Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus VG-120: An In-Depth Comparison for the Practical Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be as thrilling as it is daunting - especially when considering models from the same brand with distinct designs and intended users. Today, I’m diving deep into the Olympus PEN E-PL5, a mirrorless entry-level powerhouse introduced back in 2012, against the more pocketable Olympus VG-120 ultracompact from 2011. Both share the Olympus name but belong to quite different camps. As someone who's spent over 15 years testing cameras in real-world scenarios - from studio setups to unpredictable wildlife chases - I’ll strip away marketing fluff and get to the practical differences that count for photographers on budgets and those wanting solid performance in a compact form.

So whether you’re just starting to explore photography beyond your smartphone or hunting for a backup travel camera, this detailed head-to-head should help you cut through the specs and find what fits your style.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Looking at the Olympus E-PL5 and VG-120 side by side, it’s clear this is a clash between a serious compact system camera and a classic “point and shoot” ultracompact. The E-PL5 is bigger and boxier, measuring 111x64x38mm and tipping the scales at 325 grams. The VG-120, in contrast, is very slim at 96x57x19mm and weighs only 120 grams, fitting effortlessly into any jacket or pocket.

The E-PL5’s body shape is influenced by its rangefinder-style mirrorless heritage - grippy and designed for those who prefer a more deliberate shooting style. The VG-120’s ultra-slim form factor means it sacrifices grip for portability. While that’s fine for casual snaps, I personally found the E-PL5’s button layout and thumb “clubs” more comfortable in longer sessions.

The VG-120 sticks to the basics with fixed lenses and fewer controls, making it attractive to cheapskate beginners or commuters who want something light without fuss.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Olympus E-PL5 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, sensor size that strikes a nice balance between compactness and image quality. It also sports an anti-aliasing filter to soften moiré, a feature standard for that time. Meanwhile, the VG-120 uses a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, measuring just 6.17x4.55mm.

For image quality enthusiasts, this is a pivotal difference. The E-PL5’s larger sensor physically captures more light and detail, translating to superior dynamic range, greater color depth, and improved low-light capability. In fact, according to DXO Mark - while the VG-120 hasn’t been tested by them - the E-PL5 scores a solid 72 overall, with a color depth of 22.8 bits, a dynamic range of 12.3 EV, and respectable low-light ISO performance topping at 889.

This sensor advantage makes a clear statement about what you can expect in various shooting scenarios - from nuanced portraits to moody landscapes.

Handling the Shot: Autofocus and Shooting Flexibility

Interestingly, the Olympus E-PL5 offers contrast-detection autofocus with 35 focus points, face detection, touch autofocus on its tilting touchscreen, and even continuous autofocus and tracking modes. This makes it far better suited for moving subjects, whether you're shooting a toddler in the park or some startled wildlife. The VG-120’s AF system is a simpler contrast detection with multi-area AF, face detection, but no eye-detection nor focus tracking, so it’s more suited for stationary subjects or snapshots.

The E-PL5 also has a top continuous shooting speed of 8fps (frames per second) - impressive for an entry-level mirrorless of its era - giving sports or wildlife rookies a decent chance to catch the pivotal moment. The VG-120 doesn’t specify continuous shooting, and its shutter speeds max out at 1/2000 sec compared to 1/4000 sec on the E-PL5, meaning you get less flexibility capturing fast action or shooting wide apertures outdoors with the VG-120.

Autofocus precision fundamentally impacts image sharpness in real-world use. From my experience, the E-PL5 feels snappier and more reliable, especially when hunting for sharp eyes in portraits or tracking erratic movements.

The View and User Interface: Screens, Viewfinders, and Controls

One major ergonomic win for the E-PL5 is its 3-inch tilting touchscreen with 460k dots - sharp and bright for composing tricky angles or selfies. This touch focus (and touch shutter) functionality is a practical bonus. The VG-120 offers a fixed 3-inch screen with 230k dots, which feels duller by comparison and lacks any touchscreen features. If you’re the type who shoots from hip level or enjoys vlogging, that tilting screen on the E-PL5 is invaluable.

Neither model comes with a built-in viewfinder, but the E-PL5 supports an optional electronic viewfinder (EVF), a feature serious photographers appreciate for stability and clear framing in bright daylight.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

The Micro Four Thirds mount on the E-PL5 opens up one of the best lens ecosystems. With over 100 lenses available from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers, the E-PL5 offers versatility ranging from ultra-sharp primes, super-telephoto zooms for wildlife, tilt-shift lenses, and even affordable macros. Whether you want creamy bokeh for portraits or vast landscapes, a fast f/1.8 Olympus M.Zuiko lens or a weather-sealed telephoto zoom can cover your needs.

On the other hand, the VG-120 sports a fixed 26-130mm equivalent zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/6.5. It’s a convenient all-in-one for casual use but compromises on image quality and flexibility - sharpness drops at telephoto lengths, and slow max apertures limit low-light shooting and bokeh control.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither the E-PL5 nor the VG-120 offer weather sealing. The E-PL5’s metal body feels solid, relatively resistant to everyday knocks and scratches, but remains a stylish entry-level mirrorless, not a pro-grade tank. The VG-120’s ultracompact plastic shell is fragile by comparison; I wouldn’t trust it to survive more than a few drops or any moisture exposure.

If you’re an avid traveler or love outdoor photography, I’d lean toward the E-PL5 for its durability and lens swap options that include weather-resistant optics.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

An essential area often overlooked: battery endurance. The Olympus E-PL5 uses the BLS-5 battery rated for approximately 360 shots per charge, which is respectable for an older mirrorless system but still means carrying spares for heavy days. The VG-120’s LI-70B battery only manages about 160 shots, reflecting the limits of compact point-and-shoots.

Both cameras rely on SD cards with one slot, supporting SDHC and SDXC standards - no surprises there.

Connectivity, Flash, and Video Features

The E-PL5 includes built-in sensor-based image stabilization, a significant plus absent on the VG-120. This stabilization benefits handheld photography across all genres, especially in low light or macro.

For wireless features, the E-PL5 has Eye-Fi connected support, allowing card-based Wi-Fi transfer (proprietary and less common now), while the VG-120 lacks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

Regarding flash, the E-PL5 has no built-in flash but supports an external flash (bundled FL-LM1) with various modes and a range of 7 meters. The VG-120 has a built-in flash with a shorter 4.4 meters range and fewer flash options.

On video, the E-PL5 shoots 1080p Full HD at 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4, H.264, or Motion JPEG - decent quality for casual to semi-pro video. The VG-120 tops out at 720p HD video with MJPEG only, less compression-efficient and lower video detail. Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, so serious videographers should look beyond both.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Olympus E PL5 front Olympus E PL5 screen back Olympus VG 120 front Olympus VG 120 screen back

Understanding real-world use cases is crucial, so I ran both cameras through typical genre scenarios. Here’s a summary pulling from hands-on experience and sample analysis:

Portrait Photography

• E-PL5: Large sensor and 35 AF points with face detection and touch AF deliver natural skin tones, smooth bokeh with prime lenses, and sharp eyes. The effective sensor-based IS helps with low-light indoor shots.
• VG-120: Fixed lens struggles with shallow depth of field, slower apertures limit bokeh options, and smaller sensor yields noisier high-ISO images. Use flash carefully indoors.

Landscape Photography

• E-PL5: Strong dynamic range and 16MP resolution capture detailed vistas. The option to shoot RAW unlocks post-processing flexibility.
• VG-120: Smaller sensor hampers dynamic range; 14MP JPEG-only output limits editing latitude. Lower pixel pitch reveals noise in shadows.

Wildlife Photography

• E-PL5: Respectable burst rate (8fps) combined with fast autofocus and telephoto lenses make it capable for casual wildlife snaps.
• VG-120: 5x zoom covers some range but focus lag and slower shutter cap limit usability in fast action.

Sports Photography

• E-PL5: Better autofocus tracking and 8fps frame rate support amateur sports photography; limited buffer means short bursts only.
• VG-120: Not suited for sports due to AF and frame rate constraints.

Street Photography

• E-PL5: Bulkier but discreet with silent electronic shutter mode (max 1/4000s). Tilting screen aids shooting in crowded situations.
• VG-120: Ultra-compact, inconspicuous, good for candid snaps but image quality compromises in varied light.

Macro Photography

• E-PL5: Compatible with high-quality macro lenses and in-body stabilization offers precise focusing.
• VG-120: Macro at 7cm focus allows casual close-ups but limits detail and sharpness.

Night and Astro Photography

• E-PL5: Stronger low-light ISO range (native 200-25600) and manual exposure modes excel under stars.
• VG-120: Limited ISO (max 1600), no manual exposure modes restrict astro use.

Video Capabilities

• E-PL5: Full HD with decent codecs; no audio inputs limit professional use.
• VG-120: 720p video, MJPEG format, no stabilization.

Travel Photography

• E-PL5: Versatile lens selections and image quality offset larger size; battery life decent but carry spares.
• VG-120: Lightweight and pocketable; ideal as a simple travel companion or for social sharing.

Professional Work

• E-PL5: RAW support, robust build, and system flexibility make it the better choice for semi-pro projects.
• VG-120: Too limited for professional workflow.

Pros and Cons Roundup

Olympus E-PL5
Pros:

• Large Four Thirds sensor with excellent image quality
• Fast continuous shooting and reliable autofocus system
• Tilting touchscreen and optional EVF
• Extensive Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem
• Sensor-based image stabilization
• Full HD video capture

Cons:

• No built-in flash (requires external)
• Larger and heavier than typical compacts
• Battery life modest by today’s standards
• No weather sealing

Olympus VG-120
Pros:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight design
• Fixed zoom lens with decent reach for casual shooting
• Built-in flash
• Very affordable for beginners or casual use

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and dynamic range
• Limited AF and shooting modes (no manual exposure)
• Weak low-light performance and video capabilities
• No image stabilization or connectivity options

So, Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re serious about photography or expect to grow beyond auto modes and snapshots, the Olympus E-PL5 offers substantially better image quality, control, and creative opportunities. It’s particularly good for enthusiasts who want a compact, versatile mirrorless system without breaking the bank. Portraits, landscapes, wildlife, travel - this is the camera that can tag along and deliver.

The VG-120, meanwhile, is best suited for those who want a compact, pocket-size camera with simple operation and decent zoom range. It’s a no-brainer as a casual travel camera or a family snapshot machine for social media socials - not so much for those who want to chase photographic craft seriously.

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Practicality

Having tested these cameras extensively - throwing them into daylight, dim cafes, wildlife treks, and even late-night cityscapes - the Olympus E-PL5 clearly outperforms the VG-120 across the board in image quality, autofocus, and creative control. It’s the better tool if you want a camera that encourages learning and delivering results that outshine smartphones (even from 2012 standards).

The VG-120 is a quaint throwback to easy point-and-shoot simplicity and excels if minimal size and price are your only priorities. However, it’s a compromise in almost every other respect.

For around twice the price of the VG-120, the E-PL5 offers features and performance that remain relevant for many enthusiast use cases today, making it my clear pick for those aiming to progress in photography.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you decide which Olympus fits your photographic ambitions and budget best. Feel free to drop questions or share your experiences with these cameras - I’m always keen to chat gear and real-world shoots!

Happy shooting!