Olympus VR-320 vs Ricoh GR II

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus VR-320 vs Ricoh GR II, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. The resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the GR II (16MP) is fairly close but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The VR-320 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the GR II and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the VR-320 grades versus the GR II with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VR-320 and Ricoh GR II. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Ricoh GR II Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VR-320 provides 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) and the Ricoh GR II has dimensions of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") and a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-320 vs Ricoh GR II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the VR-320 compared to the GR II.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the VR-320 and GR II is 94 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to see the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through specs. The visual below will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and GR II.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The VR-320 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Ricoh GR II will result in more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos far more aggressively. The older VR-320 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.