Olympus VR-320 vs. Sony A77: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct 2011 Cameras

When evaluating cameras released around the same period but serving vastly different photography needs, the Olympus VR-320 and the Sony A77 provide an intriguing comparison. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum - the VR-320 being a compact superzoom aimed at casual shooters wanting convenience, while the A77 is a mid-size advanced DSLR crafted with enthusiasts and professionals in mind. I've spent extensive hands-on time with both, examining their engineering, imaging performance, and real-world usability. Let’s unpack the details - from sensor technology and autofocus to ergonomics, lenses, and image quality - so you can make the best-informed choice for your photography.

Feeling the Cameras in Your Hands: Size and Ergonomics

The very first impression always comes with how a camera feels physically. The Olympus VR-320 measures a compact 101 × 58 × 29 mm and weighs in at a trim 158 grams. It’s pocketable, light, and designed for grab-and-go convenience. Perfect for travel or casual snapping without the bulk.

Contrast this with the Sony A77, a much more substantial presence: at 143 × 104 × 81 mm with a weight of 732 grams, it demands a dedicated camera bag and a confident grip. The ergonomically contoured DSLR body showcases an aggressive grip that fits the hand superbly well for extended shoots. This size difference reflects their differing intents - the A77 is built to be a serious photographic tool, while the VR-320 prioritizes portability.

While the VR-320's compact body makes for excellent discretion and convenience, the lack of manual controls and smaller buttons can feel restrictive once you want to take more creative charge. The A77’s robust build and plentiful physical dials, rear joystick, and fully articulating screen allow photographers to dial in settings quickly without fumbling through menus.

Getting a Handle on Controls and Interface

Inspecting the top plate reveals the difference in complexity and usability. The Olympus VR-320 features a minimalist control layout with a shutter button, zoom rocker, and power toggle. No dedicated dials for shutter speed or aperture; the camera operates fully in auto or scene modes. It’s designed for instant use - point, shoot, and let the onboard TruePic III processor optimize the image.

The Sony A77, powered by the Bionz image processor, packs an array of buttons, switches, and dual command dials - the hallmark of enthusiast-level DSLRs. The LCD info panel on top delivers a quick glance at exposure parameters, battery life, and settings. Dedicated mode dials cater for program, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, and custom modes. While this might intimidate beginners, it greatly accelerates the workflow once you’re familiar, turning exposure decisions into tactile, intuitive actions.

For photographers wanting extensive manual control on the fly - sports shooters, event photographers, advanced hobbyists - the A77’s interface design is a clear winner. The VR-320 offers simplicity at the cost of limited control.

Sensors and Image Quality: Size Matters

Perhaps the most crucial difference between these cameras lies beneath the hood: the sensor.

The Olympus VR-320 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring just 6.17 × 4.55 mm, offering a modest 14-megapixel resolution. Small sensor sizes mean reduced light-gathering capability, higher noise at elevated ISOs, and limited dynamic range. While adequate for casual snapshots and prints up to 8x10, noise becomes noticeable past ISO 400.

Meanwhile, the Sony A77 sports a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5 × 15.6 mm with a generous 24 megapixels. This size advantage - over a 13x larger surface area - means substantially better signal-to-noise ratio, greater detail retention, and much improved dynamic range. DxO Mark scores back this up with a 78 overall rating, excellent color depth (24 bits), and an impressive dynamic range of 13.2 stops. High native ISO goes up to 16,000 with expansion to 25,600, enabling usable images even in challenging low-light conditions.

For work requiring large prints, post-processing latitude, or shooting in tough lighting, the A77 sensor shines. The VR-320’s sensor is clearly for casual use and smaller formats.

Developing the Image: Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus (AF) systems define a camera’s usability across many disciplines, and here the cameras diverge notably.

The Olympus VR-320 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and limited tracking capabilities. It offers single AF mode with no continuous AF or manual focus override - meaning that once you half-press the shutter, the camera hunts for focus but can struggle with moving subjects or low contrast. This limits its suitability for action, wildlife, or fast-paced photography.

The Sony A77 is equipped with a sophisticated hybrid AF system - 19 phase-detection points including 11 cross points provide rapid and precise focusing. It can shoot at a brisk 12 frames per second with continuous AF, making it an exceptional performer for sports and wildlife. Manual focus is supported with focus peaking in live view as well, aiding precise focus pulls.

From my testing, the A77’s AF is a gamechanger for tracking erratic subjects, while the VR-320’s AF is better viewed as an assistant for casual use.

Composing Shots: Viewfinders and Displays

Neither camera neglects the importance of composition aids, but differ hugely in quality.

The Olympus VR-320 opts for a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen with a 230k-dot resolution - adequate but showing noticeable grain, limited viewing angles, and no touch capability. No electronic or optical viewfinder means you rely solely on the LCD, which can be challenging in bright sunlight.

The Sony A77 impresses with a fully articulating 3-inch screen sporting 921k dots, ideal for shooting at odd angles. It also integrates a high-resolution 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) covering 100% frame and 0.73x magnification. This EVF provides real-time exposure feedback, focus assist, and is a boon for eye-level composition in varied lighting.

For serious shooters, the A77’s viewfinder and articulated rear screen greatly enhance versatility and shooting comfort.

Optical Systems and Lens Ecosystems

The Olympus VR-320 integrates a fixed 24-300mm (35mm equivalent) superzoom with a 12.5x zoom range and a modest aperture range of f/3.0 to f/5.9. While versatile for travel and casual shooting, image quality at the telephoto end and wide-open apertures tends to be soft with chromatic aberrations and distortion. The lack of interchangeable lenses limits growth or specialty shooting.

In stark contrast, the Sony A77 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supporting a vast ecosystem of 143 lenses (including recent Sony E-mount adapters). This includes fast primes, macro lenses, telephoto zooms, tilt-shift lenses, and exotic optics. The camera’s 1.5x crop factor means wide angles need wide lenses but the system offers huge creative freedom.

I’ve wrenched incredible results from 70-200mm f/2.8 zooms, 50mm primes, and dedicated macro lenses on the A77, which would be impossible on the VR-320.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Where Each Camera Fits

Let's consider how these cameras hold up across photography genres.

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering relies heavily on sensor quality and color processing. The A77’s larger sensor and 24MP resolution deliver natural skin tones and beautiful background separation, aided by fast lenses and shallow depth-of-field. Its accurate eye detection AF and manual mode allow full creative control.

The VR-320’s small sensor and less advanced optics limit bokeh quality and tonal subtlety. You can get pleasing snaps but limited artistry. Face detection helps frame people well but creative portraiture is hampered.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers prize dynamic range and resolution. The Sony A77’s extensive 13+ stops of DR, 24MP detail, and environmental sealing suit outdoor enthusiasts braving variable weather and lighting. Paired with sharp wide-angle lenses, the results shine on large prints.

The VR-320’s limited sensor size, lower resolution, and lack of durability features mean landscapes will be usable mostly for web or small prints. Still, its compactness is convenient for casual hiking or quick shots.

Wildlife Photography

Rapid autofocus, high frame rates, and long telephoto lenses are wildlife essentials. The A77 delivers with 12fps continuous shooting, quick phase-detect AF, and compatibility with fast zooms and tele converters. Its rugged build gives reliability in the field.

The VR-320, lacking continuous AF or fast burst modes, struggles with moving subjects. While the 300mm zoom lets you get closer, image quality suffers. It’s best for casual animal photos rather than professional wildlife work.

Sports Photography

Like wildlife, sports require brisk autofocus tracking and rapid shots. The A77 excels here with uninterrupted 12fps shooting, robust AF and raw file capture, keeping up with complex movements in diverse lighting.

The VR-320’s slow shutter range (max 1/2000s), no manual exposure modes, and limited AF suitability make it poorly matched for dynamic sports.

Street Photography

The VR-320’s compact size and quiet operation are ideal for unobtrusive street shooting. Its good zoom versatility lets you adapt quickly without changing lenses.

The A77 is bulkier and more conspicuous but the EVF and articulating screen aid street compositions. However, the weight and size reduce spontaneity.

Macro Photography

Close focus ability defines macro proficiency. The VR-320 boasts an impressive 1cm macro focus distance despite the fixed lens, enabling interesting close-ups.

The Sony A77 relies on dedicated macro lenses but offers handheld stabilization and higher image quality.

Night and Astro Photography

The A77’s high ISO capability, manual settings, and support for long exposures facilitate star trails and nightscapes with minimal noise.

The VR-320’s small sensor, lack of manual modes, and limited ISO max of 1600 restrict usage to well-lit night scenes.

Video Capabilities

The Olympus can record 720p HD video at 30fps using Motion JPEG - basic quality with no external mic input.

The Sony A77 balances 1080p full HD at 60fps, AVCHD/H.264 formats, and a microphone jack for external sound. It also offers better image stabilization and manual exposure control during recording, outclassing the VR-320 for video creators.

Travel Photography

While the VR-320 shines with its compact size and zoom versatility for travelers wanting quick, effortless photos, the A77 is best suited for travel photographers prioritizing image quality and creative control despite the weight.

Durability and Build Quality

The Sony A77 includes environmental sealing protecting against dust and moisture - important for rugged field use. The Olympus VR-320 is not weather-sealed, fine for casual indoor/outdoor use but less robust.

Build materials also differ, with the A77’s magnesium alloy body offering solidity and resilience compared to the predominantly plastic VR-320.

Battery Life and Storage

The A77’s battery life is impressive with approximately 470 shots per charge, supporting long shoots without frequent swaps. It uses NP-FM500H batteries and supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick formats.

The VR-320 is powered by a smaller LI-42B battery with unspecified shot counts but generally much lower capacity, requiring more frequent charging. It uses a single SD/SDHC card slot.

Connectivity and Extras

While the VR-320 lacks wireless connectivity, the A77 supports Eye-Fi card compatibility and features built-in GPS for geotagging - a boon for travel and landscape photographers wanting image location data.

Both cameras feature USB 2.0 data transfer, but only the A77 includes HDMI output for direct playback on TVs.

Real-World Visual Differences

Olympus VR 320 front Olympus VR 320 screen back Sony A77 front Sony A77 screen back

Side-by-side, images from the A77 display crisper details, richer colors, smoother gradations, and more dynamic tonal range. The VR-320 images are adequate for casual sharing and prints but show softness, limited dynamic range, and higher noise at comparable ISO.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores

According to comprehensive testing benchmarks, the A77 scores significantly higher overall, reflecting its advanced sensor, fast autofocus, and versatility. The VR-320 scores lower, reflecting its entry-level design and limited feature set.

Tailored Recommendations for Different Photographers

• Casual users and travelers: The Olympus VR-320 offers a superzoom in a pocketable body at a budget-friendly price - great for effortless snapshots, vacations, and street shooting.

• Serious enthusiasts and hobbyists: The Sony A77 provides extensive lens selection, superior image quality, and versatile controls, suitable for landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and sports.

• Videographers: The A77’s advanced video capabilities make it the go-to choice.

• Portrait and studio photographers: The A77 with dedicated fast primes offers greater artistic potential.

• Budget-restricted hobbyists: While tempting for its price, the VR-320’s imaging compromises may frustrate those seeking creative growth.

Conclusion: Two Cameras, Two Paths

The Olympus VR-320 and Sony A77 cater to fundamentally different photographers. The VR-320 is a capable compact superzoom camera for casual users prioritizing convenience and simplicity. It delivers good all-around performance for basic needs but lacks flexibility, manual control, and suffers limitations in image quality due to its small sensor and modest technology.

Conversely, the Sony A77 is a powerful mid-sized DSLR packed with features that satisfy a dedicated enthusiast or professional. Its advanced AF system, large APS-C sensor, extensive lens system, weather sealing, and video prowess make it both versatile and robust - but at the cost of size, weight, and complexity.

Ultimately, your choice depends on your photographic ambitions, budget, and tolerance for carrying bigger gear. For those wanting an all-in-one pocket camera, the Olympus VR-320 suffices. For those aspiring to capture compelling images with creative control over diverse genres, investing in the Sony A77 proves worthwhile.

With over a decade of field testing cameras across these categories, I can say confidently: choose the camera that complements your shooting style, and the rest will follow. Both deliver value but in very different ways.

Happy shooting! May your next camera inspire your craft.