Olympus VR-330 vs Panasonic ZS5

Lets look a little more closely at the Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the VR-330 (14MP) and the ZS5 (12MP) is fairly similar and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The VR-330 was launched 8 months later than the ZS5 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the VR-330 matches up versus the ZS5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus VR-330 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus VR-330 provides external dimensions of 101mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

See the Olympus VR-330 and Panasonic ZS5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the VR-330 against the ZS5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the VR-330 and ZS5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The graphic underneath should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the VR-330 and ZS5.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different resolution. You should anticipate the Olympus VR-330 to deliver extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more recent VR-330 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.