Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic GX850

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GX850, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the GX850 (16MP) is pretty well matched but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and GX850 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The VG-160 was revealed 6 years prior to the GX850 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the VG-160 scores against the GX850 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-160 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VG-160 Gallery & Panasonic GX850 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus VG-160 provides outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX850 has proportions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VG-160 versus Panasonic GX850 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-160 vs the GX850.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the VG-160 and GX850 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through specs. The picture here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and GX850.

All in all, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The VG-160 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GX850 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged VG-160 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.