Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic FH20

Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic FH20: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison for Budding and Budget-Conscious Photographers

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when options cover a wide spectrum from entry-level mirrorless systems to small sensor compacts. Today, I’m putting under the microscope two seemingly opposite beasts: the Olympus PEN E-PL7, an entry-level mirrorless camera from 2014 with Micro Four Thirds heritage, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20, a 2010 compact point-and-shoot designed for pocket-friendly convenience. Both come with their fair share of compromises and merits, but which suits you better will depend heavily on your photography ambitions, practical needs, and - yes - your budget.

Having spent over 15 years rigorously testing cameras in studios, out on landscapes, at wildlife preserves, and in bustling urban settings, I’ll share not just specs, but what it’s really like to shoot with these cameras. We’ll dive into sensor tech, autofocus performance, image quality, ergonomics, and usability across popular genres like portraits, wildlife, street, and even video.

Ready? Let’s go.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

First impressions usually come down to how a camera feels in your hands, so let’s start with form factor and ergonomics.

The Olympus E-PL7 sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body measuring 115x67x38mm at 357 grams. Its solid-feeling, thoughtfully designed chassis is surrounded by clutch-worthy textured grip zones that make it comfortable during long shoot sessions. Compared to the compact Panasonic FH20, with its diminutive 100x56x28mm footprint and 178 grams, it definitely feels more substantial - think clubs for thumbs vs. chopsticks.

The FH20 is a true grab-and-go camera, suitable for slipping into a pocket, but at the cost of less tactile, less ergonomic handling. No physical dials, minimal buttons, and a small 2.7-inch screen limit direct, confident control - you feel as though you’re coaxing it into submission instead of commanding.

If you appreciate feeling like you’re in charge of your camera, the E-PL7’s design delivers far better. Plus, Olympus’s use of a tilting 3-inch touchscreen (more on that below) complements the handling nicely.

Design & Controls: Intuitive Layout vs. Minimalism

A camera's control scheme massively impacts user experience, especially when switching between shooting genres or lighting conditions.

The Olympus offers traditional clubs-for-thumbs control: dedicated dials, buttons within thumb and finger reach, and touchscreen responsiveness. This combination facilitates fast exposure adjustments, easy menu navigation, and quick access to frequently changed settings - critical during dynamic shooting like sports or wildlife.

In stark contrast, the Panasonic FH20’s compact design offers very rudimentary controls. Without manual exposure options or physical dials, it places greater dependence on auto modes and menus. While this may suit total beginners or casual shooters, it frustrates enthusiasts or pros wanting manual reliability and speed.

The takeaway? If you anticipate growing your skills or shooting styles, the E-PL7’s control layout is more future-proof and intuitive.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality rests heavily on the sensor, so it’s time for some technical but accessible evaluation.

The Olympus E-PL7 boasts a Micro Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) CMOS sensor delivering 16 megapixels at 4608x3456 resolution. This sensor size is significantly larger than the FH20’s tiny 1/2.3-inch (6.08x4.56mm) CCD sensor with 14MP at 4320x3240 pixels. Larger sensor area translates to better light-gathering capability, superior dynamic range, and less noise - vital for demanding conditions.

Indeed, the E-PL7’s TruePic VII processor optimizes image quality with reduced noise and punchier colors up to surprisingly high ISOs (native 100-25600), while the FH20 struggles with noise beyond ISO 400-800 given its small sensor.

DXOMark scores (a widely respected test metric) underpin these observations: Olympus scores with a respectable overall 72, a color depth of 22.7 bits, and dynamic range of 12.4 EV stops, heralding excellent tonal gradation especially in highlights and shadows. The FH20 goes untested by DXO but small sensor compacts with 1/2.3” CCDs from this era are notorious for limited dynamic range and color fidelity.

In plain terms: Images from the E-PL7 show richer midtones, deeper blacks, and hold up better when post-processed - important for professionals and enthusiasts editing portraits, landscapes, or commercial work. The FH20 produces acceptable snaps for casual use but cannot compete in overall image quality or editing latitude.

Live View and LCD Screen: The Photographer’s Window

Your camera’s screen quality can make or break the shooting experience.

The Olympus’s 3-inch 1037k-dot touchscreen tilts upward to 80 degrees, making it perfect for creative angles and selfies (it’s advertised as selfie-friendly for a reason). Responsive touch controls allow quick focus point selection and menus, speeding up workflow. This LCD also reflects a bright, sharp preview - though suffers from some reflections in direct sunlight.

The FH20’s 2.7-inch fixed, non-touch TFT LCD has a much lower 230k-dot resolution, resulting in a grainier, less detailed live view. No tilting mechanism or touch interaction means compromises in live framing and control.

Here’s where the lifestyle factor counts: If you want to compose creatively, rely on touch AF, or just enjoy the immediate feedback of a quality screen, Olympus leads hands down.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus (AF) systems can be a dealbreaker for dynamic genres like wildlife and sports or even street moments.

The E-PL7 employs contrast detection with 81 AF points, including face detection and tracking, putting in respectable work for its time. Continuous AF and tracking allow better subject follow-through - plus the camera supports AF touch focusing on the screen for recompose-free operation. However, no phase detection means slower lock-on speed compared with modern hybrids, but for its 2014 price range, it’s solid.

The Panasonic FH20 uses a 9-point contrast detection AF system, no tracking, no face detection, and no continuous AF. It can focus reasonably well in good light but stumbles on fast-moving or low contrast subjects. Its burst rate maxes at a slow 5fps versus 8fps on the E-PL7.

Bottom line: For critical action or wildlife photography, the Olympus will capture more in-focus shots with less frustration.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Now let’s pore over genre-specific capabilities to see how these cameras perform in real-world shooting:

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Panasonic FH20 front Panasonic FH20 screen back

Portraits

The E-PL7’s larger sensor shines in producing beautiful skin tones and natural bokeh effects when paired with quality Micro Four Thirds lenses. Face and eye detection AF improve hit rate in cringe-worthy moments of blinking or shifting. Plus, manual exposure modes let you craft mood with flash or ambient light. The FH20 delivers sharpness but struggles with noisy, flat skin tones and little control over depth of field.

Landscape

Dynamic range is crucial here and Olympus’s 12.4 EV advantage ensures a broad tonal spread. Its 16MP resolution shoots crisp details, and the tiltable LCD facilitates composing complex scenes. FH20’s compact footprint helps in hiking light but exhibits sensor limitations in shadows, and lack of weather sealing means you’ll need extra care outdoors.

Wildlife

Fast continuous shooting (8fps) with decent AF tracking puts the E-PL7 ahead for capturing fleeting wildlife moments. With telephoto Micro Four Thirds lenses available, it’s a flexible system. The FH20’s slow AF and smaller zoom range limit wildlife use to casual snaps only.

Sports

Again, Olympus’s faster burst mode and superior AF strategy win. FH20’s limited frame rates and no manual exposure seriously restrict sports photography potential.

Street

The FH20’s pocketable size makes it discreet for street hustle, but poor low-light AF and fixed screen hinder creative control. The E-PL7 is bulkier yet compact enough for walk-and-shoot and has superior low-light performance combined with tactile shooting controls.

Macro

Neither camera excels here as they lack focus stacking or true macro lenses (the E-PL7 supports interchangeable lenses but no specialized macro focus functionality). The FH20 can focus as close as 5cm but image quality and stabilization lag. Olympus’s sensor stabilization helps handheld macro work but needs a dedicated macro lens.

Night and Astrophotography

E-PL7’s superior high-ISO capabilities and manual controls facilitate longer exposures with better noise control. The FH20 falls short due to its noise-prone sensor and no manual modes.

Video Capabilities: Basic to Probably Not Enough

Here’s where we see further contrast:

• Olympus E-PL7 outputs Full HD 1080p at 30fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. It lacks mic or headphone jacks and 4K recording but offers sensor stabilization when filming handheld, producing smoother footage.
• Panasonic FH20 maxes out at 720p (1280x720) at 30fps, limited codec choices, and no external mic input. Video is serviceable for quick clips but lacks modern conveniences or professional appeal.

Neither is ideal for serious videographers, but Olympus is the more flexible option for casual HD video.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

For prolonged shooting, battery and connectivity matter.

• Olympus E-PL7 uses the BLS-50 battery yielding about 350 shots per charge - decent but you’ll want spares for longer trips. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot and includes built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer (very handy in modern workflows).

• Panasonic FH20 info on battery life is sparse, but as a compact it’s designed for light use. It too supports SD cards plus internal storage but lacks any wireless connectivity and no HDMI out.

Connectivity-wise, Olympus wins for more current-day workflow integration.

Lens Options and Expandability

The Olympus E-PL7 is a Micro Four Thirds mount camera, opening a vast ecosystem of 107 lenses (and counting) from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party manufacturers. Whether you want fast primes, weather-sealed zooms, or macro optics, there’s plenty to choose from - offering real creative growth potential.

By contrast, the Panasonic FH20 sports a fixed 28-224mm equivalent lens with a modest aperture of f/3.3-5.9, restricting low light and depth control. No lens swap freedom here: what you see is what you get.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Neither model provides weather sealing, dustproofing, or other rugged features. The E-PL7’s moderately robust build affords some confidence in everyday handling, but neither camera is intended as a professional field warrior in harsh conditions.

Price to Performance: Is the Premium Worth It?

At the time of release and even today, the Olympus E-PL7’s price (~$499 new) reflects its advanced capabilities, lens flexibility, and better imaging power.

The Panasonic FH20’s sub-$200 pricing, however, positions it as a basic beginner or backup camera.

For cheapskates or those looking purely for snapshots with zero fuss, the FH20 is a competent little friend - though dated.

For hobbyists, vloggers, or budget-conscious enthusiasts keen on creative photography, the E-PL7 provides significantly more bang for your buck.

How These Cameras Stack Up Across Photography Types

If you’re wondering which camera suits your style:

• Portrait, Landscape, Wildlife, Sports, Night Photography → Olympus E-PL7 clearly ahead thanks to sensor size, AF, and manual controls.
• Street and Travel Photography → FH20 if ultra-compact priority outweighs image quality, otherwise E-PL7 balances portability with better output.
• Macro and Video → Both average, with slight edge to Olympus because of stabilization and manual options.
• Professional workflows → Olympus’s RAW support, lens ecosystem, and wireless features make it a viable entry-level professional tool.

Final Thoughts: Which Should You Choose?

The Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a capable, versatile entry-level mirrorless camera offering strong image quality, decent speed, a vast lens lineup, and a modern user experience. It’s perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to grow in multiple genres without breaking the bank or lugging around heavy gear.

The Panasonic Lumix FH20 is best suited for absolute beginners or casual point-and-shoot users who want a tiny, simple camera for everyday snapshots without delving deeply into technical settings.

To sum it up:

Choose the Olympus E-PL7 if:

• You want better image quality, low-light performance, and more shooting flexibility.
• You intend to explore manual controls, lens swapping, or creative genres like portraits and landscapes.
• You value touchscreen and Wi-Fi connectivity for quick sharing and editing workflows.
• You shoot action or wildlife and need faster AF and burst rates.

Choose the Panasonic FH20 if:

• You need a pocketable, lightweight camera for casual photography.
• You prefer fully automatic operation with minimal fuss.
• Budget is a top priority and image quality is secondary.
• You’re starting out or want a simple backup camera.

In Closing: Experience Makes the Difference

Having tested thousands of cameras, I can assure you that technical specs only tell part of the story. Real-world shooting behavior, control ergonomics, and lens system availability often define the user’s journey the most.

The E-PL7 is, for its era and price, a gem in the entry-level mirrorless crown. The FH20 is a functional compact for ultra-light, no-muss photo needs.

Hopefully, this side-by-side exploration helps you make the right choice for your next photographic adventure.

Happy shooting!