Looking at a Olympus PEN E-PL5 as a first Micro 4/3 purchase

Saw these new for $279 with the 14-42mm lens. Can anybody that has one of these give me your opinions? Thanks

The E-PL5 is a very high value camera at that price. Lens is just OK imo, but will get the job done for casual sort of stuff. If you are looking at it because of size then I would say go for it. I liked it a lot paired with a small & fast prime. I would recommend the larger grip option. Makes handling a lot better.

Thanks for your reply. I was looking for something small and less imposing than a full size DSLR. Can you get decent DOF with a prime like the Sigma 19mm F/2.8?

You can get some background blur/subject isolation (I assume that is what you want), but physics is working against you a bit. It all comes down to how you define "decent". The 19/2.8 is a very good lens, especially at that price point.

If that is a major requirement I'd consider the Oly 25/1.8 or 45/1.8. Cost goes up though.

There are good DOF calculators on line. Here is one example: http://www.dofmaster.c​om/dofjs.html

It will better show the relationship of sensor, focal length, distance to subject and f-stop than I can hope to explain, and allow you to compare it to whatever you are using now as a point of reference.

I'd suggest the Panasonic Leica 25mm f1.4 if you can find a used copy at a decent price. You can get some nice shallow-ish DOF with it and its super sharp!
I got one for my EM10 and love the way it renders!

If you are still looking, the E-PL6 is a very good option. The kit lens is a good place to start unless you are used to shooting with primes