Giving the little guys a chances: I got tired of lugging around my big heavy DSLR cameras, so I thought I'd try something smaller and lighter. Bought both of these used, that way if I...

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

I got tired of lugging around my big heavy DSLR cameras, so I thought I'd try something smaller and lighter. Bought both of these used, that way if I decide I don't like them I can sell them and probably get back most of what I paid for them. Unfortunately both cameras needed a bit of work, which was a challenge, but I managed quite well thanks to the IFIXIT website. Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Sony NEX-C3

chazz4623 Loc: Prairieville, La

Hoping you will indulge us with your eval of each after a couple months usage (please)

Old Coot

Using the Fuji X-E4. with all my lenses.
So far have not discovered any limitations using this body. Only problem I have is that the Exposure compensation dial turns all too easily so need to verify before each shot.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, smaller cameras do have advantages. I have Sony and Fuji, but the DSLR is still my go-to. I'm just more comfortable using the big camera. Of course, there's always Auto, but I like to experiment.

GerryER Loc: Virginia USA

The only thing I don't like about those cameras is the lack of a viewfinder, though you can add one to the Olympus; I don't know about the Sony. I have an Olympus OM-D with the built in viewfinder, which I believe isn't much larger than either of those cameras (except that I have a 14-150mm lens on it). I did own an earlier Pen E-PL1, which was very capable, but I do like the OM-D more.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Earworms wrote:

I got tired of lugging around my big heavy DSLR cameras, so I thought I'd try something smaller and lighter. Bought both of these used, that way if I decide I don't like them I can sell them and probably get back most of what I paid for them. Unfortunately both cameras needed a bit of work, which was a challenge, but I managed quite well thanks to the IFIXIT website. Olympus PEN E-PL7 and Sony NEX-C3

Given the same vintage sensor technology as your big camera, In good light, you will find little if any difference in IQ from the little guys.

But lenses will matter. If you have pro lenses for the big guy and consumer quality for the little guys you will notice a difference in IQ.

Full disclosure I am on a trip with my Olympus kit which is always my go-to travel, adventure and carry with me camera.

And I have a full frame kit which I use as well. But not for travel, adventure, or carrying with me every day.

I hope you will post an update here with your conclusions.

Bill 45

I use film cameras; I like using the small German cameras from the 1950s and early 1960s. The ones I have:
Retina IIc // Retina IIIC (large C) // Retina Automatic III // Braun Paxette Super IIL // Zeiss Contessa. All are use 35mm film.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

chazz4623 wrote:

Hoping you will indulge us with your eval of each after a couple months usage (please)

So far I've used the Olympus more, it's quicker/faster than the Sony. I like a fast on ready to shoot. I'm guessing that the newer Sony are quicker. The Sony lenses are quite pricey compared to the Olympus M. Zuiko, probably better picture quality in that regard. With the Sony, you basically have to hold the lens instead of the body, whereas the Olympus has more of a traditional camera feel to it, though smaller. At some point I'll likely get a newer Sony body, keeping using the lenses I've already accumulated.

Earworms Loc: Sacramento, California

JD750 wrote:

Given the same vintage sensor technology as your b... (show quote)

To me, ergonomics is as important as the picture quality, if it isn't comfortable and physically intuitive them I'm less likely to use it. Great picture quality is definitely a plus, but I'm nowhere near being able to afford a full frame camera/sensor. Not to mention how expensive the big glass is.

User ID

Old Coot wrote:

Using the Fuji X-E4. with all my lenses.
So far have not discovered any limitations using this body. Only problem I have is that the Exposure compensation dial turns all too easily so need to verify before each shot.

It’s great that you have a random variable to add some spice.

mffox Loc: Avon, CT

Both good choices. I had a Pen EP-L 5 and loved it, recently traded up to the Pen F.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Earworms wrote:

To me, ergonomics is as important as the picture quality, if it isn't comfortable and physically intuitive them I'm less likely to use it. Great picture quality is definitely a plus, but I'm nowhere near being able to afford a full frame camera/sensor. Not to mention how expensive the big glass is.

Ergonomics is very important. And mass is part of that. That’s why the OM-D is my goto camera. (Also lenses are less expensive)

I was just saying you won’t sacrifice much, if any, IQ in good light.

Enjoyed your report so far. Thanks.