 2021. Following this short introduction, I planned to spend more time with my new EP-7. More than eighteen months passed, and it's time for an update. See my comments in RED. My E-P7 was part of a special deal with an Olympus 75mm f1.8 Zuiko lens. I had this lens and only kept the Pen EP-7 because it became my "always with me" camera.

My Olympus Pen E-P7 with the MZuiko 17mm f1.8 lens plus the older Olympus VF-1 Optical Viewfinder.

What is new, and how does the EP-7 compare to the Pen-F

I discovered the updated User Interface (UI) with its new AP menu as I studied the Pen EP-7. The new UI is available for the EM-10 III & IV, E-PL10, and EP-7. I briefly considered renaming the title to "A New Generation of Olympus Cameras" as I learned more about this new AP-style menu.

When will we see a new Pen-F II, and will it have these EP-7 upgrades, or did the EP-7 quietly replace the older Pen-F? Did Olympus (OM-System) refocus the Pen-F by removing its OMD functionality? For many, the Olympus Pen E-P7 could easily be a perfect day-to-day or "always with me" camera.

I used my E-P7 for +18 months, and it quickly became my favorite camera. Its fewer menu options are refreshing, the controls are reachable with one hand, and the AP menu is a blast. Most pleasing is its excellent image quality. The original Photography and Color concept from Olympus included Creative Color and unique Computational features. Does the EP-7 signal a more simplified version of this concept. Should all OM-D cameras be that different from the Pen range in the future?

Source - Is this the future of the Olympus Pen Series?

As said, the new Pen EP-7 reminds me of the older Pen E-P cameras. Interestingly, the E-P1 and the EP-7 cameras are unique as they signify something new for Olympus and OM-System. For example, Olympus designed the EP-7, and OM-System launched it. Does the Pen E-P7 introduce a new design concept for OM-System? The future of the EP-7 relies on its commercial success. Like the Pen F, the new EP-7 came with a few surprises. The biggest is no EVF differentiating it from the Pen F.

Olympus experimented with more cost-effective body finishes in the past. The EM5 II was the first OMD with a cheap or painted camera finish. Many used EM5 II cameras look cheap today with rubbed-off body paint. This doesn't happen to the Olympus E-P7, EM1 II/III, or EM10 II. I saw the Olympus OM-1 has the same problem. Did OM-System improve the OM-1 II. For example, I have an Olympus EM5 II Platinum version in perfect condition. I decided to never place it in my camera bag...

The Pen E-P range was always the designer range of cameras like the above Pen E-P3 camera.

The Pen E-P2, 3, and 5 have the same auxiliary port for accessories like electronic viewfinders (EVF). The original E-P1 and the new Pen EP-7 do not have this port. The Pen EP-7 does have a tilt display like the previous Pen E-P5. The difference is the EP-7 display tilts downwards at 180 degrees. This is a feature Vloggers and Social Media presenters want. Is the E-P7 a typical Vlogger camera?

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/400 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

I didn't plan to discuss the benefits of an EVF and the E-P7. While it's a great feature, I don't need my EVF each time I use my Pen F. The main reason is mirrorless cameras are different from DSLRs, and modern camera displays are excellent. The biggest problem is bright or midday sunlight. I would have liked the same EVF option on the E-P7 as older Olympus mirrorless cameras like the E-P3...

The 25% of the time I benefit from having an EVF will also be a dealbreaker. Bright sunlight, Live View, and fine-tuning my creative settings are best done with an Electronic View Finder (EVF).

The old VF-1 from Olympus is an excellent OVF in combination with the 17mm f1.8 lens.

September 4th, 2023 update:- The POV Photo Guy, another YouTube reviewer, said the Pen E-P7's IQ and colors are exceptional in this review. I agree with him because my Pen-F and the E-P7 have excellent color and image quality. For example, See this short article about the EP-7.

The most exciting part of Workspace is reviewing and tweaking your camera settings and the ability to produce Olympus image quality and colors with Workspace. For example, Workspace does not change your OM-D's professional or the Pen-F or E-P7's creative image look. Olympus photographers can now get Olympus image quality and colors from their home PCs and Workspace. For example, raw images from older compact cameras like the XZ-2 or the Olympus E-620 DSLR are the same as the camera when converted with Workspace. The exported 16-bit tiff files from Workspace also provide cleaner and better image data to Photoshop when editing your images.

The Pen-F's Color and Monochrome Profile functions were added to the new E-P7. You will also see functions like the Color Creator, Highlights & Shadows, ART filters, and many more in the E-P7. The Pen E-P7 makes one wonder if OMDS targeted the E-P series for its simplicity and elegance?

The implementation of the E-P7 Color and Chrome functions is unique. Many photographers battled with the Pen-f when using it irregularly. The E-P7 is more user-friendly with its new Color/Mono lever, updated UI, and new AP Menu. My favorite applications with the E-P7 are Monochrome and Color profiles. I never created monochrome profiles because the Pen F and E-P7 give us excellent control while photographing. One can always fine-tune your monochrome settings in WS.

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/640 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

It's good that OMDS decided to continue with the Enhanced Raw Format and the benefits of Live View in WorkSpace. The difference Workspace makes is significant. All OMS photographers should be able to view honest social media discussions and enjoy a fair chance to experience Workspace.

The E-P7 is compatible with my Pen-F color and monochrome profiles. I created a few color profiles for the Pen F. They are fully compatible with the new E-P7 and other Olympus cameras.

Do we learn anything new about future OMDS cameras from the E-P7? We are lucky because we now have the OM-5 and the OM-1. You can also find my OM-1 MKI/II comments on this blog. Below is an updated list of what these cameras teach us about future OM-System cameras:-

• The Pen E-P range is a designer or elegant street and creative camera...
• The OMD E-M10 series for the enthusiast and entry-level OMD photographer
• The OMD OM-5 series for the demanding outdoor and hiking photographer
• The NEW OM-1 series for the serious hobby and professional photographer
• The OMD OM-1X - based on the EM1X popularity, will there be an OM1X?

What do you think the next OMD will be like? Well, we have the new OM-1. We saw the IQ benefits of the new stacked BSI sensor in my OM-1 review. We also know the 20MP Live MOS sensor performs well in the EM1 II & III and cameras like the new E-P7 and the Pen-F. It would be interesting to see if OM-System re-uses the new BSI sensor like Olympus did with its previous sensors.

                                 There is simply NOTHING like the Pen F on the market today...

Does the E-P7 have a similar 20MP Live MOS sensor as the Pen-F? It doesn't seem like the same sensor because the E-P7's continuous autofocus capability is better in video mode. The E-P7 has the same TruePic VIII processor as the EM1 II, EM5 III, and the OMD EM10 III & IV. 

For more about the TruePic VIII Image Processor in the E-P7, see the E-PL10 description at OM-System and how the TruePic VIII prevents image noise. The Pen F, the EM5 II, and the EM10 II all use the previous Truepic VII image processor.

Consider the complete offer when searching for a new camera. Image Processors are part of having better cameras with higher image quality. The 4 most important aspects to consider when searching for a new or secondhand Olympus are:

1. The camera - Truepic image processor version and firmware upgrade history
2. The image sensor - study the camera launch papers to see what they improved
3. The type of photography and which of the Premium or Pro lenses you need
4. Workspace - this is the most neglected and most critical Olympus editing option

A good example is the different EM10 models. Considering the EM10 MKII or MKIII, which is more relevant for 2024. The EM10 II is known for being an excellent camera, while the EM10 III updates offer more in terms of 4K, better AF, the new AP menu, and the newer Truepix III processor.

The Olympus Pen E-P7 with the 75mm f1.8 lens. The 75mm lens makes for a fantastic combo with good image quality...

I knew the E-P7 would produce excellent image quality. Each time I use one of my OMDs or go back to the Pen-F, I am surprised by the image quality of these Pen cameras. The obvious question is, did the new Pen E-P7 follow in these footsteps, or will we see a more neutral or Pro-like image quality from the E-P7? What is your preference? 

I am happy to report that the Pen EP-7 became my favorite "always with me" camera. It is quick and responsive, the VF-1 optical viewfinder is a joy with 17mm lenses, and the image quality from the Pen E-P7 is the best I have seen from any of the Olympus Pen cameras. It is also a fun camera when walking or doing street photography. The new E-P7 is simply an exceptional camera.

The Olympus R&D engineers simplified the E-P7 menu. The simplicity of the E-P7 menu is excellent, especially when you need to find or adjust a function. The new SCP and AP menus improved the E-P7 user experience and operation. Folks, the new E-P7 is a very different mirrorless camera...

Olympus E-P7 with 75mm f1.8 lens - ISO250, f2.0, 1/160 - Enhanced Raw Edited in WS.

I can only recommend the new ART filters and SCN modes of the E-P7. The ability to tweak your ART filters is a game changer, and new SCN modes like the HDR option are excellent. My first reaction was disappointment when I opened the "mini" menu of the Pen E-P7. The E-P7's secret is its new AP user interface, ART filters, SCN modes, Color Creator, and color and monochrome profiles. 

The E-P7 partners well with the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. I have been enjoying great results with the previous and the most recent versions of Workspace. See my Workspace firmware updates. Workspace is currently the best raw converter for your Enhanced  Raw Files, and Photoshop is the best editing option for editing your exported Workspace 16-bit tiff files.

It was clear that the Pen E-P7 is compatible with my Pen-F color and monochrome profiles after trying them with my Pen E-P7 and the E-P7 enhanced raw files. Study this article for more information about the Enhanced Raw Format and Workspace. The image above shows the new "Color" slider for ART filters. The color slider is available for both the E-P7 and Workspace. The video below explains how to use Workspace and the Enhanced Raw Format to replicate the camera's image signal path.

It's now possible to change the effect or how much the ART filter changes the image. This makes the E-P7 a more exciting option for ART filters. One of the most powerful aspects of the new Pen E-P7 is the ability to replicate and tweak your camera settings in WS. Olympus is the only manufacturer with this level of Enhanced Raw control of the camera's ART Processor and Workspace.

I tweaked the E-P7 Instant Film ART filter in Photoshop. See a description of the technique below...

I use a similar technique as the new ART filter slider to tweak my ART filters in Photoshop. I start by converting two copies of the raw file in WS, one with the ART filter and another in the iEnhanced Picture Mode. I will open both in Photoshop layers with the ART filter image on top of the iEnhance image. I then use the Opacity Slider in layers to adjust the final ART effect. 

Pen E-P7 with the 17mm f1.8 lens - ISO200, f4.0, 1/640 - Monochrome in camera and Enhanced Raw edited in WS.

I enjoyed my E-P7 enough to keep it after having it for more than one year. Things like not having an EVF are frustrating. If this puts you off, then the E-P7 is not a camera for you.

Let's compare a few interesting E-P7 differences to the Pen-F:- (Updated)

• The E-P7 has 4K with 120fps @ 720p and the Pen-F, 1080p and 120fps @ SD
• The E-P7 video format is M-PEG, and it has no ALL-I or MOV like the Pen-F
• The E-P7 body is plastic and light, and IBIS is half a stop slower than the Pen-F
• The maximum sequential shutter speed for the E-P7 is slower than the Pen-F
• The Pen-F High-Resolution mode was not transferred to the new Pen E-P7
• The 4 Custom Modes on the Pen-F Mode Dial are not on the E-P7 (Use the SCP)
• To simplify the E-P7, much of the Pen-F external controls were removed
• The exposure comp dial on the Pen-F is not on the E-P7 - it's like the OMDs
• This simplification (No Creative Dial but UI) makes for a new E-P7 experience
• A new Instant Film ART filter was added, while the filter options UI is better
• The opacity of some of the ART filters is now adjustable - this is a good option!
• The Pen-F built-in EVF (with OVF) is not available with the new E-P7...
• Can now charge the battery via USB. We older guys simply use 2 batteries
• The Pen E-P7 user manual has been reworked and is easier to read/study...
• New AP Button activating the "creative" menus (AP, SCN, Live Guide...)
• The E-P7 new B-Mode - long exposures and light blending - user experience!
• OMDS added new SCN Modes to the E-P7 - it's part of the user experience!
• The panorama mode on the E-P7 also changed/improved, which is interesting.
• The filter/profile effects in movie mode are improved - need to be explored...
• The focus is everyday photography. It's small enough to always be with you...

I tried the 1st iteration of the "new user experience" or AP menu on my wife's EM10 III. I prefer the familiarity of my EM1 II and Pen-F. I can see the value of having a more "user-friendly interface." A simple example is selecting Live Bulb and Live Comp on the Pen-F. Many would say it's logical to turn the shutter dial to "B." While this is normal for older photographers, it might not be for young photographers. See the EM5 III implementation of the new user interface.

Little more than one year and my opinion changed. The new UI is simple, effective, and great to work with as you get to know it. This new UI interface is a great selling point for the E-P7...

Olympus Pen-F with the 8-18mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000 (Raw file converted in PhotoLab 4 & edited in PS)

Why do I regard the Pen-F as a more hands-on camera than the E-P7? The Pen-F and the photographer are like a team. Every dial and knob are intuitively placed and easy to reach as the photographer selects the image angle, framing, and final tweaks of the image look or enhanced raw file. The focus is photography and not the camera. The EVF placement, touch focus, exposure compensation dial, and creative dial are active parts of photographing creatively. Photographing with the Pen-F is a continuous process of tweaking and evaluating until one releases the shutter. For example, one of the most underestimated features of the Pen F is its features and the optional handgrip...

This is the Olympus version of the above image when the Enhanced Raw Files are converted in WS.

The new Pen E-P7 is more like the previous Pen E-PL10 series and not the Pen-F. The new UI and the touchscreen were implemented to target a specific segment and user profile. One can also see how Olympus preferred the simplicity of the older Pen E-PL cameras. Did they add the Pen-F profile functionality to the EP-7 because the target segment wanted this functionality?

I did change my mind after one year with the E-P7. My previous description of the Pen-F is correct because it has the minimum creativity every camera should have. What makes the E-P7 more like the Pen-F is its two control dials. The E-P7 feels like an OMD or the Pen-F in the hand. I need my left hand to switch on the Pen F. With the E-P7, everything is controlled with one hand...

The new Pen E-P7 is perfect for short video clips...

Short E-P7 with 12-50mm EZ lens video was edited in iMovie. I also added its music.

While I am not an experienced videographer, these 2 videos were interesting. You will see the video quality of the 1st clip could be better. I checked all my original clips, hoping the problem was Google or the video editing software. Looks like the problem is me and not the equipment I used...😀

I also experimented with different recording formats, lenses, exposures, and Variable ND filters. My results continue to improve at 1080p and 4K. The E-P7 was obviously not designed to compete with cameras like the GH5. The Pen E-P7 should be on your list of possible cameras if you are searching for a new "compact" style camera. The more I use the E-P7, the better it gets... 😊

The video I did in iMovie is better.

I did more tests with good colors and detail in 1080p and 4K. The secret is to free up the Image Processor. The best way of freeing up the image processor is to select fewer adjustments in the camera. I used the following settings to record my video clips:

• 1080p, Super Fine (bitrate), 25 bps, and MOV (auto-selected)
• My Picture Mode was set to Natural (to free up the processor)
• I used Exposure Mode S or Shutter Priority (not Movie Mode)
• The camera uses C-AF in video mode - Use all the focus points
• The ISO Auto range is 200 - 3200 with No Exposure Shift
• Tone Curves Function was set to +1 (highs) and -1 (lows)
• Shutter Speed was set to 1/50th and ISO to Auto
• I never adjust any of the other variables like sharpness
• I used the 12-45mm f4 Pro lens with a Variable ND filter
• The type of memory card is critical. I use a V30-rated SD card.

Olympus E-P7 with the 12-50mm EZ Lens.

Does everyone need 4K, or is 1080p good enough? It sounds good if 4K records 4 times as many pixels as standard HD (1080p). The reason I prefer 1080p is recorded data and quality. For example, a good balance between data and video quality is 1080p @ 25fps. Any increase like 1080p @ 50fps or 4K means more data and processing power. The requirements for recording good video quality are similar to taking photos. Regular practice and appropriate camera settings and lenses are essential.

One of the E-P7 improvements is its CAF performance. I couldn't find much info about the autofocus algorithm, except for noticing an improvement in the E-P7's continuous autofocus performance. It also performs differently from my older Pen F and the EM-5 II cameras. OM-System only mentioned better Face Detection and an improved Contrast Detect AF algorithm for the E-P7.

The new AP Menu and design of the Pen E-P7

The image below shows the similarities between the new E-P7 and other Pen models. The thought that we will not have a Pen-F II is disappointing. Is the Pen F too old to rebrand it as an OM-System Pen F II? Did OM-System decide to move on, knowing that M43 photographers rejected the Pen F? We also saw the launch of a new Fuji X100VI supporting Fuji's interest in this niche market?

Source

I often asked myself, what if photographers were a little more adventurous and accepted the Pen-F? Will this "failed" Pen-F experiment be the final push of the creative ART and color boundaries?

Source

One of the differences between the E-P7 and the older Pen F is functionality. Most M43 photographers felt intimidated by the Pen-F's creative dial and function lever. OMDS improved the EP-7's creative modes significantly. The creative dial was replaced with a lever, and the new AP menu replaced the Pen-F's function lever. Olympus also cleaned up the creative menus of the E-P7.

Source; The new Olympus E-P7.

It takes a little getting used to, but it was fun once I familiarized myself with the new menu system. The main strength of the Pen E-P7 is the new UI and the E-P7's one-hand operation. Everything can be done with one hand. The knobs and dials are all within easy reach and logically placed.

Source; The new Olympus E-P7.

My articles about color and the Olympus Pen F are as popular as when I first wrote them. The E-P7 is a great addition to the Pen Range because it is the same as what made the Pen-F so special. The longer you use the E-P7, the more you realize it's an exciting new creative solution...

OM-System also launched a new version of the OI Share Application. I tried the new App with the EP-7, and they work well together. The remote control function seems better, especially with LiveComp and Live-Time. Image editing is better with the App and now has Dehaze and Clarity like Workspace. The similarities between the IO Share Application and Workspace are interesting. I also liked the updated options for sharing images on the web. OM-System, why not give us more image ratios like the 5:4 ratio in the camera? You will learn more about the new OI. Share here.

The E-P7 with Color Profiles and Workspace

Below is an example of a Color Profile I did for the Pen-F. This profile is unique because it was designed to edit or prepare the image in the camera. This profile can also be used to color-grade videos while recording your clips. This is now also possible with the Pen E-P7. (I tried it on with my E-P7) See this Page Menu for more on this "1020" color profile...

Olympus Pen-F with 11-year-old 8-18mm f4.0 lens - ISO200, f6.3, 1/1000 (Raw file converted & edited in Photoshop).

This is the Olympus version of the above image when the Enhanced Raw Files are converted in Workspace.

Conclusion

My original idea was a detailed comparison between the Pen-F and the E-P7, but after studying the E-P7, it was clear these are two very different cameras. The Pen-F will always be the first creative camera with a special connection to Pro OMD cameras. The more simplified E-P7 is a more basic version of the Pen-F. The good news is the Pen E-P series continues with the creative flair of the Pen F. Interestingly, the Pen-F popularity continues to increase each month...

We also saw something encouraging from OMDS. They are pushing the complete Zuiko lens offer. Lenses like Basic Zuiko and Premium Zuiko lenses enjoy the same visibility as the Zuiko Pro range. For example, see the EM5 III or the E-M10 IV page if you can find it on OM-System's website. This is good news because Premium Zuiko lenses, like the f1.8 compact range, are fantastic.

Three images were taken with the E-P7 and one with the EM-1 III, which is the EM1?

I saw no major surprises with the new E-P7. It's basically a good and well-balanced camera. Though very different from the Pen-F, we now have 4 color and 4 monochrome profiles in the E-P7. That said, I find it easier to do color or monochrome settings on the go and to only tweak them in Workspace.

It will be a sad mistake if Olympus photographers underestimate the Pen E-P7 as they did with the Pen-F. For example, one can expect a new EM10 IV or a Pen E-P7 II because we now have a clear cut between OMD and Pen E-P cameras. We did get the EM10 IV..!