Olympus VG-120 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

The following is a extended review of the Olympus VG-120 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the VG-120 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The VG-120 was unveiled 8 months earlier than the GR Digital IV and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Ricoh GR Digital IV being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple summary of how the VG-120 scores against the GR Digital IV when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 & Ricoh GR Digital IV. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 comes with external measurements 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 Digital IV has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-120 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the VG-120 against the GR Digital IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and GR Digital IV is 96 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The picture underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-120 and GR Digital IV.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Olympus VG-120 will give you greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.