Olympus 6020 vs Olympus VG-145: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Cameras for Different Adventures

When it comes to compact cameras, Olympus has long played a significant role, offering models tailored to diverse photographers - from outdoor adventurers to casual street shooters. Today, I’m unpacking two Olympus compact cameras released roughly a year apart: the Olympus Stylus Tough 6020, often just 6020, and the Olympus VG-145. They might seem similar at a glance - both are small fixed-lens compacts with modest zoom ranges and 1/2.3" CCD sensors - but they cater to distinctly different user needs.

Having spent many years behind the lens and on countless sleeves-on-the-ground camera tests, I’m eager to share how these two compare technically and practically. We’ll touch everything from sensor performance to ergonomics and photogenic qualities across different genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, you name it. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which is worth a spot in your kit.

Let’s start unpacking what differentiates them from the outside in.

Size, Handling, and Build: Ruggedness vs. Pocketability

The first thing most folks notice? Physical size and feel. The Olympus 6020 claims its rugged tough-guy status with its environmental sealing - waterproof down to several meters, freezeproof, and shock-resistant. The VG-145, by contrast, boasts ultracompact portability but without weather sealing.

Take a look here:

Physically, the 6020 is slightly chunkier and thicker at 95x62x22mm compared to the VG-145’s slimmer 96x57x19mm. Though only a few millimeters apart, the 6020 feels notably more solid and grippy in hand, thanks to its textured outer shell designed for rough treatment. That’s a nod to adventurers and underwater shooters who need peace of mind their camera won’t bail on them in challenging conditions.

The VG-145’s ultracompact nature makes it ideal for quick point-and-shoots, especially if packing light is critical. It slips easily into a jacket pocket or small purse without fuss but is less suited for rugged outdoor use.

Speaking of control layout, both cameras favor a minimalistic approach, but which one wins ergonomics?

Neither camera has a top screen or extensive manual controls; you’ll find the basics - power, shutter release, zoom toggle, and a small mode dial. The VG-145 has a slightly larger zoom lever area, which I find more comfortable for quick framing.

However, if you prioritize tactile feel and confident handling in wet or cold environments, the tougher build of the 6020 is hard to beat. I’ve personally tested it on river trips and found it durable and reassuring, unlike many fragile compacts that don’t survive more than a splash or drop.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras use 1/2.3" CCD sensors - a rather common format for compact cameras of their era. But there are subtle distinctions worth your attention.

The Olympus VG-145 features a slightly larger sensor area of 28.07mm² vs. the 6020’s 27.72mm². Both have a resolution in the 13–14MP range (14MP for VG-145 vs. 13MP for 6020). While this resolution difference seems minor on paper, it subtly affects image detail and noise performance, especially at base ISOs.

Moreover, the VG-145’s sensor supports a min ISO of 80 versus 64 on the 6020, though both max out at ISO 1600 without boost. The higher baseline ISO on VG-145 sometimes contributes to cleaner images in everyday shooting, but it can also limit flexibility in extremely bright conditions.

That said, the 6020’s sensor pairs with Olympus’s TruePic III processor and a sensor-shift image stabilization mechanism. The VG-145 lacks image stabilization entirely - a critical factor to consider if you frequently shoot handheld in lower light.

In practical tests, the 6020’s stabilization noticeably reduces blur at slower shutter speeds, making a difference for casual handheld shots - especially in shadow-rich environments where higher ISO noise can be an issue. The VG-145, with no such stabilization, requires you to either boost ISO higher or find support.

As for color rendition and dynamic range, both cameras follow the typical compact CCD profile - vibrant colors but limited dynamic range, especially in contrasty scenes. Neither shoots in RAW, which restricts advanced post-processing but is expected in these entry-level compacts.

LCD Screens and User Interface: Your Window to the Scene

Both cameras forego an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their LCD screens for framing and menus.

The VG-145 sports a larger 3" TFT LCD screen compared to the 6020’s 2.7" fixed screen. Both share a 230k dot resolution, so sharpness is similar. But size matters for composition ease and menu navigation.

I appreciate the VG-145’s marginally larger screen for reviewing images and framing tricky shots quickly. The 6020’s screen, while marginally smaller, is bright enough and benefits from an anti-reflective coating that helps when outdoors. However, neither model offers a touchscreen interface, so menu navigation can feel tedious and slow, relying on button presses.

Neither camera uses an electronic viewfinder or articulated screen, which I’m disappointed by. Especially for outdoor or bright light shooting, a viewfinder is invaluable. But for their price and market segment, these omissions are understandable compromises.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs. Accuracy

Autofocus (AF) systems in compact cameras are often overlooked but hugely impact usability, especially if you shoot fast-moving subjects or need quick lock-on in dynamic scenes.

The 6020 offers contrast-detection AF with single-shot and tracker capabilities, but without face or eye-detection. The VG-145, interestingly, adds face detection but lacks continuous or tracking autofocus.

When testing in real-world environments:

• 6020’s AF is reliable but not lightning fast, typically locking in under 0.5 seconds in good light. Tracking unpredictable subjects is achievable but with occasional hunting.
• VG-145’s face detection performs decently for portraits and casual snaps, especially when multiple faces are present. However, the absence of tracking AF limits its utility for action or wildlife shooting.

Both cameras top out shutter speeds at 1/2000 sec, which is respectable for daylight shooting, but neither offers manual exposure control or priority modes. Continuous shooting on the 6020 rates a steady 5 fps, while the VG-145 doesn’t specify burst speed, indicating limited continuous capture capability.

So, if speedy AF and burst shooting are priorities, the 6020 edges ahead, though neither truly caters to sports or wildlife photography.

Lens and Zoom Range: Fixed but Functional

Both cameras come with fixed lenses offering roughly 5x optical zoom, essential for frames beyond wide-angle or tight crops.

• 6020's 28–140mm equivalent zoom with a maximum aperture of f/3.9–5.9
• VG-145’s slightly wider 26–130mm with faster f/2.8 max aperture at the wide end but slower (f/6.5) at telephoto

The wider aperture on VG-145 at the wide angle allows a bit more light in, beneficial for indoor or dim settings, but at telephoto tele end the 6020 pulls ahead slightly.

Neither lens has complex zoom mechanisms or extra elements found in advanced lenses, which is understandable for compact shooters. Macro focusing starts impressively at just 1 cm for both - a fun feature for close-up photography, but note that depth of field is inevitably narrow at such close ranges, especially on small sensors.

For stabilizing telephoto shots, again, the 6020’s sensor-shift stabilization is a plus.

Ruggedness and Environmental Resistance: One Camera to Brave the Elements

Looking closely at weather sealing and durability:

• Olympus 6020 is built to be outdoorsy tough: waterproof to depths, freezeproof, and shockproof
• VG-145 offers no such weather or impact protection

For anyone photographing in rugged outdoor conditions - hiking, snorkeling, cold climates - the 6020 is the reliable companion. I’ve found in personal use that such rugged compacts extend shooting opportunities without worry, especially where DSLRs with bulky lenses aren’t practical.

The VG-145 suits a casual urban or family photography user who prioritizes lightness over ruggedness.

Video and Multimedia Capabilities: Basic but Functional

Video specs:

• Both record 720p HD video at 30fps (VG-145 also offers 15fps)
• 6020 uses H.264 compression, VG-145 uses Motion JPEG (MJPEG)

Neither has 4K or slow-motion video; these cameras predate such features becoming mainstream.

Neither supports external microphones or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control.

Neither offers wireless connectivity features like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, though the 6020 includes an HDMI port (VG-145 does not).

So in video, these cameras provide basic capture suitable for casual videos but fall short of versatility or professional multimedia needs.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

The 6020 uses the Li-50B battery, but exact battery life specifications aren't stated. The VG-145 also uses a similar battery type, rated at around 160 photos per charge.

In my experience with similar Olympus compacts using Li-50B, expect a very modest battery life - roughly a couple hundred shots at most - so carrying a spare battery is wise for extended outings.

Storage on both is via single SD/SDHC slots. The 6020 offers internal storage as a fallback, whereas VG-145 relies solely on external cards.

Performance Scores and Real-World Shooting Results

While neither camera has DXO Mark ratings available (likely due to their age and market niche), the following practical analysis applies.

Olympus 6020 front Olympus 6020 screen back Olympus VG 145 front Olympus VG 145 screen back

Here you can see side-by-side sample shots I took in diverse conditions:

• Portrait: The VG-145 handles skin tones with slightly better warmth and face detection helps nail focus. Bokeh is average, as expected on a small sensor zoom lens.
• Landscape: The 6020 captures punchier colors and thanks to stabilization, sharper handheld shots at slow shutter speeds.
• Macro: Both excel close-up, but the 6020’s stabilization minimizes blur for hand-held macro.
• Low Light: 6020’s stabilization and slightly lower minimum ISO allow better handheld sharpness, although image noise appears similar.
• Outdoor Adventure: The 6020’s ruggedness lets you shoot confidently in wet or cold.

Each camera scores well in their own right, with 6020 shining for outdoor versatility and moderate creative control via stabilization and burst, VG-145 better for simple, quick point-and-shoots in urban or indoor settings.

Summarizing:

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Compact Fits Your Needs?

The Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 is my pick for enthusiasts and casual adventurers who want a compact that can take a beating, shoot steady handheld shots in challenging conditions, and deliver versatile image quality. If you often find yourself outdoors in wet or cold environments, need built-in stabilization, and value continuous shooting, this camera punches well above its price class.

The Olympus VG-145, meanwhile, suits users hunting for a no-fuss, pocket-sized camera with good image quality for portraits and everyday casual shooting, especially indoors or in well-lit scenarios. If waterproofing or rugged durability isn’t on your checklist, its larger and sharper LCD screen paired with face detection makes framing and capturing snapshots a breeze.

Recommendations Based on User Profiles

• Outdoor adventurers, hikers, snorkelers: Olympus 6020 - rugged, waterproof, stabilized for low light shots.
• Casual family snapshots and street photographers: Olympus VG-145 - compact, lightweight, face detection for easy portraits.
• Macro enthusiasts: Both are capable, but 6020’s stabilization aids sharper handheld close-ups.
• Video tinkerers: Neither excels, but 6020’s H.264 compression and HDMI port give it a slight edge.
• Budget-conscious shoppers: 6020 may have a slightly higher price upfront, but its durability and feature set justify the spend over VG-145.

Closing Notes and Insider Tips

Remember, both cameras are now dated models (2010 and 2011 respectively). If you’re looking for modern compact cameras, consider newer models that incorporate advanced features like RAW capture, faster lenses, higher sensitivity sensors, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

However, if you come across either on the used market or in specialty shops at a friendly price, know exactly what you’re getting - and what compromises to expect. Before finalizing your choice, carefully consider your typical shooting conditions, priorities, and which strengths matter most in your photography style.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you picture the practical differences and guides you toward the Olympus that fits your shooting life best.

Happy shooting!

If you want to see these cameras in action or dive into my hands-on testing methodology, check out my detailed video review linked above. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences below.