Olympus VG-145 vs Panasonic ZS45

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic ZS45, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the ZS45 (16MP) is fairly close and both cameras offer the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-145 was brought out 4 years prior to the ZS45 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the VG-145 scores against the ZS45 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus VG-145 Gallery and Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-145 features outer measurements 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 ZS45 has measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check the Olympus VG-145 and Panasonic ZS45 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the VG-145 against the ZS45.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-145 and ZS45 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The graphic here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-145 and ZS45.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS45 to result in more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older VG-145 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.