Olympus VG-160 vs Panasonic ZS50

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic ZS50, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the ZS50 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was manufactured 4 years before the ZS50 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple overview of how the VG-160 grades versus the ZS50 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Panasonic ZS50 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 enjoys outside dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS50 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VG-160 and Panasonic ZS50 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the VG-160 against the ZS50.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and ZS50 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at specifications. The graphic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VG-160 and ZS50.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Olympus VG-160 to give more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older VG-160 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.