Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-330

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-330, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL1 (12MP) and the VR-330 (14MP) is pretty similar but the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and VR-330 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was manufactured 8 months prior to the VR-330 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL1 matches up vs the VR-330 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus VR-330. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus VR-330 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL1 has got physical measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) while the Olympus VR-330 has sizing of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus VR-330 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 against the VR-330.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL1 and VR-330 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to see the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading technical specs. The photograph below should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL1 and VR-330.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL1 featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus VR-330 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.