Olympus PEN Lite E-PL7 camera launched with E-M10-like specs

Olympus has officially announced the PEN Lite E-PL7 mirrorless camera, which features a Micro Four Thirds image sensor and built-in WiFi among others, as well as a “Black” version of the Silver 12mm f/2 lens.

It has been rumored for a very long time, but it is finally official right now. The new Olympus PEN Lite E-PL7 camera has been unveiled, borrowing many of its traits from the OM-D E-M10, another Micro Four Thirds camera launched earlier this year.

Olympus E-PL7 is a selfie camera. Its touchscreen can be tilted downwards by 180-degrees and the camera will automatically enter “selfie mode” when this happens.

Olympus introduces E-PL7 “selfie” camera with 180-degree tilting touchscreen

The Japan-based company will market the PEN E-PL7 as a selfie camera, thanks to a 3-inch LCD touchscreen which can the tilted downwards by 180-degree.

The display has a resolution of 1.04-million dots, that is said to support one-touch selfies. Once the screen is tilted to its maximum downward position, it will automatically enter the “Selfie Mode”, serving as a mirror.

As usual with a PEN-series model, it does not have an integrated viewfinder, meaning that users will have to compose their shots via the aforementioned LCD touchscreen. Nevertheless, a VF-4 external electronic viewfinder is available as a separate purchase and can be mounted on the camera’s hot-shoe.

As the “selfie revolution” continues, the manufacturer is aiming to provide a device that captures beautiful photos. This is why the Olympus E-PL7 employs a 16.05-megapixel Live MOS image sensor with built-in 3-axis image stabilization.

Olympus E-PL7’s touchscreen can also be tilted upwards by 90-degree to capture photos and videos from unconventional angles.

Olympus PEN Lite E-PL7 features the fastest autofocus system ever in an Olympus camera

The press release confirms that this shooter comes packed with the fastest autofocus system ever added into an Olympus camera. The technology consists of 81 focus points, that should cover the whole frame.

Additionally, the system works in combination with a TruePic VII image processor that offers a very fast continuous mode, allowing photographers to capture up to 8fps.

The ISO sensitivity will range between 200 and 25,600 and the shutter speed will stand between 1/4000th of a second and 60 seconds.

In order to give a helping hand in low-light shooting, the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL7 features built-in autofocus light and pop-up flash.

Olympus E-PL7 comes packed with built-in WiFi, allowing smartphone and tablets users to take control over this mirrorless camera.

Built-in WiFi means that you can remotely control your new Olympus E-PL7

Olympus has added numerous creative possibilities into the PEN E-PL7. The Micro Four Thirds cameras sports multiple filters and effects, including Vintage, Partial Color, Panning, and Shade Effect.

The new shooter is capable of capturing RAW photos as well as full HD videos at a maximum frame rate of 30fps and with stereo sound support.

After capturing your images and films, the content can be transferred to a mobile device using built-in WiFi. Moreover, this feature can be used to remotely control the Olympus E-PL7, which is always a nice thing to have at your disposal.

Speaking of the content, it can be stored on an SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

The controls and buttons of the Olympus E-PL7 camera.

Release date and price details are also official

The Olympus PEN Lite E-PL7 release date has been scheduled for late September. The price will stand at $599.99 for body-only version in the Black, Silver, and White colors.

A lens kit including the 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens will also be released around the same date for a price of $699.99.

This mirrorless camera measures 115 x 67 x 38mm / 4.53 x 2.64 x 1.5-inches, while weighing 357 grams / 12.59 ounces.

Amazon is already listing the PEN E-PL7 for pre-order, so photographers can secure a unit right away.

The Black Olympus 12mm f/2 lens joins the “Silver” counterpart with similar specs and price tag.

Black Olympus 12mm f/2 lens announced, too

Olympus will also release the Black 12mm f/2 lens this September. The technical aspects of the optic are identical to the ones found in the Silver model.

This is a wide-angle lens which will provide a 35mm equivalent of 24mm. It comes with a 46mm filter thread and it is very lightweight with a total weight of only 130 grams.

It is available for pre-order at Amazon for a price of $799.