Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic ZR1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic ZR1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was released 18 months later than the ZR1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the VG-120 grades versus the ZR1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus VG-120 features exterior dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic ZR1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the VG-120 and the ZR1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and ZR1 is 96 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-120 and ZR1.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Olympus VG-120 to give greater detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more modern VG-120 should have an advantage in sensor tech.