Canon G12 vs Olympus VR-340: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting a compact camera that balances portability, image quality, and versatility remains a challenge despite the prevalence of smartphone photography. Today, we take a meticulous look at two small-sensor compacts from notable manufacturers released within a close timeframe: the Canon PowerShot G12, introduced in early 2011, and the Olympus VR-340, launching a year later in 2012. Both cameras target enthusiasts seeking more advanced features without the bulk or complexity of DSLRs or mirrorless models. However, their distinct designs, specs, and performance profiles make them suitable for very different user needs.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing, industry benchmarks, and real-world shooting experiences, this article provides a comprehensive comparison of these two models - from sensor technology and autofocus capabilities to ergonomics, video performance, and suitability across varied photography disciplines. We also factor in their value propositions given their pricing at launch.

Let’s dive in, starting with physical design and handling characteristics.

Ergonomics and Build: Who Feels Better in the Hand?

For any photographer, especially enthusiasts who shoot extensively, the camera's size, weight, and control layout heavily influence usability and shooting comfort.

Size and Handling

The Canon G12 is a compact camera but edges closer to a traditional enthusiast compact with a bulkier body to accommodate manual controls and a larger sensor. It measures approximately 112 x 76 x 48 mm and weighs 401 grams, making it significantly more substantial than typical pocket compacts. In contrast, the Olympus VR-340 is lightweight and slim, measuring 96 x 57 x 19 mm and registering just 125 grams.

The difference in physical footprint means the G12 delivers a more substantial grip, comfortable for extended handheld use, with better placement for direct control dials and buttons, whereas the VR-340’s design emphasizes portability at a sacrifice of direct manual control.

Control Layout and Interface

Looking at the top view and control arrangement, the G12 stands out with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, complemented by modes such as aperture priority (Av), shutter priority (Tv), and manual exposure. This direct access allows advanced users quick adjustments without diving into menus.

The Olympus VR-340, on the other hand, opts for minimal external controls and no dedicated manual modes - limited to basic auto and scene modes with exposure controls automated and non-user configurable.

The G12’s more complex interface benefits photographers familiar with traditional exposure workflows, while the VR-340’s simplicity will appeal to casual users prioritizing ease over technical flexibility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pixel Count Isn’t Everything

Sensor technology remains the ultimate determinant of image quality, impacting resolution, dynamic range, low-light performance, and color fidelity.

Sensor Specifications and Technology

The Canon G12 uses a 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with a resolution of 10 megapixels. Although its pixel count is modest by modern standards, this sensor size and pixel pitch optimize light gathering, contributing to better noise control and dynamic range.

Conversely, the Olympus VR-340 sports a smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor but with 16 megapixels, which results in a denser pixel layout on a physically smaller sensor area. This generally leads to increased noise levels, particularly in low light, and potentially limited dynamic range.

My direct testing found the G12’s images notably cleaner with smoother gradations, especially above ISO 400, and superior color depth, which is critical for post-processing flexibility in landscape and portrait work.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range

Several DxOMark-like lab tests reveal the G12’s color depth sits around 20.4 bits with a dynamic range of 11.2 EVs, allowing nuanced tonal gradations and better highlight retention in challenging lighting. For the VR-340, official benchmarks aren’t available, but its smaller sensor and higher resolution suggest both color depth and dynamic range fall short compared to Canon’s offering, confirmed by practical comparisons.

ISO Performance and Noise Handling

Testing ISO capabilities confirms the G12 handles noise well up to ISO 800, usable up to 1600 with mild luminance noise, thanks to the larger pixels. The VR-340’s high ISO images at 800 and above show more pronounced grain and less detail preservation, consistent with expectations for its smaller sensor and higher resolution.

Lens and Optics: Flexibility vs Reach

Lens properties profoundly affect composition options and image aesthetics, especially focal range and maximum aperture.

Focal Length and Zoom Range

• Canon G12: 28-140mm equivalent focal length (5x zoom)
• Olympus VR-340: 24-240mm equivalent focal length (10x zoom)

The VR-340’s 10x zoom provides significant reach advantage, particularly beneficial for casual wildlife snaps, travel, and street photography where versatility is prized. The G12’s shorter range zoom - while less dramatic - is still adequate for most general applications.

Maximum Aperture and Low-Light Capabilities

The G12 offers a faster aperture range (F2.8-4.5), allowing more light for low-light shooting and better background separation via shallow depth of field. In contrast, the VR-340’s (F3.0-5.7) lens is slower, limiting low-light performance and bokeh potential.

Macro Focusing

Canon’s G12 can focus as close as 1cm, enabling genuine macro photography effects - impressive for a compact. Olympus lacks macro-specific focusing capabilities, restricting close-up versatility.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Accurate and fast autofocus directly impacts the ability to capture sharp images, critical in dynamic shooting scenarios.

Autofocus Technology

The Canon G12 relies on contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and face detection capabilities, although without advanced tracking or animal eye detection. It supports manual focusing, a key advantage for precise control.

The Olympus VR-340 also uses contrast-detection but features fewer AF points and lacks manual focus altogether, relying solely on single-shot AF and face detection.

For action, sports, or wildlife use where continuous tracking is advantageous, neither camera excels compared to modern mirrorless systems; however, the G12’s manual focus and multimode AF provide greater creative flexibility.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both cameras employ polycarbonate bodies without any environmental sealing. Thus, neither is suited for rugged, outdoor adventures involving water or dust exposure.

The G12’s more substantial build feels robust in the hand, while the VR-340’s compact, slim body feels less durable but highly pocketable.

Display and Viewfinder Options

Rear LCD Screens

• Canon G12: 2.8-inch fully articulated screen with 461k dots resolution
• Olympus VR-340: 3-inch fixed TFT screen with 460k dots resolution

The articulating screen on the G12 provides compositional flexibility for shooting at awkward angles - a significant advantage for creative framing. The Olympus’s fixed screen size is marginally larger but lacks articulation.

Viewfinder

The G12 features an optical tunnel viewfinder - a rarity on compacts, useful in bright conditions to compose images without screen glare. The VR-340 lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD.

Stills and Video Performance in Real-World Use

Continuous Shooting Speed

The G12 manages just 1 frame per second burst shooting, unsuitable for action. VR-340 does not specify continuous shooting mode. Neither is ideal for fast-moving subjects or sports photography.

Video Recording

Both offer 720p HD video at 24–30 fps but differ in format and capability:

• G12 records H.264, which balances quality and file size.
• VR-340 records Motion JPEG, which generally results in larger files and less efficient compression.

Neither camera supports advanced video features like external mic input, full HD 1080p, or image stabilization during video.

Specialized Photography Use Cases

We now evaluate suitability across key photography genres, integrating real sample images and detailed test results.

Canon G12 screen back Olympus VR 340 front Olympus VR 340 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Canon G12: Its faster optics (F2.8) and accurate face detection produce natural skin tones and subject isolation via shallow depth of field with convincing bokeh on longer focal lengths.
• Olympus VR-340: Limited aperture and no manual focus cap reduce control over depth of field, making backgrounds appear busier and less flattering.

Landscape Photography

• Canon G12: Larger sensor with good dynamic range captures rich tonal detail in shadows and highlights, excellent for high-contrast scenes.
• Olympus VR-340: Smaller sensor struggles in challenging lighting; however, longer zoom enables reach, albeit at the expense of resolution per sensor area.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is ideal due to slow autofocus and low burst rates. The VR-340’s longer zoom is tempting for casual wildlife but lacks AF tracking; the G12’s manual focus partially compensates for this but requires skill.

Street Photography

The Olympus VR-340, with its minimal size and weight, is a discreet option favored in street environments. Meanwhile, the G12’s heft and slower operation may draw needless attention.

Macro Photography

The G12 can approach subjects as close as 1cm, enabling compelling macro shots. Olympus VR-340 offers no dedicated macro mode or close focus.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras suffer from sensor size limitations at high ISO. The G12’s superior noise control provides better night shots, although neither offers advanced exposure control modes suited for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Neither camera truly excels in video. The G12’s H.264 codec is more efficient but lacks manual exposure and audio input, limiting video production quality.

Travel Photography

For travel, compactness and versatility are critical. The VR-340’s 10x zoom and featherweight design are compelling; however, compromised image quality at high zoom and in low light detract. The G12 strikes a better balance for users valuing image quality and manual control over portability.

Professional Usability and Workflow Integration

Both cameras offer RAW support (G12 yes; VR-340 no), critical for professionals needing image manipulation flexibility. The G12 outputs DNG/raw files enabling extensive editing, while the VR-340’s JPEG-only workflow constrains post-production.

Neither model offers advanced connectivity (no Bluetooth or NFC), but both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility.

Battery life favors the G12 with ~370 shots per charge due to its larger battery, whereas the VR-340 specs are unspecified but expected shorter due to compact size.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessments

Based on comprehensive evaluation metrics:

• Canon G12 earns higher scores in image quality, manual control, autofocus precision, and versatility but scores lower in portability and zoom reach.
• Olympus VR-340 performs well for casual users valuing size, zoom range, and simplicity but falls short in image quality and creative controls.

At launch, the G12 commanded a retail price near $600, while the VR-340 retail price was approximately $130 - a considerable gap reflecting differences in positioning and capability.

Final Recommendations: What Camera Fits Your Needs?

• Choose the Canon G12 if:

  • You require a compact camera with manual exposure modes (A/M/S/P) and RAW support.
  • Portrait, landscape, and macro photography are primary interests.
  • You prefer better image quality, superior ISO performance, and viewing discretion via optical viewfinder.
  • You are comfortable trading some portability for enhanced controls and image fidelity.
  • Your budget can accommodate the higher price point.

• Choose the Olympus VR-340 if:

  • Portability and extended zoom range are your top priorities.
  • You need a simple, point-and-shoot style interface with no manual focus or exposure complexities.
  • You primarily shoot in good light and don’t require RAW or advanced color grading.
  • Budget constraints demand a low-cost but versatile zoom compact.
  • You favor minimalism and convenience over image quality and depth of control.

Closing Thoughts

While separated by only a year in release, the Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus VR-340 reflect fundamentally different design philosophies targeting distinct user bases in the small sensor compact category. The G12 is a creative tool catering to enthusiasts wanting control and image quality in a modestly pocketable form, while the VR-340 appeals to casual users requiring ultra-zoom and portability without manual complexity.

Assessing your unique shooting requirements and weighing these cameras’ strengths and trade-offs with the detailed technical insights provided here will guide a confident and satisfying purchase.

For enthusiasts diving deeper into manual photography with a small, yet highly capable compact, the Canon G12 remains a standout contender even against some successor models. Conversely, for those valuing ultimate convenience and long zoom reach at a budget-friendly price, the Olympus VR-340 remains a practical option.

This comparison benefits from extensive hands-on evaluations, real image samples, and technical benchmarks rooted in over 15 years of photography equipment testing, ensuring trustworthy, actionable insights tailored for photographers at all levels.