Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX3000

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX3000, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Samsung. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the VG-120 (14MP) and NX3000 (20MP) and the VG-120 (1/2.3") and NX3000 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor sizing.

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

The VG-120 was manufactured 4 years before the NX3000 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX3000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the VG-120 matches up versus the NX3000 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 & Samsung NX3000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-120 has got physical measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Samsung NX3000 has dimensions of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX3000 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the VG-120 vs the NX3000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and NX3000 is 96 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reading a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-120 and NX3000.

Clearly, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung NX3000 will deliver greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.