Olympus VG-110 vs Sony A290

Below, we will be looking at the Olympus VG-110 and Sony A290, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VG-110 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively similar but the VG-110 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The VG-110 was brought out 9 months later than the A290 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-110 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the VG-110 matches up against the A290 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-110 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-110 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus VG-110 enjoys external dimensions of 92mm x 54mm x 20mm (3.6" x 2.1" x 0.8") and a weight of 105 grams (0.23 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Olympus VG-110 and Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the VG-110 compared to the A290.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-110 and A290 is 97 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-110 and A290.

Clearly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The VG-110 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A290 will deliver more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The newer VG-110 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.