Olympus VG-110 vs Sony RX100

Olympus VG-110 vs. Sony RX100: A Detailed Comparison for the Modern Photographer

Choosing your next camera involves weighing many factors - from sensor quality and autofocus performance to portability and shooting versatility. Today, we’re pitting two compact cameras from Olympus and Sony head-to-head: the Olympus VG-110, an ultracompact model launched in 2011 with a modest feature set, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, a 2012 large sensor compact revered for its breakthrough image quality and controls.

Both cameras target users seeking pocketable convenience but differ vastly in technology and capability. With over 15 years of testing experience, we’ll break down the strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases for each model across key photography disciplines and technical aspects. Our goal is to give you clear, actionable insight so you can match the right camera to your creative journey.

At First Glance: Design, Size, and Handling

Before diving into specs, handling and ergonomics significantly impact your shooting comfort. The Olympus VG-110 is built as a slim ultracompact, easy to tuck into any pocket. The Sony RX100, by contrast, is larger but still compact considering it houses a large sensor and fast lens elements.

• Olympus VG-110 measures just 92 x 54 x 20 mm and weighs a mere 105g. Its slim profile makes it extremely pocket-friendly for casual strolls or quick shots.
• Sony RX100 is more substantial at 102 x 58 x 36 mm and 240g, reflecting its more advanced optics and sensor technology. It offers deeper grip ergonomics, better suited for longer or more deliberate sessions.

The compactness of the VG-110 favors street and travel photographers valuing minimum bulk. The RX100, while not pocket-tiny, balances portability with a strong grip and button layout from the large sensor compact class.

Control Layout and Interface: How You Interact Matters

How intuitive a camera feels during shooting is often underestimated. The layout of dials, buttons, and menus can improve or hinder your workflow, especially in dynamic shooting environments.

• The Olympus VG-110 offers a very simplified interface with limited manual control - no manual focus ring, no exposure modes like shutter priority or aperture priority, and a basic button array tailored to automated shooting modes. Its 2.7-inch, 230k-dot TFT LCD is fixed and provides live view but no touchscreen functionality.
• The Sony RX100 boasts a more comprehensive physical control experience. It includes manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual), a control ring around the lens for focus or zoom adjustment, and dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and ISO. The larger 3-inch screen with 1229k-dot resolution improves framing and reviewing, albeit also fixed and not touch-enabled.

While the VG-110 is mostly aimed at point-and-shoot casual users, the RX100 is a versatile compact for enthusiasts who want manual control without lugging a DSLR.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Sensor quality critically affects image detail, dynamic range, noise control, and ultimately creative flexibility. Side-by-side, these two cameras represent very different tech eras and sensor sizes.

• The Olympus VG-110’s small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor limits light gathering and image quality in low light. It suffices for casual daylight pictures but struggles beyond ISO 400 with noise and detail loss.
• The Sony RX100’s 1-inch CMOS sensor is over four times larger in area, improving noise control, dynamic range, and color accuracy. Its 20MP resolution distinctly captures finer detail, while the CMOS design handles high ISOs better, up to 25600.

Tested in our lab and the field, the RX100 produces images with richer tonal gradation, better shadow and highlight retention, and sharper results, especially in dim settings.

Lens Quality and Zoom Range: Versatility in Framing

Your lens choice dramatically affects the kinds of photos you can take. Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses, but their aperture ranges and focal lengths differ.

• The VG-110 starts at a moderately bright f/2.9 but narrows quickly to f/6.5 at telephoto. It shines in close macro work with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm, useful for very tight close-ups - although image stabilization is absent.
• The RX100 features a brighter f/1.8 wide-angle aperture, aiding low-light and shallow depth-of-field effects. Its 5 cm macro focusing combined with optical stabilization greatly improves handheld sharpness at close range. The slightly narrower zoom range sacrifices a little reach for speed and aperture quality.

For portraits with creamy background blur or low-light scenes, the Sony lens delivers superior creative options.

Autofocus Performance: Capturing Critical Moments

Fast, reliable autofocus is essential for action, wildlife, and candid photography. Here’s how the two cameras compare:

• The VG-110’s contrast-detection AF with limited points performs adequately for static subjects in good light but fails to keep pace with moving targets.
• The RX100 has a refined contrast-detection AF with 25 points, plus continuous AF and tracking modes. This enables it to keep pin-sharp focus on moving subjects, such as athletes or wildlife in flight.

For sports and wildlife, the Sony is a clear choice.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Capabilities

Capturing fast action demands a capable shutter mechanism and continuous shooting mode:

The VG-110 lacks continuous shooting capabilities, making it unsuitable for sequential shooting. The RX100’s 10 fps burst rate lets you nail dynamic moments, essential for sports, street, or wildlife photography.

Video Features: Moving Images and Vlogging Support

Both cameras offer video recording but differ vastly in resolution and formats:

The VG-110’s video is very basic and low resolution, suitable only for casual use. The RX100 offers Full HD 1080p at smooth 60 fps with optical stabilization, ideal for vloggers or event recording. AVCHD support also caters to users needing better compression for longer clips.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Neither camera is sealed for weather resistance or rugged use, common for compacts of this era. Both require careful handling to avoid dust or moisture damage. The RX100’s all-metal body feels more durable and premium, while the plastic VG-110 is meant for casual, careful use.

Battery Life and Storage

Reliable battery life and flexible storage options enhance shooting endurance on the go:

The RX100 offers nearly double the battery life, important for travel and extended shoots. Its compatibility with SDXC and Memory Stick formats adds flexibility, while the VG-110’s SDHC-only slot is more basic.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity features support sharing and remote control - key for modern workflows:

The RX100’s NFC and Eye-Fi compatibility streamline image transfer to smartphones, speeding up sharing and social media workflow. HDMI output lets you connect to external displays, beneficial for previewing images or client presentations.

Photography Genre Performance: Real-World Experience

Let’s examine how each camera functions across popular photography types with hands-on insights.

• Portrait Photography:
  The RX100’s large sensor and bright f/1.8 aperture enable beautiful skin tone rendition, creamy bokeh, and reliable face detection. The VG-110 can manage snapshots but struggles with depth control and low-light skin tones, often resulting in flat or noisy images.

• Landscape Photography:
  You’ll find the RX100’s wider dynamic range and higher resolution advantageous for landscapes, capturing fine detail and tonal subtleties. The VG-110’s sensor is less adept but suffices for casual travel snaps in bright light.

• Wildlife Photography:
  RX100’s fast, consistent AF tracking and burst shooting outperform VG-110’s simplistic AF system. The latter’s lens zoom range is slightly longer but can’t compensate for slower focus, limiting action capture.

• Sports Photography:
  Similar to wildlife, RX100 excels with 10 fps bursts and tracking AF. VG-110’s lack of continuous shooting and slower AF makes it a no-go for sports.

• Street Photography:
  VG-110’s small size aids discreet shooting. However, RX100 balances compactness with more manual control and image quality - important for street enthusiasts wanting versatility.

• Macro Photography:
  Olympus’s 1 cm minimum focus distance gives it an edge for extreme close-up shots, but without stabilization and with noisier sensors, results might lack finesse. RX100’s 5 cm macro distance paired with stabilization produces better handheld macro images.

• Night and Astro Photography:
  RX100’s higher ISO capabilities and exposure control make it suitable for nightscapes and astrophotography basics. VG-110’s limited ISO and fixed exposure modes limit night performance to casual use.

• Video:
  RX100’s Full HD at 60 fps and stabilization outperform VG-110’s VGA video. For vloggers and multimedia artists, RX100 is a better choice.

• Travel Photography:
  Both are portable, but RX100’s image quality, battery life, and connectivity provide states of readiness for travel shoots.

• Professional Work:
  VG-110 cannot output RAW or shoot in manual mode, restricting professional usage. RX100’s RAW support, manual controls, and quality output offer semiprofessional flexibility.

Sample Images: Visualizing the Differences

To better grasp the real-world impact of these specifications, here are sample shots side-by-side taken with the Olympus VG-110 and the Sony RX100 under various lighting conditions and scenes.

Olympus VG 110 front Olympus VG 110 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Notice how the RX100 maintains crisp detail and natural colors where the VG-110’s images tend to appear softer and less vivid, especially in shadows and zoomed shots.

Overall Performance Scores

We’ve rated each camera across the categories important to photographers based on in-lab test data and fieldwork.

Sony RX100 leads with strong scores in image quality, autofocus, and versatility, while VG-110 scores modestly, suited for entry-level casual users.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus VG-110 if:

• You want the smallest, easiest ultracompact for simple snapshots and macro fun.
• You have a tight budget and want a point-and-shoot with minimal features.
• Portability is your absolute priority over image quality and control.

Choose the Sony RX100 if:

• You are serious about image quality in a pocketable form.
• Manual controls, RAW support, and expanded creative options matter.
• You shoot sports, wildlife, portraits, landscapes, and video requiring advanced AF and stabilization.
• You need better battery life and modern connectivity.

Final Thoughts: Aligning Technology with Your Vision

Our hands-on testing confirms the Olympus VG-110 stands as a lightweight, user-friendly camera ideal for casual shooters prioritizing convenience and simplicity. It’s a great first step for beginners or travelers wanting to capture memories without fuss.

The Sony RX100, however, is a game changer for the enthusiast and professional seeking a powerful, versatile compact camera that punches well above its size class. Its combination of a larger sensor, fast lens, robust autofocus, and high-res video accommodates a broad spectrum of creative pursuits, making it a compelling tool for evolving photographers.

Given its price point, the RX100 represents excellent value for those looking to invest in a compact system that supports growth and serious image-making.

Getting Started and Accessories to Consider

• For the VG-110, stock up on multiple SD cards and spare LI-70B batteries for uninterrupted shooting. A compact soft case will protect this slim camera.

• The RX100 benefits from a high-speed SDXC card for video and burst shooting, a camera pouch, and possibly a small tripod or gimbal for stable video capture.

We recommend trying out each model in person to feel their ergonomics and menu systems, as comfort impacts creativity. Check local stores or online videos to see how each handles in live shooting scenarios.

Summary Table: Side-by-Side Specs Recap

Thank you for joining us in this deep dive comparison between the Olympus VG-110 and Sony RX100. We hope our analysis helps you find the camera that unlocks your creative potential, whether for casual memories or professional storytelling.

Get started shooting today, and let your vision guide the gear you choose - every frame counts!