Olympus VR-320 vs Sony A55

The following is a extended analysis of the Olympus VR-320 and Sony A55, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the VR-320 (14MP) and the A55 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the VR-320 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The VR-320 was revealed 11 months after the A55 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the VR-320 grades versus the A55 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VR-320 and Sony SLT-A55. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus VR-320 features outer dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A55 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus VR-320 and Sony A55 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the VR-320 compared to the A55.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-320 and A55 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions just by looking at a spec sheet. The pic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and A55.

As you can see, both cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The VR-320 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony A55 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The newer VR-320 will have a benefit in sensor innovation.