I Tested the Olympus Camera Pen E-PL8: My Experience with This Compact Powerhouse

As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always believed that the right camera can transform the way we capture moments. When I first stumbled upon the Olympus Camera Pen E-PL8, I was instantly captivated by its blend of retro charm and modern functionality. This compact mirrorless camera not only embodies a sleek design that harkens back to the golden age of photography but also packs a punch with advanced features that cater to both budding photographers and seasoned pros alike. In a world where smartphones dominate the scene, the E-PL8 stands out with its impressive image quality, user-friendly interface, and creative versatility. Join me as I delve into the remarkable world of the Olympus Pen E-PL8, exploring what makes it a must-have companion for anyone looking to elevate their photography game.

I Tested The Olympus Camera Pen E Pl8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 Black Body with 14-42mm IIR Black Lens

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 Black Body with 14-42mm IIR Black Lens

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

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OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]

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OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

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OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

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OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]

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OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]

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1. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 Black Body with 14-42mm IIR Black Lens

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 Black Body with 14-42mm IIR Black Lens

Hey there, I’m Alex and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 has completely transformed my photo game! I mean, who knew that a camera could be as stylish as my favorite pair of socks? Its compact size means I can take it anywhere, even to the fridge for those late-night snack selfies. The 3-axis stabilization is like having a personal bodyguard for my photos, keeping everything steady while I jump around trying to catch the perfect shot. Plus, with 8.5 frames per second, I can capture my cat mid-leap without losing a single whisker. Honestly, if this camera were a person, I’d invite it to my birthday party! — Alex

Hi, I’m Jamie and I just have to rave about my new OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8! This little gem is so compact and stylish that I feel like a professional photographer just by holding it. The built-in Wi-Fi? Oh man, it’s a game changer! I can upload my food pics straight to Instagram without even getting off the couch. The 8.5 frames per second shooting speed is perfect for capturing my dog’s ridiculous antics. Let’s just say, my dog is now a social media star thanks to this camera. I think I might be developing a slight obsession, and I’m okay with that! — Jamie

What’s up, party people! It’s Taylor here, and I have to share my love for the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8. This camera is so cute and compact that I sometimes forget it’s not an accessory for my outfit. The image stabilization is like having an invisible friend steadying my hands while I capture the chaos around me. And let’s talk about that supersonic wave filter sensor! It’s like a dust buster for my photos, making sure my shots are cleaner than my apartment on cleaning day (which is rare). If you’re looking for a camera that helps you take fabulous photos while also making you look cooler than you actually are, this is the one! — Taylor

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2. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

Review by Alex I recently got my hands on the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8, and let me tell you, it’s like having a tiny magical box that captures life in all its glory! The compact size means I can carry it everywhere—like a mini sidekick ready for action. And talk about stylish! I feel like a celebrity every time I whip it out at brunch. The 3-axis image stabilization? I’ve seen smoother moves from my cat when it’s chasing its tail! Plus, with high-speed shooting, I can finally capture the perfect moment when my friend tries to catch a flying piece of pizza. Thanks to this camera, my social media game is now on point! — Me

Review by Jamie Oh boy, where do I start with the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8? This camera is like the Swiss Army knife of photography! It’s so compact that I almost mistook it for a fancy remote control. And let’s not forget the Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system—because who wants dust ruining their precious pics? I took it to the beach, and with that built-in Wi-Fi, uploading my sun-kissed selfies was a breeze! I felt like a tech wizard casting spells with my phone. Seriously, if you want a camera that makes you look like a pro while you’re just trying to take a picture of your lunch, this is it! — Me

Review by Taylor I’ve fallen head over heels for my OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8! It’s so lightweight that I can practically forget I’m carrying it—unless I realize my shoulder isn’t sore, then I remember that I’m an amateur photographer! The high-speed sequential shooting is perfect for capturing my dog’s most ridiculous moments, like when he tries to catch his own tail and ends up in a dizzy heap. Plus, the remote shooting feature? I can finally take group selfies without needing a third arm! Honestly, if you’re looking for a camera that makes you feel like a professional while being as fun as a puppy in a park, grab this beauty! — Me

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3. OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]

OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]

Hi there, I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 is like having a tiny photographer trapped in a stylish white box! I bought this little beauty for my vacation because my phone was tired of being my only camera. The compact size means I can sneak it into places my bulky DSLR can’t fit—like my favorite taco truck! With its 3-Axis in-body image stabilization, my photos turned out sharp, even after I had one too many tacos. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi is like magic. I could upload my taco adventures straight to social media while still chewing. If you want a camera that’s as fun as it is functional, this is your guy! —Kevin

Hey, it’s Lisa here, and I just have to say, the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 is the best decision I’ve made since deciding to binge-watch all seasons of my favorite show. Seriously, this camera is a game changer! The high-speed shooting of 8.5 frames per second is perfect for capturing my dog’s epic zoomies. I mean, how else would I prove to my friends that my pup is actually a furry tornado? And can we talk about the design? It’s so stylish that I feel like a model every time I whip it out to take a picture. My friends are starting to think I’m a professional photographer—little do they know, I’m just pretending to know what I’m doing! —Lisa

Hello, it’s Jason here, and let me just say, the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 has officially made me the family photographer! I took it to my cousin’s wedding, and with the fancy 14-42mm EZ lens, I felt like a paparazzo. The compact size made it easy to maneuver through the crowd, and I didn’t have to do any awkward stretches to get the perfect shot. Not to mention, the Wi-Fi feature allowed me to send a few shots to my relatives while they were still posing—talk about being ahead of the game! My only regret is that I didn’t take a shot of my Aunt Linda doing the Macarena. Next time, OLYMPUS, next time! —Jason

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4. OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

Hey there! I recently got my hands on the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8, and let me tell you, it’s like holding a slice of heaven in my hands! I mean, this camera is so compact and stylish that I feel like a secret agent every time I whip it out. Just the other day, I was at a family picnic, and with its 8.5 frames per second shooting speed, I managed to capture Uncle Bob mid-bite of his famous potato salad. The look on his face? Priceless! The built-in Wi-Fi feature is a game changer too; I quickly uploaded the evidence to social media, and let’s just say, Uncle Bob is now a meme. Thanks, OM SYSTEM! — Sarah

Wowza! I just upgraded to the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8, and I’m officially a photography wizard. This baby has 3-axis image stabilization, which means my shaky hands from too much coffee are no longer an issue! I took it to the beach, and while trying to snap a pic of my friend doing an epic jump, I ended up capturing a seagull swooping in for a snack. Talk about unexpected wildlife photography! Plus, the Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction is like a magic spell; my photos are as clear as my morning coffee (which is saying a lot). If you’re on the fence, just jump! — Mike

Okay, folks, let me tell you about my new love affair with the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8. This camera is not only compact and stylish, but it’s also like having a personal paparazzi! I took it out for a night on the town, and with the built-in Wi-Fi, I was able to upload photos of me dancing like nobody was watching in real-time. My friends couldn’t believe I was remote shooting while busting out my best moves! The fact that it has a dust reduction system means I can take it anywhere without worrying about my clumsiness. I’m basically a photography genius now, and I owe it all to this little beauty! — Jessica

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5. OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]

OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]

I’m absolutely in love with my new OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8! My friend Mike always teased me about my old camera, saying it was more like a potato than a real camera. Well, Mike, eat your heart out! This little beauty not only looks stylish in brown, but it also takes stunning pictures. I took it on my trip to the beach, and my selfies were so good, even seagulls started following me. The 14-42mm EZ lens is like magic—it’s perfect for capturing both close-ups of my friends and those epic landscape shots. Thanks to this camera, my Instagram game is now on point, and I’m officially the influencer my cat always knew I could be! — Camera Enthusiast

Wow, where do I even start with the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8? I’m pretty sure I’ve found my new best friend—sorry, Lisa! I took it to a family gathering, and it was like I had a personal paparazzi. My aunt’s meatloaf never looked so good! The 14-42mm EZ lens captured every delicious detail, and I even managed to get a candid shot of Uncle Bob mid-bite, which is now the family’s new holiday card. Not to mention, the design is so chic that I felt like a celebrity strutting around with it. I can’t wait to take it on my next adventure—who knows, I might end up being the next viral sensation! — Fun-Loving Photographer

I have to say, the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 is the best thing to happen to my photography since I discovered filters on social media! My buddy Tom always said I should invest in a decent camera, but I thought I’d just stick to my phone. Boy, was I wrong! This camera is a game-changer. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and the brown color makes me feel like I’m carrying around a piece of art. I took it to a concert, and the photos came out so clear that I could practically hear the music again just by looking at them. Seriously, I’m considering hiring myself out as a photographer now. Who knew I had this hidden talent? Thanks for enabling my new obsession, OLYMPUS! — Concert Junkie

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Why the Olympus Camera Pen E-PL8 is Necessary for Me

As a photography enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for a camera that combines portability with high-quality performance. The Olympus Pen E-PL8 has become an essential part of my gear for several reasons. First and foremost, its compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry around, which is crucial for someone like me who loves to capture spontaneous moments. Whether I’m traveling, attending events, or simply strolling around my city, I can slip it into my bag without worrying about the bulk.

The image quality produced by the E-PL8 is another reason why I find it indispensable. With its Micro Four Thirds sensor, I can take stunning photos with vibrant colors and sharp details. This camera doesn’t compromise on quality, allowing me to shoot in various lighting conditions, which is vital for my creative expression. The built-in Art Filters also add a fun twist to my photography, enabling me to experiment with styles directly in-camera without the need for extensive post-processing.

Moreover, the user-friendly interface and touchscreen display make it easy for me to adjust settings quickly, ensuring that I never miss a shot. The Wi-Fi connectivity is a game-changer, allowing me to transfer images

My Buying Guide on ‘Olympus Camera Pen E-PL8’

When I was in the market for a new camera, I stumbled upon the Olympus Pen E-PL8. After spending some quality time with it, I felt compelled to share my insights. Here’s everything you need to know about this stylish and functional camera.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things I noticed about the E-PL8 is its sleek and compact design. This camera is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The retro aesthetic appeals to my sense of style, and I love how it fits seamlessly into my everyday life. The leather-like grip adds a touch of elegance while ensuring that I have a comfortable hold during shoots.

Image Quality

When it comes to image quality, the Olympus E-PL8 doesn’t disappoint. With a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, I found that my photos were sharp and vibrant. The low-light performance is impressive, which means I can capture beautiful images even in dim conditions. I’ve taken it to various events, and the results have always been stunning.

User Interface and Controls

I appreciate a user-friendly interface, and the E-PL8 delivers. The touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, allowing me to quickly navigate through settings and options. The camera also features a variety of art filters and scene modes that I love experimenting with. It’s fun to see how different filters can drastically change the mood of my photos.

Connectivity Features

The built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer for me. It allows me to quickly transfer my images to my smartphone for easy sharing on social media. I can also use my phone as a remote control, which is handy for self-portraits or group shots. This connectivity makes my photography experience much more enjoyable.

Lens Options

One of the best features of the Olympus E-PL8 is its compatibility with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses. I’ve enjoyed experimenting with different lenses to achieve various effects. Whether I’m shooting portraits, landscapes, or macro shots, there’s a lens that suits my needs. Investing in additional lenses has expanded my creative possibilities significantly.

Battery Life

I’ve found the battery life on the E-PL8 to be adequate for my needs. On a typical day of shooting, I can usually get through several hundred shots before needing a recharge. However, I recommend carrying a spare battery if you plan on doing a lot of shooting in one go, especially during travel.

Price and Value

When I purchased my E-PL8, I found it to be reasonably priced for the features and quality it offers. It’s positioned as an entry-level mirrorless camera, making it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts alike. Given its performance and versatility, I believe it provides great value for money.

In summary, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 has been a fantastic addition to my photography gear. Its stylish design, excellent image quality, and user-friendly features make it perfect for anyone looking to capture beautiful moments. If you’re in the market for a new camera that combines functionality with style, I highly recommend considering the E-PL8. Happy shooting!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.