Olympus E-520 vs Olympus VR-320

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus VR-320, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are offered by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-520 (10MP) and VR-320 (14MP) and the E-520 (Four Thirds) and VR-320 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-520 was manufactured 3 years before the VR-320 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-520 being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the E-520 scores against the VR-320 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-520 and Olympus VR-320. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-520 Gallery and Olympus VR-320 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-520 provides exterior dimensions of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") along with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs) and the Olympus VR-320 has measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-520 versus Olympus VR-320 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the E-520 vs the VR-320.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-520 and VR-320 is 68 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-520 and VR-320.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-520 due to its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus VR-320 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E-520 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.