Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic GF8

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GF8, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the GF8 (16MP) is fairly close but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and GF8 (Four Thirds) possess different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was announced 5 years earlier than the GF8 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the VG-160 grades against the GF8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Panasonic GF8 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 features outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic GF8 has measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GF8 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the VG-160 versus the GF8.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-160 and GF8 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The visual here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-160 and GF8.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The VG-160 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GF8 will render more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older VG-160 will be behind in sensor technology.