Chic and Sleek! Olympus E-PL8 and Three Micro Four Thirds Lenses - Reviewed!

Want to get into micro four thirds photography? Check out this very stylish and capable camera - and three amazing lenses!
Lenses: Olympus 14 - 42mm f3.5 - f5.6, Panasonic Lumix 12 - 32mm f3.4 - f5.6, Sigma 60mm f2.8
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[@stuartcarden1371]

One of the big reasons that I love the Micro 4/3 system is that the cameras and lenses seem to hark back to the spirit of photography of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Not just in terms of styling but in trying to keep photography easy to access, small and light. Generally speaking Micro 4/3 bodies aren't trying to be professional powerhouses but instead they're perfect for travel and for enthusiast photographers who want to have a camera and lenses that they can take everywhere. I bought my EPL-10 and the 17mm f/1.8 for £400 all in. With other brands I'd be looking at double that for the same kind of quality, even second hand. As you can tell I'm a big fan of Olympus and Panasonic for sticking at it and bringing us so many great products. Long may they continue.

[@WaddyMuters]

I have the epl10 too. I use it for street photography, the epl 10 is the only one that does silent shutter in all modes, sadly no evf compatibility, but I didn't need it for now. The EP7 has phase detect, but is at least double if not tripple the price, for now the EPL10s contrast detect is alright for me and your supposed to shoot street in F8 anyway. I hope OM System brings the Pen line back, seems like they killed it, although ironically it's still their best selling line, at least in japan.

[@dionisissyr4171]

I had no idea that Olympus has such lovely cameras. I really love that vintage -retro style. I would like to see a Pentax camera review in the future, if that is possible.

[@StanNoteboom]

Elsewhere I mentioned that I purchased a factory refurbished EP-L 8 earlier in the year for US$199.00 including the same kit lens. I have a Lumix GX9 and had a GX7, both of which I’ve enjoyed, but I have to agree with you this is a fun camera. I purchased a use Lumix GF2, very similar to the Oly EP-1 you reviewed recently. I much prefer the EP L-8. Much more refined. I like it’s size and handling. I’ll not be buying the view finder attachment. Amazon wants US$258, more than I paid for the camera. I’ve using this camera to test out vintage lenses, such as have been reviewed here on this channel ;). I’m thinking of making this my square format camera using the tilt out screen as a viewfinder the way one would if shooting like with a twin-lens reflex 120 film, square image camera with a vintage lens attached. Nice review.

[@HansBaier]

The two best bang for buck m43 lenses: Lumix 20mm 1.8 and M Zuiko 45mm 1.7. They will blow you away! With those two in your bag you cannhandle almost any situation.

[@michaelmcnally1242]

The Oly 12-40 is like the perfect travel lens too

[@djrudog1158]

I think every m 4 3 owner gets these.... They are great value esp used....

[@jb678901]

I have both and fully agree. Both are must haves for the M4/3 platform, IMO. Also, the 12-60 kit covers my other needs. For long reach, an OLY 75-300 that I bought second hand for about US$165. For manual, a 7 Artisans (Risespray) 50/0.95 or Super Takumar 50/1.4 or Auto Sears 55/1.4 rounds out my typical travel kit; also M42 to MFT Viltrox focal reducer for the vintage glass.

[@SatanSupimpa]

Around the 20th minute the sun gifted you with some really great light.

[@zenography7923]

The heavens opened, and the light poured through the rain!

[@davidmill7289]

I have the 17mm, 25mm & 45mm 1.8 Olympus primes which are great little lenses as well. These are now nicely complemented by recently acquired 28mm, 50mm 35-70mm & 135mm vintage glass!

[@michaelmcnally1242]

The Oly 60mm macro lens is absolutely fantastic as a portrait lens

[@zenography7923]

60mm is a beautiful focal length on micro four thirds, it really brings the camera into its own.

[@michaelmcnally1242]

@@zenography7923 i.imgur.com/4C1oLnk.jpg

[@puppetmastercoaching7388]

It's a lot lot more expensive though.

[@michaelmcnally1242]

@@puppetmastercoaching7388 yea it's not cheap. However, a pro could definitely get a lot of use out of one. It's not tiny but it's not that heavy either. They seem to be in the $200-$300 dollar range on ebay now.

[@jeffslade1892]

Despite having other newer and (cof) "better" MFT cameras, my carry is the E-PL7, of which the E-PL8 is but a facelift and the last with the AP2 port. It is a good step up in tech from the E-PL6 and E-P5, sibling to the E-M10ii and borrowed from the E-M5ii and then forthcoming PEN-F; they are very capable. It is not suited to everything, I would not try wildlife with a monster lens but it can handle the tiny PZ45-175 well and what it does it does well. You would not be able to tell if a photo came off the E-PL7, PEN-F or G9 for that matter I have had both of those zoom lenses but the lens I found that suited it best was the Lumix PZ14-42, which is an "X" lens with superior glass and better mechanicals. It folds down to pancake and lets the little camera be pocketed. It can be Marmite with no zoom or focus rings. It is a little jewel. They have not improved on it.

[@steveworthington930]

Thank you, really good presentation. Olympus do not make a bad len,s period. Even kit stuff with post comes close to pro glass. Only prime I have is the 45mm F1.8 portrait len,s, it,s got to be best in class for price etc, images are superb.

[@kevinroberts1888]

Great review. I'm only just getting into M4/3, but quickly becoming a big fan of the format. I recently bought two lenses for mine, both used, but in mint condition. The first one, an Olympus M.Zuiko Digital 14-42mm F3.5-4.5 for 58USD. I'm absolutely blown away with the quality of this lens at this price! The other one, same name but 40-150mm F4-5.6 for 66USD hasn't arrived yet, but after using the smaller zoom, I have high hopes for it.

[@zenography7923]

They're very nice little cameras, for sure!

[@alangamble3236]

I bought an epl 8 to add to my camera collection 3 months ago , mainly to use on a holiday trip. I used the Panasonic 12-32 mm lens and got some great shots. Recently I’ve used the 25mm 7artisans manual lens which suits this camera beautifully. I have to agree with others that the detachable viewfinder is a must have accessory when used in bright sunshine. Although the epl9 has an updated menu system and has 4K you cannot attach a viewfinder that’s why I settled for the epl8. If you use it for vlogging, another You Tuber Peter Forsgard has a great idea ,using a mini-tripod ball head with a hot shoe connector. It can then be suspended (using a bracket). It does not then foul the flipped down screen.

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Thanks. Apparently the EVF doesn't work with the higher end (non-lite) model E-P7 either

[@JeffWernerIthacaNY]

You can get an Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark ii now used for $300ish, and that can do everything the EPL-8 does and more, plus built in viewfinder and the best weather sealing you can get in any camera. And, bonus, it looks like a mini version of the old OM-1! It's only very slightly larger than the EPL-8. And, the prime lenses are fabulous. Panasonic 20mm f/1.7 (40 mm equiv) and the 14mm f/2.5 (28 mm equiv) are tiny pancake lenses with fantastic image quality!

[@dedclownsRfunny]

I had to sell my EM5m2 to pay bills, and have temporarily replaced it with the EPL8. The EM5m2 also has a fully articulating screen which I personally find invaluable. Plus the viewfinder as you said. If I had bought both secondhand I’d def go for the 5m2. But I do LOVE this EPL8

[@cliffterpher]

Thanks a million. I hadn't realised that essential difference between MFT and "conventional" lenses. Thnx

[@sbcwinn]

Actually the Sigma Lens costs $300 - $350 USD today. A really expensive piece of kit.

[@JensMHA]

A bit late to the party, but good video that. I think your Lumix 14-42 is the markI items, it will then have a Ø:52mm filter tread. There is a MkII of 14-42 and it has Ø:46mm filter treads, the MkII is the one to look for, or if you find one of the very early 14-45s, but those are quite large. The MkI is often a bit soft/mushy, the other two are quite nice and surprisingly sharp for kit lenses. 🙂

[@zenography7923]

I've found this lens pretty sharp - maybe the others are sharper.

[@nathandavis5099]

The only lens of the group that I've used is the Lumix 12-32. I got it as part of a 2 lens kit when I bought my GX85. The lens is my go-anywhere lens. 2 years ago, our state fair here in Indiana was discouraging people from bringing their big cameras as part of increased "security" measures. The GX85 with the 12-32 fits in my pocket like a point and shoot, and security didn't give me a second glance. It produced very nice photos that day, even some action shots in the bright sunshine. It's very sharp and contrasty, though I've found that the long end (>25mm) loses sharpness, and it suffers from some uncorrected distortion at 12mm. I usually try to stay between 12 and 25. Pair this lens with a vintage fast 50mm, and you have a light-weight, inexpensive, do almost anything kit.

[@unbroken1010]

Correct me if I'm wrong but a state fairs paid by state taxes they should never get to tell you what they can or can't bring photography wise

[@nathandavis5099]

@@unbroken1010 Yeah, but it's not exactly "public" either since you have to pay to get in. And I'm not sure what the relationship is between the State of Indiana and the fair. I think the ruling was eventually reversed, but I also wasn't going to take chances. I brought the small camera/lens combo.

[@orangorill]

If you want great blur on an MFT, camera, try the Olympus 75mm 1.8. Picked one up at a sale a couple of months ago, and it's absolutely amazing, especially when it comes to bokeh and colour rendition. It is a little expensive and maybe on the larger side for an MFT lens though. The 45mm 1.8 is also very good, and very affordable.

[@puppetmastercoaching7388]

I have both the Oly 75 and the 45 1.8. Both are awesome. What really surprised me though was the images from the Sigma 60 really aren't second best in any way to those to - very good - lenses.

[@HansBaier]

Yes the 75mm is the second best lens of the whole system. I wish I had one

[@puppetmastercoaching7388]

@@HansBaier I'll bite: "so what is the best lens?"

[@HansBaier]

The Panaleica 42.5mm nocticron, see dxomark lens database.

[@puppetmastercoaching7388]

@@HansBaier When I win the lottery.... :)

[@djb-88]

Hello dear vintage lens expert, I learn a lot from your videos and tune in regularly to watch them. Plenty of lens purchases have been encouraged by your videos. I have noticed in a couple of videos (like this one we can actually) hear your watch ticking very loudly. Just thought you might want to know. I am listening to the audio on headphones, It might be something you don't notice without them. Have a good day Dan

[@Leptospirosi]

The rattle in the 12-32mm is the image stabilization. It goes away as soon as the camera is powered. The rattle in the Sigma lens is the linear autofocus motor.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info, appreciated!

[@protestagain]

Some years ago, I got a good deal with the Pana Lumix GM1 and the Pana Leica 15/1.7Later, I bought the 12-32 and the 45-100 used, both of them plastic fantastic, both light and incredibly sharp.Then I found a GM5 near mint, and that's my light travel setup.

[@tapasyatyaga4041]

This was a very good presentation with a lot of detailed information. I'm a Fuji guy [X-t20] but was thinking of going with Micro 4/3 a few years back but chose Fuji and APS-C. I don't feel I made the wrong decision but I do love Olympus colors. The Dude doing this channel is outstanding though he sounds like Boris Karloff. I expect Frankenstein to burst out of the back room with an Olympus Pen in his ✋. 👻 👽 🤖

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

The E-PL8 looks really great -- they did reduce the grip size though compared to earlier models, which I think would bother me

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

I tried out the E-PL7 and the E-P5 and couldn't handle the grip on either of them. They both have a diagonal roll-off on the grip which means the camera rotates downwards out of your grip when taking a landscape orientation photo. Only two fingers sit on the grip on the E-PL7 -- oddly the E-P5 is even worse in that manner (two fingers naturally sit at the top and bottom edge of the grip) -- it has a better thumb 'grip' thingy but that doesnt make up for the poor ergonomics in front. It seems to grip is important to me... In comparison my old E-PL2 -- I could hold that all day -- been using it in the last weeks without even a wrist strap with no problems.

[@oohms88]

There are lots of interesting lenses for MFT. The best bang for buck primes are the panasonic 20mm f1.7 and the olympus 45mm f1.8, then the panasonic 25mm f1.7 and 14mm f2.5. The best value telephoto zoom is the olympus 40-150mm f4-5.6 A real gem to try is the 75mm f1.8, but it is more expensive. Also the adapted four thirds olympus 50-200mm f2.8-3.5

[@as616]

I had an Olympus E-P5 with the 14-42 and the 12-32. Both were great lenses and worked very well with the E-P5. I somewhat regret selling them.

[@puppetmastercoaching7388]

There are 3 "low cost" Sigma 2.8 lenses for m4/3 which really deserve a shout out - the 60 2.8, the 19 2.8 and the 30 2.8. All of them are real bargains for what you get! The 60 is a great portrait lens (fully equal to the Oly 45 1.8 andthe Oly 75 1.8 IMHO) while the 30 will serve for portraits at a pinch. I've also done a reasonable amount of studio with the the 19. Put it on a tripod, set for f5.6 and control the camera with a cable - it's good for taking BTS shots of model shoots.

[@unbroken1010]

The 19 not so much .subjective

[@petepeteseattle]

Thank you for this. I’m just starting to investigate M43 (I purchased a used Panasonic GM1). I’m thinking of exploring C mount adapters with it too. It would be terrific to see a future episode about C mount. Cheers!

[@zenography7923]

There are some very noce c mount lenses around, that's for sure, and they work very nicely on m43!

[@joecarey7123]

I think the Panasonic lenses are bigger because the stabilisation is in the lens, whereas Oly have it in-camera. That said, I have a Panasonic 14-42 power OIS lens, which is pretty much pancake. I recently bought a Yongnuo 42.5 f1.8 lens, which meets the Sigma head-on, but with a brand new price tag under £90.

[@weisserth]

Some of the Pen cameras will turn into retro-chic classics that people will seek out and hunt for, especially the models with the 16MP sensors. It's already difficult to find some models, like the E-P5. Snatch them up while you can.

[@valdiskrebs566]

You should try the Olympus pancake 14-42mm EZ ... with auto-open lens cap. That and the Lumix 20mm f/1.7 and you have outdoors and indoors covered... with pancakes. 🤣

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip!

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

Agreed about the Sigma. Best value to quality ratio I have had. Just a bit long for daily use.

[@zenography7923]

It does make plenty of the blurry stuff though!

[@blood_n_guts_murphy]

@@zenography7923 pin sharp, buttery smooth and surprisingly shallow DOF for an f2.8. And so small on M43. Moving up to APSC the equivalent lenses for Fuji are massive and expensive. Obviously the Sigma Sony APSC version won't be the same for blur, but their 56mm f1.4 would be a dream lens. Very usable focal length. But I am sticking with Fujifilm and the most interesting lenses for blur lovers seem to be Lensbaby ones. Currently checking them out on KZbin. If you are sticking with M43 the Pentax Cosmicar 25mm f1.4 C mount lens is a great buy for small cameras: sharp and contrasty in the middle and nice blur around the edges. Worth keeping an Ebay look-out on as they can be cheap. Might be £50 ish. Way better than the cheap Fujian 25mm f1.4 CCTV lens which look similar.

[@MichaelGerrard]

You said about that Sigma 60mm "is one of the few lenses you can use on M43 and be assured of getting some background blur". That is incorrect, please do not perpetuate that myth. On M43 it is easy to have background blur. I can get some nice bokeh on my Oly 17mm f1.8 for example! Or for portraits try the Oly 45mm f1.8. What of the Oly 75mm? Panasonic 25mm f1.7, etc, etc... Otherwise, a very nice review, it is great to see someone appreciating the kit as much as you do. Looking forward to more videos.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the correction - noted!

[@Koji-888]

I love the bokeh on that Sigma 60mm 2.8 ツ And I have all of those you mentioned. Easy bokeh with 45/ 60/ 75 💁🏻‍♀️

[@stevegilbert1246]

Are we there yet 😴zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[@williammoskovitz7772]

Great Video... Does this camera feature focus peaking and magnify features for use with vintage lenses ?

[@zenography7923]

It does indeed - both!

[@williammoskovitz7772]

@@zenography7923 Thanks for letting me know !!!

[@JayGrapherTh]

very nice video. on another topic to share - i just got a filter to shoot Infrared photos to try out for the first time with my digital camera. just wondering if you have done videos about Infrared or know about lens that is good for it or even the type of films to use?

[@vermontmike9800]

The rattle is due to the OIS.

[@JoshuaFernandez11]

These cameras and lens are all a steal nowadays. In particular the Olympus lenses are very small and quick to focus. Perfect for street. I have an E-P5 for my street kit.

[@zenography7923]

Agreed - these cameras are bargains!

[@petepictures]

The rattle on the Panasonic ones is normal ,from the Image stabiliser

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@mawavoy]

Thanks, I have been considering an epl9.

[@zenography7923]

I don't think you'll go too far wrong with one!

[@HansBaier]

Get the PenF if you can. It is awesome!

[@mawavoy]

@@HansBaier , thanks for the suggestion. I have an old OMD Em-5, it needs some work. So E-PL8 or 9 would be an inexpensive way to utilize my lenses. I hesitate to get the PenF for fear it will be upgraded right after my purchase. Hope the new one is weather sealed. I would really like that set-up! So I thought an E-PL would be fun to see what they can do. Thanks again!,

[@Lepewhi]

I have two Panasonic M4/3 cameras and lenses to match. But, I've been itching on getting a PL series camera. I want to keep my other gear. But, I do like the looks of the Olympus. Maybe I just have GAS?

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

I have a Panasonic gx9 and an old Olympus E-PL2 that I always carry. Want to upgrade the Olympus and torn what to get. Current shortlist is E-PL7 (or 8), E-P5 (maybe a bit heavy for everyday), or Pana GX80. I find changing from Oly to Pana always a bit of a challenge in terms of using the buttons and settings. The Olys don't have E-shutter. But I find I love the size and fit (in the hand) of the E-PL cameras. And I enjoy the difference of the jpegs (fwiw i don't always prefer the Oly jpegs).

[@Lepewhi]

@@sdrtcacgnrjrc I have never used an Olympus/OM system camera. It's not that I don't like them, just never had the pleasure of using one. Actually, I find the Pen series quite cute, and small.

[@jonlouis2582]

I used an Olympus, and several Panasonic cameras and enjoyed them. The downside is that they are somewhat fragile, and repairs are hard. Here in the US, lenses out of warranty can't be repaired. My friend dropped a very expensive Pana-Leica wide angle zoom, and was out of luck. This was enough to turn me off.

[@unbroken1010]

Keh would probably fix it

[@unbroken1010]

I see epl 3 for 100 and yet people out there on Facebook marketplace are trying to charge 20 for the ep1 . I saw a epl10 going for 750 used while b and h had for 700 new . It's hit and miss there. Always compare and send links showing them it's ch

[@jimgraves4197]

So which got the nod, Ektachrome or Kodachrome? I must admit to being undecided and would have looked at it again and again and again.

[@alan-sk7ky]

Ekta... ftw

[@unbroken1010]

Probably ektachrome because I don't know where you're developing Kodachrome

[@Pharesm]

Much thanks for your wonderful, relaxed review! What would you say is the best ultra-wide, bright lens you can get for that?

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Anyone know which version of the EVF he's using here?

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Oddly enough, (and from what I've heard here on YT) versions 2 and 4 of the EVF are the best.

[@ScottChristensenabc]

Great video…thank you. Who is the manufacturer of that view finder? I need all three of your recommended lenses and the viewfinder!

[@zenography7923]

It's made by Olympus, an original extra for the ep cameras.

[@messylaura]

i have a carl zeiss jena ddr flektogon 2.8 35mm and an canon M50 camera , i bought an eos m - m42 adapter i also have an ef - m42 so far neither adapter has given me any sort of image the eos m - m42 adapter has a flange to flange of 27mm , i have also tried a whole load of extension tubes for m including sitting the lens on the m50 mount, again no luck do you know if i can pair this lens with this camera? there are some obvious markings around the barrel and lens assembly slots so the lens looks like it has been opened at some point, as this is my first venture into vintage lenses i would like to know if i'm way off the mark trying this lens or indeed if its a dud. i'm enfield, london based.

[@zenography7923]

You should be fine with an M42 to ef-m mount adaptor, the lens should just work. However, many mirrorless cameras won't work with mirrorless lenses unless you activate a setting allowing them to do so - it's often called 'shoot without lens', or something similar. Of course you may already have done this, but I can't think of any other reason for the problem!

[@messylaura]

@@zenography7923 thanks for the reply, regarding this lens, i have removed the back element from the housing, is it correct that there is just one individual lens in this holder? so that would be just one concave lens from the aperture blades to the sensor or is there a lens/group missing?

[@aidanhowgate5437]

Have you switched to manual or AV and set to 'shoot w/o shutter'? I use an M50 and its fine with every lens I've used, apart from the crazy Jupiter 12. 🙂

[@skepsys]

how does it compare to the e-m10 ii? aside from not having evf and flash. i mean, strictly image and video quality

[@zenography7923]

I haven't used the em10 I'm afraid...

[@skepsys]

@@zenography7923 thanx

[@AlexRamosDrTaz]

The E-M10 II has better image stabilization. 5 axis vs 3 axis from the E-PL 8. That's important for low light/slow shutter speed shooting.

[@taterandy3958]

Ektachrome, Kodachrome!!! now i thinking about buying a Olympus Pen or should i get a Olympus EM 5 Mark ii😄

[@zenography7923]

Well, either is nice; it really depends on the form factor that would suit you best, dslr or the more retro, compact feel of the ep...

[@HansBaier]

Definitely the EM5!

[@tabs9655]

Love your videos. Is there anyway I could contact yourself for some advice please.

[@zenography7923]

Sure, you can email me at [e-mail]

[@raulmilo8831]

Olympus valía la pena. Tengo una OM 10 desde 1978 con muchos accesorios. Está como nueva y funcionando perfectamente. Pero, tengo una E pl 1 con 5 años, le tuve que cambiar la pantalla y el lente 14 -42 dejó de funcionar . Compre la E pl 7 y ya lleva dos lentes que dejaron de funcionar en 2 años. Uno 14-42 gordo desbloqueable y otro 14-42 Pancake. Tres objetivos 14-42 y una pantalla, me convencen de no seguir comprando Olympus. Yo cuido muchisimo mis camaras ,pero por lo visto con los objetivos Olympus eso de nada vale. Me cambio a otra cosa.

[@thetocailona]

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