The E-PL8 from 2016 refined the PEN E-PL line with a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor, 3.5-stop IBIS, a tilting touchscreen, and Wi-Fi in a slim 360g body. No 4K, no viewfinder. The tilt screen replaced the flip-screen of some earlier E-PL models. It competed with the Panasonic GF8 but offered IBIS that the GF8 lacked. A budget used buy now, suitable for casual stills shooting where 4K is not needed. It replaces the Olympus PEN E-PL7. It has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL9. At 360g, this is one of the lightest M43 bodies available, 178g below the M43 average of 538g. Step up to the OM System OM-5 if you want more controls at the cost of 6g extra.
Best for: Handheld and low-light photography
Pros
- 3.5-stop IBIS for handheld stability
Cons
- Contrast-detect AF only, slower on unpredictably moving subjects
- Not weather sealed
- No 4K video
Specifications
| Body | |
| Brand | Olympus |
| Status | discontinued |
| Released | 2016-10 |
| Weight | 360g |
| Dimensions | 117.1 × 60.4 × 38mm |
| Weather sealed | No |
| Screen | Tilting |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Sensor | |
| Description | 16.1MP Live MOS |
| Megapixels | 16.1MP |
| Resolution | 4608 × 3456 |
| Viewfinder | |
| EVF | No |
| Stabilisation | |
| IBIS | Yes |
| IBIS stops | 3.5 stops |
| Dual IS | No |
| Autofocus | |
| Phase detect | No |
| Subject recognition | No |
| Shooting | |
| Video | |
| 4K | No |
| 4K 60fps | No |
| Log | No |
| Ports & storage | |
| Card slots | 1 |
| Card type | SD UHS-I |
| HDMI | micro |
| Headphone jack | No |
| Mic port | No |
| WiFi | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Battery | BLS-50 |
| Pricing | |
| Price (approx.) | N/A |
Frequently asked questions
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL8 have IBIS?
Yes. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 has in-body image stabilisation rated at 3.5 stops.
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL8 weather sealed?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 does not have weather sealing. Take care in rain or dusty conditions.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL8 shoot 4K video?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 does not record 4K video.
Does the Olympus PEN E-PL8 have phase-detect autofocus?
No. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 uses contrast-detect autofocus. It is slower to lock on to moving subjects than phase-detect systems.
What card does the Olympus PEN E-PL8 use?
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 has 1 card slot and accepts SD UHS-I cards.
How much does the Olympus PEN E-PL8 weigh?
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 weighs 360g (body only, with battery and card).
Is the Olympus PEN E-PL8 still worth buying?
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 has been succeeded by the Olympus PEN E-PL9. The newer model improves on AF performance, sensor, and video specs. At a reduced second-hand price the Olympus PEN E-PL8 remains a capable body, but the Olympus PEN E-PL9 is the better long-term buy if the budget allows.