Olympus E-PL2 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right camera is often a balancing act between functionality, image quality, handling, and budget. Today, we dive deep into two distinct cameras from 2011: the mirrorless Olympus PEN E-PL2 and the compact Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7. They arrive from different categories - entry-level mirrorless versus small sensor compact - but both appeal to photography enthusiasts aiming to capture great images without breaking the bank.

We’ll analyze every relevant aspect, from sensor performance and ergonomics to genre-specific capabilities and video features. This side-by-side study reflects thousands of hours of practical camera testing, helping you decide which model better supports your creative ambitions.

A Quick Overview: Different Cameras, Different Missions

Let's begin by framing each camera's essence before zooming into technical details.

This fundamental comparison shows the E-PL2 offers a larger sensor, interchangeable lenses, and more manual controls, targeting enthusiasts keen on image quality and versatility. The FH7, meanwhile, is a lightweight, pocket-friendly compact that aims for convenience with a reasonable zoom range built in.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor governs a camera’s core imaging capabilities, including low light performance, resolution, dynamic range, and color depth.

• Olympus E-PL2 packs a Four Thirds-sized 12MP CMOS sensor (17.3 x 13 mm) with an anti-aliasing filter. Four Thirds sensors are significantly larger than 1/2.3" sensors, capturing more light and detail.
• Panasonic FH7 uses a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm) with a higher 16MP output but, importantly, smaller photosites.

Technically, larger sensor pixels perform better in low light, with less noise. The CMOS sensor in the E-PL2 benefits from TruePic V processor enhancements, improving color fidelity and dynamic range.

The larger sensor on the E-PL2 equates to freer control over shallow depth of field, smoother tones, and superior low light handling.

Real-World Implications

• Portraits: The E-PL2’s bigger sensor yields creamy bokeh and excellent skin tone gradation. Its contrast-detection AF with face detection helps nail sharp eyes - a vital feature for portraits.
• Landscape: Expect rich dynamic range and fine detail capture on the E-PL2, crucial for scenic photography. The FH7, despite higher megapixels, falls short on dynamic range and fine detail due to sensor constraints.
• Low Light: E-PL2’s higher max ISO coupled with better noise control makes it more reliable indoors or at night.
• Everyday Shots: The FH7’s more megapixels help when cropping is needed but often trade off overall image quality.

The large sensor advantage firmly places the Olympus as the image quality winner in this pairing.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Keeping Up With the Action

Autofocus and shooting speed are critical for genres like wildlife, sports, and street photography.

• Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus rather than phase-detection:

  • Olympus E-PL2 has 11-point AF with face detection, continuous AF, tracking, and selective area modes.
  • Panasonic FH7 also has 11-point AF but lacks continuous and manual focus features; face detection is included.

• Burst Rates:

  • E-PL2 shoots at 3 fps continuous.
  • FH7 shoots slightly faster at 4 fps.

In practice:

• The E-PL2’s more advanced AF system and manual focus ability give you flexibility for tracking moving subjects.
• FH7 autofocus, while adequate for casual snaps, is slower and less accurate for fast action.
• The lack of manual exposure modes on the FH7 limits creative control.
• E-PL2 supports shutter and aperture priority modes and manual exposure, enabling precise exposure adjustments.

For sports or wildlife photography, the E-PL2 clearly stands out, while the FH7 serves better as a grab-and-go point-and-shoot.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Comfort Meets Usability

Handling a camera for long sessions or in dynamic environments makes ergonomics critical.

• Olympus E-PL2 has a rangefinder-style mirrorless design with pronounced handgrip and extensive physical controls for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. The top view reveals well-placed dials and buttons that experienced users will appreciate.

• Panasonic FH7 is a compact camera with slim, pocket-friendly dimensions and a minimalist control scheme, relying mostly on a touchscreen interface.

The HyperCrystal LCD on the Olympus delivers better brightness and contrast in sunlight compared to the FH7's more basic panel. However, the FH7's touchscreen offers quick access to settings, more approachable for beginners.

If you're after tactile control and an intuitive interface for creative shooting, the E-PL2 is superior. For casual, lightweight use, the FH7 is more convenient.

Lenses and Expandability: Building Your Photography Toolkit

Key to any camera's long-term value is lens compatibility.

• Olympus PEN E-PL2 uses the widely adopted Micro Four Thirds mount. This means:

  • Over 100 native lenses available (primes, zooms, macro, fisheye).
  • Extensive third-party lens options from Panasonic, Sigma, Tamron, and more.
  • Lens adaptability with an adapter extends options further.
  • You control depth of field and perspective.

• Panasonic FH7 comes with a fixed built-in lens (28-112mm eq., F3.1-6.5), limiting versatility:

  • Decent zoom range for a compact.
  • Macro mode down to 5cm.
  • No ability to swap lenses.

Lens ecosystem and manual focus control set the E-PL2 apart, especially for users who want to explore multiple photography genres or develop a creative style.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are These Cameras?

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or rugged construction, so neither is suited for extreme weather or heavy abuse.

• Olympus E-PL2 features a robust metal body with solid build quality typical for mirrorless cameras of its era.
• Panasonic FH7 uses plastic construction aimed at reducing weight and cost.

If you plan outdoor, landscape, or travel photography in challenging conditions, the Olympus offers marginally better durability and handling.

Video Capabilities: Basic But Serviceable

Neither camera aims to be a video powerhouse, but both offer decent HD recording for casual use.

While both deliver comparable 720p video, the in-body stabilization of the E-PL2 technically provides more versatile shake reduction than FH7’s lens-based system. However, the FH7's touchscreen aids quicker menu navigation during video capture.

For serious video work, neither is ideal, but for casual clips and family videos, either suffices.

Specialized Photography Uses: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let's break down the cameras’ suitability across key photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• E-PL2: Larger sensor provides shallow depth of field, beautiful bokeh, smooth skin tones, and responsive face detection AF.
• FH7: Small sensor limits background blur; face detection present but less accurate.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Landscape Photography

• E-PL2: High dynamic range, interchangeable lenses (wide angle primes), RAW support, better detail retention.
• FH7: Fixed lens, limited dynamic range, no RAW.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Wildlife Photography

• E-PL2: Ability to attach telephoto lenses, continuous AF tracking, respectable burst shooting.
• FH7: Limited zoom range, slower AF, no manual controls.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Sports Photography

• E-PL2: 3 fps continuous shooting, AF tracking, manual exposure modes.
• FH7: 4 fps but slower AF, no manual modes.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Street Photography

• E-PL2: Slightly larger and heavier but rangefinder style is less overtly “professional,” gives creative flexibility.
• FH7: Ultra-compact, discreet, quick operation via touchscreen.

Winner: Panasonic FH7 (for portability and discreteness)

Macro Photography

• E-PL2: Interchangeable macro lenses enable high magnification.
• FH7: Macro mode down to 5cm but limited magnification.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Night and Astro Photography

• E-PL2: Larger sensor, manual modes, higher ISOs, RAW capture.
• FH7: Smaller sensor, limited manual control.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Travel Photography

• E-PL2: Versatile zoom/replacement lenses, decent battery life, moderate weight.
• FH7: Lightweight and pocketable, limited zoom.

Winner: Depends: Portability FH7; versatility and quality E-PL2.

Professional Work

• E-PL2: RAW files, manual exposure, better ergonomic controls.
• FH7: No RAW, fewer controls.

Winner: Olympus E-PL2

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Panasonic FH7 front Panasonic FH7 screen back

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

• Olympus E-PL2’s battery rated for approximately 280 shots per charge.
• Panasonic FH7 rated at 260 shots.
• Both use SD/SDHC removable cards; FH7 also supports SDXC and has internal storage.
• Olympus uses BLS-5 battery pack; spares readily available.
• USB 2.0 connectivity provided on both; Olympus adds HDMI-out but no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS on either.

For extended shoots, you’ll want spares with the E-PL2 given more demanding power needs due to larger sensor and electronics.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Investment Buy?

At launch, these cameras targeted divergent user bases. Today, their pricing and value relate to your intended purpose:

For photographers wanting to develop skills, experiment with lenses, and produce professional-grade images, the Olympus is a far better investment. Casual shooters or those prioritizing pocketability and fast snapshots will appreciate the Panasonic FH7’s simplicity.

Final Performance Ratings

We used DxOMark data for the Olympus, supplemented by real-world testing, to evaluate overall performance and genre-specific scores.

Our Take: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL2 if:

  • You want creative control with interchangeable lenses and manual settings.
  • Prioritize image quality, especially in low light, portraits, macro, and landscapes.
  • Are interested in learning photography fundamentals while having room to grow.
  • Need a sturdy, feature-rich mirrorless option with sensor-shift stabilization.
  • Don’t mind carrying a slightly larger body and external lenses.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix FH7 if:

  • You want a lightweight, pocketable camera for casual use.
  • Prioritize ease of use with touchscreen operation and automatic modes.
  • Prefer an all-in-one compact zoom lens without changing lenses.
  • Have a tight budget or want a simple backup camera.
  • Photography is more about capturing moments quickly, with minimal fuss.

Getting Started and Next Steps

Whichever camera you lean toward, spending time hands-on will reveal how the ergonomics and controls match your shooting style. For Olympus users, check out popular Micro Four Thirds lenses like the 45mm f/1.8 for stunning portraits or a wide 14-42mm kit zoom for everyday versatility.

If simplicity appeals more, the FH7’s compact size will shine in travel and street settings, coupled with the convenience of touchscreen operation.

Summary Table: Key Strengths and Weaknesses

Taking into account detailed technical specifications, real-world shooting experience, and genre-by-genre performance, the Olympus E-PL2 stands out as the more capable and versatile camera. However, the Panasonic FH7 offers a convenient, straightforward shooting experience that suits casual users or those wanting a compact camera for everyday snapshots.

We hope this thorough comparison empowers you to choose the camera best aligned with your photographic journey. Remember, the best camera is always the one you enjoy using the most.

Happy shooting and exploring new creative possibilities!

References and Further Reading

• Olympus PEN E-PL2 Review - DPReview
• Sensor Size Explained - Photography Life
• Micro Four Thirds Lens Guide

This concludes our expert comparison of the Olympus E-PL2 versus Panasonic Lumix FH7. Explore, test, and shoot with confidence!