Olympus VR-320 vs YI M1

Following is a complete review of the Olympus VR-320 and YI M1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and YI. There is a crucial difference among the image resolutions of the VR-320 (14MP) and M1 (20MP) and the VR-320 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The VR-320 was unveiled 6 years earlier than the M1 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the VR-320 grades versus the M1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus VR-320 and YI M1. The full galleries are available at Olympus VR-320 Gallery and YI M1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus VR-320 offers exterior measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the YI M1 has specifications of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus VR-320 and YI M1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the VR-320 vs the M1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-320 and M1 is 94 and 87 respectively.

Often, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the VR-320 and M1.

Plainly, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VR-320 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the YI M1 will provide more detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged VR-320 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.