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Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Comparison

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Camera to replace
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Olympus E-M10 IV

20 MP | Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor

Olympus E-M10 IV
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Olympus E-PL7

16 MP | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) CMOS Sensor

Olympus E-PL7
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Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing E-M10 IV and E-PL7, two Entry-Level Mirrorless cameras by Olympus. Olympus E-M10 IV was introduced to market in August 2020 and Olympus E-PL7 was launched in September 2014. As you can see, E-PL7 is 6 years older than E-M10 IV. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Olympus E-M10 IV Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-08-04
  • 20MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 200 - 25600 ( expands to 100 - 25600)
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Tilting Screen
  • 2360k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 8.7fps (15.0fps Electronic) continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 383g. 122 x 84 x 49 mm
  • Replaced Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III Compare

Olympus E-PL7 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-09-01
  • 16MP - Four Thirds CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • Micro Four Thirds Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.00" Tilting Screen
  • 8.0fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 357g. 115 x 67 x 38 mm
  • Replaced Olympus PEN E-PL6 Compare

Olympus E-PL7 was replaced by Olympus PEN E-PL7. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Olympus PEN E-PL7 vs Olympus PEN E-PL7
Olympus PEN E-PL7 vs Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.


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Reasons to choose Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV over Olympus PEN E-PL7
Built-in Flash
Yes vs No Useful in low-light
Viewfinder
Electronic vs Electronic (Optional) Better framing and control
Sensor Resolution
20 MP vs 16 MP 25% more pixels
Number of Focus Points
121 vs 81 40 more focus points
Continuous Shooting
15.0fps vs 8.0fps 7 fps faster
Battery Life
360 shots vs 350 shots 10 more frames with a single charge
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 Higher Resolution Video
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
Focus Bracketing
Yes vs No Take multiple photos shifting focus point
IS Stop Effectivity
Up to 4.5-stop vs Up to 3.5-stop 1 stop more Effective Stabilization
UHS Card Support
UHS-II vs none Read/Write in High Speeds
CHECK E-M10 IV PRICE


Reasons to choose Olympus PEN E-PL7 over Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV
Weight
357 g vs 383 g 26 g lighter
Sensor Pixel Area
14.12µm2 vs 11.22µm2 25% larger pixel area
CHECK E-PL7 PRICE

Common Strengths of Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV and Olympus PEN E-PL7
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Live Composite Mode
Yes vs Yes Excellent help for long-exposure photography
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Adjustable LCD Screen
Tilting vs Tilting Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Touch Screen
Yes vs Yes Easy control of camera functions
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
LCD Screen Resolution
1.040k dots vs 1.037k dots High resolution screens
Max Continuous Shooting
15.0fps vs 8.0fps Fast shooting speeds
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs Yes creative shooting
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Selfie/Vlogger Friendly LCD
Yes vs Yes Rotate LCD for taking Selfies
Dual-axis Electronic Level
Yes vs Yes Level the camera easily in two axis
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Common Weaknesses of Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV and Olympus PEN E-PL7
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus E-M10 IV has external dimensions of 122 x 84 x 49 mm (4.8 x 3.31 x 1.93″) and weighs 383 g (0.84 lb / 13.51 oz) (including batteries). Olympus E-PL7 has external dimensions of 115 x 67 x 38 mm (4.53 x 2.64 x 1.5″) and weighs 357 g (0.79 lb / 12.59 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7. Olympus E-PL7 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 7mm narrower, 17mm shorter and 11mm thinner than Olympus E-M10 IV.

Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7.

Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7.
Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Olympus E-PL7 is 26g lighter than the Olympus E-M10 IV but we don't think this will make a significant difference.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 have the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount and Four Thirds sized sensors, lenses will not be a differentiator on total size of the system.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

E-M10 IV
E-PL7
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

E-M10 IV
E-PL7
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV nor Olympus PEN E-PL7 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Mirrorless Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3.00".

Both cameras feature Tilting screens where you can change the angle of the screen to make it easier to shoot from waist or over the head levels.
Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7: Sensor Comparison

Olympus E-M10 IV has a 20.0MP Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features TruePic VIII processor. On the other hand, Olympus E-PL7 has a 16.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features TruePic VII processor.

Below you can see the E-M10 IV and E-PL7 sensor size comparison.

Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 Cameras


Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 have the same Micro Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 120 native lenses available for these cameras.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Both Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 has Sensor based Image stabilization which means that all the lenses will be stabilized in these bodies. E-M10 IV's built-in Image stabilization system is effective to compensate vibration up to 4.5-stops according to CIPA standards whereas E-PL7's IS system is rated upto 3.5-stops.

Lens Type # of Olympus E-M10 IV Lenses # of Olympus E-PL7 Lenses
Standard Zoom 18 18
Standard Prime 15 15
Wideangle Zoom 6 6
Wideangle Prime 32 32
Telephoto Zoom 19 19
Telephoto Prime 11 11
SuperZoom 8 8
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 5 5
Macro Prime 4 4
Perspective Control Prime n/a n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime 1 1
TOTAL 120 120

Here are some of the most popular Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses on Camera Decision:

Popular Micro Four Thirds Mount Lenses for E-M10 IV and E-PL7
Model Coverage Weight Focusing Street Price
OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO Lens OM System 40-150mm F4.0 PRO
FourThirds 382gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH Lens Panasonic Lumix G 25mm F1.7 ASPH
FourThirds 125gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Lumix G Vario 12-60mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 210gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS
FourThirds 1120gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 655gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 12-60mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 320gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS Lens Panasonic Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm F4.0-6.3 ASPH Power OIS
FourThirds 985gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ Lens Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ
FourThirds 91gr AF Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Olympus E-M10 IV for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Olympus E-PL7 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Olympus E-M10 IV for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

Olympus E-PL7 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body
Read the details
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Optional External Viewfinder
Medium sized Body
Read the details

Olympus E-M10 IV for Sports Photography

GOOD

Olympus E-PL7 for Sports Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Fast Continuous Shooting: 8.7fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
121 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Fast Continuous Shooting: 8.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
81 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
Optional External Viewfinder
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Olympus E-M10 IV for Daily Photography

GOOD

Olympus E-PL7 for Daily Photography

GOOD
Large Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) sensor
Medium size Body
383g
Body Thickness 49mm
Read the details
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Medium size Body
357g
Read the details

Olympus E-M10 IV for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Olympus E-PL7 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Large Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
Live-view
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Large Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) sensor
Live-view
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Olympus E-M10 IV vs Olympus E-PL7: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 69 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Olympus E-M10 IV and Olympus E-PL7 scores compare:

Olympus E-M10 IV
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #77 out of 109 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #139 out of 1257 in all Cameras
Olympus E-PL7
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #35 out of 134 in Rangefinder-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #209 out of 1257 in all Cameras

Olympus E-M10 IV is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Olympus E-PL7 in all criteria except one: Portability. But the size difference between these cameras are negligible in real world so it is not a big disadvantage for Olympus E-M10 IV.

Olympus E-M10 IV
Olympus E-M10 IV
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Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL7
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Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-M10 IV Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV Olympus PEN E-PL7
Brand Olympus Olympus
Announced 2020-08-04 2014-09-01
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Four Thirds Four Thirds
Dimensions 17.4 x 13 mm 17.3 x 13 mm
Area 226.20mm2 224.90mm2
Megapixels 20 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 5184 x 3888 4608 x 3456
Max Native Light sensitivity 25,600 ISO 25,600 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 25600 ISO -
Min Native Light sensitivity 200 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity 100 ISO -
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 121 81
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Micro Four Thirds Micro Four Thirds
Number of Available Lenses 120 120
Screen
Type Tilting Tilting
Size 3.00" 3.00"
Resolution 1,040k dots 1,037k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder Resolution 2,360k dots no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage 100% n/a
Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x n/a
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/4000s 1/4000s
Max Electronic Shutter 1/16000s n/a
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Built-in Image Stabilization Sensor-shift Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 7.20 m (at ISO 200) no built-in flash
Max Flash Sync 1/250s n/a
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 8.7 fps 8.0 fps
Multi-Segment Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4, H.264 H.264, Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 383g 357g
Dimensions 122 x 84 x 49mm 115 x 67 x 38mm
Battery Life 360 shots 350 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score not tested 72
DxO Color Depth not tested 22.7
DxO Dynamic Range not tested 12.4
DxO Low Light ISO not tested 873
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