Olympus PEN E-PL8 Kit, Micro Four Thirds System Camera

Olympus PEN E‑PL8 Kit

The Olympus PEN E‑PL8 is a compact, lightweight Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera that delivers professional‑grade performance in an approachable form factor. Coupled with the versatile M.Zuiko Digital ED 14‑42 mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ zoom lens, this kit offers a balanced blend of image quality, portability, and advanced features for both beginners and seasoned photographers.

Key Design & Build Features

• Dimensions: 117.1 mm (width) × 68.3 mm (height) × 38.4 mm (depth)
• Weight: 326 g (body only); 374 g with battery and SD card; 491 g with the included lens
• Material: Durable metal chassis for a solid, ergonomic grip
• Weather Resistance: Dust‑proof construction with a protective hood and filter thread (37 mm)
• Display: 3‑inch (7.6 cm) tilting LCD with 1,037,000 pixels; touch‑enabled for quick focus and menu navigation
• Viewfinder: Electronic viewfinder (EVF) integrated into the body for precise composition in bright conditions

Image Sensor & Processor

• Sensor: 16.1 MP Live MOS, 4/3‑inch format (13.0 × 17.3 mm)
• Processor: TruePic VII – delivers fast autofocus, high dynamic range, and efficient JPEG/RAW processing
• ISO Range: 100–25,600 (auto) with extended sensitivity up to 25600 for low‑light shooting
• Image Stabilization: Built‑in 5‑axis body‑mounted system compensates camera shake across all focal lengths
• White Balance: Auto plus presets (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Underwater, etc.) and custom Kelvin range (2000 K–14000 K)

Lens Compatibility & Included Optics

The kit ships with the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14‑42 mm f/3.5‑5.6 EZ, a lightweight pancake zoom that covers an equivalent focal length of 28–84 mm on full‑frame sensors.

• Focal Length: 14‑42 mm (equivalent 28‑84 mm)
• Aperture Range: f/3.5 at wide end, f/5.6 at telephoto
• Optical Design: 7 groups / 8 elements with ED glass for reduced chromatic aberration
• Mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) – compatible with a vast array of Olympus and third‑party lenses
• Filter Thread: 37 mm, allowing the use of standard filters (UV, polarizer, ND, etc.)

Autofocus & Exposure System

• AF Points: 81‑point contrast‑detection system covering the full sensor area; 800 selectable points for precise focus control
• AF Modes: Single, Continuous, Tracking, Face‑Priority, Eye‑Detection, Touch Area AF, and more – ensuring reliable focus in dynamic scenes
• Exposure Modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual; plus scene modes (Portrait, Landscape, Night, Sports, Macro, etc.) for quick setup
• Metering: 324‑zone multi‑segment system with spot, center‑weighted, and highlight/shadow options; supports exposure compensation up to ±5 EV in 1/3‑step increments
• Flash: Built‑in pop‑up flash (TTL auto, manual, red‑eye reduction, slow sync) with hot shoe for external flash units

Video Capabilities

• Resolution: Full HD 1920 × 1080 at 30 fps (MOV/H.264 or AVI/MJPEG)
• Audio: Stereo recording via built‑in microphone; supports external mic input through the hot shoe
• Connectivity: Micro‑HDMI for direct output to monitors or TVs; USB 2.0 for data transfer and remote control; Wi‑Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) for wireless file sharing and live view streaming
• Additional Features: HDR mode, 3D photo capture, time‑lapse support, and built‑in speaker for playback

Storage & Battery

• Memory Card Slots: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS‑I) – one slot with full compatibility for high‑speed video recording
• Battery: Olympus BLS‑50 Lithium‑Ion; rated for 350 shots per charge or up to 90 minutes of continuous video
• Power Management: Auto power‑save, battery level indicator, and optional external power options via USB or AC adapter (not included)

Additional Features & Accessories

• Touch Shutter: Full‑screen touch for quick framing and focus
• Image Processing: In‑camera RAW editing, digital rotation, histogram display, highlight/shadow alerts, and a suite of creative filters (Black & White, Sepia, Vivid, etc.)
• Menu System: Multi‑language support (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, etc.); intuitive layout with customizable shortcuts
• Included Kit Items: BLS‑50 battery, charger, dust hood, lens cap, shoulder strap, USB cable, and a protective case for the body

Why Choose the Olympus PEN E‑PL8 Kit?

The PEN E‑PL8 stands out as an all‑round performer: its compact size belies powerful sensor performance, robust autofocus, and versatile lens system. Whether you’re capturing everyday moments, traveling light, or experimenting with creative photography, this kit delivers the flexibility and quality that Olympus is known for.

With a 5‑axis image stabilizer, TruePic VII processor, and an extensive array of shooting modes, the E‑PL8 empowers users to push their photographic vision without compromising on portability or ease of use. The included 14‑42 mm lens provides a practical focal range for street, landscape, portrait, and macro work, making this kit an excellent starting point for anyone looking to explore the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

The Olympus PEN E‑PL8 Kit combines compact design, advanced imaging technology, and a versatile lens** in one package. Its thoughtful feature set—ranging from touch controls and Wi‑Fi connectivity to full HD video and robust autofocus—makes it an ideal choice for photographers who demand both performance and portability.