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Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony A7C

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Sony Alpha A7C are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2010 and September 2020. Both the E-PL1 and the A7C are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (E-PL1) and a full frame (A7C) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-PL1
versus
Sony A7C
Olympus E-PL1   Sony A7C
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
12.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24 MP – Full Frame sensor
720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 200-3,200 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
2.7" LCD – 230k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
290 shots per battery charge740 shots per battery charge
115 x 72 x 42 mm, 334 g 124 x 71 x 60 mm, 509 g
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Check E-PL1 offers at
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Check A7C price at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and the Sony Alpha A7C? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-PL1 and the Sony A7C is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The E-PL1 can be obtained in four different colors (black, blue, yellow, white), while the A7C is available in two color-versions (black, silver).

Size Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony A7C
Compare E-PL1 versus A7C top
Comparison E-PL1 or A7C rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7C is notably larger (6 percent) than the Olympus E-PL1. Moreover, the A7C is substantially heavier (52 percent) than the E-PL1. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7C is splash and dust-proof, while the E-PL1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (E-PL1) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7C). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the E-PL1 gets 290 shots out of its Olympus BLS-1 battery, while the A7C can take 740 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7C can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 115 mm 72 mm 42 mm 334 g 290 n Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7C 124 mm 71 mm 60 mm 509 g 740 Y Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL9 117 mm 68 mm 39 mm 380 g 350 n Feb 2018 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 122 mm 69 mm 34 mm 369 g 330 n Jun 2011 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 114 mm 72 mm 42 mm 362 g 280 n Jan 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 110 mm 64 mm 37 mm 313 g 300 n Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 265 g 330 n Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-620 130 mm 94 mm 60 mm 521 g 500 n Feb 2009 699ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P1 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Jun 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P2 121 mm 70 mm 36 mm 355 g 300 n Nov 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G10 124 mm 84 mm 74 mm 388 g 380 n Mar 2010 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF2 113 mm 68 mm 33 mm 310 g 300 n Nov 2010 549ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7C II 124 mm 71 mm 63 mm 514 g 540 Y Aug 2023 2,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 599 g 350 Y Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A850 156 mm 117 mm 82 mm 895 g 880 Y Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The E-PL1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 67 percent) than the A7C, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-PL1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony A7C a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7C is 276 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.0. The sensor in the E-PL1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7C offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus E-PL1 and Sony A7C sensor measures

With 24MP, the A7C offers a higher resolution than the E-PL1 (12.2MP), but the A7C nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 4.29μm for the E-PL1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7C is a much more recent model (by 10 years and 7 months) than the E-PL1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7C implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7C for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-PL1 are 20.2 x 15.1 inches or 51.2 x 38.4 cm for good quality, 16.1 x 12.1 inches or 41 x 30.7 cm for very good quality, and 13.4 x 10.1 inches or 34.1 x 25.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7C has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Olympus PEN E-PL1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7C are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the E-PL1 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7C uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

E-PL1 versus A7C MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the A7C offers substantially better image quality than the E-PL1 (overall score 41 points higher). The advantage is based on 3.5 bits higher color depth, 4.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.148754
2.
 
Sony A7C Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7340795
3.
 
Olympus E-PL9 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8116274
4.
 
Olympus E-P3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.810.153651
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.257355
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i20.910.349952
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 30241080/60i21.010.349952
8.
 
Olympus E-620 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024none21.310.353655
9.
 
Olympus E-P1 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.410.453655
10.
 
Olympus E-P2 Four Thirds 12.2 4032 3024720/30p21.510.450556
11.
 
Panasonic G10 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.141152
12.
 
Panasonic GF2 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i21.210.350654
13.
 
Sony A7C II Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7323796
14.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
15.
 
Sony A7 II Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.913.6244990
16.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
17.
 
Sony A850 Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none23.812.2141579
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the A7C provides a better video resolution than the E-PL1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7C has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the E-PL1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the E-PL1 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Olympus E-PL1 and Sony A7C in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1optional n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 3.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Sony A7C2360 n3.0 / 922 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Olympus E-PL9none n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Olympus E-P3optional n3.0 / 614 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3optional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-620optical n2.7 / 230 swivel n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Olympus E-P1none n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-P2optional n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s n Y
11.
 
Panasonic G10202 n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic GF2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 2.6/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A7C II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7 II2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A72400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony A850optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The E-PL1 has one, while the A7C does not. While the built-in flash of the E-PL1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The A7C has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the E-PL1 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7C is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7C has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The E-PL1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the A7C uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7C supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the E-PL1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Sony Alpha A7C and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
2.
 
Sony A7CYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
3.
 
Olympus E-PL9Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Olympus E-P3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
5.
 
Olympus E-PL2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
6.
 
Olympus E-PL3Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Olympus E-620Y- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-P1Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
10.
 
Olympus E-P2Ystereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic G10Ymono / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GF2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7C IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
15.
 
Sony A7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A850Y- / ---mini2.0---
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It is notable that the A7C offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the E-PL1 does not provide wifi capability.

The A7C is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the E-PL1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-PL1 was succeeded by the Olympus E-PL2. Further information on the features and operation of the E-PL1 and A7C can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-PL1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7C Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-PL1 and the Sony A7C? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus PEN E-PL1:

  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 175g or 34 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (67 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in February 2010).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A7C:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 43%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (41 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3.5 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (4.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 720/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (922k vs 230k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (740 versus 290) out of a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-II standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 10 years and 7 months of technical progress since the E-PL1 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7C is the clear winner of the contest (28 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

E-PL1 04:28 A7C

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-PL1 and the Sony A7C place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the E-PL1 and the A7C in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-PL1..86/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 599ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7C3.5/5..3.5/586/1004/54/5 Sep 2020 1,799 amazon.com
3.
 
Olympus E-PL9..+....4.5/54/5 Feb 2018 599ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-P3..83/100..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 799ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL23/583/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-PL33/5+ +..72/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 599ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-PM1..86/100..71/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2011 499ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-6203/588/100..72/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2009 699ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-P1..+..66/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2009 799ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P23/5+..69/1004/54.5/5 Nov 2009 799ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic G103/5....70/1004/54/5 Mar 2010 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF23/582/100..70/1004.5/54.5/5 Nov 2010 549ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7C II4/5..4/587/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2023 2,199 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7 II5/5+4/582/1004.5/55/5 Nov 2014 1,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A8503/5....75/100..4.5/5 Aug 2009 1,999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Check A7C price at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-PL1 vs Sony A7C

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2010 September 2020
    Launch Price USD 599 USD 1,799
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.6 x 23.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 847.28 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 42.8 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4032 x 3024 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.29 μm 5.94 μm
    Pixel Density 5.42 MP/cm2 2.83 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 720/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 3,200 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor Truepic V BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 54 95
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.5 25.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.1 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 487 3407
    Screen Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.59x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 2.7inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/2000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterno E-Shutterup to 1/8000s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDHC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support no UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Olympus E-PL1 Sony A7C
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLS-1 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)290 shots per charge740 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 115 x 72 x 42 mm
    (4.5 x 2.8 x 1.7 in)
    124 x 71 x 60 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 2.4 in)
    Camera Weight 334 g (11.8 oz) 509 g (18.0 oz)
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