Enjoy taking the camera along, capture, view, and share images in your own styleOLYMPUS PEN E-PL8A sophisticated PEN design with Touch Selfie functions for still image and movie

October 12, 2016


Olympus PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ Lens Kit
Body (White/Black/Brown) + M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ


Olympus Corporation (President: Hiroyuki Sasa) is pleased to announce the new Micro Four Thirds System standard Compact System Camera, Olympus PEN E-PL8, scheduled to go on sale in the end of November, 2016. This model features a sophisticated design, selfie functions, smartphone connectivity, and a wide range of shooting functions that expands the possibility of photographic expressions.

Main Features

  • 1. A premium PEN design, simple and sophisticated
  • 2. Flip-down monitor and creative shooting functions for enjoyable Touch Selfies in still images and movies
  • 3. Built-in Wi-Fi enables smartphone connectivity for transferring and sharing images as well as remote shooting
  • 4. Clips and Art Filter Movie provide enhanced movie recording
  • 5. Excellent basic performance provides SLR image quality

Sales Outline

Category Product Name MSRP Launch Date
Micro Four Thirds System
standard interchangeable
lens camera
Olympus PEN E-PL8 body
(White/Black/Brown)
Open price End of November, 2016
Olympus PEN E-PL8 14-42mm EZ Lens Kit
Body (White/Black/Brown)
+ M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ*1
Olympus PEN E-PL8 EZ Double Zoom Kit
Body (White/Black/Brown)
+ M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ*1
+ M. Zuiko Digital ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 R*1

*1 When the camera body is white or brown, the lens color is silver, and when the camera body is black, the lens is also black.

The Olympus PEN E-PL8 offers premium design inherited from the PEN series, enhanced selfie functions and a wide range of creative shooting features that provides complete freedom of photographic expression. These features can be used not only with still images, but also with movies, which have shown increasing popularity on social networks in recent years.
With excellent photo and video image quality that can only be provided by an interchangeable lens camera, and smartphone connectivity that lets you share your images then and there, the PEN delivers an experience that people have come to expect from photography today.
This interchangeable lens system camera will ensure to satisfy a variety of needs, for those that enjoy taking the camera along, shooting, viewing, and sharing.
We will continue to enhance our lineup of Compact System Cameras and related equipment, to create and expand new markets to meet new photographic trends.

Main Features Details

1. A premium PEN design, simple and sophisticated

The Olympus PEN series is highly regarded for its compact and lightweight body, excellent operability and premium design. The E-PL8 carries on the features of Olympus PEN series, with a sophisticated design that makes the camera as a fashion item.
Soft, modern body lines are incorporated into the form with a rounded shape that fits perfectly in the hand. The embossed Olympus PEN logo*2, alumite finish on the upper part of the body, and metal dials show an absolute commitment to detail.
The front of the body features synthetic leather and carefully selected patterned finishes for each color option. The bundled strap and the colors of triangular split ring cover are new to match the body color*3 for a truly unified feel.
The camera body is available in three colors; white, black, and brown. The white presents a stylish feel with its contrast with beige. The black gives a traditional camera look with its silver and black combination. And the brown provides a relaxed, vintage feel to the camera by adding an accent in your fashion. The colors help you to pick the camera that best suits your style.

2. A flip-down monitor and creative shooting functions for enjoyable Touch Selfies in still images and movies

Selfies, which have become a staple shooting style in recent years, can now be enjoyed as both still images and movies with full-touch operations like using a smartphone.
A wide range of shooting functions provides high quality selfies with a unique style of expressions.

1) Flip-down touch panel monitor

This model is equipped with a large, high definition touch panel monitor that rotates 180 degree downward. A flip-down monitor enables touch operations easier without worrying about getting your finger in the shot. The grip on the front of the camera makes selfie shooting more comfortable, where your fingers will rest easily to hold the camera.
The optional Fisheye Body Cap Lens, BCL-0980 (9mm f/8.0 Fisheye) can be used to capture selfies while keeping the whole background in the shot. This lens is suitable for group photos and capturing the landscape in selfies when traveling.

2) Selfie mode

When the monitor flips down, the Selfie mode is activated and the image shown on the monitor automatically turns into a mirror display. In addition to the e-Portrait button*4, shutter release, Custom self-timer, brightness adjustment*5, Clips and movie recording buttons have been added to the monitor display for a variety of touch operations.
A new Selfie mode for movie is added on the E-PL8. This new mode makes recording Selfie Movies smoother and displays movie effect button as well as a movie recording button, brightness adjustment button, and Clips button.
The shutter release button is designed to capture a photo one second after being touched so you can shift your eyes from your finger to the lens for better selfies. e-Portrait makes skin look smoother in photos. When an electronic zoom lens is attached to the camera, it automatically switches the zoom to a wide-angle setting*6 for quick selfie shooting at the optimal wide angle.

3) Creative shooting functions

Art Filter can also be used with selfies for adding expanded expressions. You can check the effects in Live View while selecting filters for shots that perfectly fit your image. Art Filter options can also be applied to each frame*7 in Photo Story, a feature that lets you combine multiple shots into a single image, for more variety of expressions.
You can also change the aspect ratio for selfies that look exactly the way you want.

3. Built-in Wi-Fi enables smartphone connectivity for transferring and sharing images as well as remote shooting

The built-in Wi-Fi and dedicated Olympus Image Share (OI.Share) smartphone app let you wirelessly connect the camera and smartphone for instantly sharing high quality images captured with the E-PL8 on social networks. Avoid troublesome initial settings by simply scanning the QR code that appears on the camera monitor with your smartphone to complete connection settings with a few easy steps.
Remote shooting is also available using your smartphone as a remote control. You can check on the screen of your smartphone to capture the best shot.

4. Clips and Art Filter Movie provide enhanced movie recording

In addition to photos, in recent years, the number of movies posted to social networks has increased. To meet this need of the market, the E-PL8 is equipped with enhanced movie recording features.

1) Clips

This feature combines multiple short movies and adds background music and effects to create a single movie. With this, you can easily turn everyday scenes into impressive short movies. You can also download and add background music to suit your tastes*8.

2) Art Filter Movie

Art Filters are also available on movies, the same way as with still images. Everyday scenes and precious moments can be captured with an artistic finish in movies as a lasting memory.

3) Movie Effect

Four different Movie Effects can be applied to movies. Old Film effect lets you record video that looks like an antique film, and Art Fade effect provides smooth transitions from one effect to another.

5. Excellent basic performance provides SLR image quality

A high image quality inherited from the OM-D series interchangeable lens camera is achieved for quality and performance that satisfies professional needs.
The 16.05 megapixel Live MOS sensor retains details in shadow and faithfully represents night scenes and dark indoor scenes. The wide dynamic range and smooth expressions of gradation beautifully captures high contrast scenes well.
The same TruePic VII image processor used in the Olympus' flagship model the OM-D E-M1 is used in this model. It brings out the best of the excellent optical performance and quality of the M.Zuiko Digital lens for high resolution and vivid color reproduction.
The powerful VCM in-body Image Stabilization makes it possible to capture sharp image quality with minimal camera shakes in night scenes and dark indoor shots.
You can also enjoy the beautiful background defocusing effects in portraits.

Other Features

  • iAUTO makes shots beautiful simply by pressing the shutter release button
  • Live Guide lets you capture photos exactly as you imagine with easy-to-understand on-screen displays
  • Live Composite lets you capture impressive trails of light
  • Fast AF instantly focuses when you touch the monitor
  • 8.5 fps*9 high-speed sequential shooting
  • Quick Start Guide is bundled so you can start shooting immediately even if you are a beginner.

*2 Logo is embossed in gold on white and brown bodies, and embossed in silver on black body.

*3 The color of triangular ring split cover is beige for white and brown bodies, and black for black body.

*4 When set to iAUTO

*5 Except for iAUTO, SCN, and M modes

*6 After automatically switching to the wide-angle setting, you can manually change the zoom setting.

*7 Only when Layout is selected.

*8 Download page URL: http://support.olympus-imaging.com/bgmdownload/index.en.html opens in new window
"Happy Days" (new track) is set as a default track. You can download from 14 tracks from the website including three new tracks.

*9 When IS is off

Separately Available Accessories

Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B WHT

This is a white color variation of the Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B for the Olympus PEN E-PL8. It helps protect the camera body from scratches and gives the premium feel of genuine leather. It is available in light brown, brown, black, and a new white. You can also enjoy coordinating with the Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL, and the currently available Genuine Leather Shoulder Strap, CSS-S109LL II.


Genuine Leather Body Jacket,
CS-45B WHT

Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL WHT

The Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL made especially for the M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ is now available in white. It covers the entire lens, protecting it from shocks, scratches, and blemishes. It can be used with Lens Cap LC-37B, Automatic Opening Lens Cap LC-37C, Protective Filter PRF-D37 or PRF-D37 PRO attached*10. You can secure this lens cover with a swivel to keep from losing it and it won't get in the way of shooting. It is available in light brown, brown, black, and white. It can be coordinated with the Genuine Leather Body Jacket CS-45B and the currently available Genuine Leather Shoulder Strap, CSS-S109LL II.


Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL WHT


OLYMPUS PEN E-PL8 (White)
+ M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ
+ Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B WHT
+ Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL WHT
+ Genuine Leather Shoulder Strap, CSS-S109LL II WHT

Multi-purpose Case, CS-50SF

This compact, soft case can be used to store the camera with an interchangeable lens attached*11. It can be folded when not in used. A small pocket on the inside is convenient for storing SD cards. It is made of polyester and available in beige and black.


Multi-purpose Case, CS-50SF (Black/Beige)


Multi-purpose Case, CS-50SF with a camera stored inside

*10 When Protection Filter PRF-D37 or PRF-D37 PRO is attached, the Automatic Opening Lens Cap LC-37C does not work correctly.

*11 There are some limitations to which lenses can be stored in the case, attached to the camera.

Sales Outline: Separately Available Accessories

Product Name MSRP Launch Date
Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B
(Light Brown/Brown/Black)
5,700 yen
(6,156 yen incl. tax)
Now on sale
Genuine Leather Body Jacket, CS-45B WHT
(White)
5,700 yen
(6,156 yen incl. tax)
End of November, 2016
Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL
(Light Brown/Brown/Black)
4,600 yen
(4,968 yen incl. tax)
Now on sale
Genuine Leather Lens Cover, LC-60.5GL WHT (White) 4,600 yen
(4,968 yen incl. tax)
End of November, 2016
Multi-purpose Case, CS-50SF (Black/Beige) 3,500 yen
(3,780 yen incl. tax)
End of November, 2016

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