Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic XS1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic XS1, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was launched 24 months earlier than the XS1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the VG-120 scores vs the XS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 enjoys outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic XS1 has sizing of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") accompanied by a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic XS1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the VG-120 and the XS1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and XS1 is 96 and 97 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and XS1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Panasonic XS1 to give you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older VG-120 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.