Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX5

The following is a extended review of the Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX5, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is pretty comparable but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The VG-120 was revealed 8 months after the NX5 so they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the VG-120 scores versus the NX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 and Samsung NX5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Samsung NX5 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 has external 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 NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VG-120 vs Samsung NX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the VG-120 against the NX5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and NX5 is 96 and 80 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The image below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-120 and NX5.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field trickier and the Samsung NX5 will show extra detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer VG-120 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.