Olympus VG-160 vs Samsung NX1100

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus VG-160 vs Samsung NX1100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the VG-160 (14MP) and NX1100 (20MP) and the VG-160 (1/2.3") and NX1100 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The VG-160 was manufactured 15 months earlier than the NX1100 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the VG-160 scores vs the NX1100 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-160 & Samsung NX1100. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-160 Gallery & Samsung NX1100 Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VG-160 has outer measurements 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 Samsung NX1100 has dimensions of 114mm x 63mm x 37mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 222 grams (0.49 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VG-160 vs Samsung NX1100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the VG-160 against the NX1100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the VG-160 and NX1100 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is hard to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching specs. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the VG-160 and NX1100.

All in all, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The VG-160 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Samsung NX1100 will render greater detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The older VG-160 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.