Olympus VG-120 vs Panasonic ZS40

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic ZS40, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The VG-120 was brought out 4 years earlier than the ZS40 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise overview of how the VG-120 grades versus the ZS40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VG-120 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus VG-120 provides 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 ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VG-120 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the VG-120 vs the ZS40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and ZS40 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by looking at a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and ZS40.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to give you extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos way more aggressively. The older VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.