Olympus VR-320 vs Sony A230

The following is a extended review of the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony A230, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the VR-320 (14MP) and A230 (10MP) and the VR-320 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The VR-320 was introduced 2 years after the A230 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the VR-320 grades vs the A230 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-320 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus VR-320 has got 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 Sony A230 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Compare the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony A230 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the VR-320 against the A230.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and A230 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by reviewing specs. The pic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-320 and A230.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VR-320 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus VR-320 will offer you more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The fresher VR-320 will have an advantage in sensor tech.