Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic FS42

Below is a thorough assessment of the Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic FS42, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the VR-330 (14MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the VR-330 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The VR-330 was revealed 23 months later than the FS42 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VR-330 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a quick summation of how the VR-330 matches up versus the FS42 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The full galleries are provided at Olympus VR-330 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VR-330 has got outer measurements of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic FS42 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic FS42 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the VR-330 vs the FS42.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the VR-330 and FS42 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements just by researching specifications. The visual below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the VR-330 and FS42.

Plainly, each of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The VR-330 having a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Olympus VR-330 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The younger VR-330 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.