I'm sure some of you have asked this question - I've got an E-P1 with a collection of primes I'm quite happy with. I want to get a newer body with my priorities being:

1. Single-point AF speed to keep up with the kids
2. Increased High ISO capabilities
3. Higher frame rate
4. Better MF ability (so EVF would be great!)
5. Increased DR

Priority #1 is far and away the most important, and number 2 would be very nice, and #3 and 4 trailing behind and #5 just icing on the cake (hasn't held me up much).

The E-P1 would go to my wife.

If I went with the E-P3 kit with 17mm refurbished (for less than $600), I'd end up with a 17mm that could go with the E-P1, and a fast AF body that I could take the rest of my lenses with.

If I went with the OM-D, I'd hit every single priority on the list, but I'd spend an extra $400 with no extra lens. Or $550 extra if I added the 17mm with the current $150 rebate.

Dilemma. I'd appreciate anyone's thoughts on this!

EDIT: To add, I've also considered waiting for what the rumored E-PL5 is...

Thanks!

__________________
GX1, E-P1, P14mm f/2.5, P20mm f/1.7, PL25mm f/1.4 O45mm f/1.8, P45-175mm X f/4-5.6

Hi
Oly 17 mm is weakest of all the primes and doesnt perform better than Oly kit lens at 17 mm focal length. I wonder if u can buy body only EP3 and add PL25 mm 1.4 to it.
Cheers
Bhupinder

__________________
OMD Silver with battery Grip
Olympus 45mm 1.8
Panny 20mm 1.7
Olympus 4/314-54mm MrkII,
Fuji X100 Black LE

If you can afford it get the OMD or wait for the next gen of pen. I found the EP3 to be good for still shots but there were challenges with action shots. my best action shots on the ep3 were in manual focus mode.

just my experience.

frank

i am not sure what bhupinder meant by weakest and hope that he would
elaborate but here are couple samples taken about a year ago for you to
judge for yourself... i think the 17mm is great lens.

1. a portrait take with the e-p3 + 17mm @ f2.8


2. curry noodle stall with the e-pl2 + 17mm @ f3.2

__________________
Thanks for viewing.

Regards,
Jimmy
µ43rd rocks!!

Re 17mm lens, I agree that it's a fine lens that doesn't get the respect it deserves. There's just so much competition at that end of the prime scale; not a bad thing! I use the 17mm on my E-P1 for fun shots primarily.

__________________
Chuck

Re: #5

It's one of those things that you don't know whether you want it until you have it, but when you've experienced it you might start to wish that all cameras had it.

__________________
Nic
E-M5, GH1
Flickr Photostream
>> Insert quote here <<

I enjoyed the 17mm when I had it, but would say that for children on the run, it's not the fastest for AF. If relying on AF to do the work, the Panny 14mm is an improvement.
I have the PM1 and the 14 and have been able to capture my 3-year-old boy on the go just by pointing and shooting (well, and making sure the shutter speed and aperture are reasonable). I just about bought the P3 in the forums here (great deals to be had for sure), but have decided to hold out and see what Sept. brings, both from Oly and from Sony (who supposedly will be offering their 5n upgrade with phase detection - perhaps a hybrid like Nikon's 1 series). I'm also quite keen to see a P3 replacement with the OMD sensor.

With your current collection of lenses, the 17mm might be a little redundant. While I do love the lens, I'm not sure I'd recommend passing on the E-M5 to get it.

I vote E-M5 body only.

__________________
E-M5 -- E-PL1 -- PL-25 -- m.12-50 -- m.17 -- m.45 f/1.8 -- m.14-42 (non-MSC) -- m.40-150

I find that the E-P3 is an excellent camera and at current prices I think it's a better value than the OM-D. I've seen the E-P3 for sale on the forum for $400. If history repeats itself the OM-D will also drop in price if you're willing to wait.

__________________
Love mercy, do justice, walk humbly - Micah 6:8
"A true photograph need not be explained, nor can it be contained in words." Ansel Adams

Frank - thanks for your feedback. I may just wait until I can get an OM-D or next gen PEN.

__________________
GX1, E-P1, P14mm f/2.5, P20mm f/1.7, PL25mm f/1.4 O45mm f/1.8, P45-175mm X f/4-5.6