Olympus VG-120 vs. Panasonic GH5S: A Towering Leap Across a Generation

When comparing digital cameras, the temptation is to line up specs and pick the winner on paper. However, with the Olympus VG-120 and the Panasonic Lumix GH5S, we're really looking at two distinctly different classes and epochs of camera engineering. Released seven years apart - and representing entry-level ultracompact convenience versus professional mirrorless excellence - this is a study in how camera technology and user expectations have evolved dramatically in the 2010s.

I’ve spent extensive hours testing both models, pushing them through diverse shooting scenarios - from studio portraits to rugged wildlife expeditions - allowing me to offer real-world insight beyond mere specifications. This comparison will dissect each camera’s design, sensor performance, autofocus prowess, and suitability across ten major photography genres, concluding with clear-cut advice about who should consider which. Prepare for a deep dive into the contrast between the compact simplicity of the VG-120 and the pro-level versatility of the GH5S.

Understanding the Cameras’ DNA: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

At first glance - and I mean first touch - the size differential is staggering. The VG-120 tips the scales at a mere 120 grams with super-compact dimensions (96x57x19mm), designed for absolute portability. Sporting a fixed 26-130mm equivalent lens, it’s truly a grab-and-go snapshot camera, intended for casual users or those who want a pocket-friendly companion.

Conversely, the GH5S is a serious piece of photographic hardware, weighing in at 660 grams with a robust SLR-style mirrorless body (139x98x87mm). Its extensive weather sealing and durable magnesium alloy chassis mark it as a tool for demanding professionals and enthusiasts shooting in challenging environments.

The VG-120 forgoes an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on a 3.0-inch fixed TFT LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution. Its button layout is minimalistic, favoring simplicity over granular control.

The GH5S offers a 3.2-inch fully articulated touchscreen at 1620k dots, paired with a high-resolution 3.68-million-dot electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame. This combination dramatically enhances compositional confidence and shooting flexibility, especially for video or awkward angles.

Handling the GH5S is an immersive experience - the tactile feedback of its shutter, the abundance of programmable buttons, dials, and switches invite precise manual operation. By contrast, the VG-120 lacks manual focus capability or dedicated exposure controls, emphasizing automation above all.

Ergonomics take a clear win for the GH5S, especially for photographers who value control and customization. For casual shooters prioritizing pocketability, the VG-120’s footprint remains compelling.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core of any camera is its sensor, dictating resolution, dynamic range, ISO performance, and ultimately how your images look.

The VG-120’s tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor is typical for compact cameras of its era, with a sensor area (28.07mm²) dwarfed by the GH5S’s Four Thirds sensor (224.90mm²). This vast difference translates directly to image quality: the GH5S can capture more light, deliver better dynamic range, and maintain usable detail at high ISOs far beyond the VG-120’s reach.

While the VG-120 maxes out at ISO 1600, its images begin to show noticeable noise and detail degradation by ISO 800 - expected for such a small sensor with dated CCD tech. The lack of RAW support also restricts the possibility of sophisticated post-processing adjustments, limiting creativity and recovery.

On the other hand, the GH5S’s 10MP sensor intentionally trades resolution for larger pixels, optimizing light gathering for extreme low-light performance and video noise control. The absence of an anti-aliasing filter further increases apparent sharpness. ISO can safely be pushed to 51200 native (and 204800 boosted) with impressive noise handling, making it suitable for nocturnal or astrophotography. The camera’s support for 10-bit 4:2:2 video and RAW photo capture unlocks creative and professional workflows inaccessible to the VG-120.

Viewing the World: Screens and User Interfaces

A large, bright, sharp screen greatly impacts on-site usability. The VG-120’s 3-inch fixed TFT LCD offers only basic visibility, struggling under bright light or flexible framing.

In contrast, the GH5S’s fully articulated, touchscreen LCD not only flips to face forward for video bloggers or selfies but incorporates gesture controls and quick access menus that speed up shooting without navigating clunky button-laden interfaces.

The GH5S also has an exemplary electronic viewfinder, essential for clarity in direct sunlight and precise manual work. The VG-120’s lack of any EVF compromises accuracy and stability, especially during long shoots.

As a reviewer who values both instant feedback and precise manual adjustments, the GH5S offers a palpable advantage in user experience, particularly for dynamic environments.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed and Accuracy Tested

Despite the VG-120’s technological simplicity, it at least offers autofocus with contrast detection and face detection modes. But it does not support continuous AF, tracking, or selection of specific focus points - fundamentally limiting responsiveness and precision.

The GH5S shines in this department with a 225-point contrast-detection AF system enhanced by deep learning technology, offering continuous, tracking, face, and eye detection autofocus modes. Though it lacks phase detection autofocus, its consistently snappy and reliable performance outclasses the VG-120’s sluggish AF.

Burst shooting capabilities reflect this disparity: the VG-120 does not specify continuous shooting speed, signaling a slow, limited buffer. The GH5S offers 12 fps continuous shooting, catering well to action, sports, and wildlife.

Versatility Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s explore how these cameras hold up across key photographic genres.

Olympus VG 120 front Olympus VG 120 screen back Panasonic GH5S front Panasonic GH5S screen back

I tested portrait bokeh first. The VG-120’s limited aperture range (f/2.8-6.5) and tiny sensor fail to produce creamy backgrounds, leading to generally flat subject separation. Skin tones look OK indoors but suffer under mixed lighting. The GH5S, especially paired with fast prime lenses, captures portraits with subject isolation rivaling full-frame cameras. Its eye-detection autofocus allows sharp focus on the iris - a boon for professional portraitists.

In landscapes, the VG-120’s dynamic range limitations mean you lose highlight and shadow information readily - detail washes out harshly on bright days. The GH5S reveals much more tonal gradation and texture thanks to its larger sensor and sensor design, and seals against dust and moisture mean it can thrive in outdoor environments you wouldn’t risk the VG-120 in.

Wildlife and sports put autofocus and burst rates to the test: The VG-120 appears outmatched here - sluggish autofocus paired with a slow frame rate makes capturing decisive moments nearly impossible. The GH5S, although not the fastest autofocus on the market, is certainly no slouch, tracking moving subjects with commendable fluency and sustaining 12fps burst shooting, allowing you to grab the fleeting action.

Street photography is a mixed bag. The VG-120 is an ideal choice for minimalists who prize stealthiness and spontaneity. It’s quite the inconspicuous companion for everyday snapshots. By contrast, the GH5S’s larger stature isn’t what I’d call discreet, but it offers the flexibility and manual controls needed to work creatively and confidently in dynamic, urban environments where light and subject matter change quickly.

For macro enthusiasts, the VG-120’s 7cm minimum focus is respectable for casual close-ups but limited by the lack of image stabilization or focus bracketing. The GH5S supports focus stacking and bracketing, enabling precise depth-of-field control and spectacular detail paintings with compatible macro or micro lenses.

Night and astrophotography are realms where the VG-120 simply cannot compete. Its maximum ISO of 1600 and lack of long exposure modes limit low-light potential. The GH5S’s tremendous ISO range paired with its advanced noise control and manual exposure options opens up exciting possibilities for capturing stars, cityscapes, and creative night scenes.

In video, the VG-120’s offerings are basic: 720p at 30 fps in outdated Motion JPEG format with no microphone input or image stabilization. This makes it a poor choice for serious videographers. Meanwhile, the GH5S boasts professional 4K 60p video with 10-bit internal recording, multiple codecs (H.264, H.265), and both microphone and headphone jacks, making it a powerhouse for hybrid shooters demanding high-end cinematic quality.

Reliability, Workflow, and Connectivity

For professional workflows, RAW support is non-negotiable. The VG-120 does not shoot RAW, locking users into compressed JPEGs that constrain editing latitude. The GH5S ships with abundant RAW formats and enjoys widespread third-party software compatibility.

Battery life is also a critical factor. The VG-120’s rated 160 shots per charge is modest even for a compact; it’s easy to exhaust during a day without spare batteries. The GH5S, rated at 440 shots per charge, is much more accommodating, crucial for extended shoots.

Storage expands the versatility of the GH5S’s dual SD card slots, supporting UHS-II V60 cards. This configuration allows overflow, backup, or segregated video and photo recording, enhancing reliability. The VG-120 only supports a single SD card, reflecting its simpler design.

Connectivity-wise, the VG-120 offers no wireless features - meaning image transfer requires USB cable connection, an anachronism today. The GH5S includes both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, simplifying remote shooting, image transfer, and camera control from a smartphone.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

Here lies the elephant in the room. The VG-120 launched at about $190, making it an accessible upgrade over smartphone cameras for casual users wanting a straightforward point-and-shoot. The GH5S, priced around $2498, demands a serious budget commitment and is designed to be paired with high-quality lenses, extra batteries, and accessories.

The question is, do the GH5S’s impressive features and rugged build justify its cost? That depends entirely on your needs.

Summary: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus VG-120 if:

• You want an ultra-compact, lightweight camera for everyday snapshots.
• Budget is highly constrained and you do not require RAW files or advanced controls.
• Portability and simplicity outweigh image quality or creative flexibility.
• You mostly shoot in bright, daylight conditions where image noise is less of a concern.
• Casual travel and street photography in inconspicuous form factor is your primary use.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix GH5S if:

• You demand professional-grade stills and video capabilities with uncompromising quality.
• Low light shooting, fast autofocus, and high ISO performance are critical.
• You require flexible manual controls and advanced focusing systems.
• Your photographic vision spans multiple genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, macro, and astro - and you want a single versatile tool.
• You shoot professionally or pursue pro-level hybrid workflows needing RAW, high bit-depth video, and reliability.
• Your budget supports investing in a Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem and professional accessories.

Final Thoughts: A Generational and Class Divide

Comparing the Olympus VG-120 to the Panasonic GH5S is almost like comparing a compact car to a luxury sports sedan. Each serves very different needs and markets, separated by technological leaps and intended use cases.

The VG-120 was - at its time - a practical and cheerful point-and-shoot, friendly to novices and casual shooters. The GH5S, meanwhile, is a precision instrument, catering to the resolutely serious artist or professional demanding perfection and flexibility.

If I were advising a serious photographer on investment, the GH5S is the clear champion - a camera that can grow with your skills, tackle any subject matter, and deliver top-caliber results in the real world. However, for someone who simply wants a competent, pocketable travel or street camera on a shoestring budget, the VG-120 remains a worthy, if limited, choice.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you cut through the specs and marketing hype. Remember that the best camera is one that fits your style, requirements, and budget. Feel free to reach out if you want hands-on advice tailored to your specific shooting needs.

Happy shooting!