Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic FZ80

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic FZ80, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the VR-320 (14MP) and FZ80 (18MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The VR-320 was launched 6 years earlier than the FZ80 and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ80 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summary of how the VR-320 grades against the FZ80 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-320 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ80. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Panasonic FZ80 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus VR-320 has got exterior measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ80 has measurements of 130mm x 94mm x 119mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 4.7") and a weight of 616 grams (1.36 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic FZ80 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the VR-320 vs the FZ80.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-320 and FZ80 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading a spec sheet. The visual below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and FZ80.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic FZ80 to offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older VR-320 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.