Canon 7D vs Olympus E-M1

On this page, we will be analyzing the Canon 7D and Olympus E-M1, one being a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 7D (18MP) and the E-M1 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the 7D (APS-C) and E-M1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The 7D was launched 5 years before the E-M1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Canon 7D being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus E-M1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the 7D scores versus the E-M1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS 7D and Olympus OM-D E-M1. The complete galleries are available at Canon 7D Gallery and Olympus E-M1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera often, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Canon 7D has got physical measurements of 148mm x 111mm x 74mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 2.9") and a weight of 860 grams (1.90 lbs) while the Olympus E-M1 has proportions of 130mm x 94mm x 63mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 2.5") with a weight of 497 grams (1.10 lbs).

Contrast the Canon 7D and Olympus E-M1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the 7D compared to the E-M1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 7D and E-M1 is 56 and 71 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 7D and E-M1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 7D because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Canon 7D will give more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older 7D is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.