What To Know
- The Canon EOS 700D is a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera, while the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a mirrorless camera.
- To determine the best camera for your needs, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL7.
- The Canon EOS 700D is a traditional DSLR with a larger body and a more prominent grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold.
Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. For aspiring photographers and enthusiasts looking for a versatile and user-friendly camera, the Canon EOS 700D with the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 with the Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens are popular choices. Both cameras offer a compelling combination of features and affordability, but which one emerges victorious?
A Tale of Two Camera Systems: DSLR vs. Mirrorless
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the fundamental differences between these two systems. The Canon EOS 700D is a DSLR (Digital Single-Lens Reflex) camera, while the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a mirrorless camera.
DSLRs utilize a mirror to reflect the image through the viewfinder, providing a live preview of the scene. They typically have larger sensor sizes, leading to better image quality and low-light performance. However, they tend to be bulkier and heavier.
Mirrorless cameras eliminate the mirror, allowing for a more compact and lightweight design. They often feature electronic viewfinders (EVFs) or rear LCD screens for composing images. While mirrorless cameras may have smaller sensors, advancements in technology have resulted in impressive image quality.
The Canon EOS 700D: A Classic DSLR Option
The Canon EOS 700D is a well-established DSLR known for its user-friendly interface and solid performance. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:
- 18-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor: This sensor delivers excellent image quality, particularly in good lighting conditions.
- DIGIC 5 image processor: Provides fast processing speeds and accurate color reproduction.
- 9-point autofocus system: Ensures sharp focus in various shooting scenarios.
- 3-inch rotating touchscreen LCD: Facilitates easy navigation and image review.
- Full HD video recording: Capture high-quality videos at 30fps.
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens: A versatile kit lens offering a wide-angle to telephoto range.
The Olympus PEN E-PL7: A Compact and Stylish Mirrorless Camera
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a stylish and compact mirrorless camera that prioritizes portability and ease of use. Here are its notable features:
- 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor: Despite a smaller sensor size, the E-PL7 delivers impressive image quality, especially in low-light conditions.
- TruePic VII image processor: Provides fast processing speeds and excellent color accuracy.
- Contrast-detection autofocus system: Offers fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for still subjects.
- 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD: Enables intuitive navigation and creative shooting angles.
- Full HD video recording at 30fps: Capture high-quality videos with smooth and detailed footage.
- Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens: A compact and versatile kit lens covering a wide-angle to telephoto range.
Comparing the Two: A Detailed Analysis
To determine the best camera for your needs, let’s dive into a detailed comparison of the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL7:
Image Quality:
- Canon EOS 700D: The larger APS-C sensor in the Canon EOS 700D generally produces higher image quality, especially in terms of dynamic range and low-light performance. This makes it a better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: While the Micro Four Thirds sensor in the Olympus PEN E-PL7 is smaller, it still delivers excellent image quality thanks to advancements in sensor technology. Its smaller sensor size also allows for shallower depth of field, which can be advantageous for creating artistic blur effects.
Autofocus Performance:
- Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D’s 9-point autofocus system provides fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for tracking moving subjects.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: The Olympus PEN E-PL7’s contrast-detection autofocus system is generally faster and more accurate for still subjects, but it may struggle with tracking moving subjects.
Video Recording:
- Canon EOS 700D: Both cameras offer full HD video recording at 30fps, but the Canon EOS 700D has a dedicated video recording button, making it more convenient for capturing videos.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: The Olympus PEN E-PL7 offers in-camera editing features, allowing you to trim and adjust videos directly on the camera.
Design and Ergonomics:
- Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D is a traditional DSLR with a larger body and a more prominent grip, providing a comfortable and secure hold. It features a dedicated dial for controlling shutter speed and aperture, which can be beneficial for experienced photographers.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: The Olympus PEN E-PL7 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with a sleek and stylish design. It’s designed for portability and ease of use, making it ideal for travel and everyday photography.
Lens Options:
- Canon EOS 700D: Canon offers a vast selection of lenses for its DSLR cameras, catering to various photographic needs. This gives you more flexibility in choosing the right lens for your specific shooting style.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: While the Micro Four Thirds system has a growing lens selection, it’s not as extensive as Canon’s EF system. However, Olympus offers a range of high-quality lenses, including fast primes and specialized telephoto lenses.
Price and Value:
- Canon EOS 700D: The Canon EOS 700D is generally more affordable than the Olympus PEN E-PL7, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Olympus PEN E-PL7: While the Olympus PEN E-PL7 may be slightly more expensive, its compact design and advanced features make it an attractive option for those who prioritize portability and ease of use.
The Verdict: Which Camera Reigns Supreme?
Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Choose the Canon EOS 700D if:
- You prioritize image quality and low-light performance.
- You need fast and accurate autofocus for tracking moving subjects.
- You prefer a traditional DSLR with a larger grip and dedicated dials.
- You want access to a vast selection of lenses.
Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL7 if:
- You value portability and a sleek design.
- You prefer a compact and lightweight camera for travel and everyday photography.
- You want a camera with intuitive controls and a touchscreen interface.
- You’re looking for a camera with advanced video recording features.
The Future of Photography: Mirrorless vs. DSLR
The mirrorless camera market is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers constantly pushing the boundaries of technology. While DSLRs still hold their own, mirrorless cameras are gaining popularity due to their compact size, advanced features, and excellent image quality.
In the future, we can expect to see even more innovative mirrorless cameras with improved autofocus, video capabilities, and sensor technology. However, DSLRs will likely remain relevant for photographers who prioritize image quality, lens selection, and a traditional shooting experience.
Choosing the Right Camera: A Final Word
The choice between the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL7 ultimately comes down to your individual needs and preferences. Consider your budget, shooting style, and desired features before making a decision. Both cameras offer excellent value and can help you capture stunning photographs and videos.
What You Need to Learn
1. Is the Canon EOS 700D still a good camera in 2023?
While the Canon EOS 700D was released in 2013, it’s still a capable camera for many photographers. Its image quality, autofocus performance, and user-friendly interface remain relevant, especially for those on a budget. However, newer cameras offer advancements in autofocus, video capabilities, and sensor technology.
2. Can I use older Canon lenses with the Olympus PEN E-PL7?
No, the Olympus PEN E-PL7 uses the Micro Four Thirds system, which is incompatible with Canon EF lenses. You’ll need to purchase Micro Four Thirds lenses for the Olympus PEN E-PL7.
3. Which camera is better for beginners?
Both cameras are user-friendly and suitable for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D’s DSLR design and dedicated dials might be more intuitive for some, while the Olympus PEN E-PL7’s compact size and touchscreen interface might appeal to others.
4. What are the best alternatives to these cameras?
If you’re looking for a DSLR alternative to the Canon EOS 700D, consider the Canon EOS Rebel T7i or the Nikon D5600. For a mirrorless alternative to the Olympus PEN E-PL7, consider the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV or the Sony Alpha 6000.
5. What are the main differences between the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL7?
The main differences lie in the camera system (DSLR vs. mirrorless), sensor size, autofocus system, and design. The Canon EOS 700D offers a larger sensor for better image quality and low-light performance, while the Olympus PEN E-PL7 prioritizes portability and ease of use.
