Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus VG-145

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus VG-145, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the VG-145 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and VG-145 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was announced 24 months earlier than the VG-145 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the E-P1 grades vs the VG-145 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Olympus VG-145. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Olympus VG-145 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 comes with exterior measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus VG-145 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus VG-145 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 vs the VG-145.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and VG-145 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and VG-145.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus VG-145 will resolve more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.