Olympus VG-145 vs Sony HX80: Two Compact Contenders in the Ultracompact and Superzoom Arena

When it comes to small, travel-friendly cameras, the market offers a dizzying array of choices. Often, these ultra-portables straddle a tightrope between convenience and compromise. Today, let’s examine two intriguing contenders - the Olympus VG-145 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. With five years between their launch dates and different design philosophies, they represent distinct approaches to compact photography.

Having spent weeks testing both cameras in varied scenarios - urban streets, scenic vistas, fast-paced events - I’m eager to share my hands-on insights with you. Whether you’re a weekend snapshooter, a travel-lover, or even a budget-conscious enthusiast seeking a secondary camera, this in-depth comparison will guide your decision.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics & Design

Both the Olympus VG-145 and Sony HX80 fall into the compact camera category, but their footprints tell unique stories about intended usage.

The Olympus VG-145 is an ultra-compact point-and-shoot, measuring just 96mm wide, 57mm tall, and incredibly slim at 19mm thick. Weighing only 120 grams, this camera slips comfortably into your jeans pocket or a small purse - ideal for casual carry without feeling bulky.

Contrast that with the Sony HX80, which is more robust: 102mm x 58mm x 36mm and weighing 245 grams, it’s noticeably thicker and heftier. The extra size stems largely from its 30x zoom lens and built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). For travel photographers who prioritize reach and versatility but still want something pocketable, it’s a sensible tradeoff.

The VG-145’s minimalist layout exudes simplicity, with few buttons or dials. Conversely, the HX80 offers a more thoughtfully arranged control cluster and a rear thumb wheel, which veteran users will appreciate for quick adjustments. The larger grip profiles on the Sony also enhance handling when zooming in or shooting in low light.

Ergonomically, the HX80 scores higher due to its better button placement and the presence of a pop-up EVF, which proved invaluable under bright sunlight. The VG-145’s lack of any viewfinder means composing in direct sunshine becomes a guessing game.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

The backbone of any camera’s performance is the sensor, and despite both featuring 1/2.3” sensors, there are meaningful differences here.

The Olympus VG-145 employs a 14-megapixel CCD sensor - a technology somewhat dated by today’s standards and notorious for producing noisier images at higher ISOs. The maximum native ISO tops out at 1600, which limits low-light usability. CCD sensors also generally lack the dynamic range benefits found in modern CMOS counterparts.

In contrast, the Sony HX80 sports an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, coupled with Sony’s Bionz X image processor. The CMOS design improves noise control dramatically, especially above ISO 800, and expands the native ISO range from 80 to 3200 - with a boosted ISO option up to 12800 for emergency situations (though expect heavy noise above 3200). The HX80’s sensor is more adept at capturing richer colors, better dynamic range, and overall cleaner images in challenging lighting.

From personal side-by-side tests shooting landscapes and indoor portraits, the HX80’s files hold more detail, smoother gradations, and truer skin tones - a critical factor for portrait work. Of course, both cameras record only JPEGs, with no Raw support to allow postprocessing latitude, which is a glaring limitation for advanced shooters.

LCD & Viewfinder: Composing Shots Your Way

When shooting portable cameras, a reliable viewfinder or screen is essential for learning precise framing.

The VG-145 relies solely on its fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots resolution - a weak link in today’s criteria for clear, bright displays. Outdoors, I often struggled to see finer composition details, especially under direct sunlight.

Sony ups the ante with a tilting 3-inch LCD boasting 921k dots, making it far easier to compose at high or low angles. The HX80 also includes a 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with impressive clarity for the segment - a feature I found invaluable when shooting outdoors with bright light reflection on the LCD. Additionally, the EVF enables more stable framing, especially when dealing with the HX80’s extensive zoom range.

Together, these features make the HX80 a more versatile choice for users who like framing control and prefer not to rely exclusively on the LCD screen.

Autofocus Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Heat of the Moment

Autofocus (AF) is often the dealbreaker for many users wanting to shoot quickly or capture fleeting moments.

The Olympus VG-145 employs a contrast-detection-only AF system with face detection but lacks continuous or tracking AF modes. This means focusing can be slow and prone to hunting, especially in low light or when subjects move unpredictably. The absence of manual focus or focus priority modes further hampers flexibility.

The Sony HX80 steps up here, integrating contrast-detection AF with multiple autofocus modes - including single, continuous, tracking, and face detection. Although it lacks phase-detection AF found in higher-end models, the HX80’s AF was noticeably faster and more confident during my tests, even when tracking moving subjects like children or pets.

Continuous AF was precise and enabled by the Bionz X processor’s speedy image analysis. Burst shooting at 10 fps with AF tracking further highlights the HX80’s suitability for action or wildlife shots in daylight.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility vs. Simplicity

Lens specifications reveal a major difference in photographic potential.

• Olympus VG-145: 26-130mm equivalent (5x zoom), aperture F2.8-6.5
• Sony HX80: 24-720mm equivalent (30x zoom), aperture F3.5-6.4

The Olympus offers a modest 5x zoom range, sufficient for casual snapshots or portraits. Its F2.8 aperture at wide-angle aids indoor shooting, but the slow telephoto end can hamstring low-light telephoto pictures.

Meanwhile, the HX80’s massive 30x zoom range offers immense framing flexibility from ultra-wide to super-telephoto. It covers landscapes, wildlife, sports, and more within one package - a convenience hardly matched by competitors. Optical image stabilization (OIS) on the HX80 further synergizes with telephoto shooting by reducing handshake blur.

The Olympus camera includes no image stabilization, so handholding at long focal lengths risks softness without a tripod.

Real-World Photography Applications and Performance

Portrait Photography

Portraits call for pleasing skin tone rendition, creamy bokeh, and accurate eye detection. The Olympus VG-145’s lens at F2.8 is decent for some subject isolation in close-range shots but loses sharpness and brightness quickly when zoomed in. Its CCD sensor renders colors somewhat muted and less nuanced, limiting portrait appeal.

The Sony HX80’s better dynamic range, more precise AF with face detection, and slightly larger zoom aperture at the short end produce more appealing portraits. With the touch of a button, I captured striking close-ups with better background separation. Additionally, the tilting LCD aids creative framing.

Landscape Photography

For vibrant landscapes, sensor resolution, dynamic range, and lens optics are king.

Here, the HX80 shines thanks to its higher resolution sensor and extensive zoom to frame sweeping vistas or zoom in on distant subjects. Though neither camera offers weather sealing, the HX80’s robust build felt more reassuring on extended hikes.

The VG-145’s simpler optics work for casual snapshots but lack the sharpness and ISO latitude for demanding landscape photography.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Rapid autofocus, fast burst shooting, and long zooms are essentials.

The Olympus VG-145 is at a clear disadvantage with no continuous or tracking AF, no burst mode, and limited zoom reach. Trying to capture birds on the wing or fast-moving runners often ended with missed shots.

The Sony HX80’s burst mode (10 fps) combined with AF tracking and giant 30x zoom lens proved far superior. While not a professional wildlife setup, it satisfies entry-level telephoto needs and casual sports photography in good light.

Street Photography

Compactness and discretion are prized on city streets.

The VG-145’s thumb-friendly size and simple controls invite pocketable spontaneity, but its sluggish autofocus and poor LCD visibility midday were drawbacks.

The HX80, bulkier but still pocketable, offers faster AF and an EVF suited to varied lighting, though it calls a bit more attention. The tilting screen allowed quick candid framing over crowds.

Macro Photography

Close focusing ranges affect macro fun.

Olympus’s impressive 1cm macro capability in a compact is a plus for casual flower or insect shots, though lack of stabilization meant patience was key.

Sony’s 5cm macro was less intimate, but superior stabilization and better screen assisted ease-of-use.

Night and Astro Photography

Low noise and exposure versatility are essential.

The Olympus VG-145 max ISO 1600 and older CCD tech showed pronounced noise, especially above ISO 400, limiting nightscape utility.

The Sony HX80 performed tolerably up to ISO 3200, delivering cleaner images with less chroma noise thanks to CMOS and Bionz X processor. It also offers shutter, aperture priority, and manual exposure modes giving creative control in dark conditions.

Video Capabilities: HD with Different Degrees of Flexibility

Neither camera targets serious video creators, but lightweight recording is often a bonus.

• Olympus VG-145: 720p at 30fps max, Motion JPEG codec, no external mic or stabilization
• Sony HX80: Full HD 1080p (60p, 60i, 30p), AVCHD & XAVC S formats, optical stabilization, no external audio inputs

Sony clearly dominates here. Steadier video with better resolution lends itself well to vloggers or travelers wanting casual but respectable footage. The lack of a mic port is unfortunate but understandable given the form factor.

Build Quality, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Both cameras omit weather sealing and ruggedness features - expected in their class.

The VG-145 relies on the aging LI-70B battery yielding about 160 shots per charge - not great for extended outings. The HX80’s NP-BX1 battery charges faster and lasts roughly 390 shots - close to double, a substantial advantage.

Connectivity-wise, the Olympus camera is bereft of wireless features. Sony slightly redeems itself with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy photo transfer - an important consideration today.

Price and Value Analysis: Which One Wins Your Wallet?

The Olympus VG-145, being an older budget compact, can sometimes be found secondhand for very little or even free with promotions. It caters to absolute beginners or casual point-and-shooters who prize extreme pocketability and simplicity over performance.

The Sony HX80, priced around $350 new, demands a premium but rewards with vastly superior zoom range, AF responsiveness, image quality, video, and battery life. It clearly targets enthusiasts and travelers wanting the best all-in-one compromise without jumping to mirrorless or DSLRs.

Olympus VG 145 front Olympus VG 145 screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Summary Scores and Recommendations

Let’s boil down the strengths of each camera for quick decision-making.

For genre-specific performance:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus VG-145 if:

• You want the lightest possible camera, almost pocket-dust.
• Your shooting is casual, mostly outdoors in good light.
• You need a super simple interface - no clubs for thumbs here.
• Budget is rock bottom, or you want a backup for occasional travel.
• Complex controls and RAW files aren’t priorities.

Opt for the Sony HX80 if:

• You crave a versatile zoom range for landscapes, wildlife, and travel.
• Faster and smarter autofocus means you don’t miss spontaneous moments.
• You want better video and image quality without lugging heavy gear.
• A brighter, tilting LCD and EVF make framing in all conditions easy.
• You value longer battery life and wireless connectivity.
• Willing to invest mid-tier budget for noticeable quality improvements.

A Veteran’s Nitty-Gritty Advice

Over years of testing thousands of cameras, I've learned that small sensor ultracompacts exist to serve convenience above all else. They’re great fun for grab-and-go shooting but rarely satisfy a serious hobbyist craving image quality and creative control.

The Sony HX80 straddles the line well - it’s not a pro camera but punches above its weight with a huge zoom, better AF, and improved image processing. It’s a perfect travel companion if you want to replace multiple lenses with one unit.

If you’re a cheapskate who just wants a camera in a wallet-sized body that mostly works in easy conditions, the Olympus may suffice, but be ready to accept its limits.

Neither camera supports RAW, external flash, or manual focusing, which might push pros to consider entry-level mirrorless bodies these days. However, the HX80’s comprehensive feature set justifies its asking price and assures better photos in nearly every scenario compared to the VG-145.

Ultimately, your priorities - portability versus versatility, simplicity versus performance - will guide your choice. But if you can spare the extra dough, the Sony HX80 will deliver more joy behind the lens and keep up as your skills grow.

If you found this comparison helpful, consider checking out more of my detailed camera reviews where I dive deep into the real-world usability that no spec sheet can fully convey. Happy shooting!