• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Panasonic ZS70

  • Larger sensor
    4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.75 vs 1.19 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Panasonic ZS70 advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.7 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for its class including very good ISO performance; Improved performance and ergonomics over the E-PL5; LCD tilts 180 degree downward for easier selfies; Upgraded 3-axis IS system.

  • No built-in flash (but a small add-on flash is included); No built-in EVF; Default colors somewhat muted; Somewhat quirky menu system.

  • Read our Olympus E-PL7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-PL5

Panasonic ZS70
Olympus E-PL5
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Olympus E-PL5

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic GF6
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic GF6

Panasonic ZS70
Panasonic GF6
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Panasonic GF6

Compared to Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL8
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • $599
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-PL8

Panasonic ZS70
Olympus E-PL8
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Olympus E-PL8

Compared to Canon SX730 HS

Olympus E-PL7
Canon SX730 HS
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Canon SX730 HS

Panasonic ZS70
Canon SX730 HS
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $399
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • NFC
  • Built-in Bluetooth

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Canon SX730 HS

Compared to Panasonic ZS80

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic ZS80
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic ZS80

Panasonic ZS70
Panasonic ZS80
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $398
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Shoots 24p video

Compare Panasonic ZS70 vs Panasonic ZS80

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