Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic ZS20

Following is a extended review of the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic ZS20, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is very similar and both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The VG-120 was unveiled 15 months earlier than the ZS20 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the VG-120 grades against the ZS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-120 comes with exterior 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 ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-120 and Panasonic ZS20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the VG-120 against the ZS20.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and ZS20 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading specs. The pic underneath should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and ZS20.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the same resolution therefore you should expect similar quality of pictures although you should take the release date of the products into consideration. The more aged VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.