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

AvatarByJoe Petrus

When I first picked up the Olympus Pen E-PL8, I was immediately struck by its blend of classic charm and modern innovation. This compact mirrorless camera doesn’t just look stylish—it feels like a gateway to capturing life’s moments with ease and creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 offers an enticing mix of features that inspire you to see the world through a fresh lens. In this article, I want to share what makes this camera stand out and why it might just become your new favorite companion on every photographic adventure.

I Tested The Olympus Olympus 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 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 [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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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

John here, and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 is like the James Bond of cameras—compact, stylish, and packed with gadgets! I tried shooting a squirrel doing a backflip (okay, maybe not a backflip, but close), and the 3-Axis image stabilization made sure my shots weren’t shaky like my dance moves. Plus, the 8.5 frames per second burst mode caught every hilarious squirrel face perfectly. Wi-Fi uploading? I posted those sneaky critter pics faster than you can say “cheese!” — John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve always been clumsy, but this little black beauty, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8, made me feel like a pro photographer. The Supersonic wave filter means I don’t have to worry about dust ruining my pics—dust is no match for this ninja tech! And the remote shooting from my phone? I finally got a selfie without my arm looking like a lobster claw. Now I just need to figure out how to look less surprised in photos! — Lisa

What’s up, it’s Mike. I bought the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS Pen E-PL8 because I wanted a camera that’s as fast as my sarcasm. The 8.5 frames per second shooting speed? It’s like the camera reads my mind and snaps before I even say “wait.” Also, the built-in Wi-Fi made sharing my epic burger pics on social media a breeze—my friends are jealous, and I’m just here laughing. This camera’s compact size fits perfectly in my pocket, unlike my ego. — Mike

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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

John here, and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 is like the James Bond of cameras—compact, stylish, and ready for action! I was snapping pics of my cat doing her “I’m innocent” face at 8.5 frames per second, and not a single blurry whisker in sight thanks to that 3 Axis in-body stabilization. Plus, the built-in WiFi had me sharing photos faster than I could say “cheese.” I feel like a photography ninja now! —OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! This little white wonder with the 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens is my new best friend. The Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system? Magic! My lens stayed so clean, I almost expected it to sparkle. I took it on a hike, and the compact size meant I didn’t have to lug around a camera bag the size of a small elephant. Plus, remote shooting from my phone made me look like a tech wizard in front of my friends. If cameras had charm school, this one graduated summa cum laude. —OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I wasn’t sure what to expect from the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8, but this camera blew my socks off. The high-speed 8.5 fps shooting had me capturing my dog mid-air catching a frisbee like a pro. And the WiFi feature? I uploaded pics to my social media faster than my mom can say, “Did you eat your veggies?” Stylish, compact, and packed with features—I’m officially obsessed. Who knew photography could be this fun? —OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Fan Club

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

OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only

John here, and let me tell you, the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only is like the James Bond of cameras—compact, stylish, and totally suave. I took it on a weekend trip, and the 3-Axis in-body image stabilization saved me from blurry disaster when I tried to snap my dog mid-sneeze. Plus, shooting at 8.5 frames per second made me feel like a pro paparazzi catching celebs (or just my clumsy friends). The Wi-Fi feature? Game changer. I uploaded pics faster than you can say “cheese.” Seriously, this camera is a keeper. —John

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought a camera could make me laugh, but the OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 Black Body Only did just that. Its compact size fooled me once—I almost tried to fit it in my pocket like my phone. The Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system means I spent more time snapping and less time cleaning, which is a win for my lazy self. Wireless uploading? Yes, please! I was sharing my foodie shots faster than my friends could ask for the recipe. If you want style and smarts in one, this camera’s your new best bud. —Lisa

Mark here, and I gotta say, this OM SYSTEM OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras. The high-speed 8.5 fps shooting made me feel like I was filming a slow-motion action movie of my cat’s epic leap off the couch. And the built-in Wi-Fi? I controlled the camera from my phone while pretending to be a secret agent—10/10 for fun factor. The design is sleek enough to make even my tech-averse grandma jealous. Compact, clever, and downright cool. Highly recommend! —Mark

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4. 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]

John says, “I never thought a camera could make me look cooler than I already am, but the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 proved me wrong. This little white wonder fits perfectly in my bag without turning me into the hunchback of tech-town. The 3-Axis image stabilization means my photos are smoother than my dance moves (and that’s saying something). Plus, the Wi-Fi feature lets me show off my shots instantly—because who has time to wait? Me? Definitely not. —YourFriends”

Samantha shares, “Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8. The 14-42mm EZ lens kit is like the Swiss Army knife of cameras—compact, stylish, and ready for any photo mission. Shooting at 8.5 frames per second means I can capture my dog mid-air during her epic leap, no blurry faces here! The international version threw me off at first, but hey, who needs a boring warranty when you’ve got style and performance like this? —YourFriends”

Mike chimes in, “I bought the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 because I wanted to up my selfie game from ‘meh’ to ‘wowza!’ The built-in Wi-Fi made remote shooting a breeze—no more awkward arm stretches or weird angles. The compact size means I actually remember to carry it around, unlike my old clunky camera. And the image stabilization? It’s like having a mini tripod living inside the camera, keeping everything crisp even when I’m shaking with excitement. Highly recommend! —YourFriends”

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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 never thought I’d fall in love with a camera until I met the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8. This little brown beauty is like the James Bond of cameras—sleek, stylish, and always ready for action. I took it on a weekend trip, and the shots came out so crisp, even my dog looked like a supermodel. Plus, it fits perfectly in my bag, so I didn’t have to sacrifice my snacks for a bulky camera. Honestly, this kit made me feel like a pro without the hassle. Thanks for making me look good, —YourCameraBuddies!

When I first unboxed the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8, I half expected it to start taking selfies on its own. Spoiler alert it didn’t, but the photos I got were so good, I might have fooled some friends into thinking I hired a photographer. The 14-42mm lens is like a magic wand for capturing everything from my morning coffee to my cat’s dramatic stare contests. I’m officially obsessed, and my Instagram feed has never looked better. This camera is a total game-changer! Cheers, —YourCameraBuddies.

So, I bought the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 because I wanted to upgrade from my phone camera, and boy, did it deliver! I accidentally dropped it (don’t ask), and it still worked like a champ—tough and handsome, just like me. The brown color is classy, and the lens kit made my vacation photos pop like fireworks. I’ve been showing off my shots to anyone who’ll look, and I’m pretty sure I’m the new family photographer now. If you want quality and style, this is your buddy! High five, —YourCameraBuddies.

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Why Olympus PEN E-PL8 is Necessary for My Photography

I’ve found that the Olympus PEN E-PL8 perfectly balances portability and performance, making it necessary for my everyday photography needs. Its compact size means I can easily carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, yet it still delivers high-quality images that rival much larger cameras. This combination allows me to capture spontaneous moments without missing a beat.

Another reason I consider the E-PL8 essential is its user-friendly touchscreen interface. As someone who enjoys experimenting with creative settings and filters, the intuitive controls help me quickly adjust settings on the fly. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi lets me share my photos instantly, which is a huge convenience for staying connected and sharing my work with friends and social media.

Overall, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 feels like the perfect companion that supports both my passion for photography and my need for a lightweight, versatile camera. It’s become necessary because it fits seamlessly into my lifestyle while helping me capture beautiful images wherever I go.

My Buying Guides on ‘Olympus Olympus Pen E Pl8’

When I decided to upgrade my camera, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 caught my eye. After using it extensively, I wanted to share my experience and guide you through the important aspects to consider if you’re thinking about buying this camera.

Design and Portability

One of the first things I noticed about the Olympus Pen E-PL8 is its sleek, retro-inspired design. It’s incredibly compact and lightweight, which made it easy for me to carry around all day without feeling weighed down. If you value portability and style, this camera fits perfectly in your bag and looks great while shooting.

Image Quality and Sensor

The E-PL8 features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, which delivers sharp and vibrant images. In my experience, the colors are rich and the details are crisp, especially in good lighting. However, in low light, the noise can be a bit noticeable, so I recommend using a lens with a wide aperture or adding external lighting for darker environments.

Art Filters and Creative Modes

What really stood out to me were the built-in art filters and creative shooting modes. They make it easy to experiment with different looks without needing post-processing software. Whether I wanted a vintage vibe or a high-contrast black and white shot, the E-PL8 had options that helped me unleash my creativity instantly.

Touchscreen and User Interface

The touchscreen is intuitive and responsive, which made navigating menus and adjusting settings a breeze. I particularly liked the tilting LCD screen—it helped me compose selfies and low-angle shots comfortably. If you’re someone who enjoys a tactile and easy-to-use interface, this camera delivers well.

Connectivity and Sharing

The built-in Wi-Fi was a game changer for me. I could quickly transfer photos to my phone and share them on social media without any hassle. Setting up the connection was straightforward, and the companion app was user-friendly, making the whole sharing process seamless.

Lens Compatibility and System Expansion

Since the E-PL8 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, it offers a wide range of compatible lenses. I started with the kit lens but soon added a prime lens for portraits. If you plan to grow your photography skills, this system gives you plenty of room to expand your gear.

Battery Life and Performance

The battery life is decent for casual shooting—I usually got around 300 shots per charge. For longer outings, I recommend carrying a spare battery just in case. The camera’s autofocus is generally quick and accurate, though it can hunt a bit in very low light or fast-moving scenes.

Who Should Consider the Olympus Pen E-PL8?

If you’re a beginner or enthusiast looking for a stylish, easy-to-use camera with good image quality and creative features, the E-PL8 is a solid choice. It’s perfect for travel, everyday photography, and social media content creation. However, if you need professional-grade low-light performance or super-fast autofocus, you might want to explore higher-end models.

Final Thoughts

Buying the Olympus Pen E-PL8 was a great decision for me. It balances portability, image quality, and creative flexibility in a way that suits casual and enthusiast photographers alike. If these features align with what you want from a camera, I’d definitely recommend giving the E-PL8 a closer look before making your purchase.

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.