Another thought -- how many times have you been/will you get to go to DC?

If it's a rare trip, then don't skimp on the camera. Buy used and resell used later, or rent from a place like lensrentals.com. Get it insured and don't worry too much about it.

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EM5; 9-18, PL25, 100-300 and some others.
(also, 6D + RX100)

The wrist strap may be the way to go.

The 14-42 is the new "II" version if that makes a difference. I'm not really planning on getting field action at a baseball game, mostly just want something that's versatile enough to take in a landscape scene and also be able to take a closer look when I can't walk any closer (monuments, White House).

Where's a good place to find deals on these lenses (new or used)?

I've never been to DC, won't go back too many times I'm sure.

My wife bought me a plane ticket (for Father's Day!) to visit my best friend out there. So I'm really excited to hang out with him and his wife, as well as see DC.

I'd love to take my Nikon SLR, but I as I said, I don't want to worry with keeping up with it while we're out and about. The trip is more about getting to see my buddy, it just happens he lives in a really cool place with lots of fun things to see and do.

I'd still recommend and EPM1 + 9-18, but the 14-42 will do well, too, but I'll bet you spend most of the time on the wide end!

Or, get the 14mm pancake for that slight benefit indoors.

Have fun!

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EM5; 9-18, PL25, 100-300 and some others.
(also, 6D + RX100)

I'd definitely recommend a wrist strap if you don't want to use a neck strap

That definitely does make a difference as that version is better and more valuable than the first version (which makes more noise while focusing and zooming). $100 is in the range of what that lens should be worth, it's just not the type of screaming bargain that you need to rush out to grab.

If you need a body as well, then your best deal is generally going to be buying a kit. Cameta Camera has the E-PL1+14-42 kit for $240 and the E-PM1+14-42 kit for $300. As far as buying used take a look at the Buy & Sell forum here or try Craigslist or eBay (though true bargains on either site can be hard to come by).

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Sarcasm is my default tone, so please consider that before taking offense to the preceding message.

Criticism (no matter how harsh) is welcomed of ANY and ALL images I post.

Well, they wouldn't fit in my pockets. A small bag bag slung diagonally across your body is pretty comfortable and secure. I know I'd find it a lot more comfortable than any thing bigger than a phone stuffed in my pants.

Fred

Fred, I'm with you. The only truly pocketable serious compact I've owned is the Canon S-90 - and I kept that in a small Olympus neoprene sport case on my belt. Pockets are for keys, combs, change...but not expensive cameras!

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Chuck

Thanks for all the comments!

I guess if I would need to carry a bag anyway for a m4/3's camera, then I'll probably either take my dslr in a bag....or I may just leave it and take a little Nikon coolpix I have that will fit in my pocket.

I'm not sure which Nikon you have or what you generally use it for, but if you consider it too big to take on vacation, then you might want to think about trading it for a system. As has often been said, the best camera is the one you have with you.

While a system may not allow you to forgo a bag altogether (particularly in the summer when you are unlikely to have pockets large enough to accommodate it), it's certainly smaller and lighter than a DSLR. I think you will find the results you can achieve with are comparable to what you can get with a DSLR with the exception of a few scenarios (fast action/sports, extremely shallow DOF, etc.).

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Sarcasm is my default tone, so please consider that before taking offense to the preceding message.

Criticism (no matter how harsh) is welcomed of ANY and ALL images I post.

When I read your user name, it always reminds me of the Bear Man in True Grit (2011)

Ed Lee Corbin 2011 Highlights - YouTube

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EM5; 9-18, PL25, 100-300 and some others.
(also, 6D + RX100)