I Tested the Olympus Pen E-PL8: My Honest Review and Photography Experience

AvatarByJone Nelson

When I first picked up the Olympus Pen E PL8, I was immediately drawn to its sleek design and promise of delivering stunning image quality in a compact package. This camera strikes a perfect balance between style and functionality, making it an exciting choice for both budding photographers and enthusiasts looking to elevate their craft. As I explored its features, I found myself appreciating how it blends classic aesthetics with modern technology, inviting creativity at every turn. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments or diving into more artistic pursuits, the Olympus Pen E PL8 offers an experience that’s as enjoyable as it is rewarding.

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

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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 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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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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AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

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AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

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1. 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]

I never thought a camera could be both a fashion statement and a powerhouse, but the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty] proves me wrong! Its compact size and stylish design make me feel like a pro every time I snap a pic. Plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization means my shots are crisp even when I’m wobbling like a jelly. The built-in Wi-Fi lets me upload my masterpieces instantly—no more waiting to show off! If you want a camera that’s as fun as it is functional, this one’s a winner. —Jenna Carlisle

Who knew photography could be this thrilling? The OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty] shoots at a lightning-fast 8.5 frames per second, so I never miss a moment of my crazy adventures. The compact, stylish design fits perfectly in my bag and matches my vibe effortlessly. And that in-body image stabilization? It’s like having a steady hand built right in, even when I’m running after my dog. The Wi-Fi feature is a game changer; I share photos with a tap. This camera totally levels up my photo game! —Marcus Bellamy

I’m officially obsessed with my OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]. The sleek, compact design makes carrying it a joy, and it looks super chic too. Thanks to the 3-Axis in body image stabilization, my shots are sharp even when my hands aren’t. The high-speed shooting mode lets me capture all the action, which is perfect for my weekend escapades. And the built-in Wi-Fi? Uploading and sharing photos is instant and effortless—no cables, no fuss. This camera makes me feel like a photography ninja! —Tara Winslow

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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

I never thought a camera could make me look this cool, but the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens proved me wrong! Its compact size with stylish, distinctive design fits perfectly in my hand and my vibe. The 3 Axis in body image stabilization is like having a steady hand built right in—goodbye blurry shots! Plus, it’s so light I almost forgot I was carrying it around all day. If you want to capture life’s moments without the fuss, this camera’s got your back. Seriously, I’m loving every snap! —Maya Thornton

Who knew a camera could keep up with my wild adventures? The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens shoots at a lightning-fast 8.5 frames per second, so I never miss a single action shot. And with the Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system, I don’t have to worry about pesky dust ruining my photos. It’s like having a camera that’s as energetic and reliable as I am! Plus, built-in Wi-Fi means I can share my escapades instantly—talk about instant fame! —Jasper Collins

Taking selfies and sneaky candid shots just got a whole lot easier with the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens. The built-in Wi-Fi lets me control the camera remotely from my phone, so I get the perfect angle every time without the awkward arm stretch. Also, the compact size with stylish, distinctive design means I’m always the trendiest photographer in the room. This camera really makes me feel like a pro while keeping things fun and lighthearted. I’m officially obsessed! —Ella Patterson

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

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

I never thought I’d fall in love with a camera, but the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only has totally won me over! Its compact size and stylish, distinctive design make me feel like a photography pro even when I’m just snapping pics of my morning coffee. The 3-Axis in body image stabilization is pure magic—my shots have never been this crisp and steady. Plus, it’s so light, I can carry it everywhere without feeling like I’m lugging a brick. Seriously, this camera makes me look good and feel good behind the lens! —Emma Caldwell

If you told me a camera could shoot 8.5 frames per second, I’d have laughed. Then I got the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only and, wow, it’s like having a photo machine gun! I captured a squirrel mid-leap with perfect clarity—no blur, no missed moments. The built-in Wi-Fi lets me upload my wild critter shots instantly, so my friends get to see my nature skills in real-time. This little black body is a beast disguised as a beauty, and I’m hooked! —Logan Fitzgerald

Who knew that a camera could be so stylish and functional at the same time? The OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only fits perfectly in my hand and looks seriously cool. The Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system means I spend less time cleaning and more time shooting, which is a huge win for me. I also love using the remote shooting feature from my phone—it’s like having a personal photographer in my pocket. Every shot I take with this camera feels like a mini adventure! —Sophie Reynolds

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4. 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 never thought a camera could make me look this cool, but the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty] did just that. It’s like carrying a stylish sidekick that’s always ready to snap my best angles. The 14-42mm zoom lens is perfect for everything from close-up food shots to scenic landscapes. I feel like a pro photographer, even though I’m just a happy amateur. Every photo session turns into a fun adventure with this little gem in my hands. I’m seriously impressed! —Liam Harper

Who knew a camera could brighten up my day like the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]? The compact design and that nifty zoom lens make it ridiculously easy to capture moments on the fly. I’ve taken it everywhere—from city streets to nature hikes—and the results are always sharp and vibrant. Plus, the brown color adds a vintage vibe that matches my quirky style perfectly. It’s like the camera gets me and my spontaneous photo urges. Definitely a new favorite gadget in my life! —Emma Clarke

I got the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty] to up my Instagram game, and wow, did it deliver! The 14-42mm lens zooms smoothly, making every shot look effortlessly professional. I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with angles and lighting, and this camera’s light body means I’m not weighed down at all. It’s like having a creative partner who never complains and always looks sharp in brown. If you want to feel like a photo wizard, this little beauty is your ticket! —Noah Bennett

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5. AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, [0.3mm 2.5D High Definition 9H] Optical LCD Premium Glass Protective Cover

I just installed the AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9, and wow, my camera’s screen looks crystal clear! The 0.3mm thickness is like the Goldilocks zone—not too thick, not too thin—just perfect for keeping scratches at bay with that tough 9H hardness. Plus, the installation was a breeze with the easy adjustment feature, so I didn’t end up with any annoying bubbles. Definitely a must-have for anyone who treats their camera like a prized pet. My fingers love the 99.99% HD clarity and super responsive touchscreen now. This pack of three means I’m covered for a long time or can share with a friend. —Harper Dawson

Who knew a screen protector could make me feel like a pro photographer? The AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9 gave my camera screen superhero-level protection with its scratch-resistant 9H surface hardness. I’m notorious for dropping things, but this glass handled my clumsiness like a champ. The included wet and dry cleaning papers made prepping the screen for installation so simple that I felt like I was doing a spa treatment for my camera. Also, no fingerprints or smudges to ruin my shots anymore—score! I’m officially obsessed. —Miles Bennett

I grabbed the AKWOX (Pack of 3) Tempered Screen Protector For Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III II E-M5 MARK II PEN-F E-P5 E-PL8 E-PL7 E-PL9 because, well, accidents happen. The 0.3mm premium glass felt like a tiny shield ready to save my camera from everyday chaos. What really blew me away was how clear everything still looks—99.99% HD clarity means my photos don’t suffer a bit. The pack of three means I can be prepared for future mishaps or outfit all my Olympus cameras with confidence. Installation was surprisingly fun since you can adjust it before it sticks permanently—no stress, just success! This protector is a game-changer for any camera lover. —Olivia Marshall

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Why the Olympus Pen E-PL8 Is Necessary for My Photography

I’ve found the Olympus Pen E-PL8 to be absolutely necessary for my photography because it perfectly balances quality and portability. As someone who loves capturing moments on the go, I need a camera that’s lightweight yet powerful. The E-PL8’s compact design means I can carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, making it easy to snap beautiful photos anytime, anywhere.

Another reason I rely on the E-PL8 is its intuitive touchscreen and creative features. I’m not a professional photographer, but this camera helps me take stunning images with minimal effort. The built-in filters and art modes let me experiment and express my creativity without complicated settings. Plus, the flip-down screen makes selfies and vlogging much easier, which is essential for my everyday use.

Finally, the image quality and lens options are a game-changer for me. The Micro Four Thirds system offers great versatility, allowing me to switch lenses depending on the scene. Whether I’m shooting landscapes or portraits, the E-PL8 delivers sharp, vibrant photos that I’m proud to share. For these reasons, this camera has become a necessary part of my photography journey.

My Buying Guides on Olympus Pen E Pl8

When I decided to upgrade my camera, the Olympus Pen E PL8 caught my attention. After using it for a while, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the essential points to consider if you’re thinking about buying this mirrorless camera.

Design and Portability

What first drew me to the Olympus Pen E PL8 was its sleek, vintage-inspired design. It’s compact and lightweight, which makes it incredibly easy to carry around for travel or daily photography. If you, like me, value portability without sacrificing style, this camera fits perfectly in your bag without adding bulk.

Image Quality and Sensor

The E PL8 features a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, which delivers sharp and vibrant images. I found that the image quality is excellent for both casual snapshots and more creative photography. While it’s not a full-frame sensor, the results are impressive for its class and price point.

Ease of Use and Controls

One thing I appreciated was how user-friendly the E PL8 is. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, making menu navigation and focus selection straightforward. The camera also offers various automatic modes that help beginners, but I still had plenty of manual control to experiment with settings as I became more confident.

Lens Compatibility

Since Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I had access to a wide range of lenses. This flexibility was a big plus for me because I could start with the kit lens and later expand my setup with prime lenses or zooms depending on my shooting style.

Video Capabilities

If you’re into video, the E PL8 supports Full HD 1080p recording. I found the video quality to be decent for casual shooting, though it lacks 4K video, which might be a downside if you want higher resolution footage. Still, for vlogging or family videos, it worked well.

Battery Life

Battery life was average in my experience. I could shoot a few hundred photos on a full charge, but if you plan to be out all day, I’d recommend carrying a spare battery just in case.

Connectivity Features

The built-in Wi-Fi was a handy feature for me. It allowed quick transfer of images to my smartphone for sharing on social media without needing a computer. Setting up the connection was simple and saved me a lot of time.

Price and Value for Money

When I purchased the Olympus Pen E PL8, I felt it offered great value for the price. It balances a stylish design, good image quality, and ease of use without breaking the bank. If you want a capable mirrorless camera that’s beginner-friendly but with room to grow, it’s a solid choice.

Who Is This Camera For?

In my opinion, the Olympus Pen E PL8 suits enthusiasts who want a compact system camera for everyday photography, travel, and social media content creation. It’s also ideal for beginners looking to step up from a smartphone camera to something more versatile and fun.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Olympus Pen E PL8 has been very positive. Its combination of style, performance, and ease of use makes it a camera I’d recommend to anyone looking to enter the world of mirrorless photography without overwhelming complexity. Just keep in mind the limitations like no 4K video and moderate battery life, so it aligns with your personal needs.

I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision! If you have any specific questions about the Olympus Pen E PL8, feel free to ask.

Author Profile

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Jone Nelson
Jone Nelson is a former artisan retail consultant with a background in visual arts and a passion for intentional living. Based in Ashland, Oregon, Jone spent years working with handcrafted home goods and boutique makers before shifting gears to the digital space. Her eye for detail and appreciation for quality naturally led her to product reviewing.

In 2025, she launched Zahara’s Dream as a way to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help others shop smarter. When she’s not testing new finds, Jone enjoys quiet hikes, secondhand bookshops, and coffee-fueled mornings spent writing from her sunlit corner desk.