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My Path to OM System
In 2021, two new lenses were introduced under the OM System brand, a rebranding of the original Olympus, linked to the transfer of its imaging division to OM Digital Solutions (OMDS). Since then, several new or improved lenses have been released, along with cameras such as the OM-1 and OM-5, which are based on the original OM-D E-M1 and E-M5, and this year’s new release, the OM-3.
When it comes to digital photography, I have the Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8, which I wrote about here years ago. I’m satisfied with it, but I don’t like that Panasonic has moved toward full-frame systems. For the Micro Four Thirds system, they offer cameras like the DC-G9 II and DC-GH7, which are professional tools comparable to the flagship OM System OM-1 II. Since I don’t make a living from photography and have always appreciated the compactness of the Micro Four Thirds system, I would also mention the newer Panasonic model, the DC-G100D. While it is likely possible to find cameras with better specifications for the same price in other systems, the selection of crop-sensor lenses is worse in those systems. However, this model doesn’t offer anything truly interesting.
The new OM System models have attracted me more. I like the OM-5 Mark II the most. There’s been a lot of talk about how it hasn’t changed significantly compared to the first OM-5 or the OM-D E-M5 Mark III, but when we look at all the currently offered models for the Micro Four Thirds system, the OM-5 Mark II still offers a lot in its category. I seriously considered ordering it because I really like it. I also wanted to support the only manufacturer that is sticking exclusively to the Micro Four Thirds system and not transitioning to full-frame. However, some features from my GX8 are missing. For example, the body is not metal, it lacks the tilting viewfinder that I use, among other things, when shooting airplanes from behind a fence. That’s why I ultimately decided to get something smaller as a complement to my GX8.
From Robin Wong’s videos, I remembered the Olympus PEN E-PL7, but buying an older body wouldn’t really help the OM System brand. To my surprise, I found out that OM System still sells the Olympus PEN E-P7, even on its official website. It must have slipped under my radar because it’s not sold in the USA, which is probably why there aren’t many mentions of it on popular photography websites and channels. Essentially, it’s an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV in a more compact retro design without a viewfinder and at a similar price, but instead of the viewfinder, you get a lens included. Like the E-M10, it has a stabilized sensor, which is a major advantage when compared to the Panasonic G100D. Visually, it’s similar to the iconic Olympus PEN-F, although the body is plastic. It’s lighter, however, and features a smaller grip, making it comfortable to hold with one hand.
So, I decided to purchase the Olympus PEN E-P7. Although it’s a model from 2021 and lacks some features found in newer OM System models, like phase-detection autofocus with AI subject detection, it’s exactly the type of camera that should have a permanent place in the M43 system. At the moment, I have higher expectations from the OM System brand than from Panasonic. And if I’m wrong, at least I’ll own one of the last cameras bearing the Olympus brand.
