What makes the E-P7 a hidden gem, is it's exceptional image quality, portability and smaller lenses, compared to something like X-M5. I took it with my last summer on several trips and occasions and it never let me down. Its competitors are, TZ99 and X-M5, so, if anyone thinks lack of an EVF makes it unattractive, they're missing on a good quality EDC camera.
I have this camera for over a year, and I love it. It is relatively small and light, stylish, retro (in silver-black), extremely fast, great stabilization and decent autofocus, plenty of controls, simple menue, and reasonable price. And the most important - great colors and very good quality pictures and videos straight out of the camera. Cons - no viewfinder or even a port for a digital viewfinder, and no phase detection autofocus. E-P7 is better camera than old Lumix GX9 (I have both). Somehow OM decided not to sell it in the USA, and this was a mistake to my opinion. To deal with missed viewfinder two things can be done: 1) buy antiglare screen protector, 2) buy small optical viewfinder, such as Fujifilm VF-X21. My opinion - this is the best small micro 4/3 camera available today.
I just got one ( a month ago), and started using it. I was for a Pen F but the money they are asking for used ones are crazy! So I ended up getting E-P7 overcoming my hesitations of not having a viewfinder. Yes, the omission of the viewfinder might be a dealbreaker for some people and I can understand it. Hard to see anything under bright condition in the touch screen. So in such cases I use a lot the touch operation trying to get the most out of the focusing area and take more than one shot in order to be able to get the shot I want. It's very lightweight to carry around and doesn't attract attention especially when used with a small prime. The images that come out are very good, sharp with contrast and charming colors. B/W modes also are very good and you can make changes in shadows, highlights e.t.c within the camera with the dedicated switch. That also apply for colored ones. Live bulb, live time, and and other filters featured in the camera are very welcome and they will assist you to adjust the picture according to your taste. I really enjoy shooting with this little camera. Stabilization works fine and help you with low lighting where speeds are not high. Weather sealing, well I can live without it. Still, I wish they have included a viewfinder. Maybe they targeted this model primarily to video shooters, vloggers and people who want to upgrade from their smartphones. And of course it's not a Pen F II even if they have some similarities. Maybe a mini-Pen F :) Have a nice day!
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed comment! I have been looking at the Pen EP7 for a few months now for its beautiful aesthetic, the colors I hear it produces, the tilt up screen, and the fabled Olympus image stabilization. There are still in my mind a few better alternatives for the price, (i.e. Sony a6600), but I still love the idea of the camera.
I have this camera for over a year, and I love it. To deal with missed viewfinder two things can be done: 1) buy antiglare screen protector, 2) buy small optical viewfinder, such as Fujifilm VF-X21. My opinion - this is the best small micro 4/3 camera available today.
It’s there best selling camera. It’s the 11th best selling camera in the camera industry so it has its place right along with people who don’t want to use a phone. And imagine how much better this camera would have done if they would have sold it in USA. But it’s selling very good for OMS.
I've got one, I use it with the 17mm f/1.8 prime and I love it. It is a great replacement for my old X100F. I shoot raw with it and process the images with DXO Photolab: the result is outstanding. Yes the rear screen is a little dim in strong external light, but it is still usable. As long as I can see something to make the shot, who cares (about the lack of a viewfinder) when the result is so good! The photos are so much better than those taken with a phone (even a very good one).
Just ordered an Ep-5 OMS and their unexplainable removal of the ability to use the external viewfinder made the Ep7 an instantly non-premium option. I tolerate this in the EPL-8 because eit's a great $200 cameras for friends. But not for a premium body. They have so many possibilities right now and they just keep letting them fly away.
I've been a heavy user of the E-P5 and the E-PL8 for years and the reason I haven't wanted to "upgrade" is because both the E-P5 and the E-PL8 can mount the accessory EVF. The specs of these cameras are still great today and one of the best things about using a white (!) E-PL8 for street is that no one thinks you're a serious photographer.....
I bought one to go alongside my OM-1.2 when OMDS had a promo on - it effectively made it half the price of a decent used Pen-F. I didn't think I'd miss an EVF, but I do, and I also don't like you can't set a minimum shutter speed in Auto ISO unless you do the flash sync frig, which just makes it all a bit fingers and thumbs. I'd also like them to update the menus as the 'old' menu system when you're used to the new one on the OM1 is, er, pants. I'd also like them to include custom positions on the PASM dial. I find myself using it with the 25mm f1.8 the most, but I do have the 17mm f1.8 and the 45mm f1.8 which are both great lenses. I don't use it as much as I thought I would though, because the OM-1 isn't exactly a big, heavy camera, is easier to use/configure, and is weather sealed! In short and in my opinion, between OMDS and Lumix, whoever releases a new, weather sealed, rangefinder style EDC, is going to have a winner on their hands.
Yeah, this is the conundrum with the EP7. Not weather sealed, and no EVF. Right there it would be a limited street camera for those who like to shoot when it rains. The other thing is the grip on the camera is terrible. Vs the grip on the OM1 is probably the best money can buy. The video stabilization isn't as good, nor the battery, and doesn't have the computational photography features, yet they want almost 90% of the price for it. Too many trades, and too close in price to their flagship to enjoy the small size. The EP7 sounds good and looks like fun but it's hard to pull the trigger on it.
@@nickthaskater Pen-F has a revival. It is OM-5. It is somewhat larger, but still relatively small, and you are getting more features, phased autofocus, great stabilization, latest processor, and much more... And very stylish "retro" look if you get silver-black version.
@ArmsLovers SLR vs rangefinder style is not just looks, there's a definite difference in functionality. I use the viewfinder almost exclusively and I dislike having my face against the middle of the body. A rangefinder style is much more comfortable.
I'd like to try the Ep-7 but the Lumix LX100 MKI and MKII with the Fast and compact Leica Zoom and viewfinder seems I think would be the better take anywhere 'Purse' camera. Also the 1" sensor cameras like the Lumix ZS100 and DC-TZ202 pack a lot of performance into an even smaller package. I'm a big fan of 1/1.7" and 2/3" sensor cameras and loved the Panasonic DMC-LF1 until I sold it to get the LX100. I also had the The FUJIFILM X20 and X30 with the larger 2/3's" X-Trans sensor, and while not great for video (why I sold them) the stills have that unique Fuji X-Trans film - Leica look I like for street and photo journalism, and the look of the 2/3" sensor is different from larger sensors, deep, sharp edge to edge sharpness an the film-like grain combine for some film-like magic. I prefer the LX100 for street and pocket photography but The solid Feel and and function of the X20 and X30 cameras is something I fell in love with. I just checked prices on the X20 and X30 and they look to have gone crazy, Like $700USD! I sold my X30 back about 2018 for under $300.
This camera is great. However it should have been marketed as the Olympus/OM System 'Street'. With an optional external viewfinder such as Oly used to make - (the body is too small for an integrated one).
I came close to getting the EP7 for street photography but found a better option for what I value, Sony a6600, APSC. The reasons why I went with the a6600 over this one: -6600 price $679: EP7 $600 -6600 Great grip: EP7 Pittiful -6600 Flip up LCD: EP7 Flip down -6600 fantastic battery: EP7 Avg -6600 6 custom button:EP7 not 6 -6600 EVF: EP7 NA -6600 Weather sealed: EP7 NA -6600 microphone in: EP7 NA -6600 headphone out: EP7 NA -6600 Super autofocus: EP7 OK -6600 APSC sensor :EP7 M4/3 All this and I already have e-mount lenses being a Sony A7IV owner. I loved shooting with my a6600. The EP7 is cute, but it was too hard to go with it for the price.
For me it is very simple. If a camera does not have a good viewfinder I will not use it, let alone buy it. Yes I am an old-fashioned photographer. If I want to work without a viewfinder, I will grab a smartphone. I am still charmed by an optical viewfinder.
For me (new age beginner), as long as the LCD tilts then I'd use it over a smartphone because I'll then use it as a waist-level VF; can't do that with a phone unless you got those flimsy overpriced folding ones. A camera should either have a VF and fixed screen (I don't prefer this but many will), no VF with a tilting LCD, or have both. No VF and no tilt screen is just a phone camera with bigger sensor.
Just sold mine today , great JPEGS and a great camera for street photography in auto mode , but as you said the phone market is killing this type of camera so had to sell now before its worthless , and I just cant get on with the Olympus menus as i want to shoot in manual.
Same...I recently sold my Pen F ...I always felt it was a bit underwhelming, a little slow to start up as well. I'm not one for using a smartphone for photography...I like the new Fuji but it does not have a viewfinder which is something I'm not willing to do without. I'm waiting for a decent little street camera to come out from whichever brand nails it first!
@@alanmonkartistPen-F is very old, but this E-P7 one is new, much smaller, lighter, quicker, with better processor and improved sensor, and for half the Pen-F price. 😂
In some cases Olympus seem to make a great prototype camera but then back off for whatever reason on taking the first example to the next level which is a very ambiguous decision as they must be cutting off their nose to spite their face! I for one would be interested in purchasing a new follow up camera from a previous model.
What makes the E-P7 a hidden gem, is it's exceptional image quality, portability and smaller lenses, compared to something like X-M5.
I took it with my last summer on several trips and occasions and it never let me down.
Its competitors are, TZ99 and X-M5, so, if anyone thinks lack of an EVF makes it unattractive, they're missing on a good quality EDC camera.
I have this camera for over a year, and I love it. It is relatively small and light, stylish, retro (in silver-black), extremely fast, great stabilization and decent autofocus, plenty of controls, simple menue, and reasonable price. And the most important - great colors and very good quality pictures and videos straight out of the camera. Cons - no viewfinder or even a port for a digital viewfinder, and no phase detection autofocus. E-P7 is better camera than old Lumix GX9 (I have both). Somehow OM decided not to sell it in the USA, and this was a mistake to my opinion. To deal with missed viewfinder two things can be done: 1) buy antiglare screen protector, 2) buy small optical viewfinder, such as Fujifilm VF-X21. My opinion - this is the best small micro 4/3 camera available today.
Nice :)
I just got one ( a month ago), and started using it. I was for a Pen F but the money they are asking for used ones are crazy! So I ended up getting E-P7 overcoming my hesitations of not having a viewfinder. Yes, the omission of the viewfinder might be a dealbreaker for some people and I can understand it. Hard to see anything under bright condition in the touch screen. So in such cases I use a lot the touch operation trying to get the most out of the focusing area and take more than one shot in order to be able to get the shot I want. It's very lightweight to carry around and doesn't attract attention especially when used with a small prime. The images that come out are very good, sharp with contrast and charming colors. B/W modes also are very good and you can make changes in shadows, highlights e.t.c within the camera with the dedicated switch. That also apply for colored ones. Live bulb, live time, and and other filters featured in the camera are very welcome and they will assist you to adjust the picture according to your taste. I really enjoy shooting with this little camera. Stabilization works fine and help you with low lighting where speeds are not high. Weather sealing, well I can live without it. Still, I wish they have included a viewfinder. Maybe they targeted this model primarily to video shooters, vloggers and people who want to upgrade from their smartphones. And of course it's not a Pen F II even if they have some similarities. Maybe a mini-Pen F :) Have a nice day!
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed comment! I have been looking at the Pen EP7 for a few months now for its beautiful aesthetic, the colors I hear it produces, the tilt up screen, and the fabled Olympus image stabilization. There are still in my mind a few better alternatives for the price, (i.e. Sony a6600), but I still love the idea of the camera.
Awesome :)
I have this camera for over a year, and I love it. To deal with missed viewfinder two things can be done: 1) buy antiglare screen protector, 2) buy small optical viewfinder, such as Fujifilm VF-X21. My opinion - this is the best small micro 4/3 camera available today.
It’s there best selling camera. It’s the 11th best selling camera in the camera industry so it has its place right along with people who don’t want to use a phone. And imagine how much better this camera would have done if they would have sold it in USA. But it’s selling very good for OMS.
Ricoh GR, released without viewfinder, still the GOAT camera for street photography....
I've got one, I use it with the 17mm f/1.8 prime and I love it. It is a great replacement for my old X100F. I shoot raw with it and process the images with DXO Photolab: the result is outstanding. Yes the rear screen is a little dim in strong external light, but it is still usable. As long as I can see something to make the shot, who cares (about the lack of a viewfinder) when the result is so good! The photos are so much better than those taken with a phone (even a very good one).
Just ordered an Ep-5 OMS and their unexplainable removal of the ability to use the external viewfinder made the Ep7 an instantly non-premium option. I tolerate this in the EPL-8 because eit's a great $200 cameras for friends. But not for a premium body. They have so many possibilities right now and they just keep letting them fly away.
I’ve been eyeing this one so glad you did this video. ❤
I've been a heavy user of the E-P5 and the E-PL8 for years and the reason I haven't wanted to "upgrade" is because both the E-P5 and the E-PL8 can mount the accessory EVF. The specs of these cameras are still great today and one of the best things about using a white (!) E-PL8 for street is that no one thinks you're a serious photographer.....
Amen and amen. Same here, although as an admitted traditionalist, I'll stick with black or black and silver, but that's just me.
@@johnyutzey6504 Yeah, I agree with you on camera colour. I only ended up with a white body because it was a bargain too good to resist.
I bought one to go alongside my OM-1.2 when OMDS had a promo on - it effectively made it half the price of a decent used Pen-F. I didn't think I'd miss an EVF, but I do, and I also don't like you can't set a minimum shutter speed in Auto ISO unless you do the flash sync frig, which just makes it all a bit fingers and thumbs. I'd also like them to update the menus as the 'old' menu system when you're used to the new one on the OM1 is, er, pants. I'd also like them to include custom positions on the PASM dial.
I find myself using it with the 25mm f1.8 the most, but I do have the 17mm f1.8 and the 45mm f1.8 which are both great lenses. I don't use it as much as I thought I would though, because the OM-1 isn't exactly a big, heavy camera, is easier to use/configure, and is weather sealed!
In short and in my opinion, between OMDS and Lumix, whoever releases a new, weather sealed, rangefinder style EDC, is going to have a winner on their hands.
Yeah, this is the conundrum with the EP7. Not weather sealed, and no EVF. Right there it would be a limited street camera for those who like to shoot when it rains. The other thing is the grip on the camera is terrible. Vs the grip on the OM1 is probably the best money can buy. The video stabilization isn't as good, nor the battery, and doesn't have the computational photography features, yet they want almost 90% of the price for it. Too many trades, and too close in price to their flagship to enjoy the small size. The EP7 sounds good and looks like fun but it's hard to pull the trigger on it.
Grant, spot on. A viewfinder is needed to be seen as a real upgrade from a phone.
The PEN-F needs a revival. The prices it still commands is proof in the pudding.
Yes :)
@@nickthaskater Pen-F has a revival. It is OM-5. It is somewhat larger, but still relatively small, and you are getting more features, phased autofocus, great stabilization, latest processor, and much more... And very stylish "retro" look if you get silver-black version.
@@ArmsLovers OM-5 is SLR-style, the PEN-F is rangefinder-style. They're not comparable.
@ArmsLovers SLR vs rangefinder style is not just looks, there's a definite difference in functionality. I use the viewfinder almost exclusively and I dislike having my face against the middle of the body. A rangefinder style is much more comfortable.
@ArmsLovers congratulations. You have no reading comprehension. Enjoy your camera.
I really like mine and though I really miss a viewfinder It’s still a lot of fun to shoot with this. I use a hood to shade the screen.
I'd like to try the Ep-7 but the Lumix LX100 MKI and MKII with the Fast and compact Leica Zoom and viewfinder seems I think would be the better take anywhere 'Purse' camera. Also the 1" sensor cameras like the Lumix ZS100 and DC-TZ202 pack a lot of performance into an even smaller package.
I'm a big fan of 1/1.7" and 2/3" sensor cameras and loved the Panasonic DMC-LF1 until I sold it to get the LX100. I also had the The FUJIFILM X20 and X30 with the larger 2/3's" X-Trans sensor, and while not great for video (why I sold them) the stills have that unique Fuji X-Trans film - Leica look I like for street and photo journalism, and the look of the 2/3" sensor is different from larger sensors, deep, sharp edge to edge sharpness an the film-like grain combine for some film-like magic. I prefer the LX100 for street and pocket photography but The solid Feel and and function of the X20 and X30 cameras is something I fell in love with.
I just checked prices on the X20 and X30 and they look to have gone crazy, Like $700USD! I sold my X30 back about 2018 for under $300.
It also shoots great 4K with no crop.
Nice :)
This camera is great. However it should have been marketed as the Olympus/OM System 'Street'. With an optional external viewfinder such as Oly used to make - (the body is too small for an integrated one).
I came close to getting the EP7 for street photography but found a better option for what I value, Sony a6600, APSC. The reasons why I went with the a6600 over this one:
-6600 price $679: EP7 $600
-6600 Great grip: EP7 Pittiful
-6600 Flip up LCD: EP7 Flip down
-6600 fantastic battery: EP7 Avg
-6600 6 custom button:EP7 not 6
-6600 EVF: EP7 NA
-6600 Weather sealed: EP7 NA
-6600 microphone in: EP7 NA
-6600 headphone out: EP7 NA
-6600 Super autofocus: EP7 OK
-6600 APSC sensor :EP7 M4/3
All this and I already have e-mount lenses being a Sony A7IV owner. I loved shooting with my a6600. The EP7 is cute, but it was too hard to go with it for the price.
Yes - Id like to get an A6600 or A6700 :)
For me it is very simple. If a camera does not have a good viewfinder I will not use it, let alone buy it. Yes I am an old-fashioned photographer. If I want to work without a viewfinder, I will grab a smartphone. I am still charmed by an optical viewfinder.
For me (new age beginner), as long as the LCD tilts then I'd use it over a smartphone because I'll then use it as a waist-level VF; can't do that with a phone unless you got those flimsy overpriced folding ones. A camera should either have a VF and fixed screen (I don't prefer this but many will), no VF with a tilting LCD, or have both.
No VF and no tilt screen is just a phone camera with bigger sensor.
Just sold mine today , great JPEGS and a great camera for street photography in auto mode , but as you said the phone market is killing this type of camera so had to sell now before its worthless , and I just cant get on with the Olympus menus as i want to shoot in manual.
Same...I recently sold my Pen F ...I always felt it was a bit underwhelming, a little slow to start up as well. I'm not one for using a smartphone for photography...I like the new Fuji but it does not have a viewfinder which is something I'm not willing to do without. I'm waiting for a decent little street camera to come out from whichever brand nails it first!
I don’t think the phone market is killing it at all. This camera is the 11th best selling camera in the camera market.
@@WhoIsSerafin i have to agree!
@@alanmonkartistPen-F is very old, but this E-P7 one is new, much smaller, lighter, quicker, with better processor and improved sensor, and for half the Pen-F price. 😂
@@WhoIsSerafincamera market in what segment and what region? I really want one but can't find it locally.
I wanted to get the epl9 but the 4k sucks and its so overpriced. that why I got a g85 instead and it looks WAY better
I had a G85 for years - awesome camera :)
OM System as a brand is disappointing. A really new PEN camera could be a game changer. Weathersealed, EVF, small sized, Customizable like the PEN F.
In some cases Olympus seem to make a great prototype camera but then back off for whatever reason on taking the first example to the next level which is a very ambiguous decision as they must be cutting off their nose to spite their face! I for one would be interested in purchasing a new follow up camera from a previous model.
I really like mine and though I really miss a viewfinder It’s still a lot of fun to shoot with this. I use a hood to shade the screen.