Just as in other markets, the simple act of searching for a previous generation of cameras can become a great advantage when optimizing the cost-benefit ratio. For example, earlier this year we talked about the Olympus PEN E-PL9, a mirrorless camera that reached an excellent price, but today you can find it averaging around 550 euros. However, if we decide to go for the Olympus PEN E-PL8, we'll get a solid camera with a fabulous design and great accessory compatibility for just 400 euros on its price tag.
There are many people out there convinced that "good and cheap" is not an appropriate combination for photography. I'm the first to admit that some cameras simply received too many cuts in order to reach a specific market segment, but at the same time, I believe there are no bad cameras, only bad prices. That turns the hunt for deals and the second-hand market into two attractive alternatives, and one of our priorities here at NeoTeo is to liberate your inner photographer without making a hole in your budget.
So we arrive at the Olympus PEN E-PL8, a compact mirrorless that definitely catches the eye thanks to its remarkable retro design. Its specifications are at a similar level to other cameras released in 2016, but the truth is that it has aged well, and it retains its competitiveness against its older sister PL9, which unfortunately increased its price in recent months. With a difference of 150 euros between the two (or more if you get it used), the PL8 is a very interesting proposition.
Olympus PEN E-PL8: A Great Travel Companion
Announced in September 2016, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 features a Four Thirds CMOS sensor with 16.1 effective megapixels, and is accompanied by the TruePic VII image processor. Its ISO sensitivity ranges from 200 to 25,600 with a boost below 100, while the shutter speed extends from 1/4000 to 60 seconds. Its three-inch touchscreen is tilting for selfie support (80 degrees upward and 180 degrees downward), with a resolution of 1.03 million dots, just slightly lower than that of its older sister PL9. You won't find a viewfinder here, although the screen should be more than enough.
The autofocus system on the Olympus PEN E-PL8 uses a total of 81 points based on contrast detection. This translates into robust detection that only loses a bit of speed and precision in very low light situations. It also has face and eye detection, with tracking that tends to make few errors. In other words, the camera's autofocus decisions are fortunately not wrong, and the latest firmware improves its performance with certain lenses.
Still, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is not a sports camera. Its Burst mode tops out at 8.5 FPS under optimal conditions, with a more stable Low mode at 3.7 FPS. The capture of JPEG images, with excellent definition and color quality I might add, has no buffer limits, so you can keep shooting until you fill the entire memory card. RAW format tells a different story: The camera processes it without applying compression to those images, but the hard buffer limit appears at 20 shots. Personally, that's an adequate number.
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a pleasure to look at, and its general interface doesn't lag behind. Just two dials on the top indicate a commitment to simplicity of use, while on the rear, the number of physical buttons rises to seven (not counting the wheel). Unlike its older sister, the PL8 does not have a built-in flash, but rather the FL-LM1 flash is part of its box content. The mode dial has nine entries in total: Full Auto or Intelligent Auto 'iAUTO', Scene Mode 'SCN' (25 scenes available), Art Filters 'ART' (15 filters), Photo Story (the icon with blocks), Programmed Auto 'P', Aperture Priority 'A', Shutter Priority 'S', Manual 'M', and Movie Mode (the camera). The rest of the details, in its official manual. Only 161 pages, very easy to follow.
Now, if you were planning to shoot 4K with the Olympus PEN E-PL8, you might want to make the extra effort and look for the PL9, because it doesn't offer any support for that format. Its video is acceptable, but the maximum you can get from this mirrorless is 1080p30, and another resource that's conspicuously absent is recording at 60 frames per second. Its modes at 1280x720 and 640x480 are also at 30 FPS. I insist: The video on the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is not terrible, it's just that its priority lies elsewhere.
Accessories for the Olympus PEN E-PL8
The good news is that at 400 euros or less, there isn't much to complain about. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a very good camera at that price, and if you decide to go for a used model via Amazon Warehouse, the benefit might be even greater. Either way, you'll likely want to add one or two accessories. Fortunately, we have very affordable options at our disposal, especially when it comes to batteries and transportation.
Batteries and Power
With an official rating of 350 shots, the Olympus PEN E-PL8's battery is... adequate, but it never hurts to have a small backup. The folks at Gloxy offer us a BLS-5 module perfectly compatible with the PL8 mirrorless and all models that depend on the BLS-5/BLS-50 format. Plus, you can use Olympus's official BCS-5 charger without issues. For 20 euros, I think it's worth adding a battery to your setup.
Tripods and Supports
The stabilization built into the Olympus PEN E-PL8 does a very good job, but if you want to capture something in a relatively awkward position or the light isn't helping much, it's not a bad idea to add a support. Our recommendation for a tripod for the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is one that fits the camera's travel profile, the Genesis ABT Mini (SKU "0713633151,0726137272"). It includes a high-quality ABH-36 head, supports a maximum of six kilograms, and at just 1.2 kilograms thanks to its aluminum and magnesium alloy construction, its portability is guaranteed. Do you prefer something even stronger? In that case, the answer is the Clampod Takeway T2. 40 kilograms of maximum load, an impressive grip, and compatible with everything.
Backpacks and Bags
The Olympus PEN E-PL8 doesn't come with weather sealing from the factory, and that always reminds us that we need to be more resistant to dust and liquids. Today I'm going to suggest two bags: The first is the Genesis Gear Orion, which includes a padded and modifiable interior, space for tablets, a comfortable strap, and with dimensions of 30 x 20 x 10 cm, it's ideal for your travels. The second is a veteran here at NeoTeo: the Vanguard Discover 22. Ample space, a resistant exterior, rain-resistant properties, and three modes of transport define this practical bag, suitable for beginners and demanding enthusiasts alike.
Flashes
This mirrorless includes the Olympus FL-LM1 flash in its box. Its power is adequate for the factory setup, but if you find you need a little more punch without spending a fortune, don't forget the small Meike MK-320. With its help you'll move to a guide number of 32, it weighs only 150 grams, includes a diffuser, and runs on two batteries.
Special Kits
Once again, our last section of miscellaneous accessories bets on maintaining the mirrorless and extracting additional value. Keeping dust at bay requires preventive work on the user's part, so the Gloxy 6-in-1 kit is a vital ally in fighting particles and the natural oils on our hands. And since you have the camera, how about making some extra money with it? The Portable Photo Studio of 40 x 40 x 40 centimeters will help you improve your product photography, and sell all that stuff you no longer need.
In summary, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a solid candidate to accompany you everywhere for 400 euros or less, and it might drop a bit more (with the imminent Black Friday-Cyber Monday). Plus, its accessories are already cheap, which will allow you to be even more efficient with your investment. Good luck!
