Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic GF1

Its time to look closer at the Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is very close but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor dimensions.

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The VR-320 was launched 22 months later than the GF1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the VR-320 scores against the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-320 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-320 comes with 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) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic GF1 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 use at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the VR-320 versus the GF1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and GF1 is 94 and 85 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The visual below will help give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-320 and GF1.

All in all, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The VR-320 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Olympus VR-320 will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher VR-320 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.