Camera is almost like a basic gear that we often bring while travelling or meet up with friends and family. The main function to capture your moment makes them a crucial part of our daily driver. For those who are looking for capable yet simple cameras, the Olympus PEN E PL7 Vs OMD EM10 are two good options to consider. These cameras can take good photos and are also easy to use so let’s see which match you best here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Look for in a Beginner Camera
- What are Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10
- How are the Design of Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10
- How are the Spec of Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10
- How are the Image Quality of Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10
- What else Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 can offer
- Olympus PEN E PL7 Vs OMD EM10
Camera for Beginners
In the age of smartphone cameras, there are only some of us who need an actual dedicated one. It is often for a hobby and as a side device to accompany your smartphone unless it is meant for a professional use. However, there are many people who are attracted or interested in photography who surely need a dedicated device that they can build their skill with. Today we have more than plenty to choose from and the best thing is they are also very affordable to start with.
What you will need in any camera is the quality of its photos but, it becomes confusing as there are also a lot that affect the quality and oftentimes it is not the issue with the device but the user. The most advanced cameras can’t make a beginner become a pro in one night. But, there are specs that we can use to help decide the options such as sensor and the lens. Some sensors improve the camera’s ability to capture photos in low light while the lens will also affect not only the clarity but the exposure too.
Being able to choose and custom these aspects when taking a photo is crucial in deciding how the image will turn out. In addition, there are also more factors that can help boost the image quality such as how stable our hands are or whether the lens or camera is stabilized.
Just like when learning anything, photography also requires you to spend some time getting used to the system. It is important to get a camera that is comfortable to use but also helpful in building confidence. Too many buttons and knobs may look cool or make you look like a pro but it can be intimidating and confusing. You may find a good moment to capture but if the control is confusing we can lose the chance of getting the perfect shot.
If it is possible try to find a camera that balances the ease of use and versatility. It means there will be some manual control as well and while this can sound complicated for a completely new user, it also means the camera gives more freedom over how you want to capture the moment. It is a mix between versatility and convenience so you can dial it when needed or let the camera decide the best settings it can offer when you want to work faster.
| Olympus PEN E Pl7 | OMD EM10 | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 4.53 x 1.5 x 2.64 inches | 4.69 x 1.81 x 3.24 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 12.6 ounces | 13.9 ounces |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10
In addition, you may want to consider the pricing as well because our budget may not be the same and it is wise to spend only how much you want to since we also need to invest more on the higher end option as the skill grows in the future. The professional camera is an interchangeable lens system so it is great if you can spend on one on the entry-level too. The choice will vary based on how you will use the camera or which seems to match the preference the most.
Most brands carry at least one or more good entry-level cameras so check your favorite manufacturer and for those who like the styling and system of Olympus, this is one of the best options as well in the market. They may not be the most well-known when it comes to the most advanced professional cameras but they surely carry some of the most reliable devices you can purchase currently. Not surprisingly they have some interesting offerings too for beginners.
For those who are looking forward to owning an easy to use camera without scarifying the photos quality, we recommend considering Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 which are no longer the newest system anymore but this is why we can purchase them at a very affordable price point. For example the EM10 is currently on its third iteration while PL7 was launched almost 7 years ago today. On the basis the two are very capable and in general are very much the same to each other as well.
However, they are not identical and we do think if what you aim for is a slightly more capable camera or want to get more from the budget, we highly recommend the EM10 but if you are the type who also considers the styling, we think PL7 is still one of the best-looking cameras today. In comparison, the Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 are about the same in price point but the former gives you more freedom for the accessory to attach while the latter gives you freedom in the way we compose the image.
Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 Design
Before checking what the Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 can offer, let’s see the device first. The two are already quite different from this side because the styling is also very much different from each other. The PEN line has this classic design of digital rangefinder cameras while on the other hand the OMD line enjoys more popularity for being an SLR-style camera. This may come down to personal preference but most people who will use SLR cameras in the future will probably opt for this variant.
In terms of styling, PEN cameras are very pretty and compact so it is a great choice for enthusiasts. The control layout is similar but if you see closely, the OMD has more to tweak and this is probably also a consideration for the learning process later. The latter is also bulkier and heavier with the battery but the PL7 has the better rear LCD setup if you will be using the camera to self-shoot. The size and quality is the same, still touch-sensitive, and pretty decent under the sunlight.
Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 Specs
Now for the most important part, let’s see what the Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 can offer starting from the basics, which is the core of these cameras and why it is the sensor. As most already know, the two are a micro four third type of camera and surprisingly also have the same effective resolution of 16MP. They also have the same processor so the image quality captured by the two will be the same as well. Read also: Olympus PEN E PL7 Vs PL8.
Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 Image Quality
These cameras are very capable in producing good image quality and depending on the lens you pair them with, the result may vary. The JPEG photos are good out of the camera at low ISO as long as you are not pixel peeping into the picture, we are satisfied with the result. Chances are we can still use them up to 3200 without annoying noise levels. In terms of the photos, they seem to be sharpened too but it still looks natural.
The cameras are benefitting from the TruePic VII processor too because it is featured with chromatic aberration correction compared to the previous processors. In comparison to older cameras from the lines, the two work really well at eliminating the effects. Both Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 can shoot in raw and it is also best if you want to pull some details on the shadowy area after processing later.
Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 Features
Next let’s see what else the Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 can offer because it can be slightly different and when we say that EM10 can offer more versatility is because this camera has EVF which is omitted on the PEN cameras. The LCD is easy to use and we do think they are still reliable under the sunlight but it can be a bit difficult to compose an image in a bright condition which makes having an option to use EVF very helpful to isolate the eye.
For a more reliable system, these cameras are equally equipped with in-body image stabilization. Both cameras have flash with the PL7’s optional accessory port to install one. This accessory port is not available for the EM10 as it already has the built-in flash. In addition, for the handling they are convenient but EM10 is probably offered towards the more demanding user as its layout is what you will find on the higher end cameras but is still very convenient for many enthusiasts.
Olympus PEN E Pl7 vs OMD EM10
Both Olympus PEN E PL7 and OMD EM10 are similar yet different. The core of these cameras are the same so technically they will also produce the same result and the lens option may affect the way you capture the photos. The handling is probably better in EM10 as it is an SLR style which makes it more ideal for those who will use a higher end SLR or mirrorless in the future. We also like that it gives you an EVF to compose the photos.
But, the PL7 is the more straightforward if you like a simpler camera and in addition it also has a port for accessory while the screen can be flipped to face the front too if you will be using the camera to take self-photos.
Conclusion
The choice is all yours because we have to match the camera with how you will use them. Personally we will recommend the EM10 for the more serious users or if you plan to invest on more expensive cameras in the future while those who just want an easy to use dedicated camera or travel cameras may want to opt for the PL7.