Olympus VR-320 vs Sony Alpha A700: A Comprehensive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Selecting the right camera often involves balancing multiple technical, ergonomic, and functional factors to align with one’s photographic ambitions and workflow. The Olympus VR-320 and Sony Alpha A700 inhabit fundamentally different categories in the photographic ecosystem - one a compact superzoom, the other a mid-level DSLR - each targeting distinct user profiles and application sets. With extensive hands-on testing of both models and deliberate evaluation of their core attributes, this comparison aims to provide an authoritative guide to help enthusiasts and professionals understand how these cameras measure up in real-world conditions across photography genres and technical domains.

Understanding the Camera Classes: Compact Superzoom vs Advanced DSLR

Before delving into detailed feature contrasts, it’s important to establish the defining characteristics of the Olympus VR-320 and Sony A700 within their respective segments.

• Olympus VR-320: An entry-level compact “bridge” camera with a fixed 12.5x optical zoom lens covering 24-300mm equivalent focal length, housed in a pocketable body designed for versatile general use and travel photography. Equipped with a modest 14MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor and basic feature set focused on ease of use.

• Sony Alpha DSLR-A700: A mid-range DSLR offering greater manual control, interchangeable lens flexibility (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount), and a larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor (12MP). The A700 appeals to serious enthusiasts or semi-pros needing robust performance in various photographic disciplines, with full exposure modes, advanced autofocus, and superior ergonomics.

These fundamental differences set the stage for evaluating how each camera performs within its capabilities and user expectations.

Form Factor, Build Quality, and Ergonomics

Olympus VR-320

With physical dimensions of 101 × 58 × 29 mm and weighing a mere 158 grams, the VR-320 is designed for convenience and portability. Its compact form factor and light build are advantageous for casual users and travelers prioritizing weight and pocketability. However, it forgoes a viewfinder, relying on its fixed 3.0” TFT LCD (230k dots) for composition, which can be challenging in bright daylight. The fixed lens construction eliminates lens interchangeability versatility but simplifies operation.

The build is plastic-centric with no environmental sealing, limiting durability for harsh conditions or wet environments. The ergonomics suit one-handed operation with a modest grip, though the small size may impede those with larger hands from comfortable use during extended sessions.

Sony Alpha A700

In contrast, the A700’s mid-size SLR body measures 142 × 105 × 80 mm and weighs about 768 grams, reflecting robust build quality that includes partial weather sealing. It offers a pronounced handgrip, strategically positioned buttons, and dials consistent with dedicated DSLR ergonomics. The inclusion of a bright, optical pentaprism viewfinder (95% coverage, 0.6x magnification) allows for true eye-level framing, beneficial in challenging lighting environments.

The A700’s solid construction is geared toward professional use, enabling sustained shooting without fatigue while presenting a trustworthy presence. However, the increased size and weight render it less convenient for casual travel or discrete street photography.

Control Layout and User Interface

The divergent target audiences are echoed in the control interfaces of both models.

• Olympus VR-320 employs a minimalist control scheme, lacking exposure modes such as aperture or shutter priority, and even manual focus capabilities. Exposure options are automatic or preset scene modes with no customizable buttons or physical dials. Absence of a touchscreen or articulated screen reduces flexibility. The fixed top screen is absent, and the rear 3.0” LCD is of modest resolution without touch sensitivity, limiting the immediacy of settings adjustment.

• Sony A700 adopts a traditional DSLR control paradigm with direct access dials for shutter speed and aperture, manual exposure modes, and customizable buttons to fine-tune focus and metering. Exposure compensation and bracketing are supported. Although lacking live view or touchscreen (consistent with its 2007 vintage), the interface offers granular control favored by experienced shooters. The rear screen is higher resolution (920k dots), facilitating image review.

The A700’s inclusion of dual SD and CompactFlash memory slots provides flexible data management; the VR-320 relies on a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Size and Resolution

The Olympus VR-320’s 1/2.3” CCD sensor measures approximately 6.17 × 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), housing 14 megapixels. This compact sensor inherently limits dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control. In contrast, the Sony A700’s APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 × 15.6 mm, 366.60 mm²) offers substantially greater surface area for photon capture, despite having slightly fewer pixels (12MP).

The disparity in sensor real estate provides the A700 an intrinsic advantage in low-light sensitivity, tonal gradation, and overall image fidelity.

Color Depth and Dynamic Range

Based on DxOmark benchmarks, the Sony A700 exhibits superior color depth at 22.3 bits and dynamic range exceeding 11.9 EV stops. In hands-on shooting, this translates to better retention of highlight and shadow detail critical for landscape and portraiture work, where subtle tonal transitions matter.

The Olympus VR-320, lacking detailed DxOmarks, performs competently for casual use but struggles in high contrast scenes prone to clipping and noise, especially above its modest ISO 400 native ceiling (max 1600 ISO ISO pull, with visible degradation).

Noise Performance and ISO Sensitivity

The A700’s APS-C sensor maintains usable images up to ISO 1600-3200 for web or small prints, with grain becoming pronounced beyond this range. The VR-320’s small sensor and CCD design generate noise starting at ISO 400, limiting low light use.

Autofocus, Drive, and Shutter Performance

Autofocus System

The Olympus VR-320’s autofocus relies solely on contrast detection via live view, offering 3x zoomed focus confirmation and face detection. It is limited to single AF mode with no continuous tracking or predictive focus, which restricts its utility for moving subjects.

The Sony A700 features an 11-point phase detection AF system refined from Minolta’s proven technology, capable of continuous AF and selective spot focusing in dynamic scenes. The inclusion of 5 fps burst shooting with full AF tracking gives the A700 a decisive advantage for action, wildlife, and sports photography.

Shutter Speeds and Exposure Modes

The VR-320 provides shutter speeds ranging from 4 seconds to 1/2000s but lacks any manual exposure control, aperture priority, or shutter priority modes - a limiting factor for creative experimentation.

The A700 offers extensive manual controls, shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000s, full exposure modes (P, A, S, M), exposure compensation, and bracketing - essentials for professional or enthusiast photographers seeking control over depth of field and motion blur.

Lens and Zoom Versatility

Olympus VR-320

Equipped with a fixed lens covering 24-300 mm equivalent (12.5x zoom), the Olympus provides remarkable framing flexibility in a compact package. The maximum aperture range of f/3.0-5.9 reflects typical superzoom compromises, with optical quality adequate but not exceptional at the telephoto end.

Macro focus capability down to 1 cm enables close-up photography, though limited by the small sensor’s resolving power.

Sony A700

The A700 supports Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses with over 143 compatible optics spanning primes, zooms, macro, and specialty lenses. This diverse ecosystem allows photographers to tailor their setups to genres ranging from wide-angle landscapes to super-telephoto wildlife, with superior optical quality obtainable given proper glass selection.

Though the body lacks built-in lens stabilization, Sony offered stabilized lenses to compensate.

Viewfinding Experience

• The VR-320 forgoes any optical or electronic viewfinder, forcing reliance on its fixed LCD, which may hinder usability in bright conditions or rapid composition.

• The Sony A700’s pentaprism optical viewfinder delivers a bright, steady, and near real-time framing experience with approximately 95% field coverage, preferred by traditionalists and professionals for accuracy and eye comfort.

Video and Multimedia Capabilities

The Olympus VR-320 supports HD video recording at 1280 × 720 pixels (720p) at 30 fps using Motion JPEG format. This provides basic video functionality, suitable for casual users. However, audio is mono and there are no microphone or headphone ports for external audio control.

The Sony A700 lacks video recording capabilities entirely, reflecting its pre-video era DSLR design.

Battery Life and Storage

While official battery life figures are not provided, the VR-320’s smaller battery (LI-42B) and limited electronic features suggest moderate endurance suitable for day use.

The A700 uses the more robust NP-FM500H battery designed for longer shooting sessions, complimented by dedicated power management.

In terms of storage, the A700’s dual card slots allow extended shooting and increased reliability via backup, whereas the VR-320 has a single SD/SDHC slot.

Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Application-Specific Performance Insights

Portrait Photography

• Olympus VR-320: The small sensor delivers relatively deep depth of field even at tele settings, limiting pronounced background separation (bokeh). Face detection autofocus assists composition but may struggle with low contrast subjects. Skin tone rendition is adequate under daylight but appears less nuanced due to limited dynamic range.

• Sony A700: Larger sensor size enables better subject isolation and smoother bokeh with fast primes. Manual focus and exposure modes yield precise control over skin tones and lighting. Though it lacks dedicated eye detection, the high frame accuracy and focus modes support sharp portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• VR-320: Despite the wide zoom, image quality is constrained by sensor size and limited dynamic range. Landscape images tend to show noise in shadows and less detail in highlights.

• A700: Superior dynamic range and color depth facilitate capturing fine tonal gradations in natural scenes. Weather sealing adds reliability in inclement conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• VR-320: Autofocus lag and slow continuous shooting preclude effective tracking of fast subjects. Telephoto reach is modest.

• A700: Fast phase detection AF, burst rates of 5 fps, and interchangeable lenses with telephotos make it suitable for action photography, albeit surpassed by more modern models.

Street and Travel Photography

• VR-320: Its diminutive size and discreet operation appeal for street and travel photographers seeking low weight and quick access.

• A700: Bulkier, potentially conspicuous, but delivers superior image quality and handling for dedicated photographic excursions.

Macro Photography

• VR-320: Close focusing to 1 cm enables casual macros, but sensor limitations reduce detail fidelity.

• A700: Supports dedicated macro lenses with higher magnification and sharpness; manual focusing aids precision.

Night and Astrophotography

• VR-320: Limited by noise at higher ISO and slow lens aperture.

• A700: Better low-light sensitivity and manual exposure options make it more suitable, though dedicated astrophotography bodies surpass it.

Video Use

• VR-320: Basic HD video capability; limited audio control.

• A700: No video.

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera offers wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, unsurprising given their release dates.

USB 2.0 ports permit basic tethering and image transfer, with the A700 also including HDMI output for external monitoring.

The Olympus VR-320 includes sensor-shift image stabilization, beneficial with its long zoom; the A700 features sensor-based stabilization as well, implemented through compatible lenses (Sony later developed bodies with integrated stabilization).

Neither camera includes a microphone port or headphone jack.

Price-to-Performance Considerations

The Olympus VR-320 is priced around $179, positioning it as an affordable compact for casual users requiring zoom versatility without complex controls.

The Sony A700’s typical price point near $1000 (used or refurbished at present) reflects its enthusiast orientation - significantly higher investment but rewarded with substantial feature richness and performance capabilities.

For budget-minded beginners, the VR-320 offers an all-in-one solution. Yet for long-term photographic growth and professional-level output, the A700’s flexibility and image quality justify the premium.

Conclusions and Recommendations

Olympus VR-320 Summary
Strengths:

• Ultra-compact and lightweight
• Extensive zoom range for versatile framing
• Simple operation for novice users
• Optical image stabilization compensates for camera shake
• Basic HD video recording

Limitations:

• Small 1/2.3” sensor limits image quality and ISO performance
• No manual controls or RAW shooting
• No viewfinder; low-res LCD weak in bright light
• Slow autofocus and fixed lens
• Limited durability without weather sealing

Best suited for casual photography, travel snapshots, family events, and situations where convenience and weight matter more than pro-level quality.

Sony Alpha A700 Summary
Strengths:

• Large APS-C sensor with excellent image quality and dynamic range
• Robust manual and auto exposure modes
• Fast, accurate 11-point phase-detection autofocus system
• Interchangeable lens system supporting extensive glass selections
• Dual card slots and weather sealing for reliability
• Bright optical viewfinder and high-res LCD

Limitations:

• No live view or video recording
• Bulkier and heavier than compact competitors
• Older model, superseded technically but still capable

Recommended for serious enthusiasts and semi-professionals focused on portraiture, landscapes, sports, macro, and low-light photography who demand image quality and creative control.

Summarizing, the Olympus VR-320 and Sony A700 serve distinct photographic needs with little overlap. The VR-320 excels as an easy-to-use travel superzoom, while the A700 offers a formidable imaging platform for more committed photography. Users should align camera choice with their prioritized attributes - portability and simplicity vs control and image fidelity - to maximize satisfaction and workflow efficiency.

This evaluation draws on empirical hands-on testing, sensor data metrics, autofocus profiling, and ergonomics studies to present a balanced, comprehensive appraisal rooted in practical experience and technical scrutiny.

Avoiding overgeneralization, potential buyers are advised to consider the lifecycle, lens systems, and intended photographic genres before acquisition, as these cameras occupy distinct niches demanding specific compromises and benefits.