Canon EOS M100 vs Olympus PEN E-P7: An Expert Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing between entry-level mirrorless cameras can be a tricky affair, especially when two well-known brands present models that, at first glance, seem quite similar. Today, I’m diving into a detailed, hands-on comparison of the Canon EOS M100 and the Olympus PEN E-P7. Both cameras target enthusiasts stepping up from point-and-shoots or smartphones, offering compelling features - but how do they stack up in real-world use across photography genres and diverse shooting scenarios?

Over years of testing hundreds of cameras, I’ve learned the devil’s in the details - sensor performance, autofocus, ergonomics, and the lens ecosystem all shape your experience far more than marketing specs. So I’ll share practical insights and technical perspective to help you understand which camera fits your shooting style, budget, and photography goals.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Right off the bat, handling is paramount - especially in the entry-level mirrorless segment. The Canon M100 and Olympus E-P7 both adopt a rangefinder-style mirrorless design, but their ergonomics differ subtly yet meaningfully.

Canon’s M100 is compact and light at just 302g, measuring 108 x 67 x 35mm. It’s pocketable and easy to carry all day, perfect if you want an unobtrusive camera. However, the grip is quite minimalistic - pleasant for casual street shoots, but not very secure for extended sessions or heavier lenses.

In contrast, the Olympus E-P7 is a bit bulkier and heavier at 337g and 118 x 69 x 38mm. The slightly larger body, combined with a textured grip, provides a reassuring hold that’s better suited for longer handheld use. The E-P7 feels more substantial without becoming a burden - if you value comfort in your shooting posture, Olympus edges out here.

Despite the compact size of both, neither includes an electronic viewfinder, which may disappoint DSLR converts accustomed to eye-level viewing. Instead, you have to rely on the LCD screens.

Taking Control: Top Design and User Interface

Controls and interface significantly shape your shooting flow. I inspected the top plate layouts and button placements closely for ease of use and intuitive operation.

The Canon M100 takes the minimalist route - a mode dial, shutter button, and a single multifunction button dominate the top. It’s straightforward, great if you prefer a no-fuss approach or are new to manual controls. However, its lack of customizable buttons means you might be opening menus frequently for settings changes, which slows you down in fast-paced shooting.

Olympus E-P7 ups the ante with more dedicated dials and buttons. Beyond the mode dial and shutter release, it has exposure compensation and customizable function buttons accessible without menu diving. For enthusiasts who like tactile control during active shooting - say in sports or wildlife photography - this responsiveness is refreshing. The top plate layout encourages thoughtful camera interaction rather than frustration.

Both cameras feature tilting 3-inch touchscreens, but more on that shortly.

Sensor and Image Quality: APS-C vs Micro Four Thirds

Here’s where the cameras take fundamentally different paths to image quality: Canon M100 sports a larger APS-C sensor (22.3x14.9 mm) with 24 megapixels, while Olympus E-P7 uses a smaller Four Thirds sensor (17.4x13 mm) at 20 megapixels.

Why does sensor size matter? Simply put, a larger sensor captures more light and typically produces better image quality - improved dynamic range, richer color depth, and less noise at higher ISOs. Canon’s M100 benefits from this by delivering cleaner images in low light and a more natural bokeh, thanks in part to that 1.6x crop factor lending shallower depth of field options. The M100’s DIGIC 7 processor also helps reduce noise impressively for its class.

Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor is smaller, with a 2.1x crop factor - meaning lenses effectively double their focal length, which some sports and wildlife shooters may appreciate for telephoto reach. While its maximum ISO matches the Canon’s at 25600, in practice, high-ISO images on the E-P7 show more noise and less detail retention. Olympus has improved in recent models, yet this sensor’s inherent limitations show up in demanding light.

One thoughtful trade-off: Olympus uses no optical low-pass (anti-aliasing) filter on the E-P7, theoretically providing sharper images than Canon’s M100, which does have one. In controlled tests, Olympus images appear crisper at base ISO, appealing to those who prioritize fine detail and landscape resolution at moderate settings.

Bringing the Displays to Life: LCD Screens and Touch Experience

Since neither camera has an EVF, the rear screen doubles as your composing and reviewing interface. Both feature tilting, 3-inch touchscreens at 1.04 million dots, excellent for framing shots from creative angles and managing menus.

Canon’s tilting screen pivots upward to 180°, making it selfie-friendly and perfect for vloggers or casual portraiture with friends. The touchscreen interface is responsive but somewhat limited in customization and menu depth compared to more advanced Canons.

Olympus E-P7’s screen also flips up 180°, but it feels more refined with subtle haptic feedback in the touch response. Olympus integrates a comprehensive touchscreen UI overlay that makes changing creative filters and autofocus settings more fluid, particularly valuable for novice shooters experimenting with styles while learning camera controls.

Both screens perform well in bright daylight, but Olympus’s slight edge in brightness adjustment helps retain usability in tricky lighting outdoors.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Where Fast Matters Most

Autofocus performance can make or break your shoot, especially in genres where action or quick reactions matter. The Canon M100 employs a hybrid AF system with 49 focus points combining phase-detection and contrast detection - with face detection and continuous AF tracking. The Olympus E-P7 relies solely on contrast-detect AF with 121 focus points.

In real-world shooting, this difference is palpable. The M100’s hybrid AF locks onto subjects swiftly and smoothly, making it reliable for portrait sessions or casual street photography where you want quick, confident focus without fuss. Tracking moving targets is decent but not a pro-level system.

Olympus’s contrast-detect AF is accurate but slower to reacquire focus, sometimes hunting a bit in low-contrast or rapidly shifting scenes. However, the higher number of AF points gives more coverage, which can help in static subjects like landscapes or still life. Continuous autofocus in video benefits from Olympus’s focus-by-wire lenses cushioning focus transitions elegantly.

Burst shooting tells another story: Canon M100 maxes out 6.1 fps, respectable but modest. Olympus E-P7 accelerates to 8.7 fps, making it more capable for sporadic wildlife or casual sports moments, especially with its smaller sensor producing less data per frame, easing buffer throughput.

Lens Ecosystem: More Than Just Numbers

Choosing a camera body is only half the battle; the lens lineup defines your system’s ultimate versatility.

Canon’s EOS M-mount supports around 23 native lenses. While there are sharp primes and some useful zooms, the lineup is comparatively limited and less diverse than Canon’s DSLR EF series. Adaptors exist to use these EF lenses, but they add bulk and reduce portability.

Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds mount is one of the richest ecosystems out there, boasting over 118 native lenses. From ultra-wide fisheyes to insanely sharp primes and telephotos, the MFT system offers excellent options at a variety of price points. For macro photography, Olympus’s proprietary lenses and in-body 5-axis image stabilization combine to make detailed close-ups attainable - even handheld.

In practical terms, if you foresee expanding your gear with varied lenses, Olympus’s system almost certainly gives you more flexibility, especially in specialty optics.

Steady Shots: Image Stabilization and Video Performance

The Olympus E-P7 delivers a significant advantage with sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization, which Canon’s M100 lacks altogether. This optical stabilization is a game-changer in handheld shooting - especially macro, travel, and video contexts - allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without introducing blur.

Video shooters also have a clear winner: Olympus E-P7 supports 4K UHD video at 30 fps with decent bitrates (102 Mbps), capturing crisp footage suitable for casual creative work. Canon M100 tops out at Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, which is still fine for social media but feels a bit dated in 2024’s increasingly video-savvy landscape.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, so serious videographers may look elsewhere, but for light video use, Olympus gives you more tools for smooth handheld clips.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Power on the Go

Canon’s M100 uses the LP-E12 battery, offering approximately 295 shots per charge, while Olympus E-P7’s BLS-50 battery rates around 360 shots, a noticeable boost for all-day outings.

Storage-wise, the Canon supports SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I cards in a single slot, similar to Olympus’s SD/SDHC/SDXC slot but with UHS-II compatibility for faster write speeds - useful for sustained burst shooting and 4K video in Olympus’s case. This reflects Olympus’s more modern design and positions it for better performance with high-speed cards.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Connected Off the Field

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to connect to smartphones for remote control and image transfer, streamlining sharing workflows. Canon adds NFC, making quick pairing a breeze for Android users, while Olympus relies on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi only.

On physical ports, both include HDMI outputs but lack microphone and headphone jacks - a modest omission at this price range but one worth noting if you plan more serious video work.

Extended features such as built-in flashes come standard; Canon’s flash effective range sits at 5.0m, Olympus’s slightly better at 5.4m. Olympus’s inclusion of external flash support and more advanced flash modes (fill-in, slow sync, manual) offers creative lighting control absent on the Canon.

Hands-On Genre Performance: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let’s break down how these two contenders perform in major photography genres based on my hands-on testing:

Portrait Photography

• Canon M100 delivers pleasing skin tones thanks to its APS-C sensor and color processing. The 24MP sensor and DIGIC 7 proc provide smooth, natural bokeh with shallow depth of field thanks to the 1.6x crop factor helping achieve subject isolation.
• Olympus E-P7 produces crisper detail in tight crops due to its lack of AA filter but can’t quite match Canon’s gentle background blur because of the smaller sensor and 2.1x crop factor. However, the in-body image stabilization and effective face detection allow more flexibility with slower shutter speeds, useful for indoor portraits in limited light.

Winner: Canon M100 for classic portrait aesthetics and smoother skin rendition.

Landscape Photography

• Canon M100 benefits from excellent dynamic range (~13 stops measured in tests) and terrific color depth (23.5-bit), capturing broad tonal gradations, especially in RAW files. The 24MP resolution offers ample detail for prints and cropping.
• Olympus E-P7 has a smaller sensor area leading to slightly less dynamic range and lower native resolution (20MP), but its sharper lens lineup and lack of low-pass filter allow for highly detailed landscapes, especially when tripod-mounted at low ISO.

Weather sealing is absent on both, so you will want to protect them in harsh conditions.

Winner: Tie, with Canon favored for dynamic range, Olympus for acute sharpness. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize tonal latitude over fine detail.

Wildlife Photography

• The M100’s 1.6x crop factor is helpful, but the limited burst speed (6.1 fps) and AF system can struggle to keep up with fast birds or mammals. Canon’s EF-M lens options for telephoto are thinner in variety, and no stabilization hurts handheld long lens use.
• Olympus’s 2.1x crop factor extends reach significantly, and faster 8.7 fps burst lets you capture more action. The in-body stabilization aids in steady shots with prime telephotos, while the larger lens selection in MFT offers specialized wildlife optics.

Winner: Olympus E-P7, thanks to faster shooting, stabilization, and telephoto lens options.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera enters the professional sports domain, but Panasonic’s faster burst and AF responsiveness gives Olympus a small edge. Canon’s hybrid AF tracks well but slightly slower burst limits capturing peak action.
• Olympus’s better custom controls allow quick exposure compensation shifts in changing stadium lighting.

Winner: Olympus E-P7, for speed and control advantages.

Street Photography

• Canon’s compact size and lightweight body, combined with quick hybrid AF and natural color rendition, make it excellent for street shooters who prize discretion and ease.
• Olympus is bulkier and slower AF might distract in fast street moments. However, its superior stabilization benefits night street shots handheld.

Winner: Canon M100 for portability and responsiveness in candid shooting.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-P7 takes the lead here with sensor-shift IS and a solid lineup of macro lenses, plus focus peaking features that assist in close-focus precision.
• Canon’s lack of IS and fewer native macro options limit hand-held macro potential.

Winner: Olympus E-P7.

Night and Astrophotography

• Canon’s better high-ISO performance (low-light ISO 1272 vs Olympus untested but known to be noisier) and larger sensor favor cleaner images of night skies and astrophotography.
• Olympus benefits from stabilization but sensor limitations restrict detail in ultra-low light.

Winner: Canon M100, for cleaner night imagery.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-P7 supports UHD 4K up to 30p with decent bitrates and smoother autofocus transitions using contrast-detect AF.
• Canon M100 maxes out at 1080p 60p - still serviceable, but not future-proof.

Neither camera includes mic or headphone inputs, so they cater to casual videographers rather than pros.

Winner: Olympus E-P7, for 4K video.

Travel Photography

• Here, size, weight, and versatility matter most.
• Canon M100 is smaller, lighter, easier to carry all day.
• Olympus E-P7, while slightly bigger, offers stabilization, a richer lens lineup, and longer battery life.

If you value portability over ultimate lens flexibility, Canon wins; if you want a do-it-all travel rig, Olympus is compelling.

Professional Work and Workflow

Neither camera targets professional use, but file quality, lens availability, and durability still matter.

• Canon shoots 14-bit RAW with decent processing and straightforward compatibility with Canon workflows.
• Olympus offers 12-bit RAW but richer lens options and better in-body stabilization for handheld reliability.

Neither camera offers weather sealing, robust build, or pro-grade file options.

The Final Scorecard: A Visual Summary

To help sort all this out, here’s a synthesized performance overview based on real-world testing and technical benchmarks:

And genre-specific scores highlight their strengths:

Sample Gallery: Image Quality Walkthrough

Rather than simply relaying specs, I encourage you to examine these sample images shot side-by-side under controlled conditions. Notice Canon’s smoother gradation on skin tones and higher dynamic range, while Olympus images show sharper edge detail and crisp textures in daylight.

Canon M100 front Canon M100 screen back Olympus E P7 front Olympus E P7 screen back

My Take: Who Should Buy Which?

Pick the Canon EOS M100 if:

• You want the best image quality in good and low light from a larger APS-C sensor.
• Portraiture and street photography with natural colors and decent bokeh are priorities.
• You prefer a compact and lightweight camera for casual shooting.
• Video is secondary and Full HD is enough.
• You desire an affordable entry point to mirrorless with easy controls.

Choose the Olympus PEN E-P7 if:

• You want 4K video along with better continuous shooting.
• In-body image stabilization and a large lens ecosystem appeal to you.
• You shoot wildlife, macro, or faster action where burst speed and stabilization matter.
• You prefer richer tactile controls and are ready to pay extra for them.
• You plan creative lens expansions and want more manual control flexibility.

Closing Thoughts: Balancing Value and Versatility

Both cameras represent strong, accessible entry points into mirrorless photography but cater to somewhat different needs. Canon’s M100 impresses with solid image quality wrapped in a simple yet polished package, making it excellent for new enthusiasts focused on photos rather than video. Olympus E-P7 pushes versatility with its modern video specs, better ergonomics, and powerful stabilization, ideal for multi-genre shooters who want a stepping stone into more creative fields.

As always, no camera is perfect. Canon’s lack of IS and limited native lenses may frustrate in the long term, while Olympus’s smaller sensor compromises low-light performance and bokeh. Your choice must hinge on your personal shooting style, lens investment plans, and budget.

For me, if forced to pick a single, well-rounded camera for everyday use that balances portability, image quality, and future growth, Olympus PEN E-P7 takes a slight lead - especially because of its in-body stabilization and video versatility. But if portrait and night photography dominate your priorities and you favor a lean, straightforward experience, Canon EOS M100 remains an outstanding value.

Whichever way you lean, both models embody key strengths of entry-level mirrorless photography today. Get out there and shoot - the best camera is the one always at hand.

Feel free to reach out if you want my detailed workflow tips or lens recommendations for either system. Happy shooting!