Olympus VR-320 vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look more in depth at the Olympus VR-320 vs Zeiss ZX1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the VR-320 (14MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the VR-320 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor size.

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The VR-320 was revealed 8 years prior to the ZX1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus VR-320 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the VR-320 grades vs the ZX1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VR-320 & Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-320 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have 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") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Zeiss ZX1 has specifications of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VR-320 vs Zeiss ZX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the VR-320 versus the ZX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the VR-320 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-320 and ZX1.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VR-320 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will show extra detail because of its extra 23 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged VR-320 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.