Trying to Choose New Camera and Lenses: Olympus OM-D vs Sony NEX

ClarkC,

I agree with Najinsky's post.  I'll elaborate a bit on my own decisions to purchase an OMD.  First of all, I would not agree with your assessment that the E-M5 is at a disadvantage in low light.  Perhaps technically this it true, but in real world use - where you are using wide angle glass, or large aperture primes, or legacy glass that are unstabilized, the IBIS easily makes up for any low light deficiencies IMHO.  You can create images in very low light - try it before you make your decision if possible.  Also, this is in my opinion a great reason to purchase the OMD over the EPM2 or EPL5 - the IBIS is quite different.

As for lenses.  If you love to travel, and want to travel light I would suggest the following to start your kit:

Olympus 14-150: This will be your workhorse until you find what you're missing.  Even though I have largely replaced this lens with others that have better IQ, I still use my 14-150 regularly when we travel.  Look for a refurbished copy in the $350 range.

Olympus 9-18: This will be your wide angle lens.  It is a very good and very compact lens.  I love my 9-18 and would never travel without it. Trust me, you will use it more than you would imagine.  Also, this lens is particularly great because it is long enough to use as a general purpose lens as well.

Panasonic 20/1.7 or Olympus 17/1.8:  Personally I would go with the 20.  This is your low light lens.  IMHO the 25mm is too narrow to use for street shooting, markets etc.  Either the 20 or the 17 are that 'just right' documentary FOV that includes enough background to tell a story.

Optional Purchase: Rokinon (or Samyang, Walimax, etc. they are all literally the same) fisheye.  Why?  Because fish eyes are fun.  And that's why we shoot.  Best lens value I've purchased.

Now you'll have a great camera, a good starting collection of lenses that will travel very well, and after shooting for a bit you will begin to wish you had different glass, and you can expand your collection from there.  But, if you are a frequent traveller, I doubt that you will regret any of these purchases.

Lastly, you mention in your original post a desire to purchase the Panasonic 14-42.  If you decide to purchase a lens with this focal range skip this one and buy the Panasonic 14-45.  This is a much better lens and it can be found on ebay for $200.  It is sharp and a great all around lens.

Feel free to ask questions.

-Kiel