E-PM1 vs E-PM2

crcostel wrote:

Sorry one more - I can get a new A5000 w/lens (I know its not an m43) for $250. For any with experience, how would that compare?

So far, you've brought up four cameras: Olympus E-PM1, E-PM2; Panasonic GF3; Sony A5000. It kind of depends on what you need.

The Olympus E-PM1 and Panasonic GF3 use the same sensor and if they're both equipped with their respective 14-42mm kit lenses, similarly versatile. The Panasonic's jpeg engine isn't very highly regarded, so the Olympus will have slightly better output if using jpeg rather than RAW. The biggest differences come down to interface - if you get a chance to play with both, it's worth trying them out. I'm more used to the Olympus menu system, but the Panasonic's system doesn't seem too hard to learn. Lastly, you trade a built in flash (Panasonic) for a viewfinder-capable hotshoe. If you're not used to shooting with a viewfinder, you may not miss it. The Panasonic's flash is also bounce-able, meaning you can hold it back to fire upwards rather than forwards. Very useful when you don't want that 'flash burn' that so often happens with front-firing flashes.

The E-PM2 is a bit more of an involved camera than either the E-PM1 or the GF3, as it has an extra programmable button and a sensor that has a significant amount of latitude when used in RAW - I've raised shadows quite a few stops at base ISO, giving me outdoor shots with both blue skies as well as plenty of details in the shade.

None of the m4/3 cameras are very good at tracking moving subjects, something that the A5000 should be able to manage, as it has on-sensor phase detect AF, if I recall correctly. If keeping up with a toddler is important, then this might be something you'll want to keep in mind.

I don't have the A5000, but I've also noticed the low prices Sony wants for their lineup, and toyed with the idea of getting an A6000 for a few things. However, the 16-50mm collapsible lens that comes with an A5000-6000 is very poorly regarded, with significant amounts of distortion correction in corners - what this means is that you might have a nice sharp image in the center of the frame, but you'll have worse resolution on the sides.

It sounds like you're planning on sticking with the kit lens for now - do you plan on getting additional lenses in the future?