OLYMPUS OM-D E-PL7 / SHOOTING REPORT

Because of the right size and the traditional camera appearance, the PEN series are popular among both men and women. And, the E-PL7 is the newest addition to the PEN Lite series. Olympus has defined their model line up clearly and maintained it for such a long time while making constant improvements. Even though it has a series name "Lite," the E-PL7 has the latest imaging processor "TruePic VII" and the high-resolution rear LCD. So, I believe "Lite" for this model means easy and fun handling.

( Photography : Z II / Text : 48 )

I walked in the mountains with the E-PL7 on a sunny autumn day. Most shots in this review are JPEG images straight from the camera, and they are so clear. It has the E-M5's sensor and the latest image processor. This means the image quality is comparable to their advanced models.

The kit lens is the pancake "M. ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm F3.5-5.6 EZ" which collapses when the power is off. It's so compact and portable, but it also takes great pictures. You can get a big bokeh at close distance, so the roadside flower has the 3D-pop quality. And, the taste of bokeh is natural, I think.

The minute subject looks sharp and solid. The micro four-thirds system isn't just about the small package, but also about the high image quality. The E-PL7 lens kit was never heavy, so I could react to the shutter chances even while I was walking on the mountain road. In this kind of situation, small size and light weight mean justice.

The tilting LCD screen easifies ground shot like this. But, this LCD screen tilts down by 180 degree and you can shoot by touching the panel. This means it's best for selfies. By trying it, you'll notice that you should position the camera higher than your face in order to include the background. Besides, compared to positioning it lower, it makes your face look smaller. Therefore, it's natural to have a screen that flips down, and this way the lens doesn't block the image on the screen. What a well-thought-out design.

I'm too embarrassed to shoot myself, so I shot this subject instead. Of course, it has the Wi-Fi function, and you can instantly upload the image to the SNS via smartphone. Photography becomes more fun by showing it to others.

When the sun goes down, the sky becomes the best canvas. The E-PL7 captured the tonal gradation of the pale colors faithfully. Although it has the advanced art filters, you can take great pictures just by pressing the shutter button. And, the natural color tone reproduces the very scene that you were impressed.

With this camera, even an ordinary day becomes special.

The OLYMPUS PEN Lite series has become a standard model in terms of quality, and it's not the entry model anymore. The appearance has now become more classic like a film camera because of the front leatherette and the "OLYMPUS PEN" logo. The new control dial around the shutter button improved the operability and the LCD monitor has higher resolution. This means the E-PL7 closes with high-end morels both in terms of the appearance and the feeling. This camera is great for a replacement of older models as well as the first digital mirrorless camera. And, if you like the style of this camera, there's no reason to hesitate.

Take this small and light camera with you every day. The blooming flowers, the dramatic color of the sky... this camera will make you become more sensitive to seasonal things on your daily route.

( 24.09.2014 )