Olympus VR-320 vs Sony NEX-6

Here is a extended analysis of the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony NEX-6, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the NEX-6 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and NEX-6 (APS-C) have totally different sensor size.

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The VR-320 was manufactured 20 months earlier than the NEX-6 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the VR-320 scores versus the NEX-6 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-320 and Sony Alpha NEX-6. The entire galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Sony NEX-6 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus VR-320 has got external measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sony NEX-6 has sizing of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus VR-320 versus Sony NEX-6 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the VR-320 vs the NEX-6.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-320 and NEX-6 is 94 and 85 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the difference in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-320 and NEX-6.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The VR-320 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-6 will provide more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots more aggressively. The older VR-320 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.