How would you spend $850?

ryan2007 wrote:

If you want to forget about your budget and do it once than the Panasonic 12-35 2.8 is a fantastic lens. B&H Photo has deals on certain cameras by clicking the savings available you can save $50 - $200 when buying a body at the same time.

The Olympus EPL5 with the 12-35 2.8 is $1748

The Panasonic GX-1 with the same lens is $1448 a $300 difference

This is what I would buy. Whether it Olympus or Panasonic body. I am a Panasonic user so this is what I would do:

Panasonic GX-1 or EPL5 with a standard zoom unless you want something special.

The Panasonic GX-1 with the following

Panasonic 14-45 zoom equal to a 28-90 mm in 35 mm format.

B&W Multi-Coated Clear protective filter MRC-007M

Metz 24-AF-1 flash

Domke Gripper strap 1" black. I never use the manufactures camera strap since it advertises the camera too much.

This is $863 from B&H

For camera bags it can almost be anything but buy something once and its versatile, maybe another $100. The Domke F6-little bit smaller will work. Lowepro & Kata are good too. The main problem with MFT's is the except for the GH type body and maybe the OMD everything is small so you need short inserts so the lenses don't get lost in the bag (too deep of an insert) You don't want to fight to get something out. The Think Retrospective 5 will work as is too. Some use Crumpler bags just not my favorite set up.

If you need an extra battery that can be another $40 or so.

I do not have my hand on your wallet and you asked for suggestions. Take the advice how ever you like and your decision is the right one. What is good for someone may be not right for you. Its all subjective.