Olympus VG-160 vs Samsung NX3000

Below is a complete overview of the Olympus VG-160 versus Samsung NX3000, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the VG-160 (14MP) and NX3000 (20MP) and the VG-160 (1/2.3") and NX3000 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

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The VG-160 was revealed 3 years earlier than the NX3000 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VG-160 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX3000 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the VG-160 matches up vs the NX3000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VG-160 and Samsung NX3000. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Samsung NX3000 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you are going to need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 has exterior measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") and a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Samsung NX3000 has measurements of 117mm x 66mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Check out the Olympus VG-160 versus Samsung NX3000 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the VG-160 vs the NX3000.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-160 and NX3000 is 96 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph below might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-160 and NX3000.

As you can see, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VG-160 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX3000 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older VG-160 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.