Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic GF7

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic GF7, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the GF7 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The VG-160 was launched 4 years before the GF7 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple summation of how the VG-160 grades against the GF7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera, you will have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 provides outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic GF7 has dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic GF7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-160 vs the GF7.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and GF7 is 96 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The picture underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and GF7.

As you have seen, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The VG-160 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic GF7 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged VG-160 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.