Olympus PEN-F vs E-PL8 vs E-P5

I'd say the EP-5 is still a good buy. I had two (a black one and the silver one) and they were a huge step up from the EP-2 that I had. However, the black one was stolen, and I cracked the LCD on the silver one and although I looked, could not find one in a condition I was comfortable with at the right price. $380 seems reasonable, maybe a bit on the high end but if you can see, feel, touch and test it and it's to your satifaction, it's a solid camera. The video is good, 5 axis stabilization, and the 16MP sensor is still quite fine even today, I've never felt the resolution lacking. I'd lean to the EP-5 vs the EPL8 just due to the extra manual controls and the pop up flash.

In the end, I did buy the Pen-F while I was waiting for a new LCD screen for the silver EP-5 to arrive from China (which is now fitted). I read all the reviews, the good, and the bad. Originally the E-P5 body only new was $799 in the US, (still is today) and I don't remember anyone saying it was over priced, and the Pen-F can be found for under $1000 and honestly, it's a great camera even coming from the E-P5 which I love and I don't feel the E-P5 was lacking at all. A brand new E-P5 + the VF4 is the same price as the Pen-F and the Pen-F is overall the better camera.

I think at the original $1199 price point there's a lot of expectations for the Pen-F to be superior in many areas, but in truth it's quite a 'jack of all trades' which is a master of a few things, superior in some areas, and quite good at all the rest. In my opinion, at any price under $1000 (tax & shipping included) the Pen-F is a undeniable winner.

What I like about the Pen-F:

- Shutter sounds much nicer and has the electronic shutter for silent operation
- The exposure compensation dial is awesome, I love it, want it on all future bodies
- Integrated viewfinder makes for a much smaller package overall than an E-P5 with a viewfinder
- The on/off dial on the left side (hated this at first, but as you use it it's definitely grows on you
- 50MP high res mode is wonderful when used appropriately

I wish the Pen-F had (but can live without):
- AP2 accessory port (so I could use the VF-4 at times when it was more appropriate)
- The ability to tilt the LCD screen up close the camera body like the E-P5
If you're really not a viewfinder kind of person, then the E-P5 or the E-PL8 will both serve you well at a very reasonable price, E-P5 has more flexibility and options for use then the PL8 so if you're needing more, and would like to use a viewfinder - moving to the Pen-F should be seriously considered.

Note: I've since fixed my E-P5 but would not consider returning the Pen-F even for a full refund. I won't be selling the E-P5, it feels like my first love until I remember the GF1 was my first (4/3rds) love. Cameras can be like that, they are so personal to us.