2 Best Olympus Silver Mirrorless Cameras, Compared
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Finding the best olympus silver mirrorless cameras requires looking at published specs rather than hype. We compared 2 models to help you choose. The top pick is the Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera, which leads due to its 16 MP resolution and included 14-42mm lens. This guide ranks options strictly by their listed specifications. You will see how size, weight, and sensor details differ across these silver bodies. Read on to decide which camera fits your portable photography needs.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera Best overall | portable silver mirrorless photography | Check price of Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera on Amazon |
| 2 | Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless Best budget | portable silver mirrorless photography | Check price of Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You need the most portable silver camera Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless It weighs 11.5 ounces and measures 4.37 inches long for easy carrying.
- You want reliable autofocus for casual shooting Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera The E-PL7 offers solid stabilization and connectivity for reliable performance.
- You value a flip screen for angles Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless The E-PL5 includes a flip screen for flexible composition options.
Our 2 picks
Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera
Best for: portable silver mirrorless photography
- Color
- Silver (what this guide is about)
- Sensor Resolution
- 16MP
- Autofocus System
- 81 Point FAST AF with Small Target AF
- Image Stabilization
- 3-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization
- Included Lens
- 14-42mm Lens
- Dimensions
- 45.2 × 15.1 × 26.4 inches
View on Amazon: Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera Affiliate link
The Olympus E-PL7 is a silver mirrorless camera with a 16MP Live MOS sensor. It features 3-axis in-body image stabilization to reduce blur. The built-in Wi-Fi lets you transfer images to your phone. You will get an 81-point autofocus system for sharp focus. This kit includes a 14-42mm lens. It suits you if you want a compact camera with reliable image quality.
Pros
- 16MP Live MOS sensor
- 3-axis in-body image stabilization
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- 81-point autofocus system
Cons
- 16MP resolution is lower than modern standards
- No 4K video capability listed
- 3-inch LCD screen is small
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight camera for travel
- You need in-body stabilization for handheld shots
- You prefer silver aesthetics
Skip if
- You require 4K video recording
- You need high-resolution 20MP or more
- You want a larger viewfinder
Verdict: The Olympus E-PL7 Silver Mirrorless Camera offers solid stabilization and connectivity for casual shooters. It fits you if you value portability and reliable autofocus over high-resolution video.
Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless
Best for: portable silver mirrorless photography
- Color
- Silver (what this guide is about)
- Sensor Resolution
- 16MP
- Video Resolution
- Full 1080i HD
- Image Processor
- TruePicTM VI
- Included Lens
- 14-42mm Lens
- Dimensions
- 4.37 × 1.5 × 2.52 inches
View on Amazon: Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless Affiliate link
The Olympus E-PL5 is a compact silver mirrorless camera featuring a 16MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic VI processor. It records Full 1080i HD video and includes a 3.0-inch flip touch LCD for self-portraits. This model suits you if you want creative art filters and a lightweight body for everyday shooting.
Pros
- 16MP Live MOS sensor for detailed images
- 3.0-inch flip touch LCD screen
- 12 Creative Art Filters and 7 Art Filter Effects
- Compact silver body weighs 11.5 ounces
Cons
- Video resolution limited to 1080i, not 1080p
- No 4K video capability
- Fixed 14-42mm lens limits zoom range
Good fit if
- You want a lightweight silver camera for travel
- You prefer flipping the screen for selfies
- You enjoy applying creative art filters to photos
Skip if
- You need 4K video recording
- You require a high-resolution 4K display
- You want interchangeable lenses with longer reach
Verdict: Olympus E-PL5 Silver Mirrorless is a practical choice for photographers who value portability and creative filters. It fits users who prioritize a flip screen and compact size over high-resolution video specs.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Olympus PEN 16MP Mirrorless Camera | Olympus E-PL5 16MP Silver Mirrorless |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 16MP | 16MP |
| Autofocus System | 81 Point FAST AF with Small Target AF | not stated |
| Image Stabilization | 3-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization | not stated |
| Video Resolution | not stated | Full 1080i HD |
| Image Processor | not stated | TruePicTM VI |
| Included Lens | 14-42mm Lens | 14-42mm Lens |
| Resolution | 16 MP | not stated |
| Color | Silver | Silver |
| Dimensions | 45.2 × 15.1 × 26.4 inches | 4.37 × 1.5 × 2.52 inches |
| Weight | 10.9 ounces | 11.5 ounces |
| Size | 3 inches | compact |
| Model | PEN E-PL7 | V205041SU000 |
Key specs to check before buying
-
Compare sensor resolution
Check the megapixel count if you plan to crop images heavily. The Olympus E-PL7 offers 16 MP, providing enough detail for standard prints and social media posts. Higher resolution allows you to enlarge photos without losing clarity. If you only share images on small screens, this spec may not matter as much. You should compare this number against your intended output size to ensure you get the quality you need for your workflow.
-
Check camera weight
Weight determines how comfortable the camera is for all-day carry. The E-PL7 weighs 10.9 ounces, making it one of the lighter options in this group. The E-PL5 is slightly heavier at 11.5 ounces. A lighter body reduces fatigue when you are traveling or walking around a city. You should hold the camera to see if the balance feels right for your hands. Portability often outweighs other features for casual shooters who move frequently.
-
Review physical dimensions
Dimensions dictate whether the camera fits in your bag or pocket. The E-PL5 is compact, measuring 4.37 inches long. The E-PL7 has different external measurements that may affect fit. You should measure your current gear bag to ensure compatibility. Smaller bodies are easier to hide in street photography scenarios. You must also consider how the lens extends when zooming, as this changes the overall length when the camera is powered on.
-
Evaluate stabilization features
Stabilization helps you get sharp images in low light. The E-PL7 includes solid stabilization, which reduces blur from hand movement. This feature is crucial if you shoot without a tripod. You should check if the camera uses in-body or lens-based stabilization. Better stabilization allows you to use slower shutter speeds. This expands your creative options for night shots or indoor environments where flash use is limited or undesirable.
-
Assess connectivity options
Connectivity determines how easily you transfer images to your phone. The E-PL7 offers reliable connectivity for casual shooters. You can wirelessly send photos to your device for quick sharing. This saves time compared to using a card reader. You should verify if the connection method matches your smartphone. Seamless integration with your mobile device streamlines your workflow. You will appreciate the convenience when you want to post images immediately after shooting.
Frequently asked questions
Which Olympus silver mirrorless camera is the best overall choice?
The Olympus PEN E-PL7 is the top pick for most users. It offers 16 MP resolution and includes a 14-42mm lens. This model provides solid stabilization and connectivity. It is ideal for casual shooters who value portability and reliable autofocus performance in a compact body.
What is the size and weight of the Olympus E-PL7?
The Olympus E-PL7 weighs 10.9 ounces. Its dimensions are listed as 15.1 inches wide, 26.4 inches high, and 45.2 inches long. These measurements suggest a specific packaging or model variation. The camera features a 3-inch display and comes in a silver finish with an included 14-42mm lens.
How portable is the Olympus E-PL5 silver model?
The Olympus E-PL5 is designed for portability. It weighs 11.5 ounces and measures 4.37 inches in length. The height is 2.52 inches and the width is 1.5 inches. This compact size makes it easy to carry. It includes a 14-42mm lens and a flip screen for creative angles.
Does the Olympus E-PL5 have a flip screen?
Yes, the Olympus E-PL5 includes a flip screen. This feature allows you to adjust shooting angles easily. The camera is a practical choice for photographers who prioritize portability and creative filters. It also comes with a 14-42mm lens for versatile focal length coverage in a silver body.
What resolution do these Olympus silver cameras offer?
Both the E-PL7 and E-PL5 offer 16 MP resolution. This sensor size provides enough detail for standard prints and social media posts. Higher resolution allows you to crop images without losing quality. The E-PL7 is noted for this spec, making it suitable for users who need reliable image detail.
What lens is included with the Olympus silver mirrorless cameras?
Both models in this guide come with a 14-42mm lens. This standard kit lens covers wide to short telephoto ranges. It is suitable for general photography needs. You get the same focal length coverage regardless of which silver model you choose. The lens is included in the box for both cameras.
Is the Olympus E-PL7 good for video recording?
The E-PL7 is better suited for photography than high-resolution video. It offers solid stabilization and connectivity for casual shooters. If you prioritize reliable autofocus and portability, this model fits your needs. It does not emphasize high-resolution video specs. The 16 MP sensor is optimized for still image capture.