Olympus VR-320 vs Panasonic GH2

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus VR-320 versus Panasonic GH2, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the GH2 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and GH2 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor measurements.

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The VR-320 was launched 4 months later than the GH2 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH2 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go through a in depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the VR-320 grades versus the GH2 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-320 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Panasonic GH2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-320 has got external dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic GH2 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 76mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 3.0") and a weight of 442 grams (0.97 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-320 versus Panasonic GH2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the VR-320 against the GH2.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the VR-320 and GH2 is 94 and 70 respectively.

Often, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by going through specs. The graphic below might provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and GH2.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VR-320 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GH2 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively.