This camera is WAY more powerful and customizable than most people know!...read on Either use the included CD or go to the Olympus website and read the FULL instruction manual. This camera has some VERY POWERFUL options and customizations that are rarely talked about. People complain that it doesn't have dedicated ISO, aperture, or shutter buttons... But it can if you use the extensive (albeit a bit confusing) settings menu to customize your buttons. I currently have my Fn button set as my ISO button, the back dial adjusts my shutter speed without going into any menu, the up arrow on the back brings up my aperture scroller, and I've set the red record button to switch between auto focus and manual focus just by pressing the button. Also make sure you activate the Super Control Panel!! You can even customize what function the buttons perform separately for each shooting mode. You can even set your own preset shooting settings for different situations and assign those setups to the different shooting modes on the top dial. So you can set up exactly how you like to shoot let's say black and white on the street during the day in full manual by setting the picture mode to monochrome, assigning an ISO you prefer, set manual or auto focus, etc. etc. and then assign that entire setup as the "Art" or "Scn" position on your top dial so you can easily jump back and forth between your own preset shooting modes.
THANKS SO MUCH! I bought this camera and I'm not very experienced in photography and you taught me quite a few features! I'm so excited to use it! It doesn't come with a very good manual, theres not really any help on how to use the camera features! So big thank you!
Great hands on presentation! Just some petty matters here (They have nothing to do with your excellent exposure) Why Olympus, since it was the pioneer on in camera filter effects, doesn't create an aps bank, as is the case with Apple for Iphone, Ipad and Ipod? Olympus gives us eye candy by just adding two new filter effects on the PL7. I own the Oly TG-2. I just love this little friend. I enjoy the freedom and the results it gives. As you mentioned, this camera, as you consider it, is an amateur's joy to have. Well it makes me wonder two things: 1- Amateurs always enjoy shooting and playing with post images effects. 2- Pros are always grumpy and persnickety about every new camera that hits the market. Keep on sharing!
Hey Mathieu. Thanks for the wonderful review! I actually got this camera and want to use it for vlogging but it picks up background noise like crazy! Do you have any tips to reduce background noise enough just to pick up the voice of the person speaking in front of the camera? The audio at 2:00 was pretty good.
Mathieu video was very good. I have few questions, pls help me on that. 1. I want to buy an entry level DSLR, should i go for PL7?. 2. Does the camera comes with flash, or i have to buy it separately? 3. How much additional will it cost to buy a lens with 20x or more zoom 4. Is 14:42 good lens? i know 42 denotes zoom, but i do not have any idea of 14
well, when you are showing the olympus video footage...where is the audio coming from? is there a built in mic? or a mic port and you use a lavalier? or did you treat the audio?
so right off the top when I saw this camera today I thought, "How do you take a selfie video on a tripod?'' The E-PL5 screen tilted up. It wasn"t perfect but but could mount it.
Hello, I really want to purchase the E-PL5 but I'm wondering if I should invest a little bit more and get the E-PL7 instead. What are your thoughts? Thanks! :)
Denny Draganova The E-Pl7 certainly has an enhanced stabilisation system and also many of the latest features the E-m10 and E-m1 have like live composite. So if you are willing to invest, I would choose the E-PL7.
This seems to be the right camera for me. I'm interested in one thing though - I've heard a rumour that the battery compartment door is kinda easy to damage, is that true?
Michał MindYourOwnBusiness Well it certainly is a little bit delicate like most battery door in these kind of cameras but I didn't notice it to be more fragile than other cameras.
Just watched your review and read it on your website. Was actually really surprised to see a lot of photographs of Aberdyfi and I know most of the choir at the church :) Small world. Very nice review by the way.
A lovely part of Wales (obviously I'm biased) ;) I used to shoot Full Frame and APSC but now shoot mirror-less with a GX7 and E-M10. Keep up the great reviews.
+oososweet2012 hmm not really. First the tripod mount can be larger than the camera so you can't flip down the screen completely and the tripod head would be in the way.
+Mathieu Gasquet (MirrorLessons) Hi!! thank you for answering my first question! i now have to the camera and I was just wondering when I take selfie videos the volume seems kind of low when I play it back is there a way to make it louder? thank you
Hello, could you please advise me? I'm thinking about buying a camera. I was thinking about GX800 (389 EUR)and GX80 (489 EUR) but E-PL7 (429 EUR) seems to be a good compromise, due to lack of in body stabilization in GX800. Or should I get GF7 (for 339 EUR) as the cheapest one to start with? Which one would you choose?
I would definitely recommend the GX80 if budget is not an issue, it's a great camera with lots of features (I still use mine today). The GF7 is a lot of fun as well if you don't care about 4K video. As you said, the E-PL7 is a good compromise but video quality is not as good as the Panasonic.
hello ,thanks for video,we r going to buy this camera,but we are not sure what is the difference between the 14-42 mm II R lens and the 14-42 mm EZ lens,except the EZ lens is thiner,and of course more expensive,but is there any other differences between those two ?? thanks a lot for your answer!! Barbora
+bambolka1 Yes you can zoom in/out with the lens ring but you only need to turn it slightly. You can also choose three different zoom speed inside the camera's menu.
wil Orell If I remember correctly, set the mode dial to M then use the other dial on top. To switch between aperture and shutter speed, use the up button on the rear wheel.
I have one. Bought in Japan with Japanese instructions. I would love to see a video with this, and this only. 1) Make a short video. 2) upload it to my computer. That’s it. I have had it for six years in my cupboard, I can’t figure out how to use it. I hate manuals. I only want to use it for videos to upload. That’s it. Such a waste. Thank you. Please make such a video if you have time. I cannot tolerate too much information about other stuff. I gave up. Broke my heart. Just show me how to make and upload a video to my MacBook and nothing else. Pretty please.
There's lots of macro lenses for micro four thirds. The new Olympus 30mm f3.5 (great magnification factor) or the Lumix 30mm f2.8. I have the Oly 60mm 2.8 and I love it.
Stealthy fox the camera doesn't have a mic input but you can purchase the Olympus SEMA-1 (Microphone Adapter Set). The problem is that the SEMA-1 attaches to the camera hot-shoe on top so then you won't be able to also attach the shotgun mic.
+Rangga Luksatrio The audio at 2.00 is good because I was in a room with no other noise around and I was also pretty close to the camera. It really depends on the background noise you have were you are filming. I would advice to get a decent microphone if you do lots of Vlogs. The E-PL7 doesn't have a mic input but you can get the microphone adapter from Olympus: www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/c/cameras_accessories/pen_om_d_cameras_accessories/pen_om_d_accessory_port/sema_1/index.html
This camera is WAY more powerful and customizable than most people know!...read on
Either use the included CD or go to the Olympus website and read the FULL instruction manual. This camera has some VERY POWERFUL options and customizations that are rarely talked about. People complain that it doesn't have dedicated ISO, aperture, or shutter buttons... But it can if you use the extensive (albeit a bit confusing) settings menu to customize your buttons. I currently have my Fn button set as my ISO button, the back dial adjusts my shutter speed without going into any menu, the up arrow on the back brings up my aperture scroller, and I've set the red record button to switch between auto focus and manual focus just by pressing the button. Also make sure you activate the Super Control Panel!! You can even customize what function the buttons perform separately for each shooting mode.
You can even set your own preset shooting settings for different situations and assign those setups to the different shooting modes on the top dial. So you can set up exactly how you like to shoot let's say black and white on the street during the day in full manual by setting the picture mode to monochrome, assigning an ISO you prefer, set manual or auto focus, etc. etc. and then assign that entire setup as the "Art" or "Scn" position on your top dial so you can easily jump back and forth between your own preset shooting modes.
This is very useful information even 7 years after commenting, thank you kindly!
Nice job Mathieu, but why do you look so serious at the end my friend. Show the world your smile, I am sure it is wonderful.
Haha, you're right. You can't imagine how many takes we recorded for that last shot :D
He was laughing his head off before and after each take. We have to learn to be braver in front of the camera! ;)
is this one better than the sony a5000?
THANKS SO MUCH! I bought this camera and I'm not very experienced in photography and you taught me quite a few features! I'm so excited to use it!
It doesn't come with a very good manual, theres not really any help on how to use the camera features! So big thank you!
Great hands on presentation!
Just some petty matters here (They have nothing to do with your excellent exposure)
Why Olympus, since it was the pioneer on in camera filter effects, doesn't create an aps bank, as is the case with Apple for Iphone, Ipad and Ipod? Olympus gives us eye candy by just adding two new filter effects on the PL7.
I own the Oly TG-2. I just love this little friend. I enjoy the freedom and the results it gives.
As you mentioned, this camera, as you consider it, is an amateur's joy to have. Well it makes me wonder two things:
1- Amateurs always enjoy shooting and playing with post images effects.
2- Pros are always grumpy and persnickety about every new camera that hits the market.
Keep on sharing!
Very useful video! thank you!
Iphone 7 S
Or
This camera ??
Please help..!!
Hey Mathieu. Thanks for the wonderful review! I actually got this camera and want to use it for vlogging but it picks up background noise like crazy! Do you have any tips to reduce background noise enough just to pick up the voice of the person speaking in front of the camera? The audio at 2:00 was pretty good.
Mathieu video was very good. I have few questions, pls help me on that.
1. I want to buy an entry level DSLR, should i go for PL7?.
2. Does the camera comes with flash, or i have to buy it separately?
3. How much additional will it cost to buy a lens with 20x or more zoom
4. Is 14:42 good lens? i know 42 denotes zoom, but i do not have any idea of 14
Love your website and review
ricardo palomo thanks Ricardo.
vs the Sony a5100?
Lee L Sony has better IQ, but this has image stabilization and in my opinion much better controls. Plus lenses are smaller and cheaper.
well, when you are showing the olympus video footage...where is the audio coming from? is there a built in mic? or a mic port and you use a lavalier? or did you treat the audio?
+T W like at the very beginning? That was the camera's built-in mic.
so right off the top when I saw this camera today I thought, "How do you take a selfie video on a tripod?'' The E-PL5 screen tilted up. It wasn"t perfect but but could mount it.
I agree, with the screen tilting down the use of a tripod becomes a problem. The only workaround is to control the camera with the smartphone.
The background music is drowning out your voice.
hi I just got this camera and attached lense but screen is blank ...what have I done wrong
How much is this beauty again?????
does this camera have focus peaking?
Yes it does.
Mathieu Gasquet is the focus peaking available in both video mode or just the still pictures?
Matthew Lee unfortunately it works for still pictures only.
Hi, do you know if with this model you can setup the minimum shutter speed, for example when you shoot with Aperture mode? Thks!
Hi Ric, if I remember correctly, you can't.
Hello, I really want to purchase the E-PL5 but I'm wondering if I should invest a little bit more and get the E-PL7 instead. What are your thoughts? Thanks! :)
Denny Draganova The E-Pl7 certainly has an enhanced stabilisation system and also many of the latest features the E-m10 and E-m1 have like live composite. So if you are willing to invest, I would choose the E-PL7.
Hi, am struggling of Panoramic setteings. I don't even know on how to get it properly. Can you help me pls. Thanks
The E-PL7 doesn't stitch the Panorama in-camera. You need to use the Olympus Viewer software to create it in post.
Please help, how do i zoom in on this camera? ive been trying for so long, but i cant find how, very annoying
Which lens do you have?
14-42
Madeleine Rosie If you have the same 14-42mm as shown in the video, you use the zoom ring on the lens. You can also set the zoom speed in the Menu.
Mathieu Gasquet YAY! Ive done it!! thank you so so much!!
Thank you for this usefull infos! I love your videos! Thanx to you and your lovely smiling wife! ;-) Best regards from austria! WOLF
Thanks!
This seems to be the right camera for me. I'm interested in one thing though - I've heard a rumour that the battery compartment door is kinda easy to damage, is that true?
Michał MindYourOwnBusiness Well it certainly is a little bit delicate like most battery door in these kind of cameras but I didn't notice it to be more fragile than other cameras.
Mathieu Gasquet Thanks for your response! I can't wait to save enough cash to buy an E-PL7 paired with the zuiko 25mm f/1.8 :)
I wonder if you have tried the EPL7 with the fun and cheap ($50) 15mm f/8 pancake lens yet?
SquirrelFromGradLife No I haven't tried it with that lens.
Just watched your review and read it on your website. Was actually really surprised to see a lot of photographs of Aberdyfi and I know most of the choir at the church :) Small world.
Very nice review by the way.
Thanks Howie. We know very well the choir from Tywyn (Côr Meibion Bro Dysynni).
A lovely part of Wales (obviously I'm biased) ;) I used to shoot Full Frame and APSC but now shoot mirror-less with a GX7 and E-M10. Keep up the great reviews.
Very useful video. Does it have a built in microphone? If so, is it good?
Yes it does. The first shot at the beginning where I introduce the video was shot with the E-PL7 and the built-in mic.
Mathieu Gasquet thank you x
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons thank god found this..
do they only make the all black version in the US I was hoping to get the silver one but I can only find the all black.. anyone know?
I think you can still find the silver version on amazon.
with this camera on a tripod are you able to still use the selfie screen flipped down?
+oososweet2012 hmm not really. First the tripod mount can be larger than the camera so you can't flip down the screen completely and the tripod head would be in the way.
+Mathieu Gasquet (MirrorLessons) Hi!! thank you for answering my first question! i now have to the camera and I was just wondering when I take selfie videos the volume seems kind of low when I play it back is there a way to make it louder? thank you
finaly I got em today..
I'm thinking about buying a used one for 150 US, can someone please tell me if it's worth it? Would be grateful ☺️
Hello, could you please advise me? I'm thinking about buying a camera. I was thinking about GX800 (389 EUR)and GX80 (489 EUR) but E-PL7 (429 EUR) seems to be a good compromise, due to lack of in body stabilization in GX800. Or should I get GF7 (for 339 EUR) as the cheapest one to start with? Which one would you choose?
I would definitely recommend the GX80 if budget is not an issue, it's a great camera with lots of features (I still use mine today). The GF7 is a lot of fun as well if you don't care about 4K video. As you said, the E-PL7 is a good compromise but video quality is not as good as the Panasonic.
Thanks for response :)
How to put the lense? I've tried many times, but I can't take a photo
Are you saying you can't attach the lens to the camera, or that you can't turn the lens on?
@@MathieuGasquetMirrorLessons I can't turn on the lens on.
Hmm, when you turn on the camera the lens should extend automatically. If it doesn't, there is probably something wrong with the lens.
hello ,thanks for video,we r going to buy this camera,but we are not sure what is the difference between the 14-42 mm II R lens and the 14-42 mm EZ lens,except the EZ lens is thiner,and of course more expensive,but is there any other differences between those two ?? thanks a lot for your answer!! Barbora
+bambolka1 the main difference is that the EZ lens has a motorised zoom while the other one has a mechanical zoom ring.
+Mathieu Gasquet (MirrorLessons) so on EZ lens I cant zooming with my hand using lens ring?
+Mathieu Gasquet (MirrorLessons) and thanks for your time and answer !!
+bambolka1 Yes you can zoom in/out with the lens ring but you only need to turn it slightly. You can also choose three different zoom speed inside the camera's menu.
why does the screen flip down? isn't that kinda useless if you have a tripod like a normal person?
Jazzy Lev It's for selfies its known as a selfie camera
Hi thanks for the video. How do you control the aperture in manual mode in this camera?
wil Orell If I remember correctly, set the mode dial to M then use the other dial on top. To switch between aperture and shutter speed, use the up button on the rear wheel.
Thanks
why I have some dirty black spots on the thump grip ? :/ I can't get it clean :( Do you have it too ?
I only had the camera for review purposes so I can't really tell. How big are the black spots?
Can I send you a photo?
If you have facebook you can send a private message to our page:
facebook.com/mirrorlessons/
Thank you.
I have one. Bought in Japan with Japanese instructions. I would love to see a video with this, and this only. 1) Make a short video. 2) upload it to my computer. That’s it. I have had it for six years in my cupboard, I can’t figure out how to use it. I hate manuals. I only want to use it for videos to upload. That’s it. Such a waste. Thank you. Please make such a video if you have time. I cannot tolerate too much information about other stuff. I gave up. Broke my heart. Just show me how to make and upload a video to my MacBook and nothing else. Pretty please.
Good review, music too loud.😊
Awesome review!!! This was super helpful...thumbs uuuup!!! :)
heartsKarla thanks :)
Welcome! :) Wished there was a US version in this white color...ordered the black one so hope it's still cute. lol
Mathieu did you tried E-PL6?
***** No I haven't also because it wasn't sold in Europe.
Mathieu Gasquet
Nope it's available only in France i just bought it in La Fnac there is a great bundle for 449€ it's a bargain!
¿What about macro shoots?
There's lots of macro lenses for micro four thirds. The new Olympus 30mm f3.5 (great magnification factor) or the Lumix 30mm f2.8. I have the Oly 60mm 2.8 and I love it.
Does it get dirty easily? Since it's white...
+Ferlicia Chew I haven't use it extensively to confirm that but if you are worried about this, then it is better to choose the black/silver version.
Can i use a shotgun mic on it
Stealthy fox the camera doesn't have a mic input but you can purchase the Olympus SEMA-1 (Microphone Adapter Set). The problem is that the SEMA-1 attaches to the camera hot-shoe on top so then you won't be able to also attach the shotgun mic.
+Rangga Luksatrio The audio at 2.00 is good because I was in a room with no other noise around and I was also pretty close to the camera. It really depends on the background noise you have were you are filming. I would advice to get a decent microphone if you do lots of Vlogs. The E-PL7 doesn't have a mic input but you can get the microphone adapter from Olympus: www.olympus.co.uk/site/en/c/cameras_accessories/pen_om_d_cameras_accessories/pen_om_d_accessory_port/sema_1/index.html
Spoilt by that annoying music!