Olympus VR-320 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus VR-320 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) is relatively similar but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") have totally different sensor size.

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The VR-320 was released 17 months prior to the XZ-2 iHS which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the VR-320 scores vs the XZ-2 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-320 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-320 provides external measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-320 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the VR-320 against the XZ-2 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and XZ-2 iHS is 94 and 85 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specifications. The image underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and XZ-2 iHS.

To sum up, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VR-320 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus VR-320 will offer you more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged VR-320 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.