Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-320

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-320, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the VR-320 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and VR-320 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The E-PL1 was released 14 months earlier than the VR-320 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief summary of how the E-PL1 matches up against the VR-320 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 & Olympus VR-320. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery & Olympus VR-320 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL1 has got external dimensions of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Olympus VR-320 has dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-320 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL1 vs the VR-320.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and VR-320 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements purely by seeing specifications. The graphic below may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL1 and VR-320.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus VR-320 will show greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older E-PL1 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.