Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic LX100 II

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic LX100 II, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the LX100 II (17MP) is very similar but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and LX100 II (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was revealed 8 years prior to the LX100 II and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LX100 II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the VG-120 scores versus the LX100 II with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VG-120 & Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Panasonic LX100 II Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus VG-120 provides physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX100 II has specifications of 115mm x 66mm x 64mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.5") along with a weight of 392 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic LX100 II in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the VG-120 versus the LX100 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and LX100 II is 96 and 81 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The graphic here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and LX100 II.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The VG-120 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic LX100 II will deliver greater detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.