Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VG-160

Below is a extended analysis of the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VG-160, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the VG-160 (14MP) is fairly similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and VG-160 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P3 was launched 4 months before the VG-160 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the E-P3 matches up vs the VG-160 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus VG-160. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus VG-160 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P3 provides physical dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) and the Olympus VG-160 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).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus VG-160 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E-P3 compared to the VG-160.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and VG-160 is 86 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and VG-160.

Clearly, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P3 due to its larger sensor will make getting bokeh simpler and the Olympus VG-160 will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a bit more aggressively.