Main points
- The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera that offers a range of features and capabilities to suit both beginners and experienced photographers.
- Whether you’re a casual photographer looking for a step up from your smartphone or an enthusiast seeking a compact and reliable travel camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is definitely worth considering.
- The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is the successor to the E-PL8 and offers several improvements, including a higher-resolution 16-megapixel sensor, a faster autofocus system, and an improved video recording mode.
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a compact and lightweight mirrorless digital camera that offers a range of features and capabilities to suit both beginners and experienced photographers. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the camera’s design, performance, image quality, and overall value to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your photography needs.
Design and Build Quality
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 boasts a sleek and stylish design with a retro-inspired aesthetic. Its compact body is made of durable magnesium alloy, making it both lightweight and sturdy. The camera features a comfortable grip that ensures a secure hold even during extended shooting sessions.
The camera’s physical controls are well-placed and easy to access. The top plate houses a mode dial, shutter release button, and a dedicated exposure compensation dial. The rear panel features a large 3-inch touchscreen LCD that can be tilted up or down for convenient framing and shooting.
Image Sensor and Performance
At the heart of the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor. This sensor provides excellent image quality with good dynamic range and low-light performance. The camera’s TruePic VII image processor ensures fast and responsive performance, enabling continuous shooting speeds of up to 8 frames per second.
Autofocus System
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 utilizes a contrast-detect autofocus system with 81 autofocus points. This system performs well in most lighting conditions, providing quick and accurate focusing. The camera also offers Face Priority and Eye Detection AF, ensuring sharp portraits every time.
Image Stabilization
One of the standout features of the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is its 5-axis image stabilization system. This system compensates for camera shake in both still images and videos, resulting in sharper images and smoother footage.
Lens Compatibility
As an MFT camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is compatible with a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses. This includes lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and other third-party manufacturers. The camera also supports the use of adapters to mount lenses from other systems, such as Canon EF and Nikon F lenses.
Video Capabilities
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 offers impressive video capabilities, recording in resolutions up to 4K at 30 frames per second. The camera supports the use of external microphones and headphones, allowing for professional-quality audio recording.
Connectivity and Sharing
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This allows for easy wireless transfer of images and videos to smartphones, tablets, and computers. The camera also supports remote shooting via the Olympus Image Share app.
Value for Money
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a mid-range mirrorless camera that offers a great balance of features, performance, and value for money. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who are looking for a compact and versatile camera that can produce high-quality images and videos.
The Bottom Line: The Perfect Camera for a Wide Range of Photographers
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a versatile and capable mirrorless digital camera that is suitable for both beginners and experienced photographers. Its compact size, excellent image quality, and impressive video capabilities make it a great choice for a wide range of photography and videography needs. Whether you’re a casual photographer looking for a step up from your smartphone or an enthusiast seeking a compact and reliable travel camera, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is definitely worth considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between the Olympus PEN E-PL8 and the E-PL9?
The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is the successor to the E-PL8 and offers several improvements, including a higher-resolution 16-megapixel sensor, a faster autofocus system, and an improved video recording mode.
2. Can the Olympus PEN E-PL8 record 4K video?
Yes, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 can record 4K video at 30 frames per second.
3. Is the Olympus PEN E-PL8 weather-sealed?
No, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is not weather-sealed.
4. What is the battery life of the Olympus PEN E-PL8?
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 has a battery life of approximately 350 shots per charge.
5. Can I use my Canon EF lenses on the Olympus PEN E-PL8?
Yes, you can use Canon EF lenses on the Olympus PEN E-PL8 with the use of an adapter.