E-PL6 vs E-P5

bwalter wrote:

So I was about to order the E-PL6 kit (14-42 IIR) when I stumbled across a retailer selling the E-P5 body for the same price ($399 CAD which is about ~$300 USD).

I couldn't resist and pulled the trigger on the E-P5 body but now I'm realizing the kit lens would cost me another $250 CAD. I think it's still a really good price for the E-P5 but I'm wondering whether it's really worth it to me.

I suspect the E-PL6 would be sufficient for my needs. Mainly I want something that can take good pictures of my 20 month old son. Right now we mostly shoot with cell phones, but have tried with point and shoot (Panasonic TZ4) and the result isn't much better. I think the main challenge is speed, both in terms of shutter release and shutter speed, since it's mainly indoor.

In ideal situations, the E-PL6 and E-P5 should perform about the same, but I expect in less than ideal, the E-P5 should have an edge. It sounds like the 5-axis IS is better for video as well, which is a bit more of a secondary concern, however definitely nice to have.

I am taking a bit of a size/weight hit by going with the E-P5 but I think part of this is due to better build quality and I think it still is reasonably compact.

I assume trading the 14-42 IIR in exchange to moving up to the E-P5 should be worth it? On a side note, I'm considering picking up a used 12-50 EZ lens as this seems to be a more versatile lens than the 14-42 IIR.

I would forget about either of those two lenses. Far better lenses are the Panny 12-32, Panny 14-42II or the Panny 14-45. If you are using flash, one of these is all you need.

I have the EPL5 and the EP5 and use the 12-32 on the PL and the 14-45 on the EP.

I know what I really need is a fast prime, but I think the zoom will give me flexibility and let me figure out what focal length will work best for me (the ones I am considering are the 17mm 1.8, 20mm 1.7 or 25mm 1.8).

The best of these optically is the 20 (I have it) but it has a slightly slower focus motor compared to the other two and may not be quick enough to keep up with your kid. I do not own but have used the 17. It is a decent lens and good enough for what you want.

Allan