Olympus VG-120 vs Sony S980

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus VG-120 versus Sony S980, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively close and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was announced 23 months after the S980 which makes them a generation away from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the VG-120 matches up against the S980 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-120 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-120 Gallery & Sony S980 Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-120 has 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 Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-120 versus Sony S980 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the VG-120 and the S980.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-120 and S980 is 96 and 94 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes just by viewing technical specs. The pic below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-120 and S980.

As you can tell, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Olympus VG-120 to result in more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The more modern VG-120 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.