I already own two cameras: a Canon EOS 800D/T7i and a Canon Powershot SX530HS. And it all started with me searching for a Canon telephoto lens a few months ago. It ended though with something quite unexpected. I did get my telephoto lens (a 40-150mm) and, believe it or not, I actually bought myself another camera - an entry level mirrorless camera from Olympus, the PEN EPL-9. Hey! This decision made financial sense, to me at least - see below.
It actually took me some 2 months to finally own this camera. I did face some hurdles along the way. It first caught my eye (which was bundled with a 40-150mm lens) quite unexpectedly towards the end of June 2020. I did my maths and realised that the listed selling price was a great bargain. Clever me thought that since the Lazada 7.7 sale was coming up on July 7 2020, why not wait and enjoy an even greater discount.
Big mistake. On that very fateful day, the price for the camera was revised upwards by some RM500, The bargain was no more. I was obviously disappointed. The 7.7 sale did give a RM20 discount coupon though. But trading in RM500 to receive a RM20 coupon? Who would do that?
I persevered.
My lucky star came shining back again some 4 weeks later. And hence, my purchase - FINALLY. It got away from me once, it won't get away from me again.
One peculiar thing though. This special once in a blue moon discounted price for this camera was only available at Lazada. I did look, and look at Shopee but there was none. I have no idea why.
After using this camera for close to two months now, I must say that I am very happy with my purchase. Pictures are sharp and I have the reach with this new camera and lens like I never had before. This entry level Olympus Pen EPL-9 camera did not let me down. One tiny camera I must say, even for my rather smallish hands. Feels like a toy sometimes but it performs. Stylish too I think.
The Package
I paid RM1,454.49 (including shipping) for this camera. Included are:
- the camera body itself, the Olympus Pen EPL-9
- an M.Zuiko 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens
- one 32GB SD card, and
- a cute generic camera bag
Upon online registration, I redeemed the following from Olympus Malaysia:
- an M.Zuiko 45mm f/1.8 lens (worth about RM600)
- an extra battery (worth RM200)
- 3-months extended warranty, and
- an original Olympus camera bag (Surprise! Surprise!)
For comparison, listings from other sellers were about RM1,900 (or more) for more or less the same package. All together, I think I am staring at a savings of at least RM1,246 here! Obviously, a deal that I could not walk away from.
Telephoto Lens
A few days later, I bought myself the Olympus M.Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/4.0-5.6 lens. This lens did not disappoint. Super sharp at an unbelievable price of RM298.00 (including shipping).
In total I paid RM1,753.18 for my Olympus purchases. So now what I've got is a lighter second backup camera with additional tools and features (focus stacking, panorama and 4K video, etc) that I do not have on my Canon 800D/T7i camera..
For comparison, if I were to purchase the Canon EF-S 18-135mm lens (best price that I could find for a non-import was RM 1,700) all that I get is just ... a lens. I have been eyeing this Canon lens for a quite some time, by the way, but I just couldn't convince myself on the asking price. I just couldn't justify it.
Final Thoughts
I still love my Canon 800D/T7i, by the way. In fact, what I find is that the 800D/T71 and the EPL-9 complements each other, both in terms of camera features and in the lenses that are on offer. With what that is missing in one, I can find in the other.
I have yet to explore all the features on the EPL-9. There is so much to learn. But it is good to know that I have all these extra tools in my toolbox now as and when I need them.
I use this camera mostly for my microstock photography work. I don't do selfies, so it does not bother me whether the camera's screen flips up or down. Think I may get a wrist strap next. This camera is so small in getting my grips on it.
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