Olympus VG-160 vs Pentax X90: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Photography Fans on a Budget

Choosing the right compact or bridge camera can be a bit like walking through a photographic jungle without a compass. You want something affordable yet capable - not just a cheapskate’s bargain bin pick, but a trusty sidekick for serious shoots or casual outings. Over the years testing cameras from all corners of the market, I’ve handled devices from budget-friendly point-and-shoots to professional rigs, and I bring that experience to bear here comparing two fairly affordable and distinct cameras: the Olympus VG-160 and the Pentax X90.

These aren’t new by any means - the VG-160 was announced in early 2012, and the X90 hit shelves a bit earlier in 2010 - but these models are still kicking around the used market and occasionally pop up in clearance sales. Knowing their strengths, compromises, and ideal user cases will save you time, money, and frustration.

First Impressions and Form Factor: Small and Light vs Bridge Bulk

When I picked up these two cameras side-by-side, the difference was immediately obvious. The Olympus VG-160 is a petite, pocket-friendly compact weighing just 125g with slim dimensions of 96 x 57 x 19 mm. It’s designed for easy grab-and-go shoots with minimal fuss or clubs for thumbs on the body. Conversely, the Pentax X90 strides in with a heftier bridge camera stature: SLR-like styling, chunky grip, and weighing a solid 428g, with a boxy, substantial frame measuring 111 x 85 x 110 mm.

The X90 is more akin to a small DSLR in handling, which will suit shooters who want more tactile controls, while the VG-160 favors simplicity. The Olympus’s ultra-compact dimensions are excellent for traveling light or street shooting, but those with larger hands might find its body a bit fiddly. The Pentax offers better ergonomics with its pronounced grip and well-spaced buttons, making it more comfortable for extended use.

Design and Control Layout: Convenience vs Control Clubs

Looking down from the top reveals how each camera’s user interface philosophy unfolds. The Olympus VG-160 embraces minimalism - fewer buttons, a simple mode dial, and no external exposure controls. The Pentax X90, on the other hand, spreads its clubs for thumbs liberally across its top deck with dedicated dials for shutter and aperture priority modes, exposure compensation, and a more pronounced shutter release.

If you’re a beginner or prefer straightforward shooting without fiddling, the VG-160’s simplicity is appealing. But if you like creative control at your fingertips - shutter speed and aperture priority modes, quick access to exposure compensation - the X90 feels like a proper tool for the job. Keep in mind: both lack touchscreen controls, so expect good old-fashioned button hunting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Sensors, Small Expectations

Both cameras feature 1/2.3" CCD sensors - a tiny sensor size relative to APS-C or full-frame cameras - and while neither is a powerhouse in resolution or image quality, some distinctions emerge when we dive in.

• Olympus VG-160: 14-megapixel resolution, sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm, ISO max out at 1600 native. Solid enough for casual snapshots, but with limited dynamic range and noise handling in low light. An anti-aliasing filter is present which slightly softens details but reduces moiré.

• Pentax X90: 12 megapixels from an almost identical sensor size of 6.08 x 4.56 mm but pushes ISO up to 6400 native, giving it a bit more breathing room in darker environments. Also sports anti-aliasing filter. The X90 outperforms the VG-160 marginally in dynamic range and noise control due to the newer processor and sensor tweaking.

In practical side-by-side tests, landscape and macro shots on the X90 showed slightly more detail retention in shadows, while the VG-160 images sometimes suffered a bit of edge softness and noise beyond ISO 800. Neither camera offers RAW support, so you’re relying solely on JPEG output, a big caveat if you crave extensive post-processing.

The Screen and Viewfinder Experience: LCD Only vs Electronic Viewfinder

On the back, both cameras offer fixed TFT LCD screens with 230k dot resolution - very standard fare for this class and era - but the X90 scores a small win by including an electronic viewfinder (EVF).

For outdoor shooting, glare is always a concern. The VG-160 requires composing via the rear LCD, which can be tricky on bright days. The Pentax X90’s EVF is a godsend in this respect, providing crisp framing in sunlight and lending a DSLR-style shooting illusion.

Both screens do not support touchscreen input, and neither tilts or articulates - trouble for ultra-low or overhead angle shooting. However, the X90 offers live view autofocus, whereas the VG-160’s AF was only contrast-detection without much speed.

Shooting Performance: Autofocus, Burst Rate, and Shutter Control

Speed is not the strength of either model, but there are significant differences here:

• Olympus VG-160: No manual focus, no continuous autofocus, and no burst mode. The AF relies solely on basic contrast detection with face detection as a bonus. Shutter speeds range from 4 to 1/2000 sec. Good enough for casual shooting, but frustrating for moving subjects or sports.

• Pentax X90: Offers manual focus plus autofocus single and tracking modes with 9 points to help track subjects - an improvement when following wildlife or sports. Shutter speeds stretch from 4 to 1/4000 sec, allowing more creative freedom, with shutter/aperture priority modes accessible. The X90’s burst rate isn’t specified, but typically bridge cameras excel here - though don’t expect pro DSLR frame rates.

If your main interest is wildlife or action photography, the X90 holds a clear advantage in focus control and shutter responsiveness.

Lens and Zoom Versatility: 5x vs 26x Optical Zoom Battle

One of the X90’s biggest selling points (and highest price driver) is its 26x optical zoom covering an equivalent 26–676mm range, which is huge for a fixed lens compact. The Olympus VG-160 offers a much more modest 5x zoom spanning 26–130 mm equivalent.

• The VG-160 lens is bright at the wide end (f/2.8), but it quickly narrows to f/6.5 on the telephoto side, limiting usability in dim light or telephoto shots.
• The X90 has a slightly faster maximum aperture toward tele (f/5.0 vs f/6.5), which helps, plus sensor-shift image stabilization to combat camera shake at those long focal lengths.

This difference is a big deal for wildlife and sports shooters who need reach, or travel photographers wanting a do-it-all zoom.

Macro Capabilities: Close Focus and Detail

For macro or close-up shooting, the Pentax X90 lets you focus as close as 1 cm, compared to the Olympus’s minimum of 7 cm. That’s a substantial difference for those interested in flower, insect, or product photography where detail and proximity matter.

Neither camera supports focus stacking or focus bracketing, so you’ll rely on your technique for depth of field.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

The Pentax X90 sports sensor-shift image stabilization, which noticeably improves sharpness outdoors and especially at telephoto zoom ranges. The Olympus VG-160 lacks any form of image stabilization, so you must hold steady or increase ISO to avoid blur.

Regarding ISO, the X90 can push to ISO 6400 but noise will be visible past ISO 800. The VG-160 maxes out at ISO 1600 but with more visible noise from its older sensor.

Video features: Modest HD Shooters

Neither camera is a video heavyweight. Both record 720p HD video at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, with no 4K or advanced codecs.

• No external microphone inputs or headphone jacks
• No image stabilization for video on the VG-160, X90 has stabilization which slightly helps
• No advanced video functions or HDR modes
• Both limited to short clips for casual home movies only

So don’t buy these for videography, but they’ll do in a pinch.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus VG-160 uses the Li-70B rechargeable battery and offers about 165 shots per charge - quite low compared to modern cameras, limiting extended shoots without spares.

The Pentax X90 uses the D-L106 battery; official life isn’t specified but is generally around 200-300 shots, better but not stellar.

Both use standard SD/SDHC cards and have a single slot. The X90 includes internal memory, a neat backup for emergencies.

Connectivity and Extras

In 2010-2012, wireless features weren’t standard on cameras in this range.

• Pentax X90 supports Eye-Fi cards, enabling limited wireless photo transfer if you add compatible SD cards.
• The VG-160 offers no wireless or Bluetooth functionality.
• Both have USB 2.0 ports for tethered transfer, but no HDMI out on VG-160; the X90 does include HDMI.

No GPS, NFC, or touchscreen on either.

Durability and Build Quality

Neither camera is weather sealed or ruggedized. The VG-160’s all-plastic compact body fits casual daily use but isn’t tough. The beefier Pentax X90 feels more robust due to its build size but requires care from dust and moisture.

Sample Image Gallery: Real World Results

Here are some side-by-side sample images showing both cameras tackling portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street shots.

Olympus VG 160 front Olympus VG 160 screen back Pentax X90 front Pentax X90 screen back

• Portraits: VG-160’s higher resolution helps with details, but softer focus and less accurate skin tone rendering compared to the X90’s better exposure control and contrast.
• Landscapes: X90 offers better dynamic range and color saturation.
• Wildlife: The X90’s long reach zoom and faster AF capture distant birds better.
• Street photography: VG-160’s small size helps shooting discreetly, but image quality is modest.

Performance Ratings: Overall and By Photography Type

Looking at how these cameras score in various categories synthesizes everything into digestible insights.

Drilling down further by photographer type:

• Portrait: VG-160 good for casual users; X90 better due to manual controls and better exposure.
• Landscape: X90 favored for zoom and dynamic range.
• Wildlife/Sports: X90 is better, thanks to zoom and AF tracking.
• Street: VG-160 shines for discretion and pocketability.
• Macro: X90 closer focusing.
• Low Light/Astro: Neither is stellar, but the X90’s higher ISO helps.
• Travel: VG-160 great for lightweight; X90 better for versatility.
• Professional: Neither offers RAW or robust workflow features.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

If you’re a:

• Cheapskate or casual snapshot lover craving an ultra-portable, affordable camera for everyday memories, the Olympus VG-160 provides simplicity, decent daylight image quality, and easy operation. Great for hikers, kids, or as a secondary camera.

• Budget wildlife or travel enthusiast who needs reach, better manual control, and a more versatile zoom, the Pentax X90 is a far superior option. Its longer lens, image stabilization, electronic viewfinder, and shutter/aperture priority modes make it a tiny Swiss Army knife for diverse situations - just be prepared to lug it around.

• Street photographers wanting stealth? The VG-160 is less conspicuous and pocketable, but the image noise can be frustrating indoors.

• Macro fans or those doing close-up work should opt for the Pentax thanks to its 1cm close focus and manual focus.

• Videographers on a budget: neither camera is ideal. Only very casual, low-res clips are possible.

• Professionals looking for reliable JPEG output for quick social media or on-location use could use the Pentax but will outgrow them quickly.

Wrapping Up: Practical Wisdom From the Trenches

These two models share a sensor size and CCD technology, but their core design philosophies couldn’t be more different: Olympus VG-160 is the minimalist pocket compact, while Pentax X90 is the superzoom bridge camera with some manual dexterity. Both have considerable limitations by modern standards: no RAW, limited ISO performance, no touchscreen, dated processors - but that’s expected at their price range and era.

If price is your absolute priority and you need a camera that fits in your pocket, pick the VG-160. Its simplicity is refreshing and its images are passable for snapshots. However, if you want more reliability, creative options, reach, and a more robust feature set, the X90 is worth the higher price and bulk.

Considering the price difference (VG-160 around $90, X90 about $350), your budget and shooting ambitions will guide your choice. Neither will replace a mid-range mirrorless camera or DSLR, but both shine in their niches for budget-conscious photographers who value portability or zoom versatility.

In closing: trust your shooting style first - get a camera that encourages you to shoot more, experiment, and learn. Both these cameras offer solid entry points, but for me, the Pentax X90’s manual controls, zoom range, and build quality ensure it remains more useful across genres for enthusiasts despite the extra heft.

Happy shooting and may your next camera be the perfect sidekick for your photographic adventures!

End of Review