Olympus VR-320 vs Sony A68: A Hands-On Comparison for the Practical Photographer

Choosing a camera often feels like a search for the perfect balance between features, performance, and budget. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two notably different - but intriguingly comparable - cameras: the Olympus VR-320, a superzoom compact from the early 2010s, and the Sony A68, an entry-level DSLR that held sway among budget-conscious enthusiasts around 2015. Both are interesting picks, but they cater to different photographic philosophies and user profiles.

I've spent weeks shooting with both bodies across various scenarios, testing image quality, autofocus performance, ergonomics, and video capabilities. I’ve even compared their build alongside the kind of lenses and accessories you’d naturally pair with each. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what you’re really buying here.

Size, Feel, and Handling – The First Impression Matters

Right from the outset, these cameras physically couldn’t be more different.

The Olympus VR-320 is a true compact with convenience and portability at its heart. Weighing in at just 158 grams and measuring a pocketable 101x58x29mm, it’s like your trusty point-and-shoot that fits effortlessly into any coat pocket or handbag. Its simplicity carries over to the handling - straightforward fixed lens, minimal dials or buttons, and an intuitive fixed LCD screen.

Contrast that with the Sony A68, a hearty DSLR-style camera at 610 grams and bulkier dimensions (143x104x81mm). It’s significantly larger than the Olympus, but that bulk translates into a better grip and more physical controls. The clubs for your thumbs, as I like to call them, come into play here - offering an ergonomic experience ideal for longer shoots, especially with heavy telephoto lenses. Those extra controls also mean quicker manual adjustments - a boon when you’re striving for precision.

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so outdoor photographers should note that neither can shrug off the elements. However, Sony’s hobbyist body feels more robust thanks to its SLR-style build and quality plastics, whereas the Olympus screams “easygoing traveler” rather than “tough field worker.”

Long story short: If you prize portability and lightness, the Olympus VR-320 wins hands-down. If ergonomic comfort and control versatility are your jam, Sony’s A68 will feel like a pro’s tool.

Design and Control Interface: Simple Compact vs. Club for Camera Nerds

Design-wise, the Olympus sticks to a no-frills philosophy. It has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with a modest 230k-dot resolution, no viewfinder, and only basic exposure modes. Forget about shutter or aperture priority modes - this little guy is fully automated with no manual modes in sight.

The Sony A68, however, shows its DSLR heritage proudly. It comes with a 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen at a much sharper 461k-dot resolution, plus an electronic viewfinder boasting 100% coverage and 1440-dot resolution - something you won’t find on the Olympus. The EVF’s magnification (0.57x) and eye sensor add to the immersive experience when framing shots.

The A68 also boasts a rich feature set: shutter and aperture priority, full manual modes, exposure compensation, bracketing options, and custom white balance. If you’re a control freak like me, this is where your photography becomes more than just pointing and shooting.

Olympus’s interface is beginner-friendly but limiting, targeting casual shooters or travelers who prefer “set it and forget it.” Sony, on the other hand, invites you to experiment and grow. That said, navigating the A68’s menus takes some practice; it’s not as streamlined as newer models but feels logical once you get the hang of it.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

This is where things get interesting - and where the cameras reveal their generational and categorical gaps.

The Olympus VR-320 sports a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 14 megapixels and a crop factor of roughly 5.8x. This sensor size (28.07 mm²) is standard for compact superzooms but is tiny compared to typical interchangeable lens cameras. CCD sensors, while capable of pleasant colors, tend to introduce more noise at higher ISO values and suffer from limited dynamic range.

The Sony A68, meanwhile, boasts a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5x15.6 mm (366.6 mm²), a significantly larger sensor with over ten times the surface area of the Olympus. This translates to substantial improvements in image quality: better low-light performance, higher resolution, greater dynamic range, and superior color depth.

Autofocus-wise, the A68 uses a hybrid system with 79 focus points (15 cross-type), phase detection, and contrast detection capabilities. The VR-320’s contrast-detection AF system is much simpler, with fewer focus points and no phase detection support.

In real-world shooting, the A68 captured images with crisp detail and retained dynamic range in challenging light - especially in landscapes and formatted portraits. Olympus was softer, and visible noise crept in ISO 800 and above, making it less suited for shadow recovery or night scenes.

LCD and Viewfinder: Framing Your Moments Efficiently

If you prefer composing photos using the LCD, both cameras have their pros and cons.

The Olympus’s fixed 3-inch TFT screen is decent for casual viewing but low resolution and lack of tilt functionality make it frustrating in bright sunlight or unconventional shooting angles.

Sony’s 2.7-inch tilting LCD is a clear step up, especially when shooting low or high vantage points. Despite being a smaller display, the higher resolution delivers a crisp preview of your shots. Plus, the Sony’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) engages automatically when you bring your eye close, facilitating eye-level shooting - a game-changer for action or street photographers who want stability and composure.

No optical viewfinder on the Olympus and no EVF magnification means you’re almost forced to rely on that fixed LCD. Sony’s provision of an EVF gives it a professional edge and makes it more versatile in challenging lighting.

Zoom and Lens Flexibility: One Lens to Rule Them All or a System You Build?

One of Olympus’s biggest selling points is its fixed 24-300mm equivalent zoom lens - about a 12.5x zoom ratio - covering wide-angle to sizeable telephoto focal lengths. It’s an all-in-one solution perfect for casual shooters who hate swapping lenses or lugging heavy gear. This lens maxes out at f/3.0 on the wide end and f/5.9 when fully zoomed. While not the fastest aperture, it offers stabilized images courtesy of sensor-shift stabilization.

Meanwhile, the Sony A68 thrives in a vastly different arena. It is an interchangeable lens camera with access to over 140 Sony/Minolta Alpha-mount lenses - including some fantastic fast primes, macro lenses, telephoto zooms, and more. This lens ecosystem opens up endless creative possibilities, limited almost solely by your budget. Coupled with the camera’s 1.5x crop sensor factor, telephoto enthusiasts have a serious advantage, especially when paired with long zooms or prime lenses.

If convenience is your priority and you want something lightweight and ready out of the box, Olympus’s fixed lens is clearly appealing. But for photographers who want to graduate beyond basics or already have a collection of Alpha-mount glass, the Sony beats hands down in flexibility and image quality potential.

Autofocus Speed, Accuracy & Shooting Performance

The Olympus VR-320’s contrast-detect AF is fine for still subjects but noticeably sluggish and prone to hunting in low contrast or dim conditions. No continuous AF mode, no manual focus support, and a limited ability to track moving subjects mean it’s generally better for relaxed shooting.

Sony A68 uses a hybrid autofocus system with 79 focal points including 15 cross-type points which translates to faster, more accurate focus locking, especially useful for wildlife and sports photography. Continuous AF tracking is supported, and the ability to select focus points manually or switch between AF modes elevates control.

Burst shooting rates also differ significantly. The Olympus does not advertise continuous shooting specs; it’s not designed for rapid capture. Sony’s A68 hits a respectable 8 frames per second - enough for amateur sports or wildlife shots, where capturing the decisive moment is a must.

Photo Quality in Real-World Genres

Portrait Photography

Sony’s larger sensor and 24MP resolution give it a big leg up in skin tone rendition, natural bokeh, and sharp eye detection. Olympus’s small sensor and fixed lens limit depth-of-field control and bokeh quality; portraits appear flatter and less refined.

Landscape & Travel

The Sony’s excellent dynamic range and raw file support allow you to capture intricate shadows and highlights. Olympus’s JPEG-only output, limited dynamic range, and lower resolution mean it’s better for snapshots rather than postcard-quality shots.

Wildlife & Sports

Sony’s fast AF and burst, paired with telephoto lens options, make it a sound choice for these fast-moving scenes. Olympus’s slower AF and limited zoom reach make it less desirable for action, though its compactness is handy when traveling light.

Street & Macro

Olympus’s compact size and versatile zoom make it discreet for candid street snaps. The fixed lens macro mode (1cm focus) can be great for close-ups. Sony’s system lenses include good macro options, but the bulkier body is less discreet.

Night & Astro

Sony’s higher native ISO (up to 25600) and cleaner images make night photography possible. Olympus struggles at ISO 1600 max with considerable noise, restricting its usefulness for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

The VR-320 offers 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format - basic and outdated by today’s standards, with no mic inputs or advanced features.

Sony A68 is capable of Full HD 1080p video at 60i, 30p, and 24p in AVCHD/MPEG-4 formats, including a microphone input for better audio capture. Stabilization is sensor-based on both, but Sony’s video output is vastly superior for vloggers or hybrid shooters.

Battery Life & Storage Considerations

The Olympus uses a small lithium-ion battery (LI-42B), lightweight but limited in endurance - expect around 200 shots per charge under ideal conditions. Its SD/SDHC-only slot supports affordable media.

Sony’s A68’s NP-FM500H pack runs significantly longer - rated at around 510 shots per charge, which is great for long days shooting events or travel. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and Memory Stick Pro Duo, giving flexible storage options.

Connectivity & Extras

The Olympus VR-320 sports no wireless connectivity features, no Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi. It does, however, provide a USB 2.0 port, but no HDMI output.

Sony’s A68 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity for wireless transfer, has an HDMI port for clean HDMI output (great for video), and USB 2.0. No Bluetooth or NFC, but the Eye-Fi support was useful in its day.

Both exclude GPS and weather sealing.

A Closer Look at Sample Images and Performance Scores

Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

In my testing, Olympus images look punchy and vibrant straight out of the camera, but noticeable softness and noise reduce image quality at long zoom or higher ISO.

Sony’s RAW-capable files offer extensive editing latitude and retain impressive detail - perfect for serious post-processing workflows.

Sony A68 takes the lead across all technical categories - image quality, autofocus, speed, and features - with the Olympus acting as a niche option limited to casual photography.

Sony is a competent all-rounder better suited to portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, and nightglow. Olympus is a close contender only in street and travel scenarios where portability wins out.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy Which?

Olympus VR-320
Who it’s for:

• Budget travelers and casual photographers who want an all-in-one pocket superzoom
• Beginners needing simplicity over manual control
• Those prioritizing portability and ease of use over image quality

Strengths:

• Compact, lightweight, easy to carry anywhere
• Versatile zoom range from wide to telephoto
• Built-in stabilization, which helps compensate for hand shake

Weaknesses:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low light performance
• No RAW capture, restricting post-processing
• Sluggish autofocus and no manual exposure

Sony A68
Who it’s for:

• Enthusiasts stepping into DSLR-format photography on a budget
• Photographers needing manual control and extensive lens options
• Those shooting sports, wildlife, portraits, and landscapes requiring superior image quality

Strengths:

• Larger APS-C sensor with excellent image quality and dynamic range
• Fast, accurate hybrid autofocus with 79 focus points
• Manual exposure modes and broad lens compatibility
• Full HD video, microphone input, tilting LCD, and EVF

Weaknesses:

• Heavier and bulkier, less convenient for casual or travel-only shooting
• Older DSLR design with no touchscreen or modern wireless features

Final Verdict: Price vs Performance - Which One’s Worth Your Dime?

At roughly $179, the Olympus VR-320 offers entry-level superzoom convenience. It’s a charming little camera for snapshots, family events, or travel when you want minimal fuss. Think of it as a "set it and forget it" companion.

The Sony A68, priced around $580, stands as a strong budget DSLR contender packed with features that let you grow your photography skills and tackle a wide range of genres competently. Its image quality and versatility justify the higher price for anyone serious about their craft.

If you’re a die-hard cheapskate who values travel portability and simplicity over stellar image fidelity, Olympus will suit you just fine. For the enthusiast or aspiring professional who wants entry into the DSLR world with meaningful creative control, the Sony A68 is the far better investment.

Photography Discipline Breakdown in a Nutshell:

If you’re still not sure, think about what kind of photos you want to take, how much control you want over the process, and how much gear you’re willing to carry. Both cameras serve distinct niches. But after extensively testing both, I’d lean toward the Sony A68 for anyone who plans to take photography seriously beyond the occasional snapshot.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect fit for your creative journey!