Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K100D Super: A Definitive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing your next camera often means balancing technology, handling, image quality, and shooting style preferences. Today, we take a detailed look at two entry-level cameras from different eras and systems: the Olympus PEN E-PL8, a 2016 mirrorless model, versus the Pentax K100D Super, a 2007 DSLR classic. Each offers distinct strengths for photographers at beginner and intermediate levels, but how do they stack up across vital criteria?

Drawing on extensive lab tests, real-world shooting experience, and technical knowledge, this article helps you make an informed choice aligned with your creative goals. Whether you're into portraits, wildlife, landscapes, or video, we explore every corner of performance and value to give you actionable insight.

First Impressions: Size, Build and Handling

Physical ergonomics shape how comfortably and instinctively you shoot throughout the day. Here’s a side-by-side:

The E-PL8 impresses with its compact, lightweight design. Its slim profile and light weight make it a perfect travel companion or street photography tool. The slim body does challenge grip comfort during extended handheld use, but the camera’s retro style appeals to casual shooters who prize portability.

The Pentax K100D Super, noticeably larger and heavier, benefits photographers accustomed to DSLR robustness and a confident handgrip. Its bulk is offset by the traditional DSLR handling, offering greater stability for telephoto and macro shooting. However, the size could be cumbersome on long hikes or urban wanderings where discretion is preferred.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so you’ll want to exercise caution shooting in harsh conditions.

Top-Down: Controls, Design, and Interface

Ergonomics also extend to button layout, mode dial accessibility, and customization ease.

The Olympus E-PL8 features a minimalist top plate with a simplified dial and easily accessible shutter release. Touchscreen controls on the rear add intuitive menu navigation, a significant usability upgrade for users migrating from smartphones.

In contrast, the Pentax K100D Super employs classic DSLR control placement - dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and external buttons for quick access to functions. Its fixed LCD offers limited interactive control, and no touchscreen leads to a steeper learning curve.

If you favor modern, touch-enabled interfaces, the E-PL8 is the clear choice. For users who prefer tactile, physical dials and buttons familiar from traditional SLRs, the K100D Super’s design will feel reassuring.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The heart of every camera is its sensor. Sensor technology dictates resolution, dynamic range, high ISO performance, and ultimately image quality.

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Pentax K100D Super boasts a larger APS-C sensor approximately 64% larger in surface area than the E-PL8’s Four Thirds sensor. Larger sensors typically deliver better low light performance and superior depth of field control. However, the Olympus E-PL8 benefits from a modern CMOS sensor with higher pixel count and improved image processing (TruePic VII) compared to the decade-earlier CCD sensor in the Pentax.

Image Quality Realities

Testing both cameras under controlled lighting conditions reveals the E-PL8 provides cleaner images at higher ISO values, due to improvements in sensor architecture and processing. Its 16 MP resolution also enables more detailed prints and cropping flexibility.

Conversely, the K100D Super’s APS-C chip yields slightly wider dynamic range in mid-ISO settings (ISO 200-800) and produces images with pleasing color rendition, though limited by older CCD technology and lower megapixels.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus systems are critical across genres - from portraits to wildlife to sports.

The E-PL8’s contrast-detection AF system has improved with 81 selectable points and face detection. In live view and video modes, this allows relatively accurate focusing with subject tracking - an advantage for casual portraits and video blogging.

Meanwhile, the K100D Super employs a classic DSLR phase-detection system with 11 focus points. Phase detection autofocus offers quick focus acquisition in viewfinder shooting and excels at tracking stationary subjects. However, it lacks face or eye detection, making manual focus adjustments necessary for precise portrait work.

In practice, the E-PL8 offers smoother focus for everyday scenes and video capture, while the Pentax maintains solid reliability for DSLR users comfortable with viewfinder operation and faster AF response especially in good light.

Display and Viewfinder Experience

Both cameras opt for different solutions: the Olympus uses a rear LCD touchscreen, while the Pentax relies on an optical viewfinder.

• Olympus E-PL8 - 3-inch, 1.03M-dot tilting touchscreen. Great for composing at various angles, navigating menus, and selecting AF points with touch. However, no built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), though an optional external EVF is compatible.

• Pentax K100D Super - 2.5-inch fixed LCD with limited resolution and no touch interface. Optical pentamirror viewfinder with 96% coverage and 0.57x magnification. Real-time direct optical viewing offers better clarity in bright light and a more traditional DSLR experience.

For street and travel photographers who shoot from the hip, the Olympus’s LCD versatility and touchscreen are invaluable. Sports and wildlife shooters valuing high-speed tracking may prefer the Pentax’s optical viewfinder for faster, uninterrupted framing.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Speed

Action photographers - wildlife, sports, events - need fast burst capabilities.

With an 8 fps burst mode, the Olympus E-PL8 significantly outpaces the Pentax K100D Super’s 3 fps maximum, enabling you to capture fleeting moments with confidence. Although buffer depth is modest, it suits casual action and wildlife shooters.

The Pentax’s slower burst rate reflects technology limitations from 2007 and affects capturing fast-moving subjects in detail.

Lens Ecosystems: Accessorizing Your Vision

No camera stands alone - lenses define your creative range.

Olympus leverages the Micro Four Thirds standard, arguably the most versatile mirrorless lens ecosystem with excellent native and third-party options. The smaller sensor crop enables compact, lightweight lenses, appealing for travel and street photography.

Pentax’s DSLR mount supports a broad range of lenses, including quality vintage optics. The APS-C sensor and 1.5x crop factor provide better telephoto reach, useful for wildlife and sports.

If ultimate portability with modern autofocus lenses is your priority, the Olympus system fits best. For photographers invested in Pentax’s legacy or vintage glass with DSLR heft, the K100D Super remains attractive.

Image Stabilization and Low Light Performance

• Olympus E-PL8: Features built-in 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, effective for handheld shooting, especially in low light or macro.

• Pentax K100D Super: Provides sensor-shift stabilization but only 3-axis, and performance is limited compared to newer systems.

Effective stabilization extends shooting range without tripods and improves video stability on the E-PL8.

Thanks to higher ISO capability and stabilization, the Olympus is more forgiving in dim environments, whereas the Pentax demands lower ISOs for best image quality.

Video Capabilities

Video is no longer optional for content creators. Here’s how they compare:

The E-PL8 offers Full HD video with in-body stabilization. The lack of external mic input is a limitation for serious videographers, yet beginners and vloggers will appreciate its usability and image quality.

The Pentax K100D Super predates video recording capabilities and cannot shoot video.

If video matters to you, the Olympus is a clear winner here.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The Olympus’s rechargeable battery offers moderate endurance, balanced against its light body. Wi-Fi connectivity enables instant sharing and remote control, which is a huge convenience for on-the-go photographers.

The K100D Super runs on four AA batteries, which can be an advantage in remote areas without charging access but adds bulk and weight. Lack of wireless features denotes its age.

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

Based on real-world and lab testing, here’s how these two cameras align with different shooting styles:

• Portrait Photography:

  • Olympus E-PL8 shines with accurate face detection, nice bokeh through Micro Four Thirds lenses, and higher resolution for skin detail.
  • Pentax K100D Super offers classic DSLR handling but less precise AF for portraits and lower resolution.

• Landscape Photography:

  • The larger APS-C sensor of the Pentax provides better dynamic range and wider aspect ratio (3:2), beneficial for expansive scenes.
  • The Olympus’ 4:3 aspect and sharper pixels favor detailed crops but with narrower dynamic range.

• Wildlife and Sports:

  • Olympus’ faster burst rates and contrast-detection AF with tracking support offer better performance.
  • Pentax’s DSLR viewfinder and phase-detection AF are beneficial but slower shooting speed limits capturing fast action.

• Street and Travel:

  • E-PL8’s small size, touch interface, and silent shutter capability suit discreet street photography well.
  • Pentax’s bulk and louder mechanical shutter add presence, though robust lens options appeal to travel shooters.

• Macro Photography:

  • Olympus supports a wide variety of stabilized macro lenses with post-focus capabilities (though no focus stacking).
  • Pentax has excellent macro optics but lacks stabilization and live view focus aids.

• Night and Astro Photography:

  • E-PL8’s higher ISO ceiling and sensor stabilization help capture stars and night scenes brighter with handheld shots.
  • Pentax’s larger sensor yields less noise but limited ISO range and poorer low-light AF.

• Video Recording:

  • Olympus is usable for casual Full HD video.
  • Pentax cannot record video.

• Professional Work:

  • Neither is a pro flagship but Olympus’ RAW support, wireless features, and lens ecosystem slightly edge out.

Sample Images: A Visual Story

Seeing sample produced photos offers clarity on quality differences.

Olympus E PL8 front Olympus E PL8 screen back Pentax K100D S front Pentax K100D S screen back

• The Olympus E-PL8 images display rich color accuracy, fine detail, and smoother tonality in JPEG and RAW conversions.
• The Pentax K100D Super photos feature vintage character with slightly muted colors and softer focus due to older sensor tech.

When printing large or cropping intensely, E-PL8 images hold up better, but Pentax images possess charm and nostalgic appeal.

Overall Performance Ratings

• Olympus E-PL8: Modern design shines with better ISO range, autofocus versatility, and video support.
• Pentax K100D Super: Reliable DSLR feel and image quality for tradition-minded users; slower and less versatile but rugged for its time.

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Olympus E-PL8 is best if you:

• Want a compact, lightweight camera for travel, street, and casual portraiture
• Appreciate modern touchscreen controls and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Are interested in video alongside still photography
• Need in-body image stabilization for handheld shooting
• Shoot in variable lighting and want flexibility in high ISO environments
• Desire a comprehensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem

Pentax K100D Super suits you if:

• You prefer an optical viewfinder and DSLR ergonomics
• Want a rugged, traditional camera for landscapes, nature, or learning DSLR basics
• Have or plan to use legacy Pentax K-mount lenses
• Shoot primarily stills, with a focus on classic photography without video needs
• Like the idea of AA batteries for off-grid use

Final Thoughts

Both the Olympus E-PL8 and Pentax K100D Super are capable entry-level cameras, but they cater to markedly different photographers. The E-PL8 represents a step forward in technological integration - lighter, faster, with superior video and connectivity - making it an excellent all-rounder for the modern hobbyist and content creator.

The K100D Super, while dated by today’s standards, continues to offer those who appreciate the tactile DSLR experience a solid introduction to photography fundamentals and image quality with classic Pentax lenses.

If you’re stepping into photography now or looking for versatility, the Olympus E-PL8 is the better investment. Yet, if your passion is rooted in SLR handling and you love working with vintage glass, the Pentax K100D Super still teaches valuable skills.

Ready to Explore Your Next Camera?

Consider your shooting style, preferred genres, and future growth when selecting gear. Both cameras have strengths worth exploring, and testing them yourself will reveal the best fit for your photographic journey.

Check out local camera stores or trusted online retailers to hold and try these cameras in your hand. Pair them with lenses that inspire you, whether it's a fast portrait prime or a versatile travel zoom.

Great photography starts with the right tools, but it thrives in your creative vision. Start creating with confidence today!

Thank you for joining our in-depth Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax K100D Super comparison. Feel free to ask questions or share your experiences below.