• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Olympus E-PL7

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.75 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video

Olympus E-PL7 advantages over Sony A55

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $600 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 0.9 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/250 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Lighter weight
    469g vs 727g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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 Sony A55

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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

  • 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 Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A55 vs Canon T2i

Olympus E-PL7
Canon T2i
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Canon T2i

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A33

Olympus E-PL7
Sony A33
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony A33

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Sony A55 vs Sony A35

Olympus E-PL7
Sony A35
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus E-PL7 vs Sony A35

Compared to Olympus E-PL5

Sony A55
Olympus E-PL5
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A55 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 Panasonic GF6

Sony A55
Panasonic GF6
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $400
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A55 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

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