Olympus E-PL7 vs Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro: A Deep Dive into Two Unique Mirrorless Cameras

When choosing a mirrorless camera, it’s crucial to consider both your creative goals and technical needs. Today, we compare two distinctly different shooters from the mirrorless world: the Olympus E-PL7, an entry-level, versatile Micro Four Thirds camera released in 2014, and the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro, a compact, specialized APS-C system launched in 2009. Although both sport rangefinder-style mirrorless designs, they serve very different photographic aspirations.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years across all genres, I’ll unpack how these two cameras perform in real life - covering everything from sensor technology and autofocus to ergonomics, image quality, and suitability for various photography types. Whether you’re a beginner exploring your first interchangeable lens camera or a seasoned pro looking for a niche tool, this guide will help you decide which camera fits your creative journey.

The Physical Experience: Ergonomics and Body Design

A camera’s physical feel is often the unsung hero of photography. Handling ease, button layout, and size directly influence your comfort and shooting speed.

Handling Insights

• Olympus E-PL7 is noticeably more compact and lightweight - great for travel or street photography where a pocketable camera facilitates spontaneity.
• The tilting touchscreen on the E-PL7 offers intuitive menu navigation and enables creative low- or high-angle shooting, a real boon for vloggers and selfie shooters.
• The Ricoh GXR, by contrast, is chunkier and heavier, primarily because the sensor and lens are housed within a module - a very different modular design demanding a more deliberate photographic approach.
• While lacking a touchscreen, the Ricoh’s physical buttons feel tactile and deliberate, catering to photographers who prefer manual exposure adjustments without relying on a display.

From an ergonomic viewpoint, if you value lightness and touchscreen convenience, the Olympus wins. If you prefer a modular system that feels solid and deliberate, the Ricoh appeals.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photographer’s Vision

At the core of any camera lies the sensor, dictating resolution, dynamic range, noise performance, and color fidelity.

What Does This Mean in Real Terms?

• The Ricoh’s APS-C sensor possesses roughly 65% more surface area than the Olympus’s Four Thirds sensor, lending it an inherent advantage in light gathering, noise control, and shallow depth of field capabilities.
• Despite its lower megapixel count (12MP vs 16MP), the Ricoh’s sensor yields excellent image quality within its ISO range. The Olympus E-PL7’s higher resolution sensor is beneficial for cropping flexibility and large prints.
• The E-PL7’s impressive native ISO ceiling of 25600 makes it more versatile for low-light scenarios and night photography, albeit noise will be noticeable at extreme ISO levels.
• Conversely, the Ricoh caps at ISO 3200 natively, so it requires good lighting or a tripod for dim conditions but benefits from the larger sensor for cleaner images at base and low ISOs.

In summary, the Olympus offers greater resolution and high-ISO flexibility, ideally suiting diverse lighting scenarios. The Ricoh’s sensor excels in sharpness and detail at low to moderate ISOs, perfect for daylight or controlled lighting environments.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Precision and speed in autofocus (AF) and frame rates are vital for action, wildlife, and candid photography.

Real-World AF Performance

• The E-PL7’s autofocus system - with 81 contrast-detection points and face detection - is solid for an entry-level camera. It confidently tracks moving subjects at a respectable 8 frames per second burst, useful for sports and street photography.
• The Ricoh GXR, by contrast, has no face detection and a lower burst rate of 3 fps. Its AF works well in manual focus and static scenes, but continuous tracking is limited.
• Both cameras lack phase-detection AF systems, meaning AF speed lags behind modern hybrid or phase detect setups, particularly in low contrast or dim light.

If capturing fast action or spontaneous moments is your priority, the Olympus E-PL7 delivers more confident autofocus and faster shooting.

Viewing and User Interface: How You See and Interact

Your viewing options and interface design influence how comfortably and efficiently you frame, adjust settings, and review shots.

How User Interfaces Affect Shooting

• The Olympus’ tilting touchscreen is a standout feature, especially beneficial for photographers who shoot from unconventional angles or want quick menu navigation.
• The Ricoh’s fixed screen is less flexible and lacks touch controls, which can slow down setting adjustments.
• Both cameras recommend attaching an external electronic viewfinder, as neither includes a built-in EVF by default. This can affect usability in bright conditions.

In everyday use, the Olympus’s intuitive, flexible touchscreen helps speed up operation and expands compositional creativity.

Lens Ecosystem and Creative Flexibility

Lens options play a defining role in what types of photography you can pursue.

What Are the Implications?

• The Olympus E-PL7’s Micro Four Thirds mount opens doors to the vast MFT lens ecosystem. From ultra-wide landscapes to telephoto wildlife lenses, you can tailor your camera for any genre.
• The Ricoh GXR's A12 unit combines sensor and lens in one fixed module, limiting flexibility but excelling at macro photography with a 1cm focusing distance and built-in flash.
• If you want a camera that evolves with your needs, the Olympus system offers unrivaled creative freedom.
• In contrast, the Ricoh demands commitment to either this specialized module or purchasing other GXR modules for different focal lengths, which are no longer in production.

For a broad photographic journey, Olympus is clearly the better choice. But for serious macro shooters who prefer a ready-to-go, high-quality lens/sensor combo, the Ricoh excels.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality

Both cameras feature a rangefinder-style body but lack weather sealing.

• Neither camera offers official weatherproofing, dustproofing, or freezeproofing.
• The Olympus’s plastic construction keeps the weight low but is less rugged.
• Ricoh’s heavier module design feels solid but lacks professional-grade sealing.

If shooting outdoors in challenging conditions is important, investing in weathersealing or protective housings is recommended for both.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much Can You Shoot?

The Olympus provides slightly longer shooting endurance, helpful for days on the move. The Ricoh includes internal storage, useful for backup but limited in size.

Connectivity and Video Capabilities: Expanding Your Creative Toolkit

Video Comparison

• The Olympus shoots up to 1080p/30fps with H.264 compression and has basic built-in video stabilization thanks to sensor-shift IS.
• The Ricoh caps at 720p/24fps with less efficient Motion JPEG compression and no stabilization.
• Neither camera supports external microphones or headphones, limiting advanced video use.

For casual video and quick social content, Olympus’ improved specs and Wi-Fi connectivity make it a more versatile option.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera suits various distinct photography styles.

Sample Shots and Image Quality in Practice

Examining sample images from both cameras gives practical insight beyond specs:

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro screen back

• Olympus E-PL7 images present vibrant color rendition with natural skin tones, smooth bokeh on portrait lenses, and fine detail at base ISO.
• Ricoh GXR’s macro-focused samples reveal exceptional close-up sharpness, impressive background separation at F2.5 aperture, and precise manual focus control.

Both cameras produce pleasing images within their design philosophies - Olympus offering all-around performance, Ricoh excelling in specialized macro conditions.

Summarizing Performance Ratings and Value

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-PL7 if...

• You want a lightweight, versatile camera with excellent autofocus and a huge lens ecosystem.
• You value video capabilities, wireless shooting, and tilting touchscreen controls.
• Your photography spans portraits, travel, street, and low-light scenarios.
• You’re starting out and want a capable, future-proof Micro Four Thirds system.

Opt for the Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro if...

• You are passionate about macro photography and want a ready-to-use, high-quality macro lens/sensor combo.
• You prefer manual focusing and a deliberate shooting style over autofocus speed.
• You appreciate tactile control and don’t require video features or extensive lens options.
• You don’t mind a heavier, modular design and a narrower ISO range.

Wrapping Up: Which Camera Matches Your Creative Vision?

Both the Olympus E-PL7 and Ricoh GXR A12 50mm F2.5 Macro are niche champions in their own right. The E-PL7 stands out as a living, breathing all-rounder ideal for beginners and enthusiasts who want a lightweight system with future lens options. The Ricoh GXR’s specialized macro module offers a unique tool for close-up shooters who prize excellence in a focused domain.

I encourage you to handle both cameras, test their unique features, and see which one feels like an extension of your creative instincts. Remember, the best camera is the one that inspires you to shoot more and push your photographic boundaries.

For storing and sharing your new creative output, consider pairing the Olympus E-PL7 with a versatile zoom and a fast prime, all while exploring its built-in Wi-Fi features. Or, if macro detail is your obsession, dive deep with the Ricoh GXR’s 50mm module, mastering perfect focus at near distances.

Happy shooting - and may your next camera open new vistas in your photography journey!