Olympus VG-145 vs Panasonic ZS5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus VG-145 versus Panasonic ZS5, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-145 was introduced 14 months later than the ZS5 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summation of how the VG-145 grades against the ZS5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-145 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-145 Gallery & Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus VG-145 features outside measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-145 versus Panasonic ZS5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the VG-145 versus the ZS5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-145 and ZS5 is 96 and 92 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-145 and ZS5.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus VG-145 to offer you more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots more aggressively. The more modern VG-145 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.