Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus VR-320: A Practical, Expert Comparison for Photographers in 2024

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially when options span from entry-level mirrorless systems to compact superzooms. Today, we deep dive into two Olympus models representing very different photography philosophies: the Olympus E-PL7 (a versatile Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera) and the Olympus VR-320 (a pocket-friendly superzoom compact). Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, this guide will help you understand key differences, real-world performance, and which camera suits your creative goals and budget.

Meeting the Cameras: Form Factor and Handling

Before plunging into specs, let’s talk about what it feels like to hold and operate these cameras - an often underappreciated aspect of your photography experience.

• Olympus E-PL7: This camera sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body, characteristic of Olympus' compact but thoughtfully ergonomic design. At 115x67x38mm and 357 grams, it fits comfortably in the hand. The grip is subtle but provides enough purchase for stable shots during extended use. The tilting touchscreen enhances compositional flexibility, especially for vlogging or low/high-angle shooting.

• Olympus VR-320: Weighing only 158 grams with dimensions 101x58x29mm, the VR-320 is very pocketable. Its ultra-compact size and fixed lens design appeal to those valuing convenience and quick point-and-shoot operation. However, ergonomics take a backseat - the smaller body limits comfortable manual handling and reduces grip security for prolonged sessions.

Key takeaway: If handling comfort and extended shooting sessions matter to you, the E-PL7 has the upper hand. For grab-and-go casual shooting, the VR-320 shines.

Controls and User Interface: Where Intuition Meets Function

The control interface plays a critical role in how efficiently you can capture shots or tweak settings on the fly. Here the cameras differ fundamentally.

• E-PL7: Olympus' TruePic VII processor drives responsive performance, and the camera offers manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), exposure compensation, and customizable buttons. Touchscreen AF and menu navigation make operation fluid. Although lacking a built-in EVF, the optional electronic viewfinder can be added for eye-level shooting preferences.

• VR-320: This superzoom is designed for full automatic operation. It lacks manual exposure modes and has no viewfinder - you compose shots exclusively via its small fixed TFT LCD (3.0", 230k dots). The control layout is simple, emphasizing easy point-and-shoot, with no customization. For new photographers desiring absolute simplicity, this might be a benefit.

Tip: If you want creative control over exposure settings or rely on quick adjustments, the E-PL7’s interface and controls offer a clear advantage.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photographic Output

An essential distinction lies in sensor size, resolution, and associated imaging capabilities.

The Four Thirds sensor in the E-PL7 is about eight times larger in area than the VR-320’s compact sensor. This size difference directly influences image quality.

Real-world Impact:

• Larger sensor size delivers better dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance, allowing for greater creative flexibility later in post-processing.

• The E-PL7’s 16MP resolution captures crisp details suitable for large prints or cropping, while the VR-320’s 14MP output is adequate for casual sharing but may struggle with fine detail retention at larger sizes.

• Native ISO up to 25600 on the E-PL7 versus 1600 on the VR-320 means the former excels in dim environments with less noise.

• RAW file support on the E-PL7 empowers you to fine-tune exposure, white balance, and sharpness - a feature absent in the VR-320, which only shoots JPEGs.

In summary: For photographers demanding superior image quality, particularly in variable lighting, the E-PL7 sensor offers significant advantages.

Autofocus and Burst Performance

Speed, accuracy, and tracking capability in autofocus (AF) systems often make or break a camera for sports, wildlife, and active scenarios.

The E-PL7’s 81-point contrast AF with face detection and continuous tracking provides solid speed and accuracy. It can handle moderate action shots, particularly with fast primes or zooms, shooting at 8 frames per second (fps). While not a professional sports camera, it performs well for street and casual wildlife photography given good lighting.

The VR-320's autofocus is simpler and intended for stationary subjects. It lacks continuous AF and bursts, which reduces its utility for moving subjects.

Equipment insight: Our lab testing shows the E-PL7’s handling of focus shifts during tracking scenarios maintains subject sharpness more reliably than the VR-320.

LCD Screens: Composition and Image Review

Both cameras feature 3-inch displays but differ sharply in resolution and flexibility.

• E-PL7: The 3" tilting touchscreen with 1,037k dots delivers excellent clarity and brightness, making it easy to judge focus and exposure. The tilt mechanism encourages creativity with composition from various angles.

• VR-320: Fixed 3.0" TFT LCD at 230k dots offers basic framing and review, but details and usability under bright sunlight are compromised.

The touchscreen functionality on the E-PL7 also speeds focusing and menu control, important for workflow efficiency.

Lens Systems and Flexibility

A critical advantage of the E-PL7 is its Micro Four Thirds mount supporting over 100 lenses covering a huge range of focal lengths and apertures from Olympus and third parties.

• E-PL7 Lens Compatibility:

  • Allows fast primes (e.g., 25mm f/1.8) for low light and portrait bokeh.
  • Superzooms (e.g., 14-150mm) cover diverse scenarios.
  • Specialty lenses for macro, fisheye, and tilt-shift.

• VR-320:

  • Fixed 24-300mm equivalent zoom, f/3.0-5.9 aperture.
  • Macro focusing as close as 1cm.
  • No lens interchangeability, limiting upgrade options.

Note: The VR-320’s zoom offers impressive versatility in a single lens, useful for travel or casual photography without lens swaps.

However, the E-PL7 allows you to tailor your optics to specific genres including portrait, landscape, and wildlife - something no compact can match.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Neither camera features environmental sealing or ruggedized builds, so be mindful avoiding moisture or dust ingress.

• E-PL7: Solid plastic and metal build feels durable, weighing more but built to last with standard mirrorless camera rigors.

• VR-320: Lightweight plastic shell emphasizes portability, but less robust to crashes or harsh conditions.

If you shoot outdoors frequently, consider protective accessories even for the E-PL7.

Battery Life and Storage

The E-PL7 offers decent battery life for mirrorless standards; you can extend sessions with spare batteries. The VR-320’s battery life is more limited but often offset by simpler operation.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is increasingly important for instant sharing or remote control.

• E-PL7: Built-in Wi-Fi allows image transfer and remote shooting from smartphones via dedicated apps, a significant plus for workflow flexibility.

• VR-320: No wireless connectivity options, limiting direct sharing unless you transfer manually via USB or memory card.

Flash Systems:

• E-PL7 lacks a built-in flash but supports external flashes on its hot shoe, giving more creative lighting control.

• VR-320 includes a built-in flash with multiple modes, convenient but less powerful.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Creators

The E-PL7 records full HD 1080p video with handheld stabilization and has options tailored for vloggers and enthusiasts. While lacking external microphone input, the image quality and focusing options exceed the VR-320, which maxes out at HD 720p with lower video fidelity.

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back

Visual Results: Sample Images and Analysis

Here are side-by-side samples showcasing each camera’s rendering under varied conditions.

• Portrait: The E-PL7's larger sensor provides natural skin tones, smooth out-of-focus backgrounds (bokeh), and solid eye detection autofocus. The VR-320 produces flatter, softer images with less subject isolation.

• Landscape: Wide dynamic range on the E-PL7 preserves detail in shadows and highlights better than the VR-320, which clips easily and has lower resolution detail.

• Low Light: High ISO shots from the E-PL7 maintain usable detail with noise reduction, whereas the VR-320 struggles with grain and limited ISO range.

These differences illustrate the E-PL7’s suitability for quality-driven enthusiasts, while the VR-320 remains a competent casual shooter.

Where Each Camera Excels: Photography Genre Performance

• Portraiture: E-PL7’s sensor size, lens options, and eye-detection AF make it the clear winner.

• Landscape: Again, the E-PL7’s resolution and dynamic range outperform; VR-320’s superzoom lens is helpful for distant vistas but limited in image fidelity.

• Wildlife: Neither camera is a professional wildlife tool, but the E-PL7’s burst shooting and lens selection enable better tracking.

• Sports: E-PL7 provides faster continuous shooting and autofocus tracking; VR-320’s lack of burst limits action shots.

• Street: VR-320’s small size and quiet operation favor discreet shooting, but the E-PL7 is manageable for street if size is acceptable.

• Macro: VR-320 has close focusing (1cm) but limited quality; E-PL7 with a dedicated macro lens and stabilization beats it.

• Night/Astro: Larger sensor and high ISO abilities on the E-PL7 offer the edge.

• Video: E-PL7 supports Full HD and better controls.

• Travel: Both have merits; VR-320 excels in portability and zoom; E-PL7 wins in image quality and creative flexibility.

• Professional: E-PL7's RAW, manual control, and lens ecosystem fit serious use better.

Summing Up Performance: An Expert Verdict

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Olympus E-PL7 if:

• You want a versatile system camera capable of high-quality photos and Full HD videos.
• Manual control, lens options, and RAW capability matter for your creative growth.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or action with substantial control.
• You value wireless connectivity and solid ergonomics.

Choose the Olympus VR-320 if:

• You prefer an ultra-compact, affordable camera for everyday snapshots and travel.
• You want simplicity with minimal settings and no learning curve.
• Portability and an all-in-one zoom lens is your top priority.
• Your budget is limited, and you prioritize casual use over advanced features.

Getting Started and Next Steps

Once you decide, consider essential accessories to get the most from your camera:

• For the E-PL7: Invest in a versatile zoom and a fast prime lens, extra batteries, and a protective case.
• For the VR-320: A good quality SD card and a small carrying pouch will enhance convenience.

Be sure to handle the cameras personally if possible - nothing replaces the feel and interface experience.

In this comparison of Olympus’ E-PL7 mirrorless against the VR-320 compact superzoom, you have a clear picture of strengths and compromises. The E-PL7 stands out as a capable creative tool advancing your photography journey. The VR-320 remains a solid budget-friendly companion for simple, versatile snapshots.

Whichever you choose, your creative expression only grows when you capture and share what inspires you. So, get out there, explore, and make images that tell your story.

This expert review is based on comprehensive testing with both cameras under various conditions to provide an honest, unbiased, and practical assessment for photographers at all levels.