Olympus VG-120 vs Ricoh GR

The following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus VG-120 vs Ricoh GR, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. The resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the GR (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The VG-120 was revealed 3 years earlier than the GR which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a concise summation of how the VG-120 matches up vs the GR with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 and Ricoh GR. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Ricoh GR Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-120 offers outer dimensions 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 Ricoh GR has measurements of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VG-120 vs Ricoh GR in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the VG-120 compared to the GR.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and GR is 96 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by seeing specifications. The picture below should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and GR.

Plainly, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Ricoh GR will provide extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.