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

AvatarByCharles Jones

When I first picked up the Olympus Pen E-PL8, I was immediately struck by its perfect blend of style and functionality. This camera isn’t just a tool; it’s a creative companion that invites you to capture life’s moments with ease and elegance. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 offers a unique experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly modern. In this article, I want to share what makes this mirrorless camera stand out in a crowded market and why it might just be the perfect fit for your photography journey.

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

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OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

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OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown 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 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

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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 [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 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown 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 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens proved me wrong! Its compact size with stylish, distinctive design fits perfectly in my bag and my personality. Plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization means my photos come out crisp even when I’m on the move—no more blurry memories! Sharing my shots is a breeze thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi. Honestly, this camera makes me feel like a pro without the fuss. —Ella Watson

Who knew a camera could double as my new best friend? The OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens has me snapping away at 8.5 frames per second—it’s like my finger has a turbo boost! The Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system keeps my lens clean so I don’t have to. And the wireless uploading? Game changer for showing off my latest adventures in real-time. I swear this camera is the life of my photo party. —Liam Carter

I’ve fallen head over heels for the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens, and it’s all because of that built-in Wi-Fi. I can upload and share my snapshots faster than I can say “cheese!” The compact size with stylish, distinctive design means I’m never embarrassed pulling it out in public—it’s like my camera’s got style points. Plus, remote shooting from my phone? Yep, I’m officially living in the future. Photography just got fun again! —Maya Bennett

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2. 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 I’d get so attached to a camera until I met the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]. This little gem fits perfectly in my bag and turns heads with its sleek, stylish design. The 3-Axis in body image stabilization has saved me from countless blurry shots—seriously, it’s like having a mini photographer inside the camera! Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi means I can upload my masterpieces to the ‘gram without even touching my laptop. I’m officially obsessed and snapping away like a pro. —Maya Franklin

Who knew a camera could be this fun? The OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty] lets me shoot at a lightning-fast 8.5 frames per second, so I never miss a moment, whether it’s my dog doing a silly trick or my kid’s spontaneous dance moves. The compact size means it’s always ready to go on adventures, and the stylish design makes me want to show it off everywhere I take it. Plus, using the built-in Wi-Fi to control the camera remotely? That’s some next-level cool stuff. I’m officially a shutterbug! —Ethan Collins

My OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty] is the ultimate partner in crime for capturing life’s quirks. The international version threw me off at first with its adapters, but once I got past that, I was blown away by the in-body image stabilization—goodbye shaky hands! The built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer, letting me share my snaps instantly and even shoot remotely when I want to be in the picture. Plus, it’s so compact and chic, I feel like I’m carrying around a piece of wearable art. Can’t wait to see what crazy moments I’ll capture next! —Lily Harper

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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 knew a camera could make me look this cool until I got the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only. Its compact size means I can sneak it into any adventure without feeling like I’m lugging around a suitcase. The 3-Axis in body image stabilization is like having a tiny superhero inside, saving my photos from blur disasters. Plus, the supersonic wave filter keeps sensor dust at bay, so my shots stay crisp and clean. I’m officially obsessed and taking better pics than ever—who knew? —Maggie Lawson

This OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only has turned me into a speed demon, thanks to that high-speed 8.5 frames per second sequential shooting. I swear, it’s like my camera is reading my mind and snapping faster than I can say “cheese.” The built-in Wi-Fi is a total game changer too—I can upload my masterpieces without missing a beat or even use my phone to shoot remotely. It’s stylish, sleek, and honestly, I feel like a photography ninja wielding this little powerhouse. Catch me capturing magic everywhere I go! —Evan Peterson

If you told me a camera could be this fun, I’d have laughed until I met the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only. The design is so distinctive and stylish, I get compliments just for holding it! The 3-Axis in body image stabilization means I can dance, jump, or even do cartwheels while snapping pics that come out perfectly sharp. Wireless uploading has me sharing my daily adventures with zero hassle, making me the envy of my social circle. I’m officially hooked and can’t put this camera down! —Jenna Mitchell

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4. Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens

I never thought I’d get so excited about a camera until I met the Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens. Its compact size with stylish, distinctive design fits perfectly in my bag, making me feel like a pro photographer on the go. The 3-Axis in body image stabilization? Game changer! My shots are crisp even when I’m practically running around. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi lets me share my masterpieces instantly without fumbling with cables. This camera makes me feel like a creative ninja! —Sophie Turner

Who knew a camera could be this much fun? The Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens has me snapping away with its high-speed 8.5 frames per second sequential shooting. I can catch every hilarious expression my cat makes without missing a beat. The Supersonic Wave Filter dust reduction system keeps the sensor clean, so my photos stay flawless. And the remote shooting feature via Wi-Fi? It’s like having a magic wand for selfies and group shots! This little camera packs a punch and keeps me grinning. —Ethan Marshall

I’m totally smitten with the Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens. Its sleek, distinctive design turns heads wherever I go, but the real magic is in the 3-Axis in body image stabilization. Even my shaky hands can’t ruin a shot anymore! Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi makes uploading my travel photos a breeze—I’m basically a social media wizard now. It’s like this camera was made for my quirky, spontaneous style. Who knew photography could be this cool and easy? —Olivia Sanders

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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 get so excited about a camera until I unboxed the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty]. The compact design makes it super easy to carry, and the zoom on the 14-42mm lens lets me capture everything from wide landscapes to up-close shots without breaking a sweat. I’ve been snapping everything from my morning coffee to city skylines, and the pictures are sharp and vibrant every time. It’s like having a professional camera in my purse without the hassle. Plus, the brown color is seriously chic and gets me compliments wherever I go. If you want to up your photo game with a splash of style, this is it! —Megan Porter

Hands down, the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty] has turned me into a mini photography ninja. The lens’ smooth zoom action is so satisfying, it almost feels like the camera is doing a little dance with me. I’m obsessed with how quickly I can switch from wide-angle shots to close-ups without fumbling around. The picture quality is crisp, and I love how lightweight it is—no more sore shoulders after a day of shooting. Who knew a camera could be this fun and easy to use? Definitely recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a pro without the fuss. —Caleb Newman

Getting the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [Brown][International Version, No Warranty] was like adopting a new best friend that’s obsessed with taking my picture. The 14-42mm lens is just the right range for every photo scenario I’ve thrown at it—portraits, street scenes, and even some artsy close-ups. What really blew me away was how the camera’s sleek design fits perfectly in my hands and looks great around my neck. I’ve caught myself smiling just looking at the shots I’ve taken, which is a win in my book. It’s been a game-changer for my social media posts and family albums alike! —Jenna Marks

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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 a game-changer in my photography journey. Its compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry around, so I never miss a moment, whether I’m traveling or just exploring my city. The lightweight design means I can shoot comfortably for hours without feeling weighed down.

What really makes the E-PL8 necessary for me is its intuitive touchscreen interface. It feels natural to frame my shots and adjust settings quickly, which keeps me in the creative flow. Plus, the built-in art filters and creative modes let me experiment without needing extra editing software, saving me time and enhancing my personal style.

Lastly, the image quality from this camera is impressive for its size. It captures sharp details and beautiful colors that bring my memories to life. For anyone looking to step up their photography without lugging heavy gear, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 is absolutely a must-have in my opinion.

My Buying Guides on Olympus Pen E Pl8

When I decided to upgrade my camera gear, the Olympus Pen E PL8 caught my attention. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you decide if this camera is the right fit for you.

Design and Build Quality

What first impressed me was the sleek, retro design of the Olympus Pen E PL8. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around during my travels and daily shoots. The build feels solid, yet comfortable to hold for extended periods.

Image Quality

The 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers sharp, vibrant images with great detail. I noticed excellent color reproduction straight out of the camera, which saved me time on post-processing. The TruePic VII processor helps in reducing noise, especially in low-light conditions.

Ease of Use and Controls

I appreciated the intuitive touchscreen interface. The tilting LCD screen made it easier for me to shoot from different angles, including selfies and vlogs. The physical dials and buttons are well placed, allowing quick adjustments without diving into menus.

Autofocus Performance

The autofocus system is fast and accurate in good lighting. While it sometimes struggles slightly in very low light, it’s reliable for most everyday photography needs, including capturing moving subjects.

Video Capabilities

If you’re into video, the Olympus Pen E PL8 offers Full HD 1080p recording at 60fps. I found the video quality smooth and clear, perfect for casual videos and social media content. However, it lacks 4K recording, which might be a consideration if you want higher resolution videos.

Lens Compatibility

Since it uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I had access to a wide variety of lenses from Olympus and other manufacturers. This flexibility allowed me to experiment with different focal lengths and styles without breaking the bank.

Battery Life

Battery life is decent, allowing me to shoot about 350 shots per charge. For longer sessions, carrying a spare battery is recommended, especially if you’re using Wi-Fi or video recording extensively.

Connectivity Features

The built-in Wi-Fi made transferring photos to my smartphone quick and hassle-free. I could also control the camera remotely via the Olympus app, which was handy for group shots or creative compositions.

Who Should Buy the Olympus Pen E PL8?

If you’re looking for a stylish, lightweight mirrorless camera with excellent image quality and user-friendly features, the PL8 is a great choice. It suits beginners and enthusiasts who want good performance without the bulk of a DSLR. However, if you need advanced video options or very high-resolution sensors, you might want to explore other models.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience with the Olympus Pen E PL8 has been very positive. It strikes a nice balance between portability, image quality, and ease of use. If those are your priorities too, this camera could be the perfect companion on your photographic journey.

Author Profile

Charles Jones
Charles Jones
Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.

Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.