The Ultimate Camera Face-off: Canon EOS R100 with RF-S 18-45mm Lens vs. Olympus Pen E-P7 – Which One Takes the Crown?

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially with the plethora of options available in the market. Two popular contenders in the mirrorless camera world are the Canon EOS R100 with Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and the **Olympus PEN E-P7**. Both cameras offer impressive features and performance, but they cater to different needs and preferences. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two cameras, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Ergonomics: A Tale of Two Styles

The Canon EOS R100 and Olympus PEN E-P7 boast distinct designs that reflect their target audiences. The Canon EOS R100, with its classic DSLR-inspired body, feels familiar and comfortable in hand, especially for those transitioning from a DSLR system. It features a deep grip and well-placed buttons, making it easy to navigate and control.
On the other hand, the Olympus PEN E-P7 embraces a more compact and stylish design, reminiscent of rangefinder cameras. Its lightweight body and retro aesthetics make it an ideal companion for street photography and travel. However, its smaller size might feel less comfortable for users with larger hands.

Image Quality: A Battle of Resolution and Dynamic Range

Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but they achieve it through different approaches. The Canon EOS R100 boasts a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, capable of capturing high-resolution images with detailed textures and vibrant colors. Its sensor also delivers impressive dynamic range, allowing you to recover details in highlights and shadows.
The Olympus PEN E-P7, equipped with a 16.04MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, focuses on delivering a more “film-like” aesthetic. While its resolution is lower than the Canon EOS R100, it excels in capturing natural skin tones and subtle nuances in light. Its Micro Four Thirds sensor also provides exceptional low-light performance.

Autofocus: Speed and Precision in Different Forms

The autofocus systems of both cameras are impressive in their own right. The Canon EOS R100 utilizes a hybrid autofocus system with 143 cross-type points, covering a large portion of the sensor area. This system offers fast and accurate autofocus, particularly for tracking moving subjects.
The Olympus PEN E-P7 features a contrast-detection autofocus system, known for its accuracy in capturing sharp focus on static subjects. While it might not be as fast as the Canon EOS R100’s autofocus, it excels in achieving precise focus for still life and landscape photography.

Video Capabilities: A Spectrum of Features

Both cameras offer decent video recording capabilities, but they cater to different needs. The Canon EOS R100 can capture 4K video at 25/30fps, providing high-quality footage for various projects. It also features a microphone input and headphone jack for audio monitoring.
The Olympus PEN E-P7 can record 4K video at 24/25/30fps, but it lacks a microphone input and headphone jack. It does, however, offer in-body image stabilization, which can be helpful for smoother video recordings.

Lens Options: The Power of Choice

The Canon EOS R100 benefits from the growing Canon RF-S lens system, designed specifically for APS-C sensor cameras. This system offers a range of affordable and versatile lenses, including the included Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM, which provides a good starting point for everyday photography.
The Olympus PEN E-P7, on the other hand, leverages the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens system, which boasts a wide array of lenses from various manufacturers. This system offers a wider selection of specialized lenses, including macro, telephoto, and wide-angle options, allowing for greater creative flexibility.

Battery Life: Endurance for Different Styles

The Canon EOS R100 offers a decent battery life, capable of capturing around 330 shots on a single charge. This is sufficient for most everyday shooting scenarios.
The Olympus PEN E-P7 boasts a slightly longer battery life, lasting for approximately 350 shots on a single charge. Its compact size and lightweight design might make it more appealing for travel photography, where extended shooting sessions are common.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Ultimately, the decision between the Canon EOS R100 with Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and the **Olympus PEN E-P7** depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Consider the Canon EOS R100 if you:

• Value a classic DSLR-inspired design and ergonomics.
• Need a camera with fast and accurate autofocus for capturing moving subjects.
• Prefer a higher resolution sensor for detailed images.
• Want to explore the growing Canon RF-S lens system.

Consider the Olympus PEN E-P7 if you:

• Appreciate a compact and stylish rangefinder-inspired design.
• Value a “film-like” aesthetic and exceptional low-light performance.
• Prefer a camera with in-body image stabilization for smoother video recordings.
• Want to benefit from the extensive Micro Four Thirds lens system.

Beyond the Specs: A Final Thought

While specifications play a crucial role in camera selection, it’s essential to consider your personal shooting style and artistic vision. Both the Canon EOS R100 and **Olympus PEN E-P7** offer unique strengths and cater to different needs. By carefully evaluating your priorities and exploring the features of each camera, you can choose the perfect tool to capture your creative vision.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are suitable for beginners. The Canon EOS R100 might be more appealing due to its familiar DSLR-inspired design and intuitive controls.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Olympus PEN E-P7’s compact size and lightweight design make it an ideal choice for travel photography. It’s easy to carry and discreet, allowing you to capture spontaneous moments.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Canon EOS R100 offers more video features, including microphone input and headphone jack, making it more suitable for serious video recording.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light shooting?
A: The Olympus PEN E-P7’s Micro Four Thirds sensor excels in low-light performance, delivering less noise and more detail in challenging lighting conditions.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Canon EOS R100 is generally more affordable than the Olympus PEN E-P7, especially when considering the included Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens.