E-PM2 w/lens kit or OMD bundle with 12-40mm

Hi,

this question is not about which one is better, (I've read through a lot of postings about that, which has helped me decide that I can't decide because they both have strengths that I like equally! haha).

It's more to do about whether I should buy an E-PM2 w/kit lens for 150 ~100USD or wait it out to buy a OMD E1/10/5m1/5m2+12-40mm bundle.

Couple of things as to why I'm leaning towards E-PM2:

- it's a bargain/ can't get E-PM2 anywhere/ sale for OMD+12-40 will be a while

- has the features I want, most additional features in OMD line I don't really 'need' (i.e. waterproof would be nice, not essential; I really like how they both have HDR)

- only used economy point and shoots (1/2.3" and the like, w830/oly sz14 etc), going on a holiday end of year, I really enjoy taking pictures, I'd like to develop this into a hobby. I really want better quality pictures, more options (e.g. longer exposures, etc) and I feel that epm2 will allow me learn how to operate an ILC camera/ let me work on the pyramid things (and more importantly, learn now!)

- also, the longer I hold out on getting a better camera, the more chance that newer models become cheaper/ 12-40 reduces in price (or is it static)/ new cameras are announced.

Couple of things that are keeping me from getting it/waiting for 12-40mm bundle:

- basically 12-40mm bundle with OMD has amazing image quality, from the samples, this lens will be the only one I need.

- If I purchase the E-PM2, I won't be getting 12-40 mm lens. This is because, it makes sense to buy the lens in a bundle, but by itself, it is outrageously expensive. So that means sticking to the slight slower f3.5 kit lens.

- Even if I wait on a sale, it's expensive. And I'm a broke college student, and I've got midterms, so waiting may not be such a bad idea.

Suggestions would be great! Cheers

I had a lot of fun with my EPM1, and probably would have more fun with an EPM2 with its touch screen and extra buttons. How much can you lose on an EPM2 if you get it for $150 with lens? The lens is always worth at least $50, and the camera should be worth that much too. So $50 is the net loss, about what you spend if you buy the beer and the pizza for your friends.

Disclaimer. My advice could be bad. I'm shooting EM5 and EPL5 these days, with small primes, small zooms, and old lenses. I don't wish for the 12-40 and wouldn't want an EM1 either.

Tony8232 wrote:

If you want to do photography then why wait. If you do get the better combination later you can use the E-PM2 kit as a backup or sell it. You might be waiting for a long time and not enjoying your hobby to save $150. It beats spending your money in a bar etc or whatever college students do these days.
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/90891174@N04/

This is good advice. I picked up a PM2, even though I had a M10, when I thought my kit lens was toast. It's a great little camera. Wish it had a few things, but hey. I managed to get a viewfinder cheap used, and now I like it even more. I use it a lot. For that price it's definitely worth having now, IMHO. You could probably sell it a year from now for about that price but even if you take a $50 hit it's worth it.

As a fellow broke <30y/o who recently got into the hobby after a LONG hiatus from the film days I can say this is a good choice. I grabbed the PM1 at a steal of a price a few months ago and have not regretted it once. Sure, I want an OM-D E-M10 and the super zoom, but I got an entire kit and accs to do everything I need for less than the M10 body + lens alone. When I can afford to upgrade one day when my finances are better the M10 will still be there or something even better. A back up cam is never a waste, especially when your finances are tight. These old PEN cameras are great for second purpose or back up use.