Olympus VG-160 vs Sony HX5

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus VG-160 and Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the VG-160 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the VG-160 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The VG-160 was launched 20 months after the HX5 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the VG-160 matches up versus the HX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VG-160 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-160 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-160 has got outer dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VG-160 and Sony HX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the VG-160 and the HX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the VG-160 and HX5 is 96 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-160 and HX5.

Clearly, each of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VG-160 featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting bokeh simpler and the Olympus VG-160 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher VG-160 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.