Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right camera for your photography adventures, the choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. Between mirrorless systems and compact enthusiasts’ cameras, each offering distinct strengths and trade-offs, how do you decide? Today, I’m tackling a fascinating head-to-head between two models that are often lumped in the same “enthusiast” category but serve very different photographic needs - the Olympus PEN E-PL7 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1.

Over years of testing gear in real-world conditions - shooting everything from portraits and landscapes to fast-paced wildlife and street photography - I’ve developed a keen eye on what matters most, and what cameras can realistically deliver. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of these two entrants and see how they stack up across various disciplines, user experience, and technical metrics. Spoiler: They cater to different priorities, so strap in for a detailed journey that might just help you zero in on your perfect match.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Which Fits You Best?

One of the first impressions any camera leaves is how it feels in your hands and carries along for the day, especially on trips or in fast-moving scenarios.

At a glance, the Olympus E-PL7 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with a decidedly classic aesthetic and a moderate weight of 357 grams. Its dimensions are 115 x 67 x 38 mm - not bulky, but notably larger than the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1, which is a pocketable compact camera measuring 103 x 62 x 28 mm and weighing only 192 grams. The E-PL7’s more substantial grip and traditional layout offer a more assured hold, especially when using interchangeable lenses, whereas the compact LF1 is designed to be ultra-portable and slide readily into jackets or smaller bags.

If you're someone who values ergonomics and interchangeable lenses, especially for longer shoots, the Olympus's physical presence is a clear plus. On the other hand, for casual urban exploration or travel photography where minimal gear and discretion are key, the LF1’s discreet footprint wins.

Top-Down: Buttons, Dials, and Control Intuition

Let’s open up the cameras and see how they present controls from the top view:

The Olympus E-PL7 offers a more conventional control layout - mode dial, shutter button, and a function button all within thumb’s reach. The top plate feels intuitive, making switching shooting modes and exposure settings quick. While it lacks an in-built viewfinder, Olympus thoughtfully reserves the option for an external electronic viewfinder (not included), which can be a helpful add-on for bright daylight framing.

In contrast, the Panasonic LF1 is refreshingly simple - fewer buttons and no dedicated mode dial, emphasizing ease of access over depth of control. It includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) - somewhat rare in compacts - which is handy for tight framing or bright conditions. However, the absence of touch controls and reduced button count means advanced shooting modes require menu diving, which can slow down rapid adjustments.

For photographers who thrive on manual controls and tactile feedback, the Olympus strikes a better balance. The LF1 favors casual shooters who want straightforward shooting without fuss.

Sensor Power and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

When it comes to image quality, sensor size and technology are king.

The Olympus E-PL7 sports a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a resolution of 16 megapixels. This sensor size offers a good middle ground, balancing noise control, depth of field flexibility, and overall image quality. The sensor is paired with the TruePic VII image processor. According to DXO Mark testing, it achieves a solid overall score of 72, with color depth at 22.7 bits, dynamic range of 12.4 EVs, and low-light ISO performance reaching 873 - respectable for an entry-level mirrorless from 2014.

Flip the coin to Panasonic’s LF1, which has a smaller 1/1.7” sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm and shooting 12 megapixels. The sensor trades size for pocketability, offering limited dynamic range (11.6 EV) and color depth (20.8 bits), with DXO low-light ISO scoring at 211 - a significant difference compared to the Olympus. Despite its smaller sensor, the LF1 packs in a fast zoom lens (28-200 mm equivalent, F2.0-5.9) and optical image stabilization, which helps in lower light conditions but cannot fully bridge the gap in sensor performance.

So, in terms of sheer image quality and versatility, the Olympus E-PL7’s sensor and processing setup are superior, particularly if you shoot in varied lighting conditions and require dynamic range for landscapes or portraits.

Articulated Screens and Interface: Touch vs No Touch

Both cameras come with a 3-inch LCD screen, but that’s where many similarities end.

The E-PL7 boasts a tilting touchscreen with 1,037k-dot resolution, facilitating live view focusing, menu navigation, and intuitive touch-to-shoot or focus capabilities. This is a boon for portrait and macro work where precise focus points matter, or when shooting from awkward angles. The touchscreen responsiveness and clarity elevate the user experience, especially for beginners or fast shooters.

Meanwhile, the LF1 offers a fixed TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution but no touchscreen functionality. Menus are navigated with buttons and a dial, which slows interaction but may appeal to those preferring more deliberate, button-based command.

For users craving interactive interfaces and flexible shooting angles, the Olympus’s screen feels modern and nimble. The Panasonic’s screen is functional but decidedly more old-school.

Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Of course, specs only tell half the story. Let’s look at real-world image quality.

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Panasonic LF1 front Panasonic LF1 screen back

In controlled portrait sessions, the Olympus E-PL7 renders skin tones naturally - warm but not oversaturated - and its Micro Four Thirds lenses produce smoother bokeh. Eye detection autofocus performs well in varied light thanks to its 81 contrast-detect points and advanced face detection. The Panasonic LF1’s smaller sensor and fixed lens produce sharper, albeit flatter images with less background blur, which is typical of compacts.

Landscape shots on the Olympus reveal a wider dynamic range and more subtle gradations between shadows and highlights, enhancing texture and depth. The LF1 can still deliver respectable landscapes but shows more clipping in highlights and struggles under harsh lighting.

Street photography is where the LF1’s pocketable design shines - discreet and quick to pull out for spontaneous shots, albeit at a cost of detail in lower light. The E-PL7 requires a larger bag and longer setup but rewards with richer, more detailed images.

Busting Out the Numbers: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Rates

Fast-moving subjects demand a swift autofocus system and responsive shooting.

The Olympus’s 81-point autofocus grid provides finer control and consistently accurate focus locking, especially beneficial for portraits, macro, and wildlife when paired with telephoto lenses. The Panasonic’s 23-point system is decent for its class, delivering quicker bursts but less meticulous focus coverage.

While the LF1 offers a slightly faster burst rate (10 fps to the E-PL7’s 8 fps), real-world usability favors Olympus for tracking complex subjects, thanks to superior AF point density and face/eye detection algorithms. For sports photographers, the E-PL7 is the safer bet, though neither is a dedicated speed demon compared to today’s pro-level gear.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality: Can They Take It?

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. This limits their utility in extreme or wet conditions.

Both are best treated with care, particularly the Olympus mirrorless which, while built solidly, can be more vulnerable given its interchangeable lens design. The LF1’s compact monocoque body offers less damage surface but no formal protection.

For professional assignments or travel to inclement environments, both cameras require additional protective measures or opting for models with weather-resistant builds.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Options: Freedom or Fixed?

Lens play is where the Olympus E-PL7 flexes its major advantage.

Its Micro Four Thirds mount supports over 100 lenses, from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms, excellent macro optics, and affordable third-party selections. This versatility opens doors to shooting styles that would overwhelm fixed lens compacts.

Conversely, the Panasonic LF1’s fixed zoom (28-200mm equivalent, F2.0-5.9) offers good general versatility but falls short for specialized demands like portrait bokeh, wildlife reach, or ultra-wide landscape scenes. The fast aperture at wide angle is handy for low-light but softer telephoto edges are inevitable in such superzoom compromises.

For macro photography, the LF1’s ability to focus down to 3 cm aids close-ups, but the Olympus with macro lenses and focus stacking (albeit limited on E-PL7) will deliver superior detail and quality.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Power and Sharing

Battery capacity is critical for longer shoots and travel convenience. The Olympus E-PL7 uses the BLS-50 battery with a rated 350 shots per charge - decent but not exceptional, demanding spares for daylong shooting. The Panasonic LF1 is rated at 250 shots, which might feel limiting on a busy outing.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one card slot - standard but not providing redundancy for pros.

In connectivity, both have built-in Wi-Fi transmissions for quick image sharing, but only the LF1 supports NFC, easing device pairing. Neither supports Bluetooth, GPS, or headphone/microphone ports, falling behind newer options in video audio control.

Video Capabilities: Lightweight Filming

Video is a secondary function for both cameras but worth considering.

The Olympus E-PL7 records Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 encoding. There’s no 4K, no microphone input, and no advanced stabilization beyond sensor-based IS for stills. Video features are basic but serviceable for casual b-roll or family clips.

The Panasonic LF1 edges ahead here with Full HD at 60 fps, AVCHD support, and optical image stabilization from its lens. This generates slightly smoother handheld video and better slow-motion capture.

Neither camera meets modern standards for serious video work - no external audio ports or 4K, and limited manual video controls.

Real-World Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-PL7 delivers superior skin tone rendition, creamy background blur with lens selection, and reliable eye-detection focusing. Ideal for portrait enthusiasts experimenting with various lenses.
• Panasonic LF1 offers quick, point-and-shoot simplicity but with less bokeh and less precise AF selection.

Landscape Photography

• E-PL7's dynamic range and sensor clarity shine here, with more shadow recovery and detail.
• LF1 is good for snapshots but gets outpaced in highlight handling and sharpness.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus’s AF tracking and optional telephoto lenses trump the LF1’s fixed zoom, which cannot reach long distances effectively.

Sports Photography

• Neither a professional action camera, but the E-PL7’s 81 AF points and burst speed offer better chances at capturing movement crisply.

Street Photography

• LF1 wins hands down for portability and discretion.
• E-PL7’s size and need for lens changes make it less stealthy but capable of higher image fidelity.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s lens flexibility beats the Panasonic’s fixed 3 cm close focus.

Night & Astro Photography

• E-PL7’s better high-ISO performance and dynamic range handle low-light better.
• LF1 can shoot fast lenses wide open but introduces more noise.

Video

• LF1 has better frame rates and stabilization, appealing more to casual videographers.

Travel Photography

• LF1's compact size and built-in EVF facilitate traveling light.
• E-PL7’s versatility makes it a packed but rewarding companion.

Professional Work

• Olympus’s RAW support, lens ecosystem, and faster AF make it more suitable as a backup or secondary camera.

Overall Performance Scores and Value Assessment

Let’s put these results into perspective with industry-standard evaluations.

As expected, the Olympus E-PL7 outperforms with a DXO overall score of 72 versus the Panasonic LF1’s 52. This gap reflects better sensor performance, AF system, and image quality overall. Yet both cameras hover in a similar price bracket, making their value propositions quite different.

• Olympus E-PL7 offers more bang for money in photo quality and creative control.
• Panasonic LF1 provides a feature-packed, compact solution for casual users prioritizing portability and built-in zoom.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL7 if:

• You want a step-up from a smartphone or point-and-shoot with interchangeable lens freedom.
• You're eager to explore various photography styles, from landscapes to portraits.
• You value image quality, flexible controls, and touchscreen interaction.
• You don’t mind carrying a slightly larger camera and occasionally changing lenses.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 if:

• Portability and stealth are your priorities - think street, travel, or everyday carry.
• You want an all-in-one camera with a versatile zoom lens that can cover most scenarios.
• You prefer fewer manual controls and fast operation out of the box.
• You occasionally shoot video and appreciate in-camera stabilization at 1080p60.

Closing Thoughts: Balancing Practicality and Passion

Choosing between these two is less about picking a winner and more about aligning a camera to your photography lifestyle and goals.

From personal experience testing thousands of cameras, I can say the Olympus E-PL7 is a rewarding companion for enthusiasts willing to invest time in learning lens choices and manual controls, delivering image quality that holds up well even years after launch.

The Panasonic LF1 is a snapshot hero for those valuing convenience and pocketable size without diving deep into camera mechanics. It’s the camera you grab when you need to be nimble and spontaneous.

Neither is perfect, and both feel dated today in some respects - no 4K video, limited AF tech compared to newer models - but at their price points, they offer unique strengths.

Whichever you choose, enjoy the process of making images - after all, cameras are tools serving your creative vision, not the other way around.

Thanks for sticking with me through this deep dive. Got questions or need advice for your specific shooting style? Hit me up in the comments - I’m happy to share more insights!