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Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A7S

The Olympus PEN-F and the Sony Alpha A7S are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and April 2014. Both the PEN-F and the A7S are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (PEN-F) and a full frame (A7S) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 12 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Olympus PEN-F
versus
Sony A7S
Olympus PEN-F   Sony A7S
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor 12 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 80-25,600 ISO 100-102,400 (50 - 409,600)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2400k dots)
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 921k dots
Swivel touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
330 shots per battery charge380 shots per battery charge
125 x 72 x 37 mm, 427 g 127 x 94 x 48 mm, 489 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus PEN-F and the Sony Alpha A7S? 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

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus PEN-F and the Sony A7S. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The PEN-F can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the A7S is only available in black.

Size Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A7S
Compare PEN-F versus A7S top
Comparison PEN-F or A7S rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7S is notably larger (33 percent) than the Olympus PEN-F. Moreover, the A7S is markedly heavier (15 percent) than the PEN-F. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7S is splash and dust-proof, while the PEN-F 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 (PEN-F) and the Sony FE Lens Catalog (A7S). 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 PEN-F gets 330 shots out of its Olympus BLN-1 battery, while the A7S can take 380 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A7S 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 would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras 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 PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 489 g 380 Y Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M10 III 122 mm 84 mm 50 mm 410 g 330 n Aug 2017 649ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL8 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Sep 2016 549ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 II 120 mm 83 mm 47 mm 390 g 320 n Aug 2015 649ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony ZV-E1 121 mm 72 mm 54 mm 483 g 570 Y Mar 2023 2,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7S II 127 mm 96 mm 60 mm 627 g 370 Y Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A7 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 474 g 340 Y Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R 127 mm 94 mm 48 mm 465 g 340 Y Oct 2013 2,299ebay.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 manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The PEN-F was launched at a markedly lower price (by 52 percent) than the A7S, 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 PEN-F features a Four Thirds sensor and the Sony A7S a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7S is 280 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 PEN-F has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7S offers a 3:2 aspect.

Olympus PEN-F and Sony A7S sensor measures

Despite having a smaller sensor, the Olympus PEN-F offers a higher resolution of 20.2 megapixels, compared with 12 MP of the Sony A7S. This megapixels advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 3.34μm versus 8.45μm for the A7S). However, it should be noted that the PEN-F is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 9 months) than the A7S, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the PEN-F has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Olympus PEN-F implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the PEN-F for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A7S are 21.2 x 14.2 inches or 53.8 x 36 cm for good quality, 17 x 11.3 inches or 43.1 x 28.8 cm for very good quality, and 14.1 x 9.4 inches or 35.9 x 24 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the A7S, the PEN-F has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus PEN-F has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7S are ISO 100 to ISO 102400, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-409600.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

PEN-F versus A7S MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. 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 A7S offers substantially better image quality than the PEN-F (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 0.8 bits higher color depth, 0.8 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 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 PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
2.
 
Sony A7S Full Frame 12.0 4240 28321080/60p23.913.2370287
3.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
4.
 
Olympus E-M10 III Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.112.8112074
5.
 
Olympus E-PL8 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.6103073
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.112.584273
8.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
9.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
10.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
11.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
13.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
14.
 
Sony ZV-E1 Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/60p25.414.6318196
15.
 
Sony A7S II Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/30p23.613.3299385
16.
 
Sony A7 Full Frame 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.814.2224890
17.
 
Sony A7R Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.614.1274695
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. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the A7S offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the PEN-F (2400k vs 2360k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Olympus PEN-F, the Sony A7S, and comparable 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 PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A7S2400 n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
3.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
4.
 
Olympus E-M10 III2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.6/s Y Y
5.
 
Olympus E-PL8optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 II2360 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Sony ZV-E1none n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7S II2400 n3.0 / 1229 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 A7R2400 n3.0 / 1230 tilting n 1/8000s 4.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that differentiates the PEN-F and the A7S is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The PEN-F reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the A7S offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The PEN-F has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the A7S 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, both cameras under consideration feature an 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 Olympus PEN-F 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 PEN-F writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7S uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The PEN-F supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the A7S can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

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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-F and Sony Alpha A7S 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 PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Sony A7SYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
3.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
4.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
5.
 
Olympus E-PL8Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony ZV-E1Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A7S IIYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A7Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Sony A7RYstereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
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It is notable that the A7S has a headphone jack, which makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process. The PEN-F lacks such a headphone port.

Both the PEN-F and the A7S have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The A7S was replaced by the Sony A7S II, while the PEN-F does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the PEN-F and A7S can be found, respectively, in the Olympus PEN-F Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7S Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus PEN-F and the Sony A7S? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Olympus PEN-F:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.2 vs 12MP) with a 27% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (125x72mm vs 127x94mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 62g or 13 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (52 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 9 months after the A7S).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7S:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.8 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • 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.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.71x vs 0.62x).
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (380 versus 330) 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.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2014).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the PEN-F emerges as the winner of the contest (15 : 12 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. 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.

PEN-F 15:12 A7S

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus PEN-F and the Sony A7S 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 remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the PEN-F or the A7S perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear 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 PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7S4/5....86/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2014 2,499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
4.
 
Olympus E-M10 III..+5/580/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2017 649ebay.com
5.
 
Olympus E-PL8........4.5/54/5 Sep 2016 549ebay.com
6.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M10 II4.5/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Aug 2015 649ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
14.
 
Sony ZV-E1..+4/5....4.5/5 Mar 2023 2,199 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7S II5/5+....4.5/55/5 Sep 2015 2,999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A75/5+ +..80/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A7R5/5+ +..82/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2013 2,299ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Olympus PEN-F vs Sony A7S

    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 PEN-F Sony A7S
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 April 2014
    Launch Price USD 1,199 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Olympus PEN-F Sony A7S
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 35.8 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 855.62 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 43 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 20.2 Megapixels 12 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5184 x 3888 pixels 4240 x 2832 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.34 μm 8.45 μm
    Pixel Density 8.96 MP/cm2 1.40 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 102,400 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 409,600 ISO
    Image Processor TruePic VII BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 74 87
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.1 23.9
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.4 13.2
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 894 3702
    Screen Specs Olympus PEN-F Sony A7S
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.62x 0.71x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots 2400k dots
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 921k dots
    LCD Attachment Swivel screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus PEN-F Sony A7S
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 5 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus PEN-F Sony A7S
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Olympus PEN-F Sony A7S
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLN-1 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge380 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 125 x 72 x 37 mm
    (4.9 x 2.8 x 1.5 in)
    127 x 94 x 48 mm
    (5.0 x 3.7 x 1.9 in)
    Camera Weight 427 g (15.1 oz) 489 g (17.2 oz)
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