Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic GX85

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GX85, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the GX85 (16MP) is pretty similar but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and GX85 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor measurements.

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The VG-160 was announced 5 years prior to the GX85 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX85 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the VG-160 scores vs the GX85 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85. The whole galleries are available at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Panasonic GX85 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 features outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Panasonic GX85 has dimensions of 122mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.7") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GX85 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the VG-160 vs the GX85.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and GX85 is 96 and 83 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by reviewing technical specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and GX85.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The VG-160 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic GX85 will deliver extra detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older VG-160 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.