Olympus PEN E-PL8 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview first impressions review identifies the Olympus PEN E-PL8 as a stylish, entry-level mirrorless camera that inherits a 16-megapixel sensor and effective in-body image stabilization from the higher-end E-M10 II, offering great JPEGs and a compact, versatile shooting experience. Key pros include the excellent out-of-camera color, a cheaper launch price than its predecessor, and a design suited for smartphone users looking to upgrade. However, the review outlines significant drawbacks, including the total lack of an electronic viewfinder (EVF), a single-dial control scheme that limits manual adjustment, and a clunky, "fiddly" rear flip-down screen mechanism that hampers usability. Due to these limitations in ergonomics and control, the review suggests that photographers prioritizing performance over style may prefer an OM-D body, as the E-PL8's design is prioritized for aesthetics, with the awkward screen mechanism detracting from the overall build quality.

The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a stylish, 16.1-megapixel Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera aimed at lifestyle photographers, featuring excellent image quality, 3-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation, 28 art filters, and built-in Wi-Fi. The premium metal design and tilting screen make it a strong choice for social media content creation. However, the camera lacks a built-in flash, requiring a separate, included external unit, and offers only manual panoramic shooting rather than an automated mode. While capable of 8.3fps shooting, the autofocus speed is slower compared to top-tier competitors.

The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a stylish, entry-level mirrorless camera offering a compact, premium design, a selfie-friendly tilting touchscreen, and effective in-body image stabilization. It provides solid performance with a 0.9-second startup and a 7.3fps burst rate, making it an appealing,, design-focused choice for Micro Four Thirds users. However, the camera lacks an internal viewfinder and integrated flash, and it is limited by 1080p video recording, a single control dial, and less effective autofocus for tracking action. Despite these omissions, it remains a reliable option for those prioritizing design, according to the review from PCMag.

The Shutterbug review of the Olympus PEN E-PL8 praises the stylish, compact mirrorless camera for its unique downward-swiveling LCD screen, effective Wi-Fi, and excellent, clean video color accuracy and noise control. However, the assessment notes significant drawbacks, including over-saturated video contrast, disappointing resolution performance, high-ISO noise, and the lack of a built-in viewfinder. Shutterbug.com

The Photo Review Australia evaluation describes the Olympus PEN E-PL8 as a stylish, fashion-focused mirrorless camera designed for smartphone users stepping up to a dedicated device. Key strengths include a 16.05-megapixel Live MOS sensor with 8.5 fps shooting, in-body three-axis stabilization, and a downward-flipping touchscreen for selfies. Conversely, the review notes the E-PL8 lacks a built-in viewfinder, forcing reliance on the rear LCD screen. It also functions as a minimal update to the older E-PL7, sharing similar internal components and limiting video to 1080p rather than 4K.

The This Life in Trips review highlights the Olympus PEN E-PL8 as a stylish, compact mirrorless camera ideal for travel bloggers, praising its 3-axis image stabilization, interchangeable lenses, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing. It is considered a strong upgrade from point-and-shoot cameras, offering a sleek, retro design alongside, with decent performance for daily photography. This Conversely, the review notes significant drawbacks, most notably the awkward flip-down screen that becomes unusable when mounted on a tripod, making it challenging for vloggers. Additionally, the camera lacks an electronic viewfinder and offers limited technical improvements over its predecessor, the E-PL7.

In this honest, real-world review published on One Camera One Lens Photography, photographer Mark G. Adams shares his experience using the Olympus Pen E-PL8 as a compact, everyday family camera alternative to his larger Fujifilm X-T3. The prominent pros of this micro four thirds camera include its exceptionally small, lightweight, and pocketable build—making it ideal for discrete "point and shoot" photography. Despite its 16-megapixel sensor, it produces clean, detailed images with remarkably controlled noise, and delivers excellent low-light performance backed by superb in-body image stabilization. Additionally, its 3-inch touchscreen user interface is highly customizable and features a versatile tilt mechanism that flips entirely downward for forward-facing selfies or vlogging. Conversely, the review highlights several specific cons inherent to the camera's older technology and design choices. The limited dynamic range poses issues with overexposed highlights, occasionally clipping details in bright white clouds or skies. The autofocus system features only 81 focus points, which occasionally misses targets in continuous focus mode and is highly lens-dependent, slowing down significantly with lenses like the Olympus 17mm f/2.8. Finally, the most notable drawback is the...

The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a solid, compact entry-level mirrorless camera that functions as a slightly redesigned version of its predecessor, the E-PL7. Built around a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, the camera features 3-axis in-body image stabilization that works well with wide-angle lenses. Designed with smartphone users in mind, it includes an appealing retro exterior available in black, brown, or white leatherette finishes, paired with a sharp, 3-inch tilting touch LCD that flips downward for selfies. Performance-wise, the E-PL8 provides quick startup and focus speeds, achieving a rapid 7.3fps continuous shooting rate, alongside robust wireless features that connect to iOS and Android devices through the Olympus O.I. Share app for remote control and image transfers. However, the reviewer notes that the camera's internal technology is beginning to show its age compared to its competitors. Its notable pros include its highly portable form factor, speedy focus capabilities, built-in stabilization, and the ability to mount an optional add-on electronic viewfinder (EVF). Conversely, its primary cons focus on outdated video capabilities that top out at 1080p at 30fps without cinematic 24p or...

The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a stylish, lightweight mirrorless camera priced at £499 with a 14mm kit lens, serving as a highly effective investment for bloggers and vloggers. The reviewer notes that it instantly improved her photography game, delivering high-quality images comparable to her previous Canon DSLR while remaining much easier to carry around with children. Its stand-out features include built-in Wi-Fi for instant photo transfers to a smartphone, a removable flash, and a flexible flip-out screen that simplifies taking selfies and shooting flat lays. While the reviewer prefers shooting photos with an additional 45mm lens, she finds the standard kit lens excellent for video and audio quality when filming YouTube content. Despite her overall positive experience, the reviewer highlights a few explicit drawbacks to the system. A major functional con is that the camera requires an adapter

Olympus Pen E-PL8 Review Summary The Olympus Pen E-PL8 is a gorgeous, sturdy, and highly capable mirrorless micro four-thirds camera body that serves as a massive upgrade for enthusiasts looking for stunning image and video quality without heavy gear. Key highlights include its built-in Wi-Fi functionality for quick smartphone image transfers and an autofocus system that records video completely silently. However, the camera’s stock 14-42mm kit lens is a major downside, yielding dull colors and lackluster performance. Additionally, the articulating screen flips 180 degrees directly beneath the camera, making it highly impractical to mount onto a tripod while shooting vlogs or selfies. To maximize the camera's full potential, purchasing the body alone is highly recommended over the complete kit package. Pairing the body with a high-quality prime lens—such as the affordable Panasonic Lumix G 25mm f/1.7 ASPH—completely transforms the camera into an elite performer. This specific lens combination eliminates low-quality images and delivers exceptional, professional-grade manual and automatic shots. Ultimately, while the initial price tag is steep for an entry-level camera, its compact size and outstanding final outputs make it...