The Ultimate Showdown: Canon EOS 700D Canon EF S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM vs Olympus Pen E-PL8 Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 II R

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the world of photography, the Canon EOS 700D with its accompanying Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens, and the Olympus PEN E-PL8 paired with the Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R lens, offer distinct features and cater to different photographic needs. This comprehensive comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision based on your individual requirements.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This DSLR is a popular choice for beginners and enthusiasts due to its user-friendly interface and versatile kit lens. The 18-135mm lens provides a wide range of focal lengths, suitable for capturing landscapes, portraits, and everyday moments.
Olympus PEN E-PL8 with Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R: This mirrorless camera is known for its compact size and stylish design. The 14-42mm lens, equivalent to 28-84mm in 35mm terms, is perfect for travel photography and everyday snapshots.

Key Features: Comparing the Titans

Image Quality: The Canon EOS 700D boasts a 18-megapixel APS-C sensor, delivering excellent image quality with good detail and dynamic range. The Olympus PEN E-PL8, with its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, also produces impressive images, although the smaller sensor size might result in slightly less detail and dynamic range compared to the Canon.
Autofocus: The Canon EOS 700D utilizes a 9-point autofocus system, which is reliable and accurate for most shooting scenarios. The Olympus PEN E-PL8 features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 81 points, providing fast and accurate focusing, especially in low-light conditions.
Video Recording: Both cameras offer Full HD video recording capabilities. The Canon EOS 700D can capture video at 30fps, while the Olympus PEN E-PL8 can record at 30fps and 60fps, offering smoother video playback.
Design and Ergonomics: The Canon EOS 700D is a traditional DSLR with a comfortable grip and a clear viewfinder. The Olympus PEN E-PL8, on the other hand, is a compact mirrorless camera with a tilting touchscreen LCD, making it easier to compose shots from different angles.

Lens Performance: A Tale of Two Zooms

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This versatile lens offers a wide zoom range, making it suitable for various photographic situations. The image stabilization feature helps to minimize camera shake, particularly in low-light conditions. The STM technology ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, ideal for video recording.
Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R: This compact and lightweight lens is perfect for everyday photography and travel. The image stabilization system helps to reduce camera shake, particularly when using longer focal lengths. The lens offers good sharpness throughout the zoom range, making it suitable for landscapes, portraits, and street photography.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for You

Canon EOS 700D with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM: This camera is an excellent choice for beginners and enthusiasts who want a versatile and user-friendly DSLR. The 18-135mm lens provides a wide zoom range, making it suitable for various photographic situations. The image quality is excellent, and the autofocus system is reliable.
Olympus PEN E-PL8 with Olympus M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 II R: This camera is ideal for photographers who prioritize portability and ease of use. The compact size and stylish design make it perfect for travel photography and everyday snapshots. The image quality is impressive, and the autofocus system is fast and accurate.
The Bottom Line: Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize image quality, versatility, and a traditional DSLR experience, the Canon EOS 700D with its kit lens is a solid choice. However, if you prefer a compact and stylish camera with excellent portability and a user-friendly interface, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 with its kit lens is a great option.

Beyond the Basics: Exploring the Potential

Both the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL8 offer a range of features and customization options that can enhance your photographic experience.
Canon EOS 700D: This camera allows you to shoot in RAW format, providing greater flexibility for post-processing. It also features a built-in flash, useful for low-light situations. You can expand your lens collection with a wide range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
Olympus PEN E-PL8: This mirrorless camera offers in-body image stabilization, which helps to reduce camera shake for sharper images, especially when using longer focal lengths. The tilting touchscreen LCD allows for easy composition from different angles. You can also explore a wide range of Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus and other manufacturers.

The Final Word: A Photographic Journey Awaits

Choosing between the Canon EOS 700D and the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is a matter of personal preference and photographic needs. Both cameras offer excellent image quality, versatile features, and a wealth of creative possibilities. The Canon EOS 700D excels in versatility and image quality, while the Olympus PEN E-PL8 shines with its compact size, portability, and ease of use. Ultimately, the best camera is the one that fits your style, your budget, and your photographic journey.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: Both cameras are great for beginners. The Canon EOS 700D offers a more traditional DSLR experience, while the Olympus PEN E-PL8 is more compact and user-friendly. Ultimately, the best camera for beginners depends on their individual learning style and preferences.
Q: Which camera is better for travel photography?
A: The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is generally considered better for travel photography due to its compact size, lightweight design, and excellent portability.
Q: Which camera has better video quality?
A: The Olympus PEN E-PL8 offers slightly better video quality with its 60fps recording capability, providing smoother video playback.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: The Olympus PEN E-PL8 is generally more affordable than the Canon EOS 700D, especially when considering the kit lens options.
Q: Which camera has a wider lens selection?
A: The Canon EOS 700D has a wider lens selection due to the availability of Canon EF and EF-S lenses. However, the Olympus PEN E-PL8 also benefits from a growing range of Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus and other manufacturers.