Olympus VG-145 vs Panasonic ZS20

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic ZS20, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the ZS20 (14MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras boast the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-145 was launched 9 months prior to the ZS20 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the VG-145 matches up against the ZS20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-145 Gallery and Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-145 offers external measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS20 has proportions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic ZS20 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the VG-145 compared to the ZS20.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VG-145 and ZS20 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-145 and ZS20.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same MP and you should expect comparable quality of images though you have to consider the production date of the cameras into account. The older VG-145 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.