Why "lite"?

As is known, is the "L" in the model designation for PEN LITE - probably this series from the (more expensive) E-P5, the PEN flagship lift. That's why I could not decide between the long and E-PL7 and the e-P5 to complement and backup for my e-M1.

The decisive factor was then but the combination of price (the E-P5 is only available with the manual 14-42 kit to 799 .--) and built-up technique. The latter is in the e-PL7 almost identical to the built-in OM-D's. The sensor corresponds to the E-M5, the rest is on M10-level.

Accordingly, we also very quickly find a way around the Olympus User menu and the settings and, after a relatively short time to get started.

I just want to highlight a few particularly positive for me facts here:

+ Access the full MFT and FT lens program from Olympus and Panasonic (FT with adapter)
+ Support for manual and external objectives through focus peaking and Point Zoom (possibly adapted)
+ All program settings of OM-D's available (iAuto, P, A, S .... etc.)
+ All (!) Current art filters and SCN settings available
+ RAW and JPEG is possible
+ Customizable buttons / rotary wheels

In addition a very valent appearance, excellent feel and excellent workmanship.
Only the blue illuminated power button, I personally find a bit irritating ('m the OM-D switch used).

Very good solution can I find the display of the menu-shortcut on the "OK" button in each corresponding setting options are displayed at the right edge of the display, the menu functions and at the bottom. Selection is then again with the 4-way rocker or the dial.

There are the usual full-screen information display by pressing the Info button, settings.The can then be changed by touching.

There will be many users who complain and those of the optional EVF the lack of a viewfinder (VF 4 by the way excellent) is too expensive. That's just the handy-small package due to that I feel as a distinct advantage. Although I am not a fan of pure LiveView oriented cameras, but the built-up display here is really top notch and should cope with (almost) all lighting conditions. If necessary, there is a (optional adjustable) LiveView support that the image (at the cost of real settings) lightens greatly. The monitor can flip horizontally, turning even all the way down for Selfies - I do not need this, but the idea is good because that all settings and switch on the top of the camera remain accessible.

Overall, you get to the E-PL7 an extremely chic, super processed and technically state-of-the-art powerhouse in the hand, the OM-D's inferior in its ability to almost nothing - so far is "lite" really not fashionable here , Plus the reasonable price - this camera is a no-brainer ....

Small drawback: my copy has the problem observed now and then "forgets" to the buffer battery, ie with battery removal, the camera date and time. This may have its reason in the not charged in delivery status buffer battery. If that's the case, the problem should resolve after 1-2 days lasting battery installed. If not, it's still guaranteed.

At the included kit lens (14-42 EZ): It fits very well to the small body, but also makes the E-M1 a good figure. The service is (if one larger lenses is used) bit fiddly, because focus and zoom ring are relatively narrow. The optical properties, I can not judge, I'll catch up on occasion yet.

EDIT 14/11/2014: The problem of "forgotten" date is solved. In fact, the non-charged buffer capacitor (not battery pack) was the cause. After about two days with a fully charged battery, the capacitor was charged and the error away.

EDIT 21/11/2014: The "Small" (PL7) was now a few times next to my "big" (M1) in use. Both with nearly the same focal lengths (14-42 vs. 12-40). Aside from the (understandable) optical zoom weaknesses of small there was hardly any difference in handling. When M1 is direct access from the menu in the PL7 an additional pressure on the "Info" button is sometimes (eg with exposure compensation) needed. In some recording conditions, the PL7 has distinct advantages, such as indoors, there is much less noticeable and does not affect so disturbing as the M1.

Is really good that the PL7 Live Composite support. This is a feature that other manufacturers such as Sony, Pana or Fuji, currently not even get into their top devices (in the announced Sony A9, it will be available) there. The results are qualitatively indistinguishable from the pictures of the M1.