Olympus E-PM2 vs Pentax Q7: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Entry-Level Mirrorless Cameras

In the ever-shifting landscape of mirrorless cameras, 2013 brought us two interesting contenders at the entry-level segment: the Olympus PEN E-PM2 and the Pentax Q7. Although both hail from established brands, these two cameras target slightly different user priorities and features. Over my 15+ years of testing cameras, I’ve put both these models through comprehensive evaluations - from sensor performance to ergonomics, autofocus nuances to video capabilities, and everything in between.

If you’re an enthusiast or even a professional scouting for an accessible mirrorless option, understanding the strengths and trade-offs between the E-PM2 and Q7 will help you zero in on the perfect match. Let’s unpack this comparison with a detailed, hands-on perspective, peppered with real-use scenarios and technical insights.

Size and Handling: Compact Cameras with Distinct Ergonomic Flavors

One of the first tangible differences you’ll notice is in the body size and heft, illustrated clearly below:

The Olympus E-PM2 follows the traditional Micro Four Thirds format with a body measuring 110x64x34 mm and tipping the scales at 269 grams. Its rangefinder-style body is relatively compact but feels substantial enough in hand, aided by slightly better grip contours that contribute to steadier handheld shooting - especially when paired with larger lenses.

Conversely, the Pentax Q7’s petite frame (102x58x34 mm) and featherweight 200 grams make it one of the smallest mirrorless cameras around. This is largely due to its unique 1/1.7” sensor and dedicated Pentax Q lens mount, which supports smaller optics. The Q7’s size is a double-edged sword: excellent for travel and street photography when discretion matters, but offering less ergonomic comfort during extended shoots or with bigger lenses. The reduced grip surface can feel more toy-like, affecting stability somewhat.

That said, both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch rear screen at 460k-dot resolution (more on that shortly), but only the Olympus features a touchscreen interface. This gives the E-PM2 a slight edge in operational speed, menus navigation, and touch-to-focus convenience.

In my extensive field testing, I found the E-PM2 to strike a better all-around ergonomic balance, especially for users transitioning from DSLRs or those who prefer a more solid feel. The Q7’s portability wins for ultra-lightweight travel setups but with some compromises in sustained shooting comfort.

Design and Control Layout: A Tale of Two Top Plates

Taking a quick glance at the top panel and external controls conveys a lot about how each camera is intended to be used:

Olympus chose to keep a clean, minimalist design, liberally spaced buttons, and dedicated dials for exposure compensation and mode selection. The E-PM2’s exposure dial is delightfully tactile, a feature many beginners and enthusiasts appreciate when quickly adjusting settings without digging through menus. Meanwhile, the shutter release position and zoom/thumb dials are intuitively arranged.

Pentax’s Q7, being so compact, employs a more cluttered layout - its buttons and dial are smaller, and the shutter speed dial caps out at 1/2000 sec, versus the E-PM2’s 1/4000 sec max shutter speed. The Q7 further includes a built-in flash, while Olympus expects you to use an external unit. This built-in flash is handy for snapshots but less powerful than dedicated flashes.

Overall, Olympus provides a more polished control surface, conducive to learning and quick operation, while Pentax sacrifices some ergonomics for compactness and extra flash convenience.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Let’s dive deeper into the sensors powering these cameras and their resultant image quality, a critical factor for almost all shooting situations.

Olympus E-PM2 Sensor

• Type: 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor
• Sensor size: 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm² sensor area)
• Native ISO range: 200–25600
• DxOMark Score: 72 Overall; 22.7 bits Color Depth; 12.2 EV Dynamic Range; 932 Low-Light ISO

The E-PM2 benefits from a seasoned Four Thirds sensor that balances resolution and noise performance well. While not groundbreaking by today’s standards, its 16 effective megapixels offer detailed 4608x3456 images with respectable noise control up to ISO 1600, and usable performance even at ISO 3200. Its dynamic range is solid for this class, allowing recovery of shadow and highlight details – particularly useful for landscape or indoor portraiture with mixed lighting.

Pentax Q7 Sensor

• Type: 12MP 1/1.7” Backside Illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor
• Sensor size: 7.44 x 5.58 mm (41.52 mm² sensor area)
• Native ISO range: 100–12800
• DxOMark Scores: Not officially tested

The Q7’s much smaller sensor (less than a fifth of the area of E-PM2’s) inherently limits its low-light ability and dynamic range. Despite the BSI design which boosts sensitivity, noise at ISO 800 and above becomes noticeably intrusive compared to Olympus’ output. The slightly higher native resolution (12MP) doesn’t translate into finer detail due to reduced pixel pitch and sensor size.

In practical terms, Olympus hands down produces richer tonal gradations, better low light images, and more robust dynamic range. Yet Pentax’s sensor presents its own upsides, like better depth of field control due to the sensor size and the 4.8x crop factor – which is a boon for extreme telephoto reach in wildlife or sports scenarios but restricts wide-angle possibilities.

Autofocus: Precision vs Portability

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems - typical for mirrorless cameras of this era - but their implementation and capabilities differ.

Olympus E-PM2

• AF points: 35 contrast-detection points
• AF modes: Single, continuous, tracking, face detection, touch AF
• Performance: Fast and reliable in good light, reasonably consistent eye detection

The Olympus sports a robust autofocus array that performs admirably in daylight or controlled indoor scenes. With 35 focus points distributed reasonably across the frame, the AF engine locks quickly on faces and tracks moving subjects with decent accuracy.

I took the E-PM2 for portraits and street walkabouts. The eye detection is effective for capturing crisp, sharp eyes in typical portrait lighting, producing pleasing skin tone rendition that is true without oversaturation. Its continuous AF and subject tracking are responsive enough for casual sports or wildlife shooting, though it shows limitations in fast-action scenarios.

Pentax Q7

• AF points: Unknown, contrast-detection only
• AF modes: Single, tracking, face detection
• Performance: Slower AF speed, less reliable continuous tracking

The Q7’s autofocus is understandably less aggressive, likely due to sensor constraints and smaller processing headroom. It lacks touch AF, making user operation less intuitive. AF speed trails behind the Olympus, especially indoors or under lower light. Its continuous AF struggles to maintain subjects with rapid movement.

However, the Q7 benefits from the extreme 4.8x cropped field of view, which extends apparent telephoto reach when paired with Pentax’s specialized Q lenses. This theoretically aids wildlife photographers on a budget, but the trade-off is slower focus acquisition affecting spontaneity.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Light but Not Indestructible

Neither the Olympus E-PM2 nor the Pentax Q7 provides weather sealing or robust environmental protections. Both are plastic-bodied to reduce weight and cost. This means neither is ideal for harsh outdoor environments involving dust, rain, or extreme cold without extra care.

From my experience shooting in mixed outdoor conditions, I recommend extra caution: use protective covers or housings if you expect rain or dust exposure.

Rear Screen and Viewfinding: Clear But Basic

Both cameras have a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k-dot resolution. The Olympus E-PM2’s screen supports touchscreen input, which enhances focusing and menu navigation efficiency. The Pentax Q7’s screen lacks touch functionality but benefits from an anti-reflective coating and wider viewing angles, lending it better visibility in bright conditions.

Neither camera includes a built-in electronic viewfinder. Olympus offers optional external EVF accessories, a welcome addition but an extra purchase. Pentax provides an optional optical viewfinder but no electronic finder option.

For most users, relying on the rear screen suffices, though prolonged outdoor compositions in bright sun may benefit from an EVF. Here, Olympus provides a slightly more modular system.

Lens Ecosystem: Versatility vs Specialized Compactness

Lens choice is crucial - it shapes the camera’s practical utility beyond its sensor.

Olympus E-PM2 uses the industry-standard Micro Four Thirds mount stockpiled with an enormous 107 lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties, covering everything from ultra-wide angles and macro lenses to high-quality telephotos. This makes the E-PM2 incredibly versatile for all photography genres: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, street, macro, and beyond.

In contrast, the Pentax Q7’s proprietary Q mount supports just eight small lenses, designed primarily for its compact sensor size. These lenses emphasize portability and reach, like the telephoto 100-300mm equivalent or pancake primes, but the system doesn’t lend itself well to wide-angle or specialized optics. This limits flexibility outside certain casual or travel applications.

For potential users weighing future-proofing and overall system investment, Olympus clearly leads here.

Burst Shooting and Battery Life: Snapping Speed and Stamina

The Olympus offers a continuous shooting speed of 8.0 frames per second (fps), an impressive rate for an entry-level mirrorless camera from 2013. This is useful for action sports and wildlife sequences when timing is critical. The Pentax Q7 trails behind at 5.0 fps, sufficient for casual bursts but less competitive for fast-paced scenarios.

Battery life shows a notable difference: Olympus provides approximately 360 shots per charge, compared to the Pentax’s 250. Both cameras use proprietary battery packs (BLS-5 for Olympus, D-LI68 for Pentax), and neither has USB charging or very extended endurance. If you plan long shooting days, the Olympus again pulls ahead.

Video Capabilities: Solid Full HD, Missing Microphone Support

Both cameras shoot Full HD video at 30 fps, with Olympus supporting MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG formats, while Pentax records in MPEG-4 and H.264 only.

Neither camera offers 4K video, external microphone ports, or advanced video features like zebra patterns or focus peaking. Olympus E-PM2’s touchscreen eases focus control during recording, whereas Pentax’s lack of touch screen limits video ergonomics.

For casual videography and walk-and-shoot style recording, both suffice, but serious video creators will find these lacking.

Special Features and Connectivity: Modest Networks and Extras

Both cameras have Eye-Fi wireless SD card compatibility for limited wireless image transfer. Neither includes Bluetooth, NFC, GPS, or robust wireless features common in newer mirrorless models.

Olympus’s post-bracketing options (AEB, WB bracketing) support creative exposure control, whereas Pentax lacks WB bracketing but has timelapse recording capabilities - a neat bonus for time-lapse hobbyists.

Neither supports focus stacking or advanced photographic modes introduced in later cameras.

Real-World Performance: Sample Images and Use Cases

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Pentax Q7 front Pentax Q7 screen back

Images taken under controlled test conditions reveal:

• Olympus E-PM2 delivers richer tonality; skin tones are natural and pleasing, with smooth bokeh from larger aperture lenses.
• Pentax Q7 images show more noise and less shadow detail at high ISO, with a shallower depth-of-field simulation due to sensor size.
• Landscape shots on Olympus benefit from wider angles and dynamic range, capturing vibrant skies and rich greens.
• Wildlife crops from Pentax are impressively tight given the sensor’s crop factor, but suffer from softness and noise.
• Sports sequences favor Olympus with faster AF and higher fps.

Scoring and Genre-Specific Evaluations

Based on a weighted evaluation of sensor performance, autofocus, handling, and features, Olympus E-PM2 rates higher overall. Meanwhile, Pentax Q7 scores respectably for extreme portability and niche telephoto reach.

• Portraits: Olympus excels due to skin tone rendition and eye AF.
• Landscape: Olympus dominates with better dynamic range and lens options.
• Wildlife: Pentax’s crop helps reach but limited AF and noise hold it back.
• Sports: Olympus better for continuous AF and higher burst rates.
• Street: Pentax wins for stealth and portability.
• Macro: Olympus again preferred for lens availability and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Olympus' sensor size provides less noise, better star detail.
• Video: Both modest, slight edge Olympus via touchscreen.
• Travel: Pentax offers extreme compactness; Olympus more versatile overall.
• Professional use: Olympus aligns with better workflow integration and file quality.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

To sum up this nuanced duel:

• Choose Olympus E-PM2 if you:

  • Require a versatile camera adaptable to nearly every photography genre
  • Value image quality with better noise control and dynamic range
  • Want better ergonomics and faster autofocus/tracking
  • Appreciate a vast lens ecosystem expanding creative possibilities
  • Prefer touchscreen operation and longer battery life
  • Need superior burst shooting for sports or wildlife

• Choose Pentax Q7 if you:

  • Prioritize compactness and light weight (perfect pocketable companion)
  • Shoot mostly casual street or travel scenes where discretion matters
  • Want extended telephoto reach in a tiny package for occasional wildlife/zoom
  • Are okay with trade-offs in image quality for portability
  • Desire timelapse video recording built-in
  • Don’t mind slower autofocus or basic controls

Final Thoughts

Both the Olympus PEN E-PM2 and Pentax Q7 represent fascinating snapshots of the 2013 mirrorless entry-level market - each carving a distinct niche with different priorities. Having extensively tested and compared them, it’s clear that the Olympus E-PM2 is a more well-rounded, technically superior camera suitable for those who want to grow their photography seriously. Pentax’s Q7, meanwhile, is a niche champion for ultra-compact portability and specialty telephoto reach, albeit with visible compromises.

For enthusiasts willing to invest in system expansion and depend on better image quality, the Olympus remains the safer bet. Yet for urban explorers and travelers who prize minimalism above all, the Pentax Q7’s diminutive stature holds undeniable appeal.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: is it image quality, lens versatility, and performance - or rather size, weight, and simplicity? Either way, these two cameras encapsulate very distinct but worthwhile approaches to mirrorless photography.

I hope this comparison provides a clear, practical guide based on real-world testing and technical scrutiny to assist your buying decision.

Happy shooting!