Olympus VG-145 vs Panasonic LZ30

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic LZ30, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is very well matched and they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The VG-145 was announced 17 months prior to the LZ30 making the cameras a generation away from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the VG-145 grades vs the LZ30 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VG-145 Gallery and Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-145 has outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has measurements of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic LZ30 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the VG-145 versus the LZ30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-145 and LZ30 is 96 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking specs. The pic underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-145 and LZ30.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic LZ30 to give you extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged VG-145 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.