Olympus VG-145 vs Panasonic GF5

Following is a extended review of the Olympus VG-145 versus Panasonic GF5, former is a Ultracompact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is fairly similar but the VG-145 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms

The VG-145 was manufactured 8 months prior to the GF5 so they are of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the VG-145 matches up versus the GF5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-145 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus VG-145 Gallery & Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will want to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-145 provides external dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic GF5 has dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VG-145 versus Panasonic GF5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the VG-145 compared to the GF5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the VG-145 and GF5 is 96 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The image here should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-145 and GF5.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The VG-145 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Olympus VG-145 will deliver more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged VG-145 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.