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 M.Zuiko 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 CreativeColor 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?
The new Pen EP-7 reminds me of 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 difference 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 that the EP-7 display tilts downwards to 180 degrees. This is a feature that Vloggers and Social Media presenters want. Is the E-P7 a 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 that 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 a creative camera...
The OMD E-M10 series is 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 EM1X - based on the EM1X popularity, will there be an EM1X?
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 reuses 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:
The camera - Truepic image processor version and firmware upgrade history
The image sensor - study the camera launch papers to see what they improved
The type of photography and which of the Premium or Pro lenses you need
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 MPEG, 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, many of the Pen-F's 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 on 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.
A 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 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. Olympus focused on photography and not the camera. The EVF placement, touch focus, exposure compensation dial, and creative dial are active parts of creative photography. Using the Pen-F is a continuous process of tweaking and evaluating until one presses 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 that 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 4 K. 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 4 K. The secret is to free up the Image Processor. The best way to free 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 the 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?
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?
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.
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-handed operation. Everything can be done with one hand. The knobs and dials are all within easy reach and logically placed.
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 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 EM-1?
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..!
The Olympus OM-D series pioneered the mirrorless segment as we know it today. Olympus OM-D cameras like the E-M1 I/II/III and the E-M5 I/II/III were leading the industry with at least 10 years in terms of vision, innovation, functionality, and performance.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKII with a special handgrip and a 14-150mm MKII lens.
I bought my first Olympus OM-D camera, the E-M5 with the 12-50mm f3.5-6.3 EZ lens in late 2012. My first reaction was that it's an exciting concept with a high level of flexibility, consisting of high-quality lenses plus add-ons like the handgrip and separate battery grip. The E-M5 with a 12-50mm lens was expensive at $1300 when the E-620 and E-P3 were selling for less than $800 each.
The Olympus E-M5, with its unique range of add-ons, had a remarkable resemblance to the OM-4 analog camera and converted many photographers to the M43 mirrorless segment.
The E-M10 followed the E-M5 and received rave reviews. It quickly became as popular as the E-M5. Priced attractively, the E-M10 was very popular at half the price with the new 14-42mm EZ lens. It quickly became a first choice for those upgrading from compact or mobile phones.
The E-M5 was the first OM-D with the new 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Other models like the Pen E-P3 and the E-M10 came with 3-axis stabilization. The E-M5 was also the first M43 camera to introduce shutter shock to the M43 mirrorless segment. I recall upgrading from the E-P3 and how frustrating it was to get so many blurred images with my new E-M5. Olympus added a new 0-second Anti-Shock option to fix the problem.
The E-M10 used a different shutter mechanism, which helped. All new Olympus M43 cameras benefited from these new and improved shutter units, plus the new 0-second software fix.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 MKI with a 25mm f1.4 Leica lens.
The E-M10 MKI and MKII were interesting because both came with an optional handgrip like in the above image. The handgrip had a new feature to access the battery or memory card. It's possible to unclip the handgrip from the camera with a unique clip. The handgrip works well with the 14-150mm or 75-300mm lenses. It's a pity that Olympus excluded this option from the EM-5 MKIII. I did not see any mention that this option would be available for the EM5 MKIV.
This was disappointing because one of the strengths of the O-MD series is its ability to grow in functionality with the handgrip or separate battery grip. This enabled photographers to scale the camera as needed. One moment the E-M5 is a small compact camera, and in the following, it's fitted with a comfortable handgrip, or it changes into an extended battery life...
E-M10 target customers
While evaluating the E-M10 product positioning, we see the original E-M10 was a bit of a "free spirit." It lacked the different EM5 add-ons, weather sealing, and the accessory port. Other than that, it offered the bulk of the EM5 functionality. If you think about the evolution of the EM10s, the simplified chart below describes what I find interesting about these E-M10s. One can create more charts like that's based on different photographers' needs and priorities.
Click on the chart for an enlarged view.
The EM10 MKII was a comprehensive upgrade to the original EM10. I couldn't help thinking it was designed to fill the gap between the original EM5 and the far superior EM5 MKII. Olympus planned the opposite for the EM10 III and positioned it into the existing Pen space.
When Olympus launched the EM5 MKII, it was a more powerful camera than the original EM1. The EM1 MKII followed one year later to re-establish the E-M1's superiority. The EM1 was targeting professionals as well as serious hobby photographers. The Pen range was designed for casual or entry-level photographers, and the Pen F for city or street photographers.
When Olympus introduced the E-M10 MKIV and its simplified user interface, they hinted they were planning to discontinue the Pen F. The E-M5 III also confirmed this. Like with the E-M5 II, photographers expected new and trendsetting features. They were not ready for a "tamed down" E-M1 MKII. That's why the initial disappointment with the E-M5 MKIII.
What happened was a common strategy of optimizing the new factory in Vietnam by re-positioning the product offer and lowering manufacturing and product costs. We also see Olympus considering the complete phasing out of the Pen range. It will not surprise me if any future Pen will exclusively be for the Japanese market and to help Olympus transition the offer...
The Olympus EM10 range's main functions and features
New EM10 AP Menu.
The new AP menu gives photographers easy access to advanced features. Must say it would have been nice if Olympus added the curves (highlight/shadow) and the Color Creator to the AP menu. With the MKIII, it's now more practical to select curves via the SCP, whereas with the MKII, one simply uses the multifunction button. The MKII only adjusts highlights and shadows, whereas the MKIII and MKIV also adjust mid-tones. When Olympus launched the MKIII, they removed the RC (Remote Flash) function. This was quickly "corrected" with the next firmware upgrade.
Is the new AP Menu something useful? It's difficult to say, for someone new to OMD cameras, it could be something valuable. For existing OMD owners, my advice is to try it first... I found the AP menu a little frustrating because you need to go back to the advanced menu to access more advanced options. I did not check, but I am sure those reviewers complaining about the Olympus menu also found something with the MKIII and IV menus to complain about...
I studied the EM10 MKIV and the EM5 MKIII at my local camera shop. It is possible to rent these cameras, but I honestly cannot make up my mind about Olympus. For example, I bought a Panasonic G9 on the secondhand market, and I am considering supporting Panasonic in the future. I feel it is important to support those manufacturers that are loyal to their client base. That does not mean I will not enjoy the extensive secondhand Olympus supply...?
The new EM5 MKIII.
When studying the EM5 MKIII and the EM10 MKIV, I was surprised at how lightweight these new bodies are compared to the EM10 MKII and the EM5 MKII. The original EM5, the EM10, and the EM10 MKII all used a solid metal build. The EM5 MKII has a nasty weakness, wearing off the silver, black, or platinum paint at the corners, whereas the EM10 MKI & II stays good for years. Another really irritating aspect of more recent models is the rubber inserts on the thumb position. I first experienced this with the Pen F, and I noticed the EM10 MKIII and MKIV have this too. The rubber falls off over time, and it's aesthetically and functionally not really practical. See my wife's EM10 MIII and my Pen F below. The E-M10 MKII still uses the best solution, it will stay good for years...
That said, my wife loves her E-M10 MKIII. She has her 14-150mm fitted almost permanently. It seems the MKIII is manufactured from the same composite material as the MKIV and the E-M5 MKIII. Unlike the E-M5 MKII, these new bodies do not scratch easily or lose paint at the corners. The image and video quality are great, and my wife is completely satisfied with her E-M10.
One can talk for hours about these differences, the new panorama function, the AP Menu, the different video options, or the difference in resolution. The bottom line is that talking makes no difference to these cameras. If it's more video you want, consider the EM1 MKII or the EM5 MKIII. This is true for almost any feature-craving forum expert... You can safely select almost any OMD to closely match your needs, whether it's the original EM10 or any other OMD right up to the EM1X.
Studying the video specifications of the MKII, III, and IV, we see the main differences are:
The MKII is basically a replica of the EM5 MKII
Olympus added 4K to the MKIII and IV with an increase in data rate (102 Mbps)
Olympus added a 720p, 120fps slow-motion to the MKIII and the MKIV
Olympus removed the All-I option from the MKIII and IV (not all use this)
The movie options accessible via the AP Menu are the most basic options only
With the MKIII and IV, it takes a little digging to access more advanced video options
All the E-M10 cameras benefit from recording with IBIS plus electronic stabilization
The MKII, III, and IV all have the 4K TimeLapse function - check the details first...
The MKII slow-motion basically uses 60p and adapts that to the set frame rate
I think it is important to see that while the MKIII and IV benefit from 4K, the MKII has 1080P plus All-I. Studying the MKIV in my local shop, I also saw that one can buy a brand new EM1 II with 4K and more video options for less than a new E-M10 MKIV. Again, the scalability of the EM1 II is excellent, plus the additional features one gets with the E-M1 MKII.
Let's talk about a missed opportunity
Panasonic G100 for Vloggers (Panasonic image).
I think the vlogging camera in the above image is shouting a message from the mountaintops. With all I wrote about Olympus, the financial scandal, the amazing turnaround, and the reorganization of the imaging business, one thing we never discussed is the impact it had on employees.
Missing an opportunity to introduce a great vlogging camera is more than revealing. It's not that nobody saw what vloggers want, or vlogging is something new. Vloggers asked for a vlogging camera. To make it worse, Sony and Panasonic are leading the way with no EM10 II equivalent offer.
How did Olympus miss this one with the new EM10 MKIV? Here we have the perfect camera, an amazing new segment, and "policy" or "saddened employees" lacked common sense?
To make this worse, Olympus cannot go back and quickly adapt the EM10 MKIV because the screen format is completely wrong. I am really too embarrassed to even show a picture of the MKIV flip-down display. Besides, think of the possible cost savings if all OMD cameras had the same display. I think this example demonstrates just how out of touch Olympus was at the end...
Update 26th Jan 2022:- From writing this article, I decided to stay with Olympus and not invest in Panasonic. I bought the EM1 III at a special promotion in December 2021 and received the 17mm f1.2 Pro lens at no additional cost.
Conclusion
The E-M10 range cameras are probably the most exciting in the OMD range. From the award-winning MKI with its built-in flash to the latest MKIV, each E-M10 has its own unique strengths and great value. Yes, they are not weather-sealed, and the MKIII and IV are a little different. That said, they do have the new AP menu, and many newcomers value that...
As discussed, Olympus created a unique opportunity with the O-MD range. If you look carefully, you will see the E-M1 MKII is a complete bargain, new and secondhand. The MKII was commercially available in 2020, plus it was hugely attractive in terms of price and functionality. Now in 2022, they are selling secondhand for less than $200 in our local market. This is no-brainer territory...
The Olympus E-M1 II/III and the Panasonic GH5 are excellent cameras. They are diverse and complex cameras with many configuration options to enable different photography and videography styles. One cannot really say one is better than the other, the choice for one or the other will depend on the photographer's application needs. The same applies to other Micro-Four-Thirds cameras.
The E-M1 II photos were photographed with the GH5 and the Leica 25mm F1.4, and the GH5 with the Olympus E-M1 II and the same 25mm lens. I edited the raw files in DXO Photolab 3.
