Olympus VG-160 vs Olympus XZ-1

On this page, we are reviewing the Olympus VG-160 versus Olympus XZ-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both are designed by Olympus. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the VG-160 (14MP) and XZ-1 (10MP) and the VG-160 (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was brought out 12 months after the XZ-1 and they are of a similar age. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the VG-160 scores against the XZ-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 & Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-160 Gallery & Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 enjoys outer measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-1 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-160 versus Olympus XZ-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the VG-160 versus the XZ-1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VG-160 and XZ-1 is 96 and 88 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through specs. The pic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-160 and XZ-1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VG-160 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus VG-160 will give extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern VG-160 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.