Olympus VG-160 vs Ricoh GR

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus VG-160 versus Ricoh GR, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Ricoh. The image resolution of the VG-160 (14MP) and the GR (16MP) is fairly similar but the VG-160 (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

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The VG-160 was revealed 15 months earlier than the GR making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple summation of how the VG-160 grades vs the GR for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 & Ricoh GR. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-160 Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus VG-160 enjoys physical 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 Ricoh GR has sizing of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") having a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-160 versus Ricoh GR in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the VG-160 versus the GR.

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

Normally, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The pic here might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and GR.

As you can see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The VG-160 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Ricoh GR will offer you more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged VG-160 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.