Olympus VG-120 vs Sony NEX-C3

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus VG-120 and Sony NEX-C3, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the NEX-C3 (16MP) is relatively similar but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and NEX-C3 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was manufactured 7 months prior to the NEX-C3 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-C3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the VG-120 grades vs the NEX-C3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 & Sony Alpha NEX-C3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Sony NEX-C3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-120 comes with external dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony NEX-C3 has proportions of 110mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-120 and Sony NEX-C3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the VG-120 and the NEX-C3.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the VG-120 and NEX-C3 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading specs. The picture below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-120 and NEX-C3.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The VG-120 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-C3 will offer you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.