• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Ricoh GR advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.81 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Higher effective ISO
    972 vs 873 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/250 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    300 vs 60 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 24 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Ricoh GR

  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $799 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 350 vs 290 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.28 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.7 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    8.7 fps vs 6.1 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    17 vs 4 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Ricoh GR

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Buy the Olympus E-PL7
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 14-42mm Lens
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Review Excerpt

  • The most compact APS-C camera on the market; Bright, sharp 28mm f/2.8 prime lens with almost no distortion; Excellent image quality; Extremely customizable; Fast autofocus; Strong built-in flash plus hot shoe.

  • Fixed prime lens is not for everybody; Crowded and small controls; Burst performance is limited; Muted colors and cool white balance; Has issues with moire and false color.

  • Read our Ricoh GR Review

  • Excellent image quality for its class including very good ISO performance; Improved performance and ergonomics over the E-PL5; LCD tilts 180 degree downward for easier selfies; Upgraded 3-axis IS system.

  • No built-in flash (but a small add-on flash is included); No built-in EVF; Default colors somewhat muted; Somewhat quirky menu system.

  • Read our Olympus E-PL7 Review

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Ricoh GR
Olympus E-PL5
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Ricoh GR vs Olympus E-PL5

Olympus E-PL7
Olympus E-PL5
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Fast startup
  • $329
  • 4/3

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus E-PL5

Compared to Nikon Coolpix A

Ricoh GR
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Bigger RAW buffer

Compare Ricoh GR vs Nikon Coolpix A

Olympus E-PL7
Nikon Coolpix A
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $1097
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Nikon Coolpix A

Compared to Panasonic GF6

Ricoh GR
Panasonic GF6
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compare Ricoh GR vs Panasonic GF6

Olympus E-PL7
Panasonic GF6
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Panasonic GF6

Compared to Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR
Ricoh GR II
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Ricoh GR vs Ricoh GR II

Olympus E-PL7
Ricoh GR II
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $538
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Ricoh GR II

Compared to Fujifilm X70

Ricoh GR
Fujifilm X70
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Integrated ND filter
  • Higher max flash sync
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Touchscreen

Compare Ricoh GR vs Fujifilm X70

Olympus E-PL7
Fujifilm X70
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Fujifilm X70

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