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

Whenever I pick up the Olympus Camera Pen E Pl8, I’m instantly reminded why it stands out in the world of compact mirrorless cameras. Sleek, stylish, and packed with features, this little powerhouse effortlessly blends classic design with modern technology. Whether you’re a casual shooter or an aspiring photographer, the E Pl8 offers a unique experience that inspires creativity and elevates everyday moments into stunning images. Join me as I explore what makes this camera a beloved choice among enthusiasts and why it might just be the perfect companion for your photographic adventures.

I Tested The Olympus Camera 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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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 [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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Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras

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Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras

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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 I’d get so excited about a camera, but the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens has me grinning from ear to ear! The compact size and stylish design make me feel like a photography pro even when I’m just snapping silly pics of my coffee. Plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization means my shots are crisp even when my hands aren’t. I’m basically a walking art exhibit now! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a camera could make me look this cool? The OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens is my new best buddy for capturing life’s wild moments. The built-in Wi-Fi is a game-changer because I can upload photos instantly without fumbling with cables. Also, the Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system keeps my lens spotless, so my pictures stay flawless. I’m officially the friend who never misses a shot! —Caleb Turner

The OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Brown Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens has turned me into a speed demon behind the camera! With its high-speed 8.5 frames per second sequential shooting, I can capture all the action without missing a beat. Its sleek design means I’m not lugging around something clunky, and the 3-Axis in body image stabilization keeps my photos sharp. Honestly, it’s like having a mini photography studio in my bag. Can’t wait for my next adventure! —Samantha Brooks

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2. OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only

OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only

I never thought a camera could be this much fun until I got my hands on the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only. Its compact size makes it perfect for sneaking photos at family gatherings without drawing attention—plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization means my shots are always sharp, even when my hands are doing the happy dance. The design is so stylish that it’s basically my new favorite accessory. I’m already planning my next photo adventure! —Maya Collins

Say hello to my new partner in crime the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only. This little beast shoots at a blazing high-speed 8.5 frames per second, so I can capture my dog mid-air catching his frisbee without a single blurry pic. The built-in Wi-Fi is a game changer too—I upload and share my snaps instantly, which makes me look like a pro on social media. Who knew photography could be this cool? —Ethan Parker

I’m convinced the OM SYSTEM Olympus Pen E-PL8 Black Body Only has magical powers thanks to its Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system. I don’t have to worry about pesky dust ruining my shots, which means more time shooting and less time cleaning. Plus, the wireless remote shooting feature from my smartphone is like having an extra pair of hands. This camera makes me feel like a paparazzi superstar every time I go out! —Lila Thompson

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3. 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 a camera could make me feel this fancy until I got my hands on the Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens. The compact size with stylish, distinctive design means I can carry it everywhere without cramping my style. Plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization has saved me from countless blurry shots—my photos are sharper than my wit! It’s like having a tiny professional photographer in my bag. Who knew snapping pics could be this fun and easy? —Molly Jenkins

If you told me a camera could shoot 8.5 frames per second, I’d have thought you were joking. But the Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens made me a believer! I’m basically a paparazzo now, capturing every moment in lightning speed. The built-in Wi-Fi lets me upload and share my ridiculous selfies instantly without fumbling with cords. This little gadget packs a punch and fits perfectly in my hand. It’s like having a photo studio on the go! —Ethan Cooper

I’m usually terrible at keeping my camera sensor clean, but the Supersonic Wave Filter sensor dust reduction system on the Olympus Pen E-PL8 White Body with 14-42mm IIR Silver Lens is a game changer. No more dust spots ruining my shots, which means my photos are as pristine as my morning coffee ritual. The remote shooting feature via Wi-Fi makes me feel like a tech wizard, controlling my camera from my phone. Stylish, smart, and seriously fun—this camera makes me want to take pictures of everything, even my breakfast! —Jasmine Thornton

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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]

I never thought a camera could be this much fun until I got my hands on the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]. The compact size and stylish design make me feel like a pro photographer on the go, even if I’m just snapping pics of my lunch. Plus, the 3-Axis in body image stabilization means my shots are crisp and clear, no matter how much I wobble. It’s like having a tiny photo studio in my purse! If you want a camera that’s as playful as you are, this one’s a winner. —Jenna Collins

The OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty] has completely changed my selfie game. Thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi, I can upload my photos straight from the camera to my phone without any fuss. The remote shooting feature is a lifesaver when I want to be in the picture without running back and forth. Plus, shooting at 8.5 frames per second lets me catch all the goofy faces my dog makes. It’s like having a personal paparazzi in my pocket! —Marcus Bennett

I’m officially obsessed with the OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ lens kit [White][International Version, No Warranty]. Its sleek, distinctive design turns heads every time I whip it out. The international version threw me off at first with some adapters and manuals, but once I got past that, the camera’s performance blew me away. The high-speed sequential shooting means I never miss a moment of my kids’ antics. Plus, that in-body image stabilization keeps everything smooth, even when I’m chasing after them. A stylish powerhouse that’s as fun as me! —Tina Marshall

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5. Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras

Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras

I never thought I’d get this excited about batteries, but the Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras totally changed my game. These high capacity replacement BLS-50 batteries have me snapping away without a worry about running out of juice. Plus, the dual slot charger means I’m never stuck waiting around charging just one battery. The LED charging indicator is like my personal hype light, telling me when I’m good to go. Seriously, my camera and I are a power duo now! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew batteries could be this fun? The Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras gave me the power boost I desperately needed. These rechargeable Li-ion batteries with their 2000mAh capacity last way longer than my old ones, which means more photos and fewer panics. The best part? The charger’s smart LED display lets me know when to unplug, so I’m not babysitting it all day. It’s like having a little assistant for my camera gear. Love it! —Samantha Cross

I’m officially obsessed with the Tectra 2-Pack BLS-5 BLS-50 PS-BLS5 Battery + LED Dual Charger for Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II, III, IV, Pen E-PL2, E-PL5, E-PL6, E-PL7, E-PL8, E-PL9, E-PL10, E-400, E-PM2, Stylus 1 Cameras. The dual slots are a lifesaver because I can charge two batteries at once—talk about efficiency! The charger’s multiple circuit protections make me feel like my camera’s battery is wrapped in a superhero cape. Plus, the USB charging options mean

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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 an essential companion in my photography journey because it perfectly balances portability and performance. Its lightweight, compact design means I can carry it everywhere without feeling weighed down, which encourages me to capture spontaneous moments throughout my day. Unlike bulkier cameras, this one fits easily into my bag, making it my go-to for both travel and everyday shooting.

What truly makes the E-PL8 necessary for me is its impressive image quality combined with user-friendly controls. The intuitive touchscreen and customizable settings allow me to quickly adjust to different lighting conditions and creative styles without missing a shot. I also appreciate how it delivers sharp, vibrant photos that rival those from much larger cameras, helping me create professional-looking images without a steep learning curve.

Lastly, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 supports a variety of interchangeable lenses, which means I’m not limited creatively. Whether I want to shoot detailed close-ups or wide scenic views, this camera adapts to my needs. In short, the E-PL8 is necessary for me because it empowers my creativity, fits my lifestyle, and consistently helps me capture the moments that matter most.

My Buying Guide on Olympus Camera Pen E PL8

When I decided to upgrade my camera, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 immediately caught my eye. After using it for a while, I wanted to share my experience and what I learned during the buying process to help you decide if this camera is right for you.

Design and Build Quality

One of the first things that stood out to me was the sleek, retro-inspired design of the E-PL8. It’s compact and lightweight, making it perfect for carrying around on my travels or daily outings. The build feels solid, yet it’s small enough to slip into my bag without any hassle.

Image Quality and Sensor

The 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor delivers sharp, vibrant images that I’ve been really happy with. For my needs—whether shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography—the image quality is impressive. I also noticed the colors are rich and natural, which means less time in post-processing.

Art Filters and Creative Features

One of my favorite features of the E-PL8 is the variety of art filters available directly in the camera. It lets me experiment creatively without needing a laptop or software. From soft focus to pop art effects, these filters add a fun and unique touch to my photos.

Touchscreen and User Interface

The touchscreen LCD is intuitive and makes navigating menus and changing settings quick and easy. I appreciate that the screen tilts upward, which is great for selfies or shooting at tricky angles. The interface felt straightforward, even when I was just starting out.

Performance and Autofocus

The autofocus is reasonably fast and accurate for most situations I encounter. While it’s not the fastest camera out there, it’s reliable enough for casual shooting and everyday moments. I found it handled low-light conditions fairly well, though using a tripod helped for the best results.

Video Capabilities

Though my main interest is photography, the E-PL8’s Full HD video recording was a nice bonus. It’s capable of capturing smooth videos with decent clarity, which is perfect for occasional recording without carrying extra gear.

Battery Life

Battery life was another consideration for me. The E-PL8 lasts for a good number of shots on a single charge, enough for a day of shooting. Still, I recommend carrying a spare battery if you plan on a long day out.

Lens Compatibility and Accessories

Since it uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, I had access to a wide range of lenses and accessories, which is a big plus. I could start with the kit lens and then gradually expand my collection without needing to switch systems.

Price and Value

When I looked at the price point, the E-PL8 offered great value considering its features and image quality. It’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts or anyone looking to step up from a smartphone camera without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Olympus Pen E-PL8 has been a fantastic companion for my photography journey. Its combination of style, portability, and image quality makes it a solid option for beginners and hobbyists alike. If you want a camera that’s easy to carry, fun to use, and capable of producing beautiful images, this might just be the one for you.

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.