Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus VR-340

Following is a detailed comparison of the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus VR-340, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and VR-340 (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and VR-340 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the VR-340 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-340 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-P1 matches up vs the VR-340 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus VR-340. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus VR-340 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 offers external dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) whilst the Olympus VR-340 has measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus VR-340 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P1 against the VR-340.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and VR-340 is 86 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P1 and VR-340.

Clearly, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-P1 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus VR-340 will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.