Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic S5

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic S5, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and S5 (24MP) and the VG-120 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor dimensions.

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The VG-120 was revealed 10 years earlier than the S5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the VG-120 matches up vs the S5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 comes with physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 has sizing of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic S5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-120 vs the S5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and S5 is 96 and 60 respectively.

Usually, it is very tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and S5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The VG-120 with its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic S5 will render extra detail because of its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older VG-120 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.