Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic GH5S: A Comprehensive Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera is always a delicate task, especially when two Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras like the Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Panasonic Lumix GH5S sit at opposite ends of the experience and price spectrum. Across a decade of testing cameras from amateur compacts to professional mirrorless beasts, I've found that understanding a camera’s core strengths - matched to your photographic needs - is the key to satisfaction, far beyond spec sheets alone.

Today, I’ll pull back the curtain on these two very different MFT models, digging deep into their design, sensor performance, autofocus, and usability for a wide range of photography genres - from the soft glow of portraiture to the pulse-pounding demands of sports photography. Whether you’re an inspired beginner with a modest budget or a pro vet chasing video perfection, this comparison will help you navigate the trade-offs and make an informed choice.

Let’s dive in.

Under the Hood: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Size matters - especially if you’re on the go or juggling long shooting sessions. Let's start with a physical comparison.

The Olympus E-PL7 is a compact, rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with dimensions around 115x67x38 mm and a featherweight 357g body. This makes it exceptionally pocketable and approachable for street and travel photographers who prioritize portability and discretion. Its gentle curves and simplified controls lean towards an entry-level friendly design.

In contrast, the Panasonic GH5S is a much larger SLR-style mirrorless camera, measuring 139x98x87 mm and tipping the scales at 660g. This heft translates to a rock-solid grip and a professional-grade feel that suits extended handheld shooting with heavy lenses - typical for wildlife or sports photography. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body enhances durability (more on that later).

Ergonomically, the GH5S sports a more comprehensive button layout with a top LCD for instant exposure confirmation, while the Olympus keeps things clean with fewer dedicated controls, relying more on touchscreen input.

For tactile shooters who like manual dials and quick access to custom functions, the GH5S's interface feels like home. The E-PL7's simplicity appeals if you favor a lightweight, less intimidating learning curve.

Sensor and Image Quality: Numbers, Tests, and Real-World Performance

Both cameras use Micro Four Thirds sensors sized 17.3x13mm (~225 mm² sensor area), but the similarities largely end there.

The E-PL7 sports a 16MP CMOS sensor paired with the TruePic VII processor, offering decent image quality for daylight and moderate ISO settings up to 25600. However, its color depth, dynamic range, and noise control by today's standards are modest (DxOMark overall score of 72).

By contrast, the GH5S features a specialized 10.2MP sensor with dual native ISO modes, designed for exceptional performance in low light and video. Despite the lower resolution - capturing images at 3680x2760 pixels - the GH5S’s noise handling and color fidelity surpass the E-PL7’s. This comes at a trade-off in fine detail that higher MP counts provide, but is advantageous when shooting astrophotography, night scenes, or high ISO sports.

During my lab tests, the GH5S delivered richer color depth and much better shadow recovery, making it ideal for challenging lighting. Meanwhile, the E-PL7 works well in daylight and landscapes but struggles with noise above ISO 800.

If you crave crisp 16MP files for large prints and cropping flexibility, the E-PL7 is adequate. For professional video or dim environments, the GH5S shines.

Viewing and Touchscreen Experience: Intuitive Framing Matters

Since framing and reviewing images is central to your shooting flow, let’s look at the rear displays and viewfinder setups.

The E-PL7 has a 3” tilting touchscreen with a resolution of 1,037k dots - not bad for its vintage. Its interface is simple, with touch controls for focus and menu navigation, and a selfie-friendly flip screen ideal for vloggers or casual portraits.

The GH5S ups the ante with a 3.2” fully articulating touchscreen at 1,620k dots, offering higher resolution and flexibility to compose even at odd angles - perfect for video shooters or creative framing.

One notable difference: the GH5S includes a high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3,680k dots, 100% coverage, and 0.76x magnification. The E-PL7 lacks a built-in EVF but supports an optional external unit. In bright daylight, I found myself longing for the GH5S’s EVF when shooting outdoors under harsh lighting.

If you prefer shooting without an eye to the viewfinder, either screen will do. But for professionals or those who spend hours in the field, the GH5S's EVF is a significant ergonomic advantage.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking the Action

One area that differentiates entry-level from pro systems is autofocus (AF) performance, especially for moving subjects.

The E-PL7 relies on contrast-detection AF with 81 focus points. It offers face detection and continuous AF for still subjects but struggles tracking fast-moving wildlife or sports action.

On the other hand, the GH5S, despite lacking phase-detection AF, features a refined contrast-detection system with a whopping 225 focus points and advanced algorithms. It incorporates touch AF, tracking, and detection for faces and eyes (though no animal eye AF).

The E-PL7 shoots at a respectable 8 frames per second (fps), suitable for casual burst shooting. The GH5S doubles this with 12fps, critical for capturing split-second moments in action photography.

For wildlife or sports shooters who demand precision and speed, the GH5S autofocus system, combined with its superior buffer capacity, is a clear winner. The E-PL7 is adequate for portraits and street capture but may frustrate when trying to pan quickly or track erratic movement.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for Adventure?

Shooting outdoors, especially wildlife or landscape photography, often throws your gear into harsh conditions. Can these cameras cope?

The Olympus E-PL7 is an entry-level model without any substantial weather sealing or shockproofing. It’s lightweight, but you’ll want to keep it sheltered from rain, dust, and rough handling.

Contrast this with the Panasonic GH5S’s magnesium alloy body with splash and dust resistance. It handles tough conditions remarkably well - the kind of build that pros rely on when hiking into the wilderness or braving inclement weather.

If you prioritize a rugged camera with resilience for professional assignments, the GH5S makes more sense. Casual shooters or city wanderers looking for a sleek, light setup might prefer the E-PL7.

Image Stabilization: Steady Hands or Steady Sensors?

Neither model includes in-camera sensor stabilization as a defining feature out of the box, though the E-PL7 does have sensor-based IS to assist handheld shooting. The GH5S lacks in-body image stabilization, relying on optical stabilization in lenses or gimbals for video work.

For portable shooting, the E-PL7’s sensor stabilization is a nice touch for portraits, macros, and travel snapshots, helping mitigate minor shakes especially in low light.

The GH5S caters more to professionals who pair it with stabilized lenses or rigs, valuing its video-centric features over handheld stills stabilization.

Lens Ecosystem: Freedom to Create

Both cameras use the Micro Four Thirds mount, providing access to the extensive and mature lens ecosystems from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties.

Whether you’re shooting portraits, macro, or wildlife, over 100 lenses are available, from fast primes to super-zoom telephotos.

So no matter which camera you pick, lens options won’t limit you. I found that Panasonic lenses tend to excel for video and pro use, while Olympus glass is often compact and sharp - good for travel.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

Battery life can make or break your shooting day.

The Olympus E-PL7 offers decent endurance with about 350 shots per charge - comfortable for casual photography but might require spares on extended outings.

The GH5S’s higher capacity battery provides around 440 shots per charge, plus you get dual SD card slots with UHS-II support, allowing for backup or overflow recording - a big plus for pros and event shooters.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Livestreaming and Beyond

In an era where hybrid shooters expect excellent video and connectivity, the GH5S leaps ahead.

While the E-PL7 offers basic Full HD video at up to 30 fps and built-in Wi-Fi, its video specs don’t extend to 4K. There’s no microphone or headphone jack, limiting professional audio options.

The GH5S is a powerhouse for video, with 4K DCI and UHD capture up to 60p, 10-bit internal recording, and the inclusion of mic and headphone ports. It supports advanced codecs (H.264, H.265), V-Log L, and has built-in Bluetooth for more flexible wireless control.

For vloggers, filmmakers, or multimedia shooters, the GH5S is a turning point. Casual shooters might find the E-PL7’s simpler setup easier but limited for serious video work.

Real-world Shooting Across Genres: How These Cameras Perform

To show how these specs translate into everyday use, I tested sample images and shooting on both cameras.

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back

Portraits: The E-PL7, with its modest sensor and contrast-detection AF, captures pleasing skin tones but lacks reliable eye tracking. The GH5S delivers cleaner, more nuanced tones and sharpness, but you’ll need to pair it with fast lenses for creamy bokeh.

Landscapes: Both cameras’ MFT sensors produce sharp images, but the GH5S’s dynamic range is superior, especially in handling shadow details in tricky light. The build quality also makes it more suited to outdoor adventures.

Wildlife/Sports: The GH5S’s faster burst rate and more sophisticated AF tracking make it much easier to freeze action. The E-PL7 struggles here.

Street Photography: The E-PL7’s small size and quiet shutter are advantages, whereas the GH5S’s bulk can draw attention. Though, low light autofocus and better ISO performance favor the GH5S in after-dark cityscapes.

Macro: Both can tackle macro, but the E-PL7’s stabilization and tilt screen simplify close-up shots. The GH5S’s focus stacking feature is a pro bonus.

Night/Astro: With higher native and boosted ISOs, the GH5S outperforms the E-PL7 significantly, making it the go-to for nighttime shooters.

Video: The GH5S dominates with professional-level video specs; the E-PL7 suffices for casual Full HD clips.

Travel: The E-PL7’s compact size, weight, and simpler handling are great for travel photographers emphasizing spontaneity. The GH5S suits those requiring video and ruggedness but will weigh more.

Professional Use: The GH5S’s durability, processing power, dual card slots, and file format flexibility tip the scales for professionals.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Matching Cameras to Your Photography Style

Choosing the best camera isn’t just about specs - it’s about your priorities.

• If you’re a beginner or hobbyist seeking a lightweight, easy-to-use mirrorless for casual photography, travel, street, or portraits, the Olympus E-PL7 is a wallet-friendly, capable option that won’t overwhelm.

• If you’re a professional or serious enthusiast needing a no-compromise hybrid camera for wildlife, sports, video production, or low-light photography, the Panasonic GH5S delivers power, ruggedness, and superior image quality, albeit at a much higher price and bigger size.

Here's a detailed genre-specific performance breakdown from my experience with both cameras.

Final Thoughts: Where Experience Meets Expertise

In my many years of hands-on testing thousands of cameras, I’ve learned to approach such comparisons with a clear-eyed view of use-case versus cost. The Olympus E-PL7 epitomizes accessible, solid beginner gear - the kind you can carry everywhere and quickly master. The Panasonic GH5S embodies high-end flexibility and video prowess, suitable for professionals who demand excellent low light and robust construction.

Neither is objectively "better" - they're designed with different users in mind.

Before pulling the trigger, consider your shooting style, budget, and future plans. Will a nimble companion that performs well in daylight suffice? Or do you need a serious tool capable of demanding video workflows and tough conditions?

Either way, Micro Four Thirds continues to offer versatile systems that punch well above their sensor size, as exemplified by these two exemplary cameras.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps you zero in on the perfect match for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

If you'd like to see a hands-on video comparison of these two cameras in action from a user perspective, let me know - I’ve got detailed footage and field tests I’m happy to share.