Camera
Here’s the Olympus PEN E-P7 and here’s what it means…
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.
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.
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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 type | |
|---|---|
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Body material | Metal, composite |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 5184 x 3888 |
| Image ratio w:h | 4:3 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 22 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.4 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | TruePic VIII |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 200-25600 (expands to 100-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 4.5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine, normal |
| File format |
|
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus |
|
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 121 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length multiplier | 2× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | None |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/16000 sec |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Scene modes |
|
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash range | 5.40 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash modes | Redeye, Fill-in, Flash off, Red-eye Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (2nd curtain), Manual |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Continuous drive | 8.7 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 2/3 EV, 1 EV steps) |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Modes |
|
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | No |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n + Bluetooth 4.2 LE |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | BLS-50 lithium-ion battery & USB charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 360 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 337 g (0.74 lb / 11.89 oz) |
| Dimensions | 118 x 69 x 38 mm (4.65 x 2.72 x 1.5″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
| GPS | None |
| Photo: Dale Baskin |
Canon Announced its PowerShot V1 compact just a few weeks ago, with pre-orders only recently opening for those in Asia. Despite that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already warned that demand is high and delivery may be delayed as a result, potentially delaying its availability to the rest of the world.
 |
| A screenshot of the messaging on Canon Japan’s website. |
Visiting the PowerShot V1 product page reveals a message (translated from Japanese) stating, “Apologies and information regarding product supply status.” That message links to a page that briefly explains that Canon is “currently receiving more orders than expected for the following products, which is causing delays in delivery.” Notably, three compact cameras are affected, with the PowerShot V1 at the top of the list. Canon plans to ship these products sequentially but says delivery may take longer than usual.
The PowerShot V1 is the company’s first compact camera since the PowerShot G7 X III, which was released back in July 2019. Canon also launched the PowerShot V10 in June 2023, but that model is more video-focused and targets a different user base. Even though the Powershot V1 is only available in Asia, it is a welcome addition. After all, we are currently seeing an increased interest in compact cameras, which is driving up prices and causing issues with availability across the board.
 |
| Photo: Dale Baskin |
The increased demand is reflected across the compact market. Retro compacts that used to sell for $5 at garage sales and thrift stores now go for anywhere from $40 to $250 or even higher. The PowerShot G7 X III, despite being six years old, has such high demand that Canon is suspending orders indefinitely to catch up. Meanwhile, the Fujifilm X100VI, which was announced a year ago, is still out of stock on most websites and is selling for as much as double its already steep $1,599 retail price on sites like eBay. CIPA’s January numbers also showed a rise in the popularity of compact cameras, with an increase in shipments and value compared to January 2024.
While The PowerShot V1 was released exclusively for Asia, many are eagerly waiting for broader availability. Unfortunately, a delay so early on in the release potentially complicates that, meaning those hoping to get their hands on the camera outside of Asia will likely have to wait even longer. Canon hasn’t provided specific timing or details on the extent of the delays. That means it’s a waiting game for now, with another compact camera bogged down by supply constraints.
| Photo: Richard Butler |
The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.
CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.
 |
| A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras. |
Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.
The growth in value isn’t entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn’t scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.
While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).
While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn’t much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.
| Photo: Richard Butler |
The Camera and Imaging Product Association (CIPA) recently published its total production and shipment data for January. The latest data shows that demand for compact cameras remains strong. Shipments of interchangeable lens systems also increased year over year, while those of SLR systems slowed.
CIPA breaks down its data into camera types, with dedicated sections for cameras with built-in lenses and interchangeable lens systems. It also differentiates between SLRs and mirrorless cameras and provides specific data regarding various regions. All digital still cameras saw a 6% increase in shipment compared to January 2024 data, while interchangeable lens cameras were up 5% year-over-year.
|
| A graph showing the total number of shipments of digital still cameras. |
Built-in lens systems, though, saw the biggest increase of all categories. With 124,085 units shipped in January, cameras with integrated lenses saw an increase in shipments of 11% compared to January last year. Also notable was the 50% increase in the value of shipped compact cameras compared to January last year. The fact that the value is increasing faster than the number of units shipped indicates prices are higher for those cameras.
The growth in value isn’t entirely surprising, given that demand for compacts is high right now. Cameras like the Fujifilm X100VI have been extremely popular. According to Map Camera, one of the largest photography retailers in Japan, the Fujifilm X100VI was its best-selling camera in February 2025. The buzz surrounding the Canon Powershot V1, which was only recently announced at CP+, is also significant. The Powershot V1 is only available in Asia and wasn’t scheduled to start shipping until April. Despite all that, DCWatch reported that Canon has already announced it is experiencing supply shortage issues and that delivery times may be longer than usual as a result.
While that growth in compact camera shipments is interesting, it seems to be largely the result of two regions. China saw the greatest increase; shipments of compact cameras grew substantially year-over-year, with just 6,055 units shipped in January 2024 versus 18,955 units shipped in January 2025, a 213% increase. Asia (excluding China and Japan) also saw an increase, though at a more modest 22%. Europe and the Americas, however, actually saw a few thousand fewer shipments of compact cameras year-over-year (around a 6% fall).
While compacts saw an increase in shipments, SLRs saw a decline in January 2025 compared to January 2024. Shipments of SLRs were down 16% year-over-year. This isn’t much of a surprise, given that the last DLSR that was released was the Pentax K-3 Mark III in March 2021, and Canon and Nikon last released DSLRs in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Sigma is also no longer developing new DSLR lenses. Needless to say, it seems the sun is setting on DSLRs, so it makes sense that shipments would be slowing.
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