Olympus VR-320 vs Sony A850

The following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony A850, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the VR-320 (14MP) and A850 (25MP) and the VR-320 (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The VR-320 was introduced 16 months after the A850 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the VR-320 matches up versus the A850 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-320 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus VR-320 comes with physical dimensions 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 Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony A850 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the VR-320 compared to the A850.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and A850 is 94 and 54 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to picture the gap in sensor dimensions only by viewing technical specs. The pic below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and A850.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The VR-320 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A850 will render more detail using its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots much more aggressively. The more modern VR-320 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.