OM Digital Solutions has announced the Olympus PEN E-P7 Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera, its first release since acquiring the Olympus brand at the beginning of the year. The camera will be available in Europe and selected other regions but not, initially, North America.
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Editorial observations | Press Release | Specifications
It’s the first full-sized PEN model since the PEN-F, released in January 2016, but it appears to be more affordable and less prestige-focused than the E-Px models. It still includes a PEN-F-style switch on the front of the camera for selecting color modes and filters but no longer includes a built-in viewfinder, making it more comparable to the original E-P’s 1–5.
At the heart of the Pen E-P7 is a 20MP Live MOS sensor (capable of 4K/30p video), and the TruePic VIII image processor used in the existing E-PL10. The E-P7 offers 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which is CIPA rated for 4.5 stops of compensation, a 0.5EV step down from the PEN-F and two whole stops less than is offered by the OM-D E-M5 III.
Like previous PEN models, the autofocus system relies on 121 contrast AF points and includes autofocus options Super Spot, Face and Eye Priority modes, as featured in recent OM-D models.
The Olympus E-P7 will retail for €799 when it ships in mid-June and the kit includes the camera body, a USB cable, a shoulder strap, battery pack and a USB AC adapter for charging the camera. No details of plans for a North American launch have been disclosed.
Editorial observations:
As it’s not being launched in the US or Canada yet, we’ve not been able to get our hands on an E-P7 yet, but there’s a fair amount that can be inferred by looking at what it offers.
The first thing to note is that, while it’s the first camera to be launched under the aegis of OM Digital Solutions, the development of the PEN E-P7 will mainly have been conducted by the previous owners. As such there’s only so much we can learn about the new company’s intentions, beyond them believing the E-P7 is a sensible addition to the lineup.
The development of the PEN E-P7 will mainly have been conducted by the previous management
The removal of the viewfinder and the significantly lower price (€799, body-only is two-thirds the launch price of the lifestyle/prestige PEN-F model and €200 less than the E-P5 that preceded it) hint at an attempt to reposition the PEN as a more mass-market camera. The continued use of the existing TruePic VIII processor, the absence of 5GHz Wi-Fi and the older Micro-B type USB connector suggest a camera that sits below the OM-D E-M5 in the wider lineup. Yet, despite the apparent use of a simpler I.S. system, the price is too high to suggest OM Digital plans to merge the E-P and E-PL lines.
There are, perhaps, interesting parallels to be drawn with Fujifilm’s X-E series of cameras, which started as enthusiast-friendly models with commensurately premium pricing but have become smaller, simpler and more affordable as its become apparent that enthusiasts often prefer their cameras to be SLR-shaped.
The launch of the E-P7 doesn’t completely rule out the prospect of a like-for-like successor to the PEN-F but, when considered alongside the five-year hiatus since the ‘F’s launch, makes it look much less likely. Instead, we have a much more affordable model that continues the classic PEN look and at least appears to maintain Olympus’s photographer-friendly two-dial ergonomics.
PRESS RELEASE
Olympus PEN E-P7
Powerful photographic possibilities packed in a sophisticated lightweight design
Hamburg, June 9, 2021 – OM Digital Solutions GmbH is pleased to announce the Olympus PEN E-P7 Micro Four Thirds System camera. Conquering creative hearts with its photographic prowess and classic design from the Olympus PEN series of Yoshihisa Maitani. Equipped with an array of powerful photographic features such as Colour Profile Control, a 20 megapixel Live MOS sensor and in-body 5-axis image stabilisation. The PEN E-P7 allows photographers to capture memorable moments in their own style, creating high quality pictures and video that make the most of the performance of the M.Zuiko lenses.
Sophisticated design with great attention to detail
The E-P7 is built faithfully in the distinctive and sophisticated design of the Olympus PEN series. Details such as the aluminum front and rear dials are carefully crafted to achieve an exquisite, refined look. On its own, the body weighs 337 g*, and when combined with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ standard zoom lens, it only weighs 430 g. Making it lighter and easier than ever to bring a camera with you to capture the treasured life moments.
20 MP Live MOS sensor and in-body 5-axis image stabilisation
The combination of the 20 Megapixel Live MOS sensor, the high-speed TruePic VIII image processor and the M.Zuiko lens ensure quality beyond a smartphone. The PEN E-P7 is equipped with in-body 5-axis image stabilisation that delivers up to 4.5 steps** of compensation for blur-free, high-quality images every day. Advanced continuous Auto-focus and Face Priority/Eye Priority AF algorithm from the professional OM-D series models is also included for automatic detection and continuous focus on eyes and faces. Ensuring portraits are captured exactly as desired even when the subject is obstructed or in profile.
Profile Control at the tip of your finger
The dedicated Profile Control dial on the front of the E-P7 allows for instant switching between standard photo modes to Colour, Monochrome or filter effect profiles. Ideal for unique and creative image creation with 12 colour 10 step saturation control, Highlight & Shadow adjustment with Colour Profile Control, presets simulating analogue film-looks, colour filter effects and film grain effects in Monochrome Profile Control for stunning black & white images. Olympus Art Filters are also available, allowing your images to become small artworks virtually at the touch of a button. Simply move the slider on the monitor up or down to adjust the level of filter effects with the Fine Tune*** option.
Additional Features
In-built WiFi & Bluetooth connectivity
Connect and share easily with in-built WiFi & Bluetooth and the OI.Share smartphone app for automatic photo transfer to iOS and Android phones and tablets. Additionally, the app allows the smart device to become a remote control for the E-P7 allowing even greater creative possibilities.
Versatile tilting LCD screen
Greater creativity is possible with the E-P7’s tilting LCD allowing for shooting at various angles and selfies with the flip down screen.
Capture traditionally challenging photographic techniques like Multi Exposure and long exposure modes like Live Composite with ease with the well renown Olympus Advanced Photo.
Beautifully smooth Hand-held high-definition 4K video recording has never been easier thanks to the in-body 5-axis image stabilisation ensuring stunning results in every occasion.
Enjoy the freedom of charging on the go with in-camera USB charging allowing you to explore more and capture more of your adventures.
Available Accessories
Perfectly styled with the optional CS-54B genuine leather body jacket
This genuine leather body jacket in black or white fits perfectly on the PEN E-P7. The rear monitor can be opened for selfies without removing the jacket. Pair this accessory with the optional lens jacket and shoulder strap to enjoy a modern leather look.
Match the style and design of the PEN E-P7 with a fashionable camera strap or case from the range of Olympus PEN fashion accessories.
Availability & pricing
The PEN E-P7 will be available from mid-June 2021 in two colour combinations, white & silver or black & silver, as body only from 799€**** or as a kit with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens for 899€****. When customers register their purchase of the PEN E-P7 via my.olympus-consumer.com and subscribe to our newsletter, a free six-month warranty extension***** is available.
Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check the Olympus website at www.olympus-europa.com/site/en/c/cameras for the latest specifications.
* Based on CIPA standards, with a bundled rechargeable battery and memory card. Body size: 118.3 x 68.5 x 38.1 mm (WHD)** M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ lens at a focal distance of f = 42mm (35mm film equivalent: f = 84mm),
conforms to CIPA standards, when corrected on 2 axes (yaw and pitch)*** Fine Tune option is available in Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pin Hole, Cross Process and Instant Film**** Recommended Retail Price***** Six months on top of the statutory warranty in the country of purchase.
Olympus PEN E-P7 specifications
Body typeBody typeRangefinder-style mirrorlessBody materialMetal, compositeSensorMax resolution5184 x 3888Image ratio w:h4:3Effective pixels20 megapixelsSensor photo detectors22 megapixelsSensor sizeFour Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm)Sensor typeCMOSProcessorTruePic VIIIColor spacesRGB, Adobe RGBColor filter arrayPrimary color filterImageISOAuto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600)Boosted ISO (minimum)100White balance presets6Custom white balanceYesImage stabilizationSensor-shiftCIPA image stabilization rating4.5 stop(s)Uncompressed formatRAWJPEG quality levelsSuper fine, fine, normalFile formatJPEG (Exif v2.31)Raw (Olympus ORF, 12-bit lossless compressed)
Optics & FocusAutofocusContrast Detect (sensor)Multi-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View
Autofocus assist lampYesDigital zoomYesManual focusYesNumber of focus points121Lens mountMicro Four ThirdsFocal length multiplier2×Screen / viewfinderArticulated LCDTiltingScreen size3″Screen dots1,040,000Touch screenYesScreen typeTFT LCDLive viewYesViewfinder typeNonePhotography featuresMinimum shutter speed60 secMaximum shutter speed1/4000 secMaximum shutter speed (electronic)1/16000 secExposure modesProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual
Scene modes”PeopleNightscapeMotionSceneryIndoorsClose-upsPortraite-PortraitPortrait + LandscapePortrait + NightscapeChildrenNightscapeHandheld StarlightFireworksLight TrailsSportPanningLandscapeSunsetBeach & SnowPanoramaBacklight HDRCandlelightSilentMacroNature MacroDocumentsMulti Focus Shot
Built-in flashYesFlash range5.40 m (at ISO 100)External flashYes (via hot shoe)Flash modesRedeye, Fill-in, Flash off, Red-eye Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (2nd curtain), ManualFlash X sync speed1/250 secContinuous drive8.7 fpsSelf-timerYesMetering modesExposure compensation±5 (at 1/3 EV steps)AE Bracketing±5 (3, 5 frames at 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps)Videography featuresFormatMPEG-4, H.264Modes3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 102 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 52 Mbps, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
MicrophoneStereoSpeakerMonoStorageStorage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported)ConnectivityUSB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)USB chargingYesHDMIYes (micro HDMI)Microphone portNoHeadphone portNoWirelessBuilt-InWireless notes802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LERemote controlYes (via smartphone)PhysicalEnvironmentally sealedNoBatteryBattery PackBattery descriptionBLS-50 lithium-ion battery & USB chargerBattery Life (CIPA)360Weight (inc. batteries)337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz)Dimensions118 x 69 x 38 mm (4.65 x 2.72 x 1.5″)Other featuresOrientation sensorYesTimelapse recordingYesGPSNone