A chic and compact mirrorless camera, the black PEN E-PL8 from Olympus is a Micro Four Thirds system camera defined by its refined appearance, imaging capabilities, and in-camera creative controls. Revolving around a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor and TruePic VII image processor, a quick continuous shooting rate of 8.5 fps benefits working with moving subjects while a top sensitivity of ISO 25600 suits working in low-light conditions. Beyond stills shooting, Full HD 1080p/30 video recording is also supported. Benefitting both photo and movie applications, an 81-area FAST autofocus system is both quick and accurate, and works in conjunction with the rear touchscreen for touch-to-focus control. Additionally, 3-axis sensor-shift type VCM image stabilization is also featured to reduce the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Beyond the imaging capabilities, the E-PL8 also distinguishes itself through its stylish exterior, which integrates a compact right hand grip, clean lines, matching leatherette accents, an included matching neck strap, and an embossed Olympus logo on the front. Matching intent of the opulent exterior, the camera is also configured for the selfie enthusiasts out there, with the inclusion of a 3.0″ 1.04m-dot 180° tilting touchscreen LCD. For easier control when making front-facing portraits, new buttons have been added to the touchscreen interface for recording video selfies, making clips, adjusting exposure brightness, accessing Photo Story modes, and applying Art Filters. In addition to these selfie controls, the camera is also fitted with built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image sharing and remote camera control from a linked smartphone or tablet.
Included with the camera body is the M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R standard zoom lens, which provides a 28-84mm equivalent focal length range. It features quiet autofocus and zooming operation to benefit recording movies and also incorporates three aspherical elements to reduce aberrations and produce high image sharpness and clarity.
16.1MP Live MOS Sensor and TruePic VII Image Processor
Featuring a 16.1MP Live MOS sensor, along with the TruePic VII image processor, the E-PL8 is capable of recording high-resolution stills and Full HD 1080p video with sensitivity up to ISO 25600. The processing speed also avails a top continuous shooting rate of 8.5 fps in full-resolution, with the ability to record up to 16 12-bit raw files in a single burst or 64 JPEGs. When working at a slower, 3.7 fps shooting rate, you are able to record infinite JPEG bursts for the capacity of your memory card.
FAST Autofocus System with Small Target AF
Benefitting the quick shooting performance of the E-PL7, a contrast-detection focusing method employs 81 AF areas across the entire sensor to quickly and accurately acquire focus. Aptly named, FAST (Frequency Acceleration Sensor Technology) is able to home in on subjects using single-shot or continuous focusing methods, as well as AF tracking to benefit working with moving subjects. In addition, there is Small Target AF that can be used to acquire focus in a smaller area for increased accuracy.
When working with manual focus, focus peaking is available to simplify attaining precise sharpness, which is especially useful when using selective focus or shallow depth of field techniques.
3-Axis In-Body VCM Image Stabilization
In-body VCM (Voice Coil Motor) image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 3.5 stops with any lens in use. Furthermore, this unique image stabilization system works across three axes, versus the conventional two axes, and compensates for vertical and horizontal shifts (yaw and pitch) as well as camera shake along the optical axis (roll). This range of detected movements serves to benefit traditional still image shooting as well as movie recording and working with moving subjects more effectively.
Full HD Video Recording
Capable of recording 1920 x 1080p video at 30 fps, the E-PL8 provides users with another creative method for capturing imagery. This system saves the files as MOV format files and will also record stereo audio with the built-in microphone. Multiple other options are available as well, including 1280 x 720 and 640 x 480 resolution options.
Product Highlights
- 16.1MP Live MOS Sensor
- TruePic VII Image Processor
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot 180° Flip Touchscreen
- Full HD Video Recording at 30 fps
- Built-In Wi-Fi Connectivity
- 81-Area FAST AF with Small Target AF
- Up to 8.5 fps Shooting and ISO 25600
- 3-Axis In-Body VCM Image Stabilization
- Enhanced Selfie Modes and Controls
- M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R Lens