Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

The Olympus Pen E-PL7 is the camera of the moment, very popular not only with bloggers but also with photography fans. I purchased the Olympus Pen E-PL7 with the pancake lens back in November after doing a lot of research online. I own a of Nikon DSLR camera but I wanted something a bit smaller that I could take with me on days out.

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

These are my thoughts after having the Olympus Pen for over 6 months.

WHAT IS GREAT

  • Very compact
  • Touch screen
  • Looks Good
  • WiFi Option
  • Flip out screen
  • A mobile can be used as remote

It is a small and compact camera. If fits nicely in a small handbag and it’s not heavy at all. I can take it with me everywhere and it doesn’t take too much space. I’ve hardly used my Nikon since I purchased the Olympus Pen.

The Olympus has that retro feel that is back in fashion at the moment; I think this is one of the many reasons bloggers love it.

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

I’ve never had a camera that had a touch screen before and I was a bit concerned about it, but so far I haven’t had any issues with it. In fact I really like that option. However, if you don’t like touch screen you can still use the menu buttons on the back interface or on the top of the camera.  There is also an option to tap the screen to focus.

The best feature of the Olympus, at least in my opinion, is the WiFi option. To do this, all you need to do is download the Olympus app to your phone and link you camera via WiFI. This is straight forward and very easy to use. You can also use your mobile as a camera remote, very handy if you haven’t got anyone to take pictures of you.

The flip out screen is another great feature, perfect for selfies, as you can see yourself. This is also handy to take flat lays (if you are a blogger).

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

WHAT IS NOT SO GREAT

  • Buttons on back interface are very small
  • No built in flash
  • Menus difficult to set up
  • Tripod can’t be used with the screen flipped out

There are not many things I dislike about the Olympus Pen, but there are a couple of things that could be improved.

The most complicated thing for me when I first bought the camera was trying to set up the menus. Luckily I came across Stylonylon’s  post on how to set up the settings menu,the Super Control Panel and set up the buttons and dial functions, see post here . That was extremely useful for me as I was ready to give up and return the camera. Camera usage is much, much easier once the menus are set up.

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

The buttons on the back interface are a bit small, a few times I have accidentally pressed on the video record button. This is not a major issue but a bit annoying at times

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

There is no  built in flash on the camera. Again this is not a major problem for me, but it might be for some people. A small flash unit comes in the box and it can be attached to the top of the camera to be used  as and when.

Another downside of the Olympus Pen is that if you want to use the flip put screen on a tripod unless you use and adapter. I got an adapter for about £5 on Amazon.

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

So these are my thoughts on the Olympus Pen, I love the camera overall but I think it’s good to point out the few bits that are not so great.

Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

Have you got an Olympus Pen? What do you think about it?

9 thoughts on “Olympus Pen E-PL7 Review

  1. I've only had mine about a month, but I am loving the quality of the photos. Agree on the size as SLRs are so bulky. And I also wish it had an in built flash, that is something it's really missing.
    1. It's a great camera, isn't it? I love how small it is but it still has plenty of features. Shame about the flash
    1. Hi, this is the adapter I got https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L1YKC70/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Someone recommended it on a review so I thought I'd get it as it's not expensive.
  2. This is very handy post for me, I am just about to invest in a new camera. I will now go and look up the Olympus Pen - I love the retro look! Thank you xx
  3. I am looking for a camera and this sounds perfect! Thanks for the review. I love that the negative points are fixable like with the flash and adaptit for tripod. Thanks for review xxAmina xx | www.AliandHer.com
    1. Thanks for your comment. Yes, all the negatives are really easy to sort out. The quality of the pictures it's very good too, so I really recommend it.

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