• 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 25,600

Buy From

Differences

Olympus E-PL8 advantages over Panasonic GH5

  • Longer video battery life
    90 vs 55 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Thinner
    38 mm vs 87 mm
    Thinner
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic GH5 advantages over Olympus E-PL8

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 1037k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More pixels
    20.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.9 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus E-PL8

Review Excerpt

  • 20MP sensor; Better per-pixel sharpness; Very good, slightly improved dynamic range and high ISOs; Stellar 4K video up to 60p with no crop; 6K Photo; Dual UHS-II SD slots; Good battery life for its class.

  • Buffer is deep, but slow to clear; Expensive; Menus still confusing; No optical low-pass filter means greater risk of moire; No built-in flash.

The Competition

Compared to Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL7
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $399
  • 4/3
Panasonic GH5
Olympus E-PL7
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $399
  • 4/3
  • Fast startup
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic GX85

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic GX85
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic GX85
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $598
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Panasonic G9

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic G9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer video battery life
  • Thinner
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G9
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $965
  • 4/3
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display

Compared to Olympus E-PL9

Olympus E-PL8
Olympus E-PL9
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • Shoot 4K video
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic GH5
Olympus E-PL9
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $700
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Panasonic G95

Olympus E-PL8
Panasonic G95
  • $599
  • 4/3
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
  • $831
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic GH5
Panasonic G95
  • $1348
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $831
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Compare Other Cameras?