Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus VG-120

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus VG-120, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Ultracompact and both are built by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the VG-120 (14MP) is very well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and VG-120 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PM1 was brought out 11 months later than the VG-120 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PM1 scores vs the VG-120 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PM1 & Olympus VG-120. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery & Olympus VG-120 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PM1 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Olympus VG-120 has sizing of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus VG-120 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the E-PM1 vs the VG-120.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and VG-120 is 89 and 96 respectively.

Usually, its hard to see the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PM1 and VG-120.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E-PM1 featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Olympus VG-120 will give you greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher E-PM1 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.