Olympus EP7 & EPL9

Two of my favourite small M43 cameras - The Olympus E-P7 & E-PL9.
/ drosen7900
www.flickr.com/photos/happyfa...
----------------------
Music by Oleksandr Stepanov / penguinmusic
pixabay.com/users/penguinmusi...

[@pizzologsanto4171]

Nice presentation . . Thank You !

[@user-fn6yk1bc4w]

excellent reviews thank you subscribed

[@leadwhite1249]

thank you!

[@dannynielsen02]

Great video! Really agree on the size of cameras, more and more I find myself just wanting something pocketable. Would be cool to see a full video on the nx mini, such and interesting camera to me.

[@leadwhite1249]

The NX mini video is next on my list! I wan't to try to get as complete a set as possible first, so I want to get my hands on a few accesories like the flash, and ideally the 30 or 45mm NX lenses.

[@dannynielsen02]

@@leadwhite1249 Sweet! Excited to see

[@HC-kt1gi]

Thank you for the good review. Love this camera! Purchased mine in excellent condition on eBay

[@leadwhite1249]

Great to hear!

[@OpenFilmmaker]

Thank you for the video. Not many videos about the e-p7. I get mine today and can't wait to test it out!

[@leadwhite1249]

Hope you enjoy it! It's really a solid camera.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@leadwhite1249 Is there a way to bind the art filters to the color profile? How do you use the color/mono dial?

[@leadwhite1249]

On the Pen-F the creative dial had options for B&W, Colour, and art filters on the one dial, on the E-P7 its just an on/off switch for the color modes. You can select which colour / or B&W profile you want and then use the dial to toggle the effect on or off. In theory you should be able to set up the profiles in OM Workspace, but I haven't had any success with that myself. You can also set them up in camera, but its a bit fiddly. Personally, I always shoot raw and don't actually use the feature at all.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@@leadwhite1249 ok thank you for the response. I'll check out workspace to see if that helps.

[@guym.5471]

Thanks for that video. I am from Canada and an Olympus EpL 9 is not available any more . Too bad . Great honest comments .Thanks again

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks for watching! I think Olympus is getting hard to find in camera shops here, or if they do they only have slr style bodies. But there are a lot of pen bodies available second hand, at good prices.

[@abnerlu8798]

I bought one also & love it.

[@leadwhite1249]

thanks for sharing!

[@markschneider3915]

I have the Pen F in black, and it's by far the coolest camera I have. I mounted it on my 300mm F4 lens for grins, not a great fit but I did get some nice shots of a red tail hawk. I wonder if the removable EVF works on the new Pen cameras. Seems like a fun accessory for the EPL 9 & 10.

[@leadwhite1249]

Unfortunately, the detachable EVF supported ended with E-pl8 I believe. It's a shame and I would probably want an evf for the longer telephoto lenses.

[@tomfenn7149]

I think there is a demand for small cameras in north America, you just need to look at how many Americans love the Ricoh GR. Same goes with the Fuji cameras. I don't know why Olympus/OMS did this for the E-P7, but tbh it wasn't just America where this camera was difficult to find. I wanted an E-P7 but went instead for an E-M5 mk3 because the latter here in the United Kingdom was way easier to find than the 7. OMS are an amazing system, but I really don't get why it isn't up there with the Leica's/Fuji's and Ricoh's as a fantastic street camera. The Olympus system really is fantastic for photojournalism/street. IMHO, as good as Leica M in every way.

[@Lucianohlegomocs]

I think it was good the ep7 wasnt sold in the us cause it is still cheap 😂

[@leadwhite1249]

I think it's a marketing failure and not any issue with the cameras themselves. I did see, just a few days ago there was an announcement that the e-p7 is in a shortage and they aren't make enough of them. So maybe people are buying them in other regions.

[@thegreatvanziniphotos5976]

That was a great vid.

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@chrissimmonds4383]

I have the pen E-P5's abd although I also have the Pen-F I prefer the E-P5, the functionality of which is superb. the E-P5 takes the VF-4 which I have and use and I didn't like the fact that the E-P7 could not have a viewfinder attached. The noise levels on the older sensor was an issue but now Adobe has intoduced DenoiseAI that problem has gone, though I have to shoot raw.

[@leadwhite1249]

I don't see a huge difference in image quality between the 16 and 20mpx sensors, at least in decent light. And I've been using the new noise reduction in LR and it works great on most of these smaller sensor cameras.

[@joeprete7424]

@@leadwhite1249I don’t see Any difference between the 16mp and 20 mp sensors, and I’ve went up to 20” x 30” prints!

[@alangamble3236]

Great idea making the hand grip. That gave me an idea for my epl8. I have a ‘third party’ hand grip for my EM10 mkii and to my surprise it fits the EPL8 perfectly. It would probably also fit the EPL9 although I no longer have that camera to try out. I wouldn’t normally use a hand grip with the EPL cameras as it just adds to their bulk and defeats the reason for MFT cameras but I can see the benefit when using vintage lenses. Personally I use my EM1 mki with the extended battery grip for pairing with my collection of vintage lenses.

[@leadwhite1249]

If I had a larger body in the same mount, I would probably use that, but I find a grip useful with telephoto lenses, and even some of the medium size lenses. I like to have options to build the camera up or slim it down for travel.

[@jeffslade1892]

I find the E-PL7 does not need an extra hand grip as it already has one. The PEN-F has a flat slippery body with no grip but this is easily solved with a half-case as the typical grips for it are bulky and heavy. The E-PL8 is a face-lift to the E-PL7, one of the things they changed was the grip.

[@andreatilli6227]

Mind sharing that em10 grip?

[@alangamble3236]

@@andreatilli6227 I have since posting , sold the third party hand grip for the em10 mkii. I have since got the Olympus ECG-3 hand grip for the EM10 …this does not fit the EPL8.

[@Figuremakr]

Thanks for this, I have the E=PL8 snd love it. I also have the Panasonic Gx9 if I need more pixels or control, but for 95% of the time the PL8 is what I choose to use.

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks for sharing

[@fellowcitizen]

Subscribed and enjoying the video! I think you'd like the Sigma fp L with its "crop-zoom" sensor feature.

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks! I'd love to get my hands on an FP (or FP-L), i've owned a couple versions of DP2s and they have a special place in my heart.

[@jeffslade1892]

The E-PL7 (& E-PL8) take the VF4 EVF and it's a shame that the E-PL9 (E-PL10 now) has lost this and has got dumbed down to beginner level with plastic bodies.

[@leadwhite1249]

For whatever reason, very few companies are still supporting external EVFs any more. Tons of cameras from the mid 2010s had them.

[@jeffslade1892]

@@leadwhite1249 I think it was costs. As far as I'm aware the 2016 E-PL8 was the last with the AP2 to take accessories like an EVF. The AP2 can also add a mic-in. After that model they went to plastic bodies, and reduced functions. Plastic is strong but does not wear well. Alloy is not stronger but looks good as it ages.

[@cmartin_ok]

I think Olympus/OMDS want you to buy the EM10 mark iv if you want an EVF

[@jeffslade1892]

@@cmartin_okThe EM10iv is probably the answer but it is not just the lack of the AP2 on the E-PL9 & E-PL10, their functions have been dumbed down from enthusiast to beginner.

[@uhadonejob]

Good video.

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks!

[@lweleven3423]

The epl9 is great I sold it and upgraded to a Sony 6600 , I’ve decided to sell my 6600 and go back to a pen . I had considered the 7 but can’t justify the price , I rather get a few lenses , there are a few other cameras I had considered lumix g9 or 80 , and gm5 but I’m 99% sure I’ll get another pen 9 and I can always get one of the others at some point , I’ll also probably use the Panasonic Leica lenses . A very underrated system is a shame the is so much hype on expensive cameras people seem to think they need a 2k camera , I’ve sold quite. Few of my landscape prints all taken with MFT , and a few with much older cameras , MFT is good enough for most peoples needs

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks for sharing! I switched from sony APSC, and every couple of years I get the urge to go back again, mostly for the video features but I'm resisting. It took a little while to get used to at first, but now I'm very happy with m43. Image quality wise, most cameras are more than good enough and have been for 10+ years now.

[@bigtiger567]

what is wrong with a6600? the image quality and auto focusing are way better than M43. I have never used sony but am curious about why some people prefer m43 over it?

[@lweleven3423]

@@bigtiger567 half the price . Lighter . Image quality difference can not be seen in print only if your pixel peep

[@bigtiger567]

@@lweleven3423 I agree it is cheaper. But M43 is lighter only if you use Pen, EM10, GX800, GM series. GX9 is about 450g, which is not lighter than sony a6500. G9, OM-1 are as heavy and big as a light full frame.

[@markhoffman9655]

I recently got an E-PL9 because I saw it had 4K video and electronic shutter. I very disappointed to find the electronic shutter is not available in PASM modes - only in an "AP" mode for silent shooting - which is unfortunately is a program mode so difficult to control the shutter speed or aperture. Is the electronic shutter available in all modes on the E-P7?

[@alangamble3236]

I think the epl9 lost many features of the epl8. I have had both and sold on the epl9. I still have the epl8 as I can fit an EVF to it if necessary.

[@leadwhite1249]

On the E-P7 there are two ways to access silent shooting - The AP mode 'Silent' disable physical shutter, flash, AF illumator and other settings. In addition, electronic shutter is available in PASM shooting via the drive mode contrlols - 'Single, Anti-Shock, Silent, Sequential, etc'. There is also a menu item for it in Shooting Menu 2. On the E-PL9 it seems to be only in the AP mode.

[@leadwhite1249]

​@@alangamble3236 One thing the E-PL9 has is 4K video recording, but thats a tradeoff against the loss of an EVF.

[@sdegio70]

E-pl10 fixed the "not constrained" silent shutter

[@SurfinScientist]

Is an electronic shutter available in M/A/S/P modes on the E-P7? This is not available on the E-PL9, so I wonder whether the E-P7 is better in this respect.

[@leadwhite1249]

Yes - E-P7 is more flexible about silent shutter than the E-PL9. On the E-P7 there are two ways to access silent shooting - The AP mode 'Silent' disable physical shutter, flash, AF illumator and other settings. In addition, electronic shutter is available in PASM shooting via the drive mode contrlols - 'Single, Anti-Shock, Silent, Sequential, etc'. There is also a menu item for it in Shooting Menu 2.

[@SurfinScientist]

@@leadwhite1249 Thanks for your reply! The E-P7 is then definitely a candidate to add to my collection of cameras.

[@MundtStefan]

Thank you very much for the video. It is definitely a camera I will consider to purchase. I shoot professionally on the Canon eco system but due to portability I tend to leave my camera at home when going on private trips. That's why I intend to buy into the MFT system. I also consider to purchase the E-PL9, the E-PL10 is too similar to the 9 to bother paying the higher price. It is really sad that the pen cameras are not being sold in the US.

[@leadwhite1249]

You're very welcome! M43 is definitely king if portability is your top priority, and you value IBIS. I might consider Canon eos-m (e.g. m6 mk2) if you want to be able to re-use your canon glass. I feel like the new eos-r APSC cameras are going to be too big for a travel camera.

[@MundtStefan]

@@leadwhite1249 I actually did consider the eos-m system. However the small, lightweight MFT glass is too compelling.

[@castanedagus]

I wonder why they’re not being sold here in the US?

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

Hi Sir! Please, could you tell me if the Olympus PEN EP7 is compatible with the Olympus Mini Flash LM3?! Thank you indeed! PS : I do think this new camera is a best have for a beginner!! It's absolutely sweet!!! D.

[@leadwhite1249]

I don't have any 1st hand experience, but I looked around a bit - It seems the flash requires an extra 4th pin for power that is only available on certain camera bodies. Neither the EP7 nor the E-PL9 seem to have it. If you look at this photo here, you can see the difference: www.ephotozine.com/articles/olympus-om-d-e-m5-ii-hands-on-review-26883/images/highres-Olympus-OM-D-E-M5-vs-E-M5-MKII-4_1425911842.jpg EP7 has 3 pins like the camera on the left.

[@domenicoavizzano8841]

@@leadwhite1249 Thank you indeed!! D.

[@Whizzer_]

EP7 is great - not released in the US so not many reviews but it’s a joy for street photography

[@leadwhite1249]

It's a shame people can't see them in stores and try them out.

[@jeffslade1892]

Yebbut it's available in Europe and Asia-Pacific and the USA is really only a minor camera market that does not like small cameras.

[@Username-2]

@@jeffslade1892Minor market? The US is one of the largest digital camera markets in the world.

[@Lucianohlegomocs]

That is good tho since if more influencers find it they are going to skyrocket the prices like fuji 😂

[@jeffslade1892]

@@Lucianohlegomocs Influencers? Yeah my dentist wanted to show me some product on the interweb. Found something and then muttered, "Oh God he's american" and fast-forwarded it 3 minutes to get past the drivel. Fortunately the E-PL7 really, really cannot shoot movie, best it can manage are short clips of about 20 seconds of FHD. Ask it to go longer and the sensor overheats, lack of heat sink (yes , it's in the manual, very small print). You want a cheap used camera to shoot good talking head movie, Panasonic G7.

[@TheVoiceOfUnreasonableReason]

Your video style and pace has something to it - relaxed, and i like that - if I might offer some pointers when giving info/specs - as people take that as 'fact' - the E-PL9 does in fact have 5 axis IBIS and was borrowed heavily from the OM-D EM5 mkii. While Olympus didn't quote the exact number of stops in effective compensation, the 4.5stops quoted for the E-P7 is most likely the same for the E-PL9 - they both have 121 focus points so there is no gain in the E-P7, the DxO score for actual image quality is also within one point so the 20mp sensor in real world terms is not delivering 'more' over the 16mp of the E-PL9. The one other place you'll find they trade blows is that the EP-7 offers Average Weighted metering over the E-PL9 while the E-PL9 has WB Bracketing which the EP-7 does not - any way my 5 cents worth - keep up the great work

[@leadwhite1249]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@cmalc8]

The longer kit lens is surprisingly sharp, tremendous value. Tested personally against the 60mm macro at the same f stop, same subject, same 60mm, amazingly I judged the kit lens image to be better.

[@leadwhite1249]

When you said the 'longer kit lens' are you referring to the 12-50mm? I like that one quite a bit more than the 14-42.

[@cmalc8]

@@leadwhite1249 No, I meant the 40-150mm kit lens. It's a real bargain.

[@benko7ab]

Why not go for the em 5 for around the same price or cheaper second hand?

[@leadwhite1249]

It's mostly a form-factor preference, EP7 is smaller, lighter, and more rangefinder-ey. Also, the tilt-up vs flip-out screen difference.

[@gabrielalamberti5860]

hey, where did you get your EP-7. It's impossible to find one in the US.

[@leadwhite1249]

Yeah, I don't think you can't them retail in North America. I bought mine lightly used from MapCamera on eBay

[@My-Opinion-Doesnt-Matter]

1:00 True, lol. Man, you gotta do a shootout with all these cams and show us the IQ. Have you ever tried any of the Canon GX or Sony RX series, they have smaller sensor, but faster lens.

[@leadwhite1249]

I owned an original RX100 mk1 but was never really happy with the IQ, I'm sure the newer iterations are much improved (BSI sensor, faster lens, etc).

[@CameraCombo]

I had it (and the E-PL9). Both are great. I prefer the build quality of the E-PL9. The E-P7 felt hollow to me (but super light weight). Specifically, there isn't a MFT camera with 5-axis IBIS weighing less. Also, there isn't a MFT camera with a proper max shutter of 1/8000 or flash sync at 1/250 weighing less than the E-P7. The 4k video is also quite good, but not as good as a E-M1ii/ii, GH5, G9, or GH6. The C-AF in selphie mode is better than more Panasonic cameras IMO. All that said, I actually preferred the GX850 for photos because it's smaller, cheaper, and a little more fun to shoot. The LX10 is also a good option, but I've never tried it.

[@leadwhite1249]

Between the E-PL9 & the E-P7, I prefer the lighweightness of the E-P7. The gx850/880 is also one I've thought a fair amount about getting, but it has so much in common in terms of strengths and weaknesess I'm not sure there would be much point.

[@CameraCombo]

@@leadwhite1249 Yes, but smaller and lighter for sure. The build on the GM1 and GM5 is WAY better than any of these, but they are just so fiddly for normal hands, but crazy small and light.

[@georgelpons]

Nice video, for newer videos, if you look at notes, put them under or above the lense. Then you dont have to turn your head so often.

[@leadwhite1249]

Yep, this is something I'm trying to work on. Hopefully it's a little more under control in the latest video on the Coolpix A. At least now I have an app that auto-scrolls the notes so I don't flail about trying to turn the pages.

[@naimimohammed2837]

i have the Em10mark ii I think is the best

[@WhoIsSerafin]

So close! How could they not do a evf!

[@leadwhite1249]

Hopefully they'll do a pen-f mk2. One can dream, at least.

[@cmartin_ok]

Because you buy an EM10 mark iv if you want an EVF

[@VictorVonVulfgang]

Also apparently E-PL9 supports AF with 4/3 lenses, but E-P7 does not.

[@scottioiodo]

that's false, I have the E-p7 too and any auto focus lens works

[@leadwhite1249]

Any M43 lens works with the E-P7, but this is specifcally about adpating legacy 4/3s DSLR lenses with the MMF-1/2/3 adapter. I didn't want to make the video longer by going into it, but here are some DPreview posts about it: www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4717749#forum-post-67115365 www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4614750 This only applies to the E-P7 and E-M10IV cameras.

[@glennsak]

If OM System could put an EVF in them (look at what the Sony RX100 series has done) they would sell tons of them!

[@leadwhite1249]

As others have commented, the older ones supported a detachable EVF you could buy separately, but the newer models have dropped support.

[@yftan338]

when the flip down screen is not good for vloggers, if they hand held with a selfie stick. if it is on a tripod then a phone can be used

[@leadwhite1249]

Thats why I prefer flip up to flip down. I 3d printed a bracket for mine to hold it while vlogging, but it's still inconvient.

[@Jimmyageek]

Make a vlogging testt

[@leadwhite1249]

I'm not too used to vlogging outside - but the E-P7 can do a pretty good job at it - but it has no mic jack, so you need to do audio externally.

[@sgirard1984]

I'm from Canada and just ordered a PEN E-P7 from ebay. It would be by first m43 camera. I wanted something almost pocketable and have access to lighter and cheaper lenses. I would be interested to buy a copy of the grip you made :) Thanks

[@leadwhite1249]

I could probably make an extra grip for you, but it might take me a little while to get around to it.

[@cityproofdad]

where is the epl9??

[@leadwhite1249]

I focussed mostly on the E-P7, but most of the things are shared with the E-Pl9 as well.

[@cityproofdad]

@@leadwhite1249 i think so justvlike epl7, ep5 am m10 are the same cameras

[@guym.5471]

Not so easy to find and they are expensive .

[@takuan650]

What are You looking at ? Is there a spider hanging from the ceiling?

[@leadwhite1249]

No, I have a script and a monitoring feed on my PC monitor, and that's what I keep checking. I'll try to get better at that in future.

[@OpenFilmmaker]

@takuan650 I was gonna subscribe to your awesome videos, but you have 0 videos in your channel. Maybe try being more respectful to people that devote their time and energy in video production and youtube to help others, instead of being critical.