First, you should not keep creating new threads. This is considered rude.

The E-PL2 is a good camera. It does not come with a lens. The zoom factor depends on what lens you put on it. The kit lens is 3X. The highest "X" for a camera like the E-PL2 is 10X. The "X" is NOT an indication of how close you can photograph a far away subject. You can use either Olympus or Panasonic lenses on the E-PL2 because they use the same mount. Some people prefer Panasonic lenses because they offer focal lengths not available from Olympus.

The Sony NEX has a much bigger sensor than the E-PL2. It works better in low light. It is also faster. But it needs bigger lenses. It would still be smaller and lighter than a DSLR.

You can shoot active kids with the E-PL2; it is very slightly faster than your G9. But it is slower than newer cameras.