REVIEW: Olympus Pen E-PL7

I don’t think I’ve ever lusted after something as much as I did this.  Some girls go to bed dreaming of designer handbags, but for almost three months I went to bed dreaming of this baby and now I own it it’s become one of my most prized possessions!

I’ve never written a camera review before (being a photography graduate I probably should have done by now) but I wanted to share my experience of using this camera for those of you still trying to decide whether or not to go ahead and purchase.  I read quite a lot of reviews on it before caving in so hopefully this will help some of you!


First things first, this camera is beautiful and really aesthetically pleasing.  I collect vintage film cameras and this rivals their beauty despite being digital which is quite an achievement.  It also comes in cream (a fashion blogger favourite).

One of the main things that made this a contender when looking to purchase a new camera for vlogging was the fact it has an LCD screen which flips down which means I can check my whole face is in shot when vlogging on the go.  It’s also tilt-able so if you’re shooting flat lays (photo example above) you can see exactly what you’re doing without having to stand on a chair/blind photograph the surface.

There are multiple shooting features, such as manual, auto, filming etc, but there’s also an ‘Art’ and a ‘Scene’ function which allows you to add some beautiful filters or effects to your images.  My favs are ‘Diorama’, ‘Vintage’ and obviously ‘Macro’ for getting those beautifully clear close up photographs.  The camera also comes with a detachable flash which is fab (makes it less bulky if you’re not using it).

Finally, my favourite thing.  I didn’t actually know it had this feature until I started using it but it is by far what makes it absolutely outstanding compared to any camera I’ve used before (I’m going to try and explain this as best as I can).  There is an app which you can download on your phone (OI Share) and the camera has it’s own built in wifi which means once you’ve connected your camera to your phone, you can view all the pictures taken on the camera and save them straight to your mobile (making it perfect for Instagramming high quality images).  Not only that, but you can then use your phone as a remote control to take pictures from your camera.  When doing this, you can see on your phone what your camera is pointing at (if that makes sense) even if your camera is on the other side of the room.  This is hours of fun and a real party trick that I like to pull out and use to impress people (ha).

Price wise, this retails at around £300-500 and is available online and in most electronic department stores (John Lewis are currently selling it for £299 so I recommend getting it from there to save some money).  You can read more about it’s features here – link!

I really hope this has helped some of you who have been umm-ing and ahh-ing over it.  I also only have the standard lens that comes with the camera but I think I’m going to invest in the 45mm 1.8 lens (love a wide aperture when it comes to fashion & blog photograhy).  That’s another good point actually; the lens is interchangeable making it a dream camera come true!  It really is love!

What camera do you use for blog photography?  Would you invest in this?

xxx

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28 Comments

  1. November 4, 2015 / 10:46 am

    Such an amazing review! I've been eyeing up this camera recently and it's refreshing to read a review from a photography graduate! Thanks Katie 🙂

    www.bootyfurl.co.uk

    ❤️

  2. November 4, 2015 / 10:59 am

    This was really helpful!
    http://alwaysbeautyforever.blogspot.co.uk/

  3. November 4, 2015 / 11:36 am

    Oh how neat that you can immediately save your pics on your phone with this camera, that's cool!

  4. November 4, 2015 / 12:33 pm

    Ive heard a lot about this camera and wanted it for so long, i now only want it more aha xx

    sophiejc.blogspot.co.uk

  5. November 4, 2015 / 1:43 pm

    Yesss I need one! Currently very close to taking the plunge, I've also been thinking about it for months! Great review, Katie! x

    Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com

  6. November 4, 2015 / 1:48 pm

    Oh how I desperately need a new camera. I need to start saving

    Lauren x | www.laurenapowers.blogspot.com

  7. November 4, 2015 / 4:17 pm

    You've sold me on this! I've have also been umm-ing and ahh-ing over this for a few months now. I'm going to buy this most likely at the weekend and I can't wait. Great review xx

  8. November 4, 2015 / 5:00 pm

    i've used this camera and it's really nice, except that it flip down instead of up. 🙁 And I decided to get the OMD EM5 MII instead.

    www.carolinemayling.com

  9. November 4, 2015 / 7:12 pm

    I've been wanting a new camera and this one looks great. Do you use this for your blog photos too?

    Kelly // Perfect Shade of Mauve

  10. November 4, 2015 / 7:17 pm

    This is top of my Christmas list 🙂 glad to hear you've enjoyed using it!

    ohhelloamy.blogspot.com

  11. November 4, 2015 / 8:04 pm

    I'm obsessed with this camera at the moment and really want it! Looks and sounds amazing!

    Liza | Glambeautys | YouTube

  12. November 4, 2015 / 9:13 pm

    Great review! I've been thinking about getting this camera for Christmas as I've heard so many great things about it. The wi-fi feature sounds SO useful!

    Check out my Sephora giveaway!
    http://www.abigailalicex.com/

  13. November 4, 2015 / 9:54 pm

    This is a great thorough review, I've been interested in this camera and I'm happy to find such an honest opinion!

    Kirstie | Kirstie Pickering

  14. November 4, 2015 / 10:50 pm

    I currently use a Canon 700D, but am always looking to try something new. Seems like lots of bloggers are raving about this one. X

    ♥ Carly's Beauty Blog ♥

  15. November 4, 2015 / 10:53 pm

    Ahh I want this camera so bad. Thanks for the heads up about John Lewis! Might have to treat myself for Christmas. Fab review x

    dahliariver.blogspot.com

  16. November 5, 2015 / 12:30 am

    I would defo invest in this! Love it!

    Darriyan x | www.darriyancateland.blogspot.co.uk

  17. November 5, 2015 / 11:53 am

    Thanks for this straight forward simple review as I find cameras really difficult to understand haha!
    Really want one!
    Jabeen x
    http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/

  18. November 5, 2015 / 5:49 pm

    This camera looks epic! I've just bought a new one myself, but it's nowhere near as sophisticated as this baby. Would definitely invest in this one as my next camera in the future! Or probably by then there will be a newer version available haha.

    Georgina x | petite thoughts

  19. November 6, 2015 / 9:09 am

    Great review, I've looking for a newer camera for a while, have you been able to get out and about with it, it would be good to see how it gets on in urban landscapes

  20. November 6, 2015 / 6:11 pm

    I've recently just bought the Nikon D5300, I love it so much but it is far too bulky to vlog with and I have had my eye on this one for a while!
    http://www.sarahlouisewalker.co.uk/ xx

  21. November 6, 2015 / 6:40 pm

    This is already on my Christmas list and you've just made me even more excited!

    Claire | Stylingo.co.uk | xx

  22. November 7, 2015 / 11:27 am

    I've only recently tarted up my blog so I on't really have many pictures on it. If I do decide to put pictures in my posts, I will probably use my old iPod because I don' t have a digital camera to take them on.

    http://leahclarke01.blogspot.co.uk/

  23. November 10, 2015 / 7:25 pm

    This is definitely on my Christmas list! x
    Louise | helloteddy.co.uk

  24. November 10, 2015 / 9:21 pm

    I love the app feature, that sounds like a great feature! I use my Canon 1000D or my iPhone depending on whether I'm at home or uni and whether I have enough pre-planned photos for my posts!

    Emily // Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

    xx

  25. Anonymous
    November 10, 2015 / 10:01 pm

    Hi, great review thanks! Are you able to link to the John Lewis deal please? I can't seem to find the camera w/ lense for £299.

  26. February 27, 2016 / 9:06 am

    I just purchased this camera for my new travel blog. Read about it online and fell in love with it instantly! My first real camera that isn't my iPhone 6.. haha!

    www.whereonearthissarah.com

  27. September 27, 2016 / 4:46 pm

    Awesome review on your blog! I just purchased this camera but am baffled by the functions.. it seems that photos taken indoors have a greenish cast.. Am wondering how do I resolve this?

    www.AldoraMuses.com

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