Leica M-Monochrom vs Olympus E-PL7

Here is a extended analysis of the Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus E-PL7, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Leica and Olympus. The image resolution of the M-Monochrom (18MP) and the E-PL7 (16MP) is relatively similar but the M-Monochrom (Full frame) and E-PL7 (Four Thirds) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The M-Monochrom was launched 3 years earlier than the E-PL7 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature the same body design (Rangefinder-style mirrorless).

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief summation of how the M-Monochrom matches up vs the E-PL7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus PEN E-PL7. The complete galleries are provided at Leica M-Monochrom Gallery and Olympus E-PL7 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Leica M-Monochrom offers outside dimensions of 139mm x 80mm x 37mm (5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5") having a weight of 600 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Olympus E-PL7 has dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs).

Examine the Leica M-Monochrom and Olympus E-PL7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the M-Monochrom and the E-PL7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the M-Monochrom and E-PL7 is 78 and 86 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by going over technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the M-Monochrom and E-PL7.

As you can tell, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The M-Monochrom featuring a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Leica M-Monochrom will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older M-Monochrom is going to be behind in sensor innovation.