Olympus VG-120 vs Olympus XZ-1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus VG-120 versus Olympus XZ-1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Olympus. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the VG-120 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") have different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was brought out around the same time to the XZ-1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus XZ-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the VG-120 grades versus the XZ-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 and Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera, you have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-120 has external dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VG-120 versus Olympus XZ-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the VG-120 vs the XZ-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and XZ-1 is 96 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing specs. The visual below might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-120 and XZ-1.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VG-120 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Olympus VG-120 will provide you with more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively.