Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic LZ40

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic LZ40, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the sensor resolutions of the VG-160 (14MP) and LZ40 (20MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The VG-160 was revealed 24 months prior to the LZ40 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the VG-160 matches up against the LZ40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40. The full galleries are available at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Panasonic LZ40 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 provides physical 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 Panasonic LZ40 has measurements of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic LZ40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the VG-160 against the LZ40.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-160 and LZ40 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions only by seeing technical specs. The picture below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-160 and LZ40.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic LZ40 to provide extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged VG-160 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.