Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic GH2

Below, we will be evaluating the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic GH2, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The VG-120 was introduced 2 months earlier than the GH2 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the VG-120 scores vs the GH2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-120 provides external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic GH2 has dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic GH2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the VG-120 compared to the GH2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and GH2 is 96 and 70 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to picture the gap in sensor dimensions merely by going through specs. The picture underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-120 and GH2.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic GH2 will produce extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively.