I think you might be right Sarah. I think that it will be a good balance of improved image quality for her specific needs, the video will be easier than the DSLR, and the better jpeg engine. I don't think she'll outgrow it for some time.

Thanks to both of you for all your help!

Actually, the epl-1 will be able to grow with her like a good dslr system. And allot of dslr users like the epl-1 for the compactness and will retaining the image quality they are afforded with their dslr.

There is allot of info being put into the olympus micro 4/3 forum section of steve's. Allot of good info on the epl-1.

I will take a look at the micro 4/3 section.

One last question (again, thanks for being so helpful), I'm a bit confused on lenses. Can you point me in the direction of an overview of the basics? And which ones require the adaptor you mentioned? I know the kit comes with one. But there is one for zoom, one for low light, and then one for macro?

Is this the adaptor you're talking about (to get the panasonic zoom lens or macro lens, if I remember correctly to work on the epl-1): http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...Thirds_to.html

And I've seen posts on filters. Does she need a filter, like to protect the lens?

I think that's all for accessories, unless I've missed something.

Thanks again!

That one will work also, so will this one. But you will not need an adapter for the panasonic zoom lens, it will mount right on the epl1. It is m4/3 also. The adapter is for standard 4/3 dslr lens on the market. Like the macro lens I use.

adapter for 4/3 lenses from panasonic.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...dapter_to.html

This is the 4/3 macro lens
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...5mm_f_3_5.html

This is the panasonic m4/3 zoom I use.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...6_G_Vario.html

And this is the olympus 4/3 zoom lens that you will need to use the adapter on as well
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Zuiko_ED.html