I've never owned anything better than the camera on my iphone but want to buy a high quality camera to take with me on my trip abroad to asia this summer. Will take a photography class or two before then. So wit that in mind which camera would you guys recommend for me.

Pen EPL-1 -> currently being sold for like 300 bucks on craigslist or refurbed directly from olympus
Pen EP-2 -> around 450-500 brand new
Pen EpL-2 -> around 500 on ebay.

Whats bizare to me is that I can actually get an EP-2 cheaper than I can an E-PL2

Should I just take the E-PL1 and learn on that? The one thing that gets me about the E-P2 is the build quality is just so much better.

The E-PL2 gives better quality images at a higher ISO than the other two, but if you're mostly shooting in brighter conditions you may as well go for the E-PL1 and save your money, which could be put to getting another lens.

Before buying any kind of equipment, I always check this website: www.kenrockwell.com
The guy is a freelance and doesn't want to sell you stuff unless you need it.
I never proved him wrong so far.